City & Country: London
What’s better than a great London list from friends we trust? Their favorite escapes from the city—countryside to coast
When I started reaching out to some of my London friends to get their updates for our Black Book, I realized I also really wanted to know where they go for an escape from the city, whether it’s their weekend home, where they grew up, or a hotel that’s decompressing and easy to get to. I’ve explored some of the English countryside—from Devon to Wiltshire and Somerset—but when I see some of the places where my Londoner friends are, I realize how much more I need to explore! So instead of redoing our Black Book, we’re doing a City and Country List—reaching out to some friends who either have a house (or a hotel!) or, in the case of Emily FitzRoy, a habit of driving around to find the best seaside fish shacks. This list emphasizes locals and go-tos—the neighborhood lunch/drinks spot in the city, and the pub or food market in the country. Don’t worry, we’ll be getting to that Black Book update soon!
LONDON + NORFOLK
Julia Perowne, Founder & CEO, Perowne International
Our friend Jules, who runs the influential PR firm Perowne International (clients include World’s 50 Best winners Passalacqua, The Newt, and Singita), grew up on a farm in Norfolk in the east of England, and now owns a charming house there. But during the work week (when not on an international flight), she’s at home in Brackenbury Village in West London with her husband and son—or dropping in at these new and classic favorite social hubs.