My London Glossary: Charlotte Olympia's little black book for the capital
Designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal gives us her go-to London guide – from where to find the best manicures and martinis to the places she escapes to unwind.
Home is…
Ladbroke Grove is where I have lived for most of my life. I like being in a quiet street on the periphery of central London, dipping in and out of chaos as and when I feel like it.
My favourite London landmark…
I love driving down the Embankment along the river Thames.
The best martini I’ve drunk…
Mark’s Club in Mayfair – the intimate atmosphere feels like home.
46 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1, marksclub.co.uk
My most-visited gallery…
I collect photography, and Michael Hoppen Gallery – off the King’s Road – always has great work. I’ve discovered young, up-and-coming artists at Rebecca Hossack on Charlotte Street.
3 Jubilee Place, Chelsea, London SW3, michaelhoppengallery.com
28 Charlotte St, Marylebone, London W1, rebeccahossack.com
I get my stationery from…
I like having something special and unique. I prefer to have something designed – I’ve worked with great illustrators like Clym Evernden and Adele Mildred – and then get them printed myself.
The dish I always order…
The house salad at Ikeda on Brook Street, Mayfair. It’s one of my favourite restaurants and I also love their signature white fish sashimi dish that is beautifully designed to look like a flower.
30 Brook Street, Mayfair, W1, ikedarestaurant.com
I get my hair done by…
John Hilliard at Hershesons. I like to set my hair in 40s waves and he is the only person who can do it authentically and it lasts for days. For colour, Sibi Bolan at Josh Wood in Holland Park has made me blonde, brunette and red.
29-32 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1, hershesons.com
6 Lansdowne Mews, Notting Hill, W11, joshwoodcolour.com
My go-to designers are…
Emilia Wickstead and Temperley London make dressing up fun, while Isa Arfen, The Vampire’s Wife and HVN make up many of my wardrobe staples. If I like a style I tend to get it in every colour. I prefer to dress up rather than down, but when dressing for the countryside I sometimes spoil myself with something from Holland and Holland.
162a Sloane Street, Belgravia, SW1, emiliawickstead.com
27 Bruton Street, Mayfair, W1, temperleylondon.com
33 Bruton St, Mayfair, W1, hollandandholland.com
The florist I rely on…
Absolute Flowers in Maida Vale. They have made me some fabulous arrangements and window displays for my parties at home and for work events. I also love ordering from Flower Bx – a simple and elegant selection and they deliver straight to your home.
14 Clifton Road, Little Venice, W9, absoluteflowersandhome.com
My signature scent…
Sisley’s Soir d’Orient – it’s something special in a beautiful bottle.
The best mani-pedi I’ve had…
Marcela’s on Holland Street in Kensington. I always have a half-moon manicure.
7 Holland Street, Kensington, W8, marcelas.co.uk
My top facialist…
I absolutely recommend Yvonne Martin in Maida Vale. I almost always fall asleep during a session and leave feeling rejuvenated and glowing.
5-6 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, W9, yvonnemartin.co.uk
My favourite London discovery has been…
I love being in book shops and only recently found the time to walk into Peter Harrington on Dover Street, Mayfair, after years of rushing past it. They sell beautiful collectible and first-edition books.
43 Dover Street, Mayfair, W1, peterharrington.co.uk
For a workout I go to…
Box Clever Sports on Ladbroke Grove. I have one-on-one boxing sessions but occasionally do one of their killer classes.
Lowerwood Court car park, Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill, W11, boxcleversports.com
The hotel I love to escape to…
The Connaught. It’s in the heart of Mayfair, in between great shops, restaurants and Hyde Park.
Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1, the-connaught.co.uk
I buy furniture at…
Golborne Road market in Notting Hill and Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone. The hunt is half the fun so I like to shop around. I also like to scour Circus Antiques online.
13 – 25 Church Street, Marylebone, NW8, alfiesantiques.com
London in three words is…
Home sweet home!
