#30. an interview plus what you should be doing this month
your august 2023 edition.
I’ve recently received an email where I loved the format of question and answer and decided this edition will follow this way. La La London this month is London Diaries, or my own diary.
How was July?
Intense, between the capital and the coast. A friend and I did a road trip in England, visiting one of the most stunning hotels that I’ve been to so far: Glebe House, in East Devon. A five-hour drive from London was worth the trip. They are inspired by Tuscan hospitality, so expect even the host knocking your door at 7h30pm to let you know the supper is ready to be served in the restaurant downstairs.
Communal table brings the spirit of a big family all spending time together in the same place, an invitation to chatting and small talk, with a mind-blowing landscape that looks like you’re in Montepulciano. Porchetta, white beans, profiteroles. Wellies, a British symbol, compose the decoration, together with a living room that seems more like a fairytale. I mentioned this hidden gem some editions ago, and yes, we were able to book a room there.
Ten minutes by car and you’re by the sea. British summer is so low-profile. Ladies in swimsuits, a very decent sand space, no queue for ice cream, pastel beach huts, and a calm atmosphere; I think I’m really into slow travel. On our way home, we spent some hours in Durdle Door, in Dorset. Difficult to believe we’re in British territory. In a few others, I was happy to staycay in the country I live for the first time in a decade.
In the same week, I headed north to visit my sister in West Yorkshire and spend time with the cutest of nephews.
What are you reading?
Obsessed with Dave Ghrol’s first book The Storyteller. As a Nirvana fan - and I mean it - it’s getting emotional to read pages and pages of how the band I love the most began in 90’s Seattle. And insider details of intimate moments between him and Kurt.
A favourite mantra at the moment?
“This is God. I will be handling all your problems today. I won’t need any of your help, so enjoy your day.”
An everyday dress?
I’ll be wearing The Meadow Dress from slow-fashion brand The Simple Folk as if there is no tomorrow, which I’m obsessed with. It will be in my luggage for my next trip too.
Which will be where?
B for ball, E for elephant, R for round, L for London, I for island, and N for Natalia.
Berlin?
Yes.
Again?
YES! Who knows I meet Felix Kramer again in Prenzlberg? And, of course, going to celebrate my friend’s birthday. I love to spend the summer in Germany.
Any astrological hint?
Today we have a Full Moon in Aquarius, and the Lunar Nodes changed signs on the 17th July, which is a huge energy shift, astrologically speaking. Expect some areas of your life to be impacted until January 2025. Curious about how it’s going to affect your life? DM me.
Favourite spots in London this month?
I’m loving the matcha latte of Katsute 100, a Japanese cafe at the beginning of Camden Passage. Berberè, an Italian-born pizzeria in Kentish Town, and their montanarina, a large deep-fried dough ball topped with burrata and prosciutto crudo; Fazenda is finally opening in London this month, bringing the best Brazilian steakhouse in Britain in a fancy building in Liverpool Street; and Millfields, in a colourful corner of Chatsworth Road, perfect stop after or before a stroll in the Hackney Marshes.
Downsides?
Three of my close friends are leaving London.
Netflix? Any suggested series?
A friend suggested The Bear, now available on Disney +, and it’s interesting. I’m loving anything with Ludwig Simon too.
Movies?
Watcher, filmed in Bucharest.
Your thoughts on Barbie?
I found it pretty amazing that the “perfect Barbies” went to the cinema expecting a totally different script for the movie when, in the end, it was an intelligent critic of that same behaviour. No one was expecting it.
A piece of advice?
Let August be August.
x, NB
❤️