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My London: Designer Henry Holland does dinner (and negronis) at Brat and props up the bar at Bistrotheque
Victoria Park with my husband and my puppy Larry. We have lived here for more than 10 years now and we wouldn’t live anywhere else. The park is amazing and we love the local area.
Where was your first flat in London?
In Primrose Hill/Chalk Farm. It was “the Camden Years” so we spent more time at the Hawley Arms and Marathon Kebab House than we did inside the flat.
Offspring shoe shop in Camden. It was mental, I’ve never worked anywhere busier before or since and you barely got up the stairs before the manager was throwing Converse Chuck Taylors down to the stock room at you and shouting “these are a size seven”. I’d go home knackered, but the staff discount was a bonus.
Designer Henry Holland
Sarah Brick/London Standard
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Andrew Edmunds, because it’s so old-school London and small and quaint and private. Nobody wants to be interrupted by someone they know in that situation. The food’s great and if it goes well then you’re in the right spot to find somewhere to go to continue the night.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
Dinner at Brat in Shoreditch. We had the anchovy bread, whole turbot and steak with the amazing potatoes. There have been so many amazing nights there with old and new friends and I just love the atmosphere —and the negronis!
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Make Lime bikes free for all — I’m obsessed, I’m on them constantly. And while we’re at it, get rid of the parking bays. I want full door-to-door Lime luxury, thank you very much.
Where do you go to have fun?
These days I’m lazy and like the local pub — we go to the Empress in Victoria Park at least twice a week. I have less stamina for leaving the postcode these days.
I want full door-to-door Lime luxury, says Holland
Ross Lydall
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
A cabbie once told me it was illegal to enforce the 20 mph speed limit. I told everyone that would listen and then I got myself and a load of my friends tickets in the process. Whoops!
I just use a local gym and try to get in some runs around the park. Having a new dog has really disrupted my pre-work workout routine to be honest, so I’m getting a bit wobbly.
Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?
Nothing dramatic as I’m fairly well behaved. The closest I’ve come is probably those aforementioned speeding tickets … which, in hindsight, I fully earned.
Where do you let your hair down?
But it’s imperative that my hair is always “up”! I like a good boozy night propping up the bar at Bistrotheque and drinking as many martinis as possible.
Bistrotheque London
Daniel Lynch
Who do you call when you want to have fun?
My husband! We are partners in crime and we work together, so we have the same schedule.
If we want to have a big night out we know we both need to have a clear day/week afterwards.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Deliveroo. I hate cooking so I’m much more likely to order in if I can help it.
What’s your London secret?
I love the walking tunnel from the Cutty Sark to the north side of the river. It always feels like a secret and I know you’re not supposed to cycle under there but it’s the best shortcut to get from one side of the river to the other.
What are you up to for work?
I’ve been working on a collaboration with jewellery brand Otiumberg which I’m really excited about — we have made two jewellery boxes together and I’m really happy with them.
Henry Holland at London Fashion Week
Getty
Who’s your professional hero?
Paul Smith. We worked together on a collaborative collection a few years ago and also I work with his foundation as a mentor. I’m just in awe of his creative spirit and the way he’s so excited by what he does after all this time. He’s a true gent too and always has time for people — to help in any way he can.
What’s your favourite work of art?
I love the Chantal Joffe pieces in Whitechapel station. I only found out quite recently that she was behind the works on the platform which I had admired for ages.
What’s your favourite grooming spot?
My friend Neil Wooley’s kitchen [of Percy & Reed]. He cuts my hair and going round to his to get a new do is as much of a social catch-up and spending time with one of my oldest pals as it is quiff maintenance.
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