Anji Connell – Hidden London

Anji Connell is an Interior architect, landscape designer, travel, lifestyle, & design writer, traveller, nomad. With her fine tuned eye into the fabulous, uber design and exclusive luxury, what Anji doesn’t know about design, travel and style isn’t worth knowing. Following her instagram will turn you green with envy, a fabulous hotel in Florence one week, a weekend in Santorini. Then off to Hong Kong for a fix of Chinese noodle soup, then wine tasting and art gallery opening in South Africa. Well travelled is a certainly a statement you can use when talking about Anji Connell. What’s more we at IRK Magazine are very proud to say Anji is now part of our team, so expect to read more from this very talented well travelled lady.

IRK: You’ve chosen London as your city to talk about. Tell us a little bit more about your home town London.

Anji: I’m a bit of a nomad, splitting my time between London, Hong Kong, and Cape Town, but London is absolutely my favourite city! Living right in the centre (Covent Garden) means I can walk everywhere. I love wandering from one village to the next, each one with a unique and diverse personality, and there’s always something happening — you never run out of things to do. Where to start on what I most love about it? I just love being there, it’s so easy to navigate, and it has everything —history, culture, art, design, architecture. I Just Love the Whole Vibe. 

London is also pretty “weatherproof.” It has its own micro-climate with a constant lineup of weather-appropriate venues. Being so central, we can dash out when the sun’s shining or pop into a cosy gallery when it rains. The food scene is fabulous! There’s an endless array of cuisines to explore, from street food markets to Michelin-star restaurants, with new and exciting spots opening every week. Whatever your mood, there’s the perfect place!

Museums, theatre, events and festivals, history, culture, diverse neighbourhoods, bustling markets, shopping—you name it, London has it all in spades! And the public transport, is fantastic! The tube and buses are super efficient, making it a breeze to zip around the city and explore. Plus, there are tons of gorgeous parks and green spaces to enjoy. Seriously, what’s not to love? 

IRK: In your opinion Anji, which is the best restaurant in London?

OMA – https://www.oma.london/ 2-4 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL, london [above their more casual sister restaurant AGORA – also fantastic] +44 2081296760 

Anji: There are so many to choose from, I have a new favourite every week. There are so many new one’s hitting the city every week, inspired by everywhere! We are spoilt for choice. 

My current fave is OMA (Greek) in Borough Market. Sublime food, gorgeous design, the best service, and ambience—every dish is a worthy contender for the best dish! I love them all! Get a seat at the bar, service is sleek, the brigade in the open kitchen are impressive, the head chef is cool as a cucumber checking and sending out beautifully constructed plates of food. For me I want it all — not just the food, The whole works! Ambience, design, AND fabulous food. 

IRK: It’s Date Night – Where, What, Why and When?

One Club Row 1 Club Row, London E1 6JX @oneclubrow

Anji: One Club Row is a fabulous new addition from Chef Patrick Powell, James Dye and Benjy Leibowitz – and I LOVE IT! The building has been rescued and lovingly restored. It’s now a fabulous British pub downstairs (The Knave) and a chic, New York / London chic, vibey, and buzzy restaurant upstairs—and it’s super fun, with a delicious ambience, delicious martinis, delicious food, and its just delicious to be there! What’s more—for those of us who hate to plan—the bar seats—always my preference—are kept for walk-ins! Perfect! I could wax lyrical about the food! It has a cute sign outside that lights up when there are free bar stools available.

IRK: Street Food Choice?

The Rock & Soul Plaice 47 Endell St, London, WC2H 9AJ

POPPIES FISH & CHIPS SOHO 55-59 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 6HW

Anji: I’m taking this literally – I cannot pass a Greggs without popping in for a chicken bake from Greggs! I’m a Geordie girl, from Newcastle the home to Greggs, and I can’t remember a time without my guility pleasure.  It’s like soup in pastry — I kind of love that you rarely find a piece of chicken! And was delighted to discover Tom Parker Bowles has the same addiction — Its cool to know a food critic shares my Greggs obsession! 

And as a Geordie girl, fish and chips is also a must! Masses of salt and vinegar, a bread roll to make a “chip butty” and very bad for you “batter scraps! Our local chippy’s, The Rock & Soul Plaice, and Poppies.

IRK: So what’s your Favorite Bar & Why?

The Red Room at The Connaught. Bar Lina – Italian Aperitivo Bar. 18 Brewer Street, Soho. 

Anji: I love, love, love, ❤️ the striking Red Room, firstly it feels like an art collectors living room, and the curvaceous ombré snug is the perfect counterpart. 

Bryan O’Sullivan’s soft-hued palette, the fab mosaic runway to the dazzling pink onyx bar, and art works in crimson and scarlet from Jenny Holzer, Ti-a Thuy Nguyen and Trina McKillen, especially ‘I Am Rouge’ by Louise Bourgeois presiding over the red-flecked marble fireplace, and flanked by two striking, vast glass panels in vivid reds and blues by celebrated British artist Brian Clarke. 

I can’t not mention my fave local bars, Bar Lina, in the basement of Lina Stores. I love a bit of multi-tasking…..pick up dollop of their moreishly gooey Gorgonzola, pasta, and focaccia, bliss!

Bar Termini, who can resist a great choice of Negroni? it feels like an intimate shrine to Negroni. @terminisoho 7, Old Compton Street, Soho W1D 5JD

IRK: Anji you cannot come to London and not have a Favourite Pub! Which is it and Why?

Anji: Firstly The Coach and Horses “for a pint and a packet of (Tayto) crisps “please” in Soho is a long-time fave and “our local” I’ve been going for years. It’s the best place to end the day and start the night, especially if you grab a coveted outdoor seat. Moreover great people watching, a fun, historic, vibey,  authentic London pub, with a great set of locals. 

Plus — the fab “updated boozers” from the boys at The Public House Group, James Gummer, Philip Winser, and Olivier van Themsche of Public House, who are connecting pubs back to neighbourhoods as places to come, enjoy, and use as meeting spots. Who doesn’t adore a fantastic pub? But we only want the best bits with a stylish upgrade! We want fabulous vibes, stunning decor (but as a great backdrop, not the focus), and mouthwatering food. 

The Fat Badger – 310 Portobello Road, Notting Hill

The Pelican Notting Hill 45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE

The Hero Maida Vale 55 Shirland Road London, W9 2JD

IRK: Favorite Coffee Spot?

Anji: I only drink coffee early in the morning and very early so its “chez nous” I can’t wait for daylight to get up and head out on a day’s exploration. My other half bring me my very strong coffee fix in bed, so it’s a double espresso, as strong as you can get! I have three before I even contemplate moving. Then that’s it for the day. I’m up and running, fully fuelled.

But if I must have a coffee outside ( which means I really want a cake or a chocolate !) then it’s Café Leon Dore, in Soho. Cafe Leon Dore 32 Broadwick St. Soho. London W1F 8JB. 

Likewise, Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 117 Mount Street, London W1K 3LA, — for its divine pastel interior inspo and fabulous tastes of Italy.

As well as Ab Roger’s Connaught Pattiserie for one of Nicolas Rouzaud’s exquisite cakes. 16 Carlos Place The Connaught Hotel 1, London W1K 2AL

IRK: Name an Area of London you Love & Why?

Anji: I have so many—depending on the day, my fancy, the season, and what’s happening, and how I feeling. Saturday is Broadway Market, Sunday is Columbia Road Market which is a weekly flower market. 

IRK: Tell us One Art Gallery You Always Go To in London

National Portrait Gallery

Anji: NPG, the portraits are so captivating; the skill is mesmerising! I have only newly discovered their 12.00, 2pm, and 3pm tours, and I’m now a “NPG groupie.” 

IRK: Favourite Museum?

Victoria & Albert Museum

Anji: The V&A. I can loose hours in this amazing place. 

IRK: Anji what’s your favourite Boutique/Shop?

DSM, Dover Street Market. 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG

Anji: Always a first stop to see what’s new in Commes des Garcons.

IRK: Where Can You Be Found on a Saturday Night in London Town?

Anji: I’m at home, exhausted after another fab day exploring in London, there’s always somewhere new, a new exhibition, a market, to wander and (re)discover. With tasting, pit stops along the way, coffees, drinks, and snacks. Maybe a drink at the Coach and Horses before the Saturday madness begins in Soho, and back home, for the hubby’s fabulous dirty martini’s (only with Konik Tail Vodka, and Perello’s iconic Gordal olives) while he whizzes up something delicious for supper. If the  fancy takes up we pop out to Soho, for a bit of people watching —- Soho is a zoo on Saturday night.

IRK: It’s Sunday in London, Where can Anji Connell be found?

Anji: Firstly I read the Sunday papers and breakfast on the roof of 180 House on the Strand. Followed by the tube to Liverpool Street and a walk through Spitalfields Market, along Brick Lane to Columbia Road Flower Market, seeking out my fave blooms for the week. Followed by Sunday roast at The Royal Oak—the roast pork lunch is my absolute fave roast. There is no booking downstairs, but if you get to the door by 5 to 12.00, you’ll get a seat—Fab Bloody Marys with chunks of fresh horseradish. 

Royal Oak 73 Columbia Road, London, London, E2 7RG

IRK: Where Do You Go for Some Peace and Quiet in London?Your go-to escapes from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Anji: An early morning walk in St James Park when its empty, just us and the birds,  

IRK: Anji One Thing You Have to Do When You Come to London

Anji: Everything! I can’t wait to walk the city, stopping at all my favourite haunts. Hatchards to stock up on books to read while I’m there. As a constant traveller, I only travel with a carry-on and one “physical” book; the rest must be online. 

Hatchards 187 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LE, United Kingdom

Photography Anji Connell