Urbanologist and founder of South Kensington Club, Luca Del Bono, shares with U his favourite tips and hangouts, giving U an insight into his 'Perfect Day’.

Hailing from the Aeolian Islands, Luca Del Bono has been a leading entrepreneurial figure in the London hospitality, property and luxury lifestyle sectors for over fifteen years. In 2000 Luca co-founded lifestyle group Quintessentially, spearheading the business development internationally. In Spring 2015 Luca launched private members club, the South Kensington Club, as well as neighbouring the Sicilian restaurant Iddu.

How do you start your day? By heading down to Iddu, South Kensington’s neighbourhood Sicilian café and having the best espresso and updating myself with the news! There isn’t a more delicious way to get you ready for the day.

Leisurely lunch go to?  The South Kensington Club offers tasty and healthy dishes in a causal environment, which feels very homely. I love the River Café - such a beautiful location and delicious menu offering - and The Wolseley, which is always bustling and comfortable with great food; a wonderful place.

Favourite way to pass the time in London? There is no better way to pass time than exploring; whether it is architecture, art or food & wine haunts. I particularly like sitting in cafes and watching the world go by. London is composed of individual villages which creates so many different dimensions of the city to discover. Try Marylebone, I love to wander around Portman Square and into Manchester Square where the Wallace Collection can be found. Notting Hill is another favourite - Granger & Co is a must for their famous breakfasts and Allpress on Shoreditch’s Redchurch Street is definitely worth a visit. And of course, South Kensington has a strong pull for me.

Favourite London landmark, and why? The V&A – I love the tranquility of the inner courtyard and strolling through the rooms of renaissance sculptures is so inspiring – it is a place of peace within the city.

Tipple of choice and favorite cocktail hangout? A Negroni from the Whisky bar at 5 Hertford Street.

Favorite dining destination, and why? Casa Cruz in Holland Park. They have simple classic dishes within a vibrant setting, which altogether feels just perfect.

Final stop for a nightcap, and why? Back to Iddu for a Granita. It’s down to earth, especially on a live music night when it really takes me back to my routes.

Best hangover remedy? Definitely a Banya, without question! Nothing beats the bathhouse at SKC transporting you back to the Mediterranean and all its wonders. It also has enormous health benefits such as better circulation, it eliminates toxins from the body, improves flexibility and reduces stiffness of muscles to name but a few.

Where next on your travels?  Havana, Cuba. The vibes of the local’s allegria (joy) takes me back to the days I dream of – the 1950’s where old values are still found and you live in an amazing climate. It is Latin culture on the Caribbean sea. The Aeolian Islands, Sicily, where I grew up and often travel back to - it is where my roots are! I love the climate and the scenery, so it was only natural for me to bring the Mediterranean way of living to London by opening Iddu and SKC. Stromboli’s active volcano is the most inspiring demonstration of the force of nature.

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