Fleur Cooper of Lillingston shares with U her favourite spots around London

How do you start your day?

I like to start with a few minutes of meditation, where I visualise all the positive outcomes I wish to achieve in the day and open my mind to development opportunities. It’s easy to get complacent when things are going well but I never take this for granted; it’s so important to be ahead of the curve and a morning meeting with myself is the best way to fire up my productivity and focus my objectives. I always leave the big decisions until the morning when I have absolute clarity - so far my instincts haven’t been wrong. 

On weekdays I drive into work from Barnes to Notting Hill with Robyn, who heads up our Luxury Lifestyle side of the business. From the moment she came in for interview three years ago at Lillingston I knew she’d be a soulmate in business, so our morning drive together has become the perfect time to brainstorm projects and discuss business development. It’s so rewarding working with someone that shares that same mindset and love for events; we inspire, motivate and drive each other forward in work for which we’re both so passionate.

One other thing that is an absolute must: heading to Orange Pekoe on White Hart Lane! We always pick up a green juice and one of their fabulous coffees in the morning to gear us up for the day.

Leisurely lunch go to?

With an office on the Portobello Road I’m spoilt for choice, so I go through phases of favourite places. Mediterraneo does some of the freshest fish I’ve found in West London, and I’ve recently discovered Chucs on Westbourne Grove which I thought was fabulous if rather overpriced – pea soup with truffle oil was £30 plus a cover charge. My back up is always the Electric Club, but its decor has started to look a little tired of late; the same goes for E&O on Blenheim Crescent, but the food is always good.

Favourite way to pass the time in London?

Whenever I have guests or family to stay I revel in playing the tourist! During the summer I adore Regents Park Open Air Theatre and all the productions I have seen have been truly magical, especially on a warm balmy night.

I relish any excuse to visit London’s art galleries and Royal Parks; I find the joy of London is in its variety, so I’ll often makes trips to the same place several times a year, knowing that there will be a new exhibition or collection to see. Recently my mother and I went for lunch in the Orangery Restaurant at Kensington Palace, then strolled around the Sunken Garden and Serpentine.

I can’t help but feel proud and not a little patriotic on these little jaunts. For me London really is the most beautiful city in the world and we are truly spoilt with such sprawling cultural diversity.

Favourite London landmark, and why?

Choosing one is far too difficult! The Royal Palaces are certainly top of my list, as Lillingston has been fortunate enough to have arranged many spectacular parties in those venues. Kensington Palace and Hampton Court are possibly my favourite, as it’s hard to beat places so rich in history and royal heritage. Knowing that monarchs as great as Henry VIII and Richard III have all entertained in the Great Hall gives the location such powerful context and energy. I always feel huge respect for such magnificent historical surroundings, and I love to stroll down the corridors in quiet moments, imagining the Kings and Queens in their Golden Age.

Tipple of choice and favourite cocktail hangout?

I do like a very dry margarita as a treat, but I’m very much a wine girl and I never like to mix my drinks. My go-to tipple is always a glass of Rosé with lots of ice, I adore a well-chilled champagne and I’m very good at finding an excuse to celebrate - my friends don’t need much encouragement either! If I had to choose, Laurent Perrier Rosé would be a personal favourite.

Favourite dining destinations, and why? 

It would be hard to beat lunch at the River Café on a sunny Sunday afternoon. There I can relax, switch off and make a full afternoon of it. The atmosphere is the perfect balance of glamour and understatement, and the food is unpretentious yet so delicious. The pasta dishes are to die for and much too good to pass up - even for those going gluten-free! 
During the week, whether for lunch or dinner, I can’t fault the Ivy Chelsea and I go there more often than I should admit. The managers James and Daniel really give it personality and flair, and they have a brilliant ability to make all guests feel special. It’s perfect for all occasions and on a sunny day there is nowhere better than the garden with the Whispering Angel flowing.

Final stop for a nightcap, and why?

Home – I secretly love an early night, so often I’ll slip away early and have a herbal tea before bed.

Best hangover remedy?

My guilty cure for a hangover is Netflix and a cup of tea with honey in bed. Turning my phone off and hibernating under a mountain of blankets with a great TV series is the ideal restorative. Bloodline, Narcos and Magic City on Netflix are my current hangover antidotes.

I also push myself to do a river run from Barnes to Hammersmith and back – there’s a little-known reservoir on the way that’s so tranquil and beautiful I can’t help but feeling physically and mentally restored afterwards. If all else fails, a hot aromatherapy bath always does the trick.

Where next on your travels? 

I’ve been so lucky this year to have a summer filled with constant traveling and lots of adventures. My first trip to the Hamptons was this year; it surpassed all expectations and I can’t wait to go back. I’m headed to Bodrum to plan a wedding at the Macakizi Hotel, then Paris Fashion Week, and onto Monaco for the Yacht show where we’re launching the new Lillingston Living range of outdoor furniture. I never seem to stop, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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