My Perfect Day - Mika Simmons

Urbanologist, actress and Lady Garden Campaign founder Mika Simmons shares with U her favourite tips and hangouts, giving U an insight into her 'Perfect Day'.

How do you start your day?

I’m definitely not a morning person. I’ll usually try to have a fresh lemon & ginger to cleanse but it has to be swiftly followed by a very strong Americano to get me going! If I’m not filming, I’ll then head straight to South Kensington Club where I’ll either write or take a class.

Leisurely lunch go to?

The unassuming Hereford Road in Notting Hill is my latest obsession. It’s a proper local with the owner and head chef Tom Pemberton often at the helm, cooking exceptional British dishes in the open kitchen. It’s without doubt the best Sunday roast in London.

Favourite way to pass the time in London?

I’m still obsessed with film even after working in the Industry for 20 years and there is no substitute for seeing films live, in a cinema, with other viewers. I’m a Curzon member and I love the new Curzon in Victoria where all the screens are tiny so it feels like your at a private screening. I’m also deeply saddened at the possibility that the older, iconic Curzon on Shaftesbury Avenue is facing demolition due to Cross Rail. If you haven’t yet - please sign the petition to save it!

Favourite London landmarks, and why?

The Albert Memorial is the most heart opening landmark in London. The historical love story behind it takes my breath away and its location in the stunning Hyde Park next to the spectacular Albert Hall gets me every time. The detail is incredible - if you walk around it and look up you'll see the awe inspiring tiny statues dedicated to angels and the virtues. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

Tipple of choice and favourite cocktail hangout?

I’m teetotal so a Ginger Beer with a splash of Cranberry and lots of freshly squeezed of Lime on the terrace at South Kensington Club is my favourite way to end the day.

Favourite dining destinations, and why?

I’m a burger fanatic. I was born in Greenwich and apparently when the first ever McDonalds opened in Woolwich in the 70’s, my Father would get home from work to find Mum MIA, only to be found with us indulging in a Big Mac. The best ever has to be at Ferdi in Paris. Obviously in an ideal world I’d spend my Saturday nights in Paris - but failing that there's now one in Shepherds Market, Mayfair. It has kept the original spirit of the Parisian restaurant and still has a cheeseburger to die for.

Final stop for a nightcap, and why?

Home! Sleeping is one of the things I'm good at.

Best hangover remedy?

Let’s keep it real, there’s only one way to avoid a pounding head the next morning - drink like a lady, or not at all! After years of trying and failing at the former - I’ve finally opted for not at all. I’ve been told sober is the new drunk...

Where next on your travels?

The Isle of Wight Festival. Its one of my favourite festivals and weekends of the year. We stay in an adorable B&B called the Boathouse in the coastal village of Seaview. I can’t wait to wake up next to the water, have a walk on the beach then head into the festival for some old school hip hop with Run DMC.

Mika Simmons is a British actress and writer known for her roles in a diverse range of work including television dramas ITV's Unforgotten, the BAFTA award winning Falling Apart and the ongoing role of Queen Anora in the animation game Dragon Age. In 2016 Mika played Kate in Film London’s Balcony which went on to win the Crystal Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. She is currently in pre-production for the self-penned short feature film, Rain Stops Play.

Mika founded the Gynaecological Cancer Fund in 2014 in honour of her late mother, feminist academic Rosemary Brennan, to raise funds for research into personalised treatment by Dr Susana Banerjee at The Royal Marsden Hospital. The fund’s Lady Garden Campaign was launched in September 2015 - a major movement to raise awareness about gynaecological cancers.

In 2017 Mika was chosen as one of 40 inspirational women to front L’Oréal Lancôme’s powerful women campaign. 

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