When I first moved to London four years ago, I developed an almost unhealthy obsession with British ELLE Magazine. Even though I didn’t have any money, I would buy every issue religiously and read them ever so slowly and carefully from front-to-back. This was just around the time that it became popular to highlight the style of in-house staff, which is how I first developed my girl crush on their fashion assistant, Amy Bannerman. With her beachy blonde hair and tomboy-chic style, how could you not fall in love with her?
Just over one year after picking up my first issue of British ELLE in London, I found myself working in their office. You can imagine the fan girl moment that came over me the first time I met Amy in person. I tried to keep it cool on the outside, but inside I was totally freaking out. Here was my personal style icon in the flesh and now I worked with her! It was just one of my many favourite moments while working at ELLE.
Amy is a London-based stylist who is originally from Sussex and moved to East London in 2003 to assist Bay Garnett and Katy England. She was at British ELLE for four years, where she worked on shoots with a huge number of celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Kylie, and Kate Hudson. Amy has shot for Sunday Times Style, ELLE, Stylist, Japanese ELLE, and is now working as a brand consultant for Thu Thu and other labels.
To me, Amy has the midas touch of cool, and I’m completely obsessed with everything she does and wears. Who better to ask to guide us around London than her? Take it away, Amy!
City Guide: Amy Bannerman’s London
Where To Eat:
Breakfast: Nude Espresso on Hanbury St. has the best breakfast I’ve ever had in London. My faves are: baked butternut squash with goats cheese, pine nuts, spinach and a fried egg. Or, polenta with hollandaise sauce spinach and bacon. The coffee is insanely good and the peanut butter biscuits are worth a visit in their own right.
Lunch: I’ve only been for dinner but had to include Shrimpy’s, it’s in the old petrol station in Kings Cross, so reminds me of my raving days! The meal I had there was the best I have ever had in London. They make a salad with shaved fennel and capers that I’ve tried and failed to recreate. Also a dessert of marscapone with slow dried pineapple pieces, yum!
Dinner: Rosa’s Thai on Hanbury St., the best Thai food in London. I recommend the calamari!
Where to Drink:
Off Broadway: does AMAZING cocktails and the place is always rammed.
The Redchurch: have bartenders whose cocktail making is taken as seriously as religion. It’s always a good vibe, and it’s lit in sultry red lighting, as per the name!
Boho Mexica: does the best blueberry Mojito I’ve ever had. If you sit on the window stools it’s good for people watching, it’s Also good for dates as it’s cosy and romantic.
Where to Shop:
Where to… Relax!
York Hall Turkish Baths in Bethnal Green: book early and go with a friend for some serious chat time, pour ice water on each other’s heads and feel totally reborn when you leave.
Cowshed Spa Shoreditch House: for a seriously pampering pedi, watch Sex and the City while you relax in a huge armchair. They have great Essie colours to choose from
The Painted Lady, Redchurch St: the longest-lasting, most perfect manicure I’ve ever had.
Rich Mix Cinema: I went this week on a date with boyfriend. They have a licence so you can watch new Ryan Gosling movies AND drink wine, need I say more?
Allpress: Also on Redchurch St; AMAZING fresh mint tea – great people watching and also delicious cakes.
Follow Amy + her work at: www.amybannerman.com http://amybannerman.tumblr.