My London: 7 Travel Tips From Jessica Mullens Engelman

My London: 7 Travel Tips From Jessica Mullens Engelman

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Notable San Franciscans dish on their favorite destinations in a seven-part series.


Jessica Mullens Engelman, founder of Mullens PR, caught Anglophilia early in life. It started innocently with a souvenir knight purchased at Westminster Abbey and went full-blown once she encountered such English literary heroines as Sara Crewe, Eliza Doolittle, and Lady Jane Grey. Lucky for Mullens Engelman, her in-laws own a pied-a-terre in Chelsea—a stone’s throw from Saatchi Gallery, Conran Shop, and The Botanist. A list of her favorite haunts, from the Peter Pan statue at Kensington Garden to Jimmy Hendrix’s flat, reads like 36-hours on caffeine or something illicitly stronger. Here is the Anglophile’s short list.
 
The spot that really captures the city's energy is . . .
The Wolseley. An auto showroom reborn as an all-day grand European café, it’s the place for a power breakfast, tea, or something stronger.
 
I always leave full and happy at . . .  
Pollen Street Social, Yotam Ottolenghi (it’s “plenty” and then some), Tom’s Kitchen for high-end British comfort food, and La Fromagerie (if you have an affinity for affinage. Patricia Michelson’s Marleybone shoppe is not-to-be-missed, and St. John is a point of pilgrimage for visiting chefs and foodies.
 
Among locals, it’s a faux pas to. . .  
Toast the Queen during the national anthem.
 
A hidden gem in London is . . .
Alfies Antique Market. With more than 75 antiques dealers, it’s a veritable mall for centuries of the world’s most beautiful objects. Decoratum’s 5,000-square-feet of highly collectable 20th century furniture is reason enough to make the trip.

In my bag, I always pack. . .
Derek Lam’s Bodin bag. It’s perfect for a day out and about.  You can tie a scarf around the strap and, if you’re someplace touristy and crowded (i.e. Portobello road on a Saturday), flip it flap side in to keep goodies safe. Also in my bag is a Haider Ackermann oversized scarf, T x Alexander Wang tees, Tom Ford “Jack” sunnies, Calypso St. Barth cashmere duster, and an umbrella.
 
I want to buy everything whenever I go to . . .
Rellick. It’s a treasure trove of designer vintage including Vivienne Westwood, Gaultier, Chloé, Ossie Clark, and Yohji Yamamoto. Daylesford Organic is an emporium of good taste, literally, with award-winning cheeses and organic jams. And Lutyens & Rubinstein is a bookworm’s paradise.
 
The perfect way to end the night is. . .
A cocktail at The Bar at Claridge’s




















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