Arizona Muse’s London living
American beauty and London resident ARIZONA MUSE shares her super-stylish secret address book to England’s capital
Having made the transatlantic transfer from New York to London in 2013, model Arizona Muse has spent the last five years exploring the city that the Queen calls home; unlocking its hidden oases, getting lost in its historic architecture and reveling in its grit and glamour. She may live in Kensington with her husband Boniface Verney-Carron and eight-year-old son Nikko, but there’s much more to Muse’s secret London…
For impressive architecture
“Lose yourself in the city’s architectural wonders – I love the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. It’s truly magical, although I am a little biased as my great-great-great-great grandfather Alfred Waterhouse designed it way back in 1873. For something a little more contemporary, head to the former US embassy on Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square. This modernist, Eero Saarinen-designed building is set to be transformed into a luxury hotel.”
For afternoon tea
“If you’re in London you have to experience afternoon tea. I love to relax over high tea in the city’s hotel bars, like in the beautiful, timeless surroundings of Jean-Georges at The Connaught – nowhere does traditional English scones and sandwiches better than they do.”
For some head space
“Escape the throng in one of London’s stunning green spaces. Taking time out in Hyde Park allows me to recalibrate right in the heart of the city, whether it’s rowing on the lake in summer, or riding in the winter at Ross Nye Stables. I like how expansive Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are – when I’m there I feel like the greenery just goes on and on forever. The Diana Memorial fountain and playground are also my son Nikko’s favorites.”
For dinner à deux
“Book in at The Ivy Kensington Brasserie to dine in its beautiful lighting and brass-finished dining room. I love the atmosphere there; it feels easy and relaxed and the food never disappoints. After, head to Chiltern Firehouse for cocktails and a fun crowd. If you’re eating out with kids, nothing beats the Benihana experience where the chef cooks at your table and performs culinary magic like turning an onion into an erupting volcano.”
For a night out
“I don’t party much anymore but London is a wonderful mix of grit and glamour, so there’s always some sort of amazing party happening. The Globe in Notting Hill is the perfect example of somewhere that is civilized but a bit cool and gritty – you’re always guaranteed a good time. Go after dinner on a Friday.”
For the perfect bloom
“I love Scarlet & Violet’s flowers in Kensal Rise in North West London, it makes the most exquisite-looking bouquets. It was one of the first florists to offer flowers that are wild and feminine. A bouquet from Scarlet & Violet always produces a ‘wow’ from the receiver.”
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