There are so many different places and areas to discover in London. I’ve always lived here, but I keep falling in love with new little areas; Chiltern Street in Marylebone has lots of independent specialist boutiques, ranging from fashion to arts to homewares. I love that you can get really unusual and special pieces. Cire Trudon, the candlemakers, are our neighbours. We’ve chosen its Ernesto room spray to scent our new boutique, so will certainly be stocking up.


Sophie Hulme, 38 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7QL

Elsewhere nearby, a favourite place has to be Chiltern Firehouse. There are so many interesting characters that come and go and the coffee is delicious. Opposite is Shreeji newsagents, which is a tiny store with the most incredible array of specialist magazines and publications.


1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA

I could sit outside on Chiltern Firehouse’s front terrace for hours – accompanied by my Bolt bag (in Forest Green), of course! I love its versatility and engineering. It was designed to dismantle, and the strap is fully extendable and removable, meaning you have multiple ways to carry it. I personally like to wear mine as a short cross-body across my back.


Jikoni, 19 - 21 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DH

In the heart of Marylebone Village is Jikoni, which is perfect for a nice dinner with friends. The menu is inspired by the owners’ mixed heritage and travels, with dishes from Africa, Asia, Britain and the Middle East; the Keralan crab, Dashi broccoli and a side of Okra fries are my favourites. I like getting lots of small plates to share. My small Bolt bag in bright yellow Saffron suede is the perfect accessory for here, because you can wear a simple outfit and feel great with that extra bit of colour.


Gray's Antiques, 58 Davies Street, Mayfair, London W1K 5LP

When I want to ‘lose myself’, I go to an antiques market. I love to collect all sorts of things, usually objects, which influence my designs; my brand references twentieth century art and furniture and architecture. (If you go, take my roomy Large Swing style, as it’s basically a shopping bag!) Gray’s Antiques is the perfect visit on a weekend. I love the time and craftsmanship that went into antique jewellery. There was so much less waste than there is now… For my brand, our pursuit of the practical and straightforward approach will always reject anything unnecessary. We design for life, creating good quality and beautiful pieces.  

London is a great place to design, because people can really be themselves. I love its diversity; it celebrates ‘imperfection’ and differences. I think it’s really accepting.

Bag yourself a slice of London style, and shop Sophie Hulme here: