The founder of pioneering skincare company Emma Lewisham shares her personal insider guide to London.
Emma Lewisham has set a new benchmark in beauty with her luxury skincare line and as a leader in refillable beauty. Her refills are now ranged in Harrods, Liberty of London, SpaceNK, Credo Beauty and MECCA.
The beauty company founder now splits her time between Australasia (New Zealand and Australia) and London.
She shares her personal insider guide to London here.
Art & Museums
London’s museums are world-class, and I have a few favourites. The National Portrait Gallery holds such a special place for me – there’s something so intimate about connecting with history through faces. The Victoria and Albert Museum never fails to inspire with its extraordinary decorative arts collection, and The Wallace Collection feels like stepping into a private aristocratic home, with its stunning Old Masters and French furniture.
Shopping
For jewellery, Jessica McCormack’s townhouse in Mayfair. Emilia Wickstead’s store is a must for beautifully tailored pieces. I love Alex Eagle’s store on Pavilion Road; her store is a beautifully curated world of fashion, homeware, books, and art. It feels like stepping into the home of someone with impeccable taste, and I always discover something new. Dover Street Market is another favourite – Comme des Garçons’ multi-level concept store where fashion meets art, with ever-changing installations and the most exciting mix of designers under one roof. I love Rose Bakery on the top floor, which serves the most delicious food.
Restaurants & Cafés
My favourite restaurant in the world is the River Cafe. It’s simply beautiful in every way, and we’ve been fortunate enough to host a number of Emma Lewisham events there. It holds such special memories. I also love Rochelle Canteen, it has that perfectly understated, delicious simplicity. For cakes, there’s nowhere better than Violet Cakes in East London. Claire Ptak’s baking is extraordinary – she famously made Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding cake.
Emma Lewisham (left) with Ruth Rogers, co-founder and owner of Michelin starred Italian restaurant The River Café in Hammersmith, London.
Parks & Green Spaces
I love getting around by the parks in London. My favourites are St James’s Park and Hyde Park. There’s something magical about having these incredible green spaces right in the heart of the city.
Neighbourhoods
Hampstead is such a beautiful area to spend time in. It has this wonderful village feel, and Hampstead Heath offers the most glorious walks and views over the city. There’s a lovely café called WatchHouse that I adore, and The Wells Tavern is a beautifully restored Georgian pub with fantastic food, it’s the perfect spot after a walk on the Heath.
Emma Lewisham at Emma Lewisham event at Claridge’s.
Afternoon Tea
You simply must do afternoon tea at Claridge’s. It’s a quintessential London experience and utterly timeless.
Bookshop
For book lovers, Heywood Hill in Mayfair is an absolute treasure. This iconic independent bookshop on Curzon Street has been a London institution since 1936. It’s wonderfully old-fashioned in the best way, with tottering piles of books and the most knowledgeable staff who seem to know exactly what you should read next.
