Antony Hawman
EACH week Pillow Magazine asks someone from our network of creatives to open up their little black book and reveal the secret side of London that you only know about if you’re in the know.
Antony Hawman, 35, Brand Partnership Director for luxury fashion etailer my-wardrobe.com
Tell us a bit about my-wardrobe.com: My-wardrobe is the global etailer of everyday luxury womenswear fashion and accessories. We are now nearly seven years old and have offices in London, Sydney, New York and Dubai. We stock leading brands such incl 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry, Marc by Marc Jacobs and DVF.
We also produce fantastic on-site editorial features and a printed bi-annual style guide.
Which area of London do you live in? Hackney, East London.
Why do you love it? I’m right on the canal, so I love having beautiful views, green space on one side and fantastic bars and shops of Dalston and Shoreditch on the other.
Best place to have a coffee: I’m a real picky coffee drinker. My skimmed cappuccino has to be just right. There’s a wonderful place on Chatsworth Rd E5 called Cooper & Wolf. They get the espresso-to-foam ratio just right for me.
Best place for a great breakfast: My favourite place for business breakfasts is Riding House Cafe on Little Portland St, W1. If I’m on the run to the office, it’s got up be Whole Foods for a sugar-free muffin and skinny cap.
Most amazing place to buy vintage clothes: I’ll be honest, I’m not a great vintage shopper, but I do like to sit with the iPad and trawl through eBay for vintage pieces.
Best market for food: For food, it has to be Spitalfields and for one reason – Flavourtown Bakery. They have the most amazing cupcakes and cookies this side of the pond.
Best market for second hand: I guess it’s got to be the old fave – Portabello Road market in Notting Hill. It’s great up wander around and soak up the atmosphere as well as buy clothes.
Best quirky/independent cinema: The Aubin Cinema near Brick Lane is fab. You get a huge arm chair to sit in. Home from home.
Best fashion boutique for amazing clothes/jewellery: Well, if I can’t keep it in the family with my-wardrobe, I’d have to say Liberty. It’s been my fave store for many years now. I still view it as a boutique. I always feel stylish in there. There’s something that happens when I walk through those beautiful historic doors. I must leave with a purple bag!
Most amazing club night that Pillow Mag readers will love: A friend of mine is a DJ called Blonde Ambition. She runs a night at various places called Lovesick. It’s usually at Shacklewell Arms in the East end. You won’t sit down all night, trust me!
Favourite place for reasonably-priced/mid-price dinner: The Riding House Cafe is fabulous. Great mix of atmosphere, great wines and the food is a great mix of comfort food with some healthy options. You must have the mini cinnamon doughnuts with chocolate sauce for dessert.
Your favourite secret place for cocktails: It’s not that secret, but Sketch on Conduit Street offer an amazing cocktail list and they change it regularly to keep it fresh. Failing that, the Ridley Road Market bar have some great Mules. Just make sure you have the day off work the next day.
Best pub: The Clapton Hart on Clapton Pond is awesome. They have some great ales, cigars, wines and the food is better quality than some restaurants I’ve been to.
Greatest place to check out art/exhibitions: It has to be White Cube. I’ve always enjoyed what I’ve viewed there.
Your ultimate Secret London recommendation: Go to the up and coming areas and just wander around. There a some real gems in our fantastic city that you can just stumble across.
Check out the latest fashion at my-wardrobe.com
Follow Antony on Twitter at AntonyHawman
Related Posts :
My Secret London: Nana Wereko-Brobby from Soc… 
My Secret London: Lee Urch, Head Chef at The … 
Pillow Magazine’s Top Summer London Dates