The London Edit
All my London favourites in one guide & my signature city look
Hi and welcome to the third issue of Laura’s List — and let’s not forget: Happy Mother’s Day to all you amazing mums out there!
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About this issue
City trips have been my favourite adventure forever. I love diving into the vibrant pulse of a big city—soaking up the energy, exploring restaurants, observing locals, browsing unique shops and visiting museums. I always return home with a heart full of inspiration and joyful memories.
Recently, I spent two magical days in London's Notting Hill with my daughter. This charming, cozy neighbourhood of the city has become familiar territory after numerous visits, and with my sister and several close friends living there, I've gathered a collection of local gems over the years and I#m excited to share these favorite spots—both mine and theirs—with you.
In this issue, I've also included an elegant yet effortless city look which includes my staples for travel. Save my recommendations in your google map, book your tickets and tables and enjoy!
1. My signature city look and a few basics and investment pieces I’ve been wearing on repeat.
I discovered this stunning statement necklace during my trip to New York last year. During the day, I love pairing it with a crisp white t-shirt or soft cashmere sweater for an effortless, elevated look. For evening events, it transforms beautifully when styled with sleek black tops and tailored blazers.
I’ve tried about 100 white t-shirts over the years and this one is my absolute favorite!
I know this belt is an investment, but Prada does make the best belts. I bought mine a decade ago in New York, and it remains a daily essential in my wardrobe—a testament to its timeless design and exceptional quality. If you’re looking for a similar style on a budget you can find one here.
I love a suede mini skirt! Versatile and effortlessly chic when paired with a crisp white t-shirt, blue button-down, or structured blazer. For great quality at an accessible price point, Massimo Dutti is the place to go.
These timeless penny loafers have been my faithful companions on adventures around the world this past year. Effortlessly chic whether paired with cozy cashmere socks during winter months or showcased with bare ankles in summer.
A less pricey loafer that looks classy and chic is available here.
I’ve been searching for a light, natural and skin perfecting makeup that does not feel heavy for years and I finally found the perfect foundation in this stick. Feather light texture, matte, but glowy finish, great colors. I’m using 3N.
A fashion editor from a prestigious German magazine once confided in me that Blazé Milano crafts the world's coolest blazers—and from that moment, the brand captured my heart completely. Over the years, I've curated a collection in various colours, but my springtime signature remains this rosy pink version I invested in several seasons ago. They've released a similar piece in their current collection. I can attest from experience that the tailoring, fabric, and timeless silhouette make a Blazé Milano blazer absolutely worth every penny. It's the kind of wardrobe cornerstone that elevates everything you pair it with, season after season.
This ring from one of my favorite jewelry designers is a true piece of art. I bought it in Paris after thinking about it for months- first spotting it on instagram- and I absolutely love it.
These Celine sunglasses have been my forever favourite cat eye shape and are my go to sunglasses wherever I go . If you’re looking for a similar shape on a budget, these sunglasses are H&M, but also come in a an edgy, Celine-inspired, flattering shape. Buy them in every colour!
These pretty earrings are designed by Dari, a beautiful woman from Berlin, that I’ve known for a long time. My friends gave them to me for my 40th Birthday and I keep wearing them day by day as they elevate every outfit without being too flashy, but special. Keep in mind that you have to order two, if you’d like to wear them on both ears.
This is my forever favorite daily lipstick. Perfect rosewood shade, hydrating like a lip balm, long lasting and super comfortable to wear.
Stop looking for the perfect denim, these jeans are the best I’ve ever had!
Perfect shape, perfect fit, perfect blue. They’re not cheap, but they make you feel confident and sexy and you can wear them all day, every day!
This little transparent powder is a true game changer. I take it everywhere to refresh and mattify my face during the day without adding more colour and it does really make you look SO much better in an instant! It’s the only makeup product I carry around in my hand bag wherever I go. ‘Pink Bubble’ is the color that suits everybody.
I bought this very special bag in London last month and I’m still so excited about it. It’s a huge investment, I know, but it’s so cute and different and I simply did not see a more stylish summer bag in years. I got so many compliments for it already- a real treasure!
2. A personal guide to London: Notting Hill and a few city favorites
As Notting Hill is the where I am staying when in London, I focus on my favorite spots in this area. But I also include a few of my favourites in the city.
WHERE TO STAY
The nicest place to stay in Notting Hill is a little boutique hotel called ‘The Laslett’. Make sure to book a room facing the street on one of the higher floors. The rooms are bright and cozy, with a contemporary and chic design.
WHERE TO EAT
MORNING FAVOURITES
My favorite place for breakfast and brunch has been Granger for years. The menu is full of healthy, tasty, and indulgent options—from avocado eggs to pancakes, granola, and more. They also have a great lunch menu.
The only downside: you can’t book a table, and there’s always a line outside… try and go for an early bird breakfast or late lunch.
Another great brunch spot, where you can book in advance, is a new place called The Park, located right next to beautiful Hyde Park. My sister and I go there with the kids for pancakes and avocado eggs, then walk over to the park and visit the Diana Memorial Playground. The playground is beautiful and has a great little coffee shop at the entrance—perfect for grabbing an oat or coconut milk cappuccino to go.
If you’re not with kids, skip the playground and take a peaceful walk around the lake. Hyde Park is always worth a visit and beautiful in every season
If you’re just after a great coffee, Hagen Coffee is the place to be. Grab a stool outside, sip your coffee, and watch stylish locals and their kids pass by.
Right next to Hagen is Ottolenghi’s little deli, a long-standing classic and always a source of inspiration for my own deli back in the day. There are only a few seats outside, but the takeaway options are incredibly delicious—from vibrant salads and veggies in big bowls to an enormous selection of sweets displayed on tiered stands. You really can’t go wrong with anything you choose. They also offer a lovely range of homemade toppings, crisps, and more in branded jars—perfect souvenirs to take back to Germany and give your kitchen a little Ottolenghi upgrade.
For a super healthy breakfast snack, smoothie, or coffee, I recommend Bodyism, Notting Hill’s trendiest gym. Their small deli is open to everyone (classes are members-only), and you can catch a spot in the sun outside watching the sporty Notting Hill crowd go by.
If you’re after a wide selection of cold-pressed juices, Juice Baby is your dream destination.
If health food isn’t the priority during your weekend away, check out Layla Bakery or Notting Hill Bakery for indulgent sweet treats and sandwiches.
And if you’re in the mood to leave Notting Hill for a buzzy brunch in the city, I would always choose The Wolseley—an all-time classic: elegant, iconic, and very British. Be sure to book your table in advance!
LUNCH FAVOURITES & CITY SHOPPING
Dorian is the perfect spot for lunch—delicious food, a stylish interior, cozy yet lively, and filled with fashionable people.
Another great new place where the cool crowd goes for lunch is Canteen.
If you're leaving Notting Hill for a bit of high-fashion shopping and a chic lunch in the city, I’d suggest two options:
You could stroll down Sloane Street (don’t miss the Emilia Wickstead flagship store—her dresses are stunning), then have lunch at the classic brasserie Colbert, where they serve a traditional French menu.
Alternatively, wander around the boutiques on New and Old Bond Street (be sure to stop by Galvan for my favorite evening wear, the Victoria Beckham flagship store and the Aquazurra Boutique for fancy heels), and finish at Maison François. It’s one of the most stylish large restaurants I know—with high ceilings, beautiful interiors, and delicious, fresh food served on small sharing plates. It’s also a fantastic spot for dinner.
If you’re in the area, you should definitely make a quick stop at Fortnum & Mason, just around the corner. It’s the most beautiful department store for food and home decor, full of unique treasures all year round—especially during the Christmas season. It’s a dream!
If you're looking for a department store that carries all the top fashion and accessory labels while still feeling special and unique, my all-time favorite is Liberty. The selection is amazing, and it’s a constant source of inspiration throughout the year.
The most stylish concept store is Alex Eagle. She’s also a really cool person to follow on Instagram. Her store offers everything the London cool crowd should know about—from furniture to her own fashion line and beautifully curated home decor pieces.
NIGHTTIME FAVOURITES
One of the coolest things about London is that everyone heads to a pub in the late afternoon or early evening for a drink. I absolutely love this tradition—and I’ll never understand why we don’t do the same in Germany. Can someone please open a stylish pub in Cologne?!
My favourite pubs in Notting Hill are The Pelican and Walmer Castle. They have a great atmosphere, excellent drinks, and a stylish crowd.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy wine bar instead, there are two lovely spots right next to each other on Westbourne Grove: Franklin’s Wine Bar and Tappo Enoteca.
For dinner in Notting Hill, I’d go with:
The Barbary – perfect for booking a window nook and sharing delicious small plates,
Straker’s – modern British cuisine from a young, much-talked-about chef,
or Sumi – the best Japanese food in the area, with a calm, intimate vibe.
Another cozy yet elegant spot is Zephyr, offering modern Greek cuisine and flavorful small plates to share.
If you're looking for a place to continue the night with drinks and music, head downstairs at Zephyr or upstairs from Canteen to The Fat Badger. It’s super fun in the evenings and often hosts live music from up-and-coming bands several nights a week.
WHERE TO SHOP
Notting Hill is a beautiful area to explore on foot, wandering from one charming shop to the next. It’s not the place for high-fashion designer labels, but it’s full of smaller brands and unique finds. Here are some of my favorite stores in Notting Hill:
Reformation on Westbourne Grove – This U.S. brand has been one of my go-tos since I used to bring pieces back from New York, long before they had any stores in Europe. They make the prettiest and coolest basics—especially their linen collection, which is a best-kept secret for timeless summer looks.
James Perse is another brand I used to buy in the U.S. They make high-end, minimalist basics with a luxury Californian feel. I’ve had some of my T-shirts for over 10 years. They also offer great men’s basics.
Aimé is a lovely concept store carrying a curated mix of brands like Isabel Marant and more.
For a pop of color in your spring wardrobe, check out Flabelus on Ledbury Road, where you’ll find a rainbow of comfy suede loafers.
For amazing, crisp shirts in all colors of the rainbow and high quality stob by With Nothing Underneath.
If you’re looking for adorable kids' clothes, I highly recommend La Coqueta and Caramel. They’re on the pricier side, but adorable for special occasions.
For interior design inspiration, I love browsing Soho Home, the furniture brand from the well-known hotel group. Also worth a visit is Trove on Golborne Road, especially if you're into contemporary British interiors that look like they came straight from a House&Garden spread.
If you make it to Holland Park, a lovely neighborhood right next to Notting Hill, be sure to check out Annina, a fashion brand recently opened by a German designer, known for bespoke dirndls and unique women’s clothing. The showroom is beautifully designed and well worth a visit.
Nearby, there’s also a charming home decor store called Summerill and Bishop, perfect for finding beautiful, thoughtful gifts and little treasures for your home.
Just around the corner is another a place you shouldn’t miss: the incredibly stylish Supermarket of Dreams. They do their name justice and offer high-quality fresh fish, meat, produce, and gourmet ingredients, along with coffee, sandwiches, and snacks you can enjoy right outside.
There is also Daylesford. With a more organic, natural vibe, they serve coffee and snacks and sell a wide range of healthy products made on their own farm in Somerset. It’s a beautifully thought-out concept.
WHERE TO SEE ART
If you're a contemporary art lover like me, make sure to check out what’s on at the Serpentine Gallery—a beautiful little space in Hyde Park that’s easily walkable from Notting Hill.
If you head into the city for lunch and shopping, a stroll through the Mayfair galleries near Bond Street is also a highlight. Don’t miss Sprüth Magers, David Zwirner, Gagosian, and many others in the area.
For an incredible collection of master pieces visit the Wallace collection near Oxford street and do check if there are any solo shows at the Royal Academy (Mayfair) Tate Modern or Hayward Gallery (both south of the river).
That’s it for now, dear readers. Enjoy mother’s day and let your husbands, boyfriends and kids take care of you today, because you deserve the world for taking care of them each and every day.
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Lots of love, Laura
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Let‘s open a pub in Lindenthal 😘
Muss ich für den nächsten London Trip speichern. Merci ♥️