Olivia's Summer Story

This summer has definitely been a different one for all of us, but at Olivia & Pearl, we really want to make the most of it.

Boutiques of Charming Notting Hill

Notting Hill is my usual stomping ground in London. The local buzz and the pretty colourful streets always put a smile on my face.  It felt so good (all be it extremely hot)  to spend the day out with some of my Olivia & Pearl team after a summer of only seeing them on screen.

The British weather performed beautifully, there simply is no place like London when the sun is shining.

There are so many small local businesses that need our support at the moment which is a brilliant excuse for me to get my retail therapy fix. I couldn’t wait to stop at every possible shop and talk to as many people possible. Alices Portobello and Chloe Alberry's are some of the shops that keep surprising me with the selection. Portobello Road is full of hidden treasures and small business owners, some that have been there for decades. I couldn’t help but start the day meandering down the colourful streets, I love shopping small where possible and picking up different special items.

Tastes To Remember

Who doesn’t love to go for lunch?!  Whether it be with my O&P team, for a meeting or with friends at the weekend. Going out for lunch at the moment feels like a huge excitement and quite an occasion.

Just before lockdown, I discovered @thegold on Portobello Road. The fresh seasonal menu never fails to impress (The peaches with Burrata being my absolute favourite on the menu). The interiors are completely heavenly, tall palm trees stand everywhere and the terracotta walls give the space a lovely warm Mediterranean feel.

Flowers For The Studio

Next up is my favourite florist, Wild at Heart. It’s a well-known spot for West Londoners, positioned on Westbourne Grove and selling glorious bright and beautiful blooms. We picked a glorious bunch of wildflowers for our studio space. I always have a @diptyque candle on the go, a fresh bunch of flowers and a cup of milky tea… the flowers last a lifetime from Wild at Heart!

A Piece Of History

My favourite green space in London, Kensington Palace Gardens (also a walk away from The Churchill Arms, a fantastically British pub that serves up traditional Thai food). It was just such a beautiful afternoon, we couldn’t help but put work to one side for a couple of hours and go and soak up the sun in the park along with ice cream.

Sometimes, it really is important to stop and smell the roses.

Thank you for joining me on my summer story.

Olivia xx