Brendan sits down with writer and charity ambassador Amelia Windsor to explore the places, rituals and moments that make a London summer feel special.
As London comes into summer, the city seems to soften and open up. What do you love most about this time of year here?
I love the energy and excitement of Londoners when the sun comes out. The parks are filled with people soaking up the sunshine and spending time with friends. Pub gardens are overflowing, and the return of day festivals brings so many opportunities to dance, connect and simply be happy.
"I love the energy of London when the sun comes out. The whole city feels happier, slower and more connected."
London can be both energising and exhausting. Where do you go when you want to feel calm or reset?
I love walking through London's parks, or simply walking from A to B. Sometimes I'll listen to a podcast, but when I'm in a park I like to take my headphones out and listen to the trees and the birds instead.
As a writer, are there particular places in London where you feel most creatively inspired?
The Overground is surprisingly inspiring. I love people-watching—whether it's someone's style, the book they're reading or simply observing different lives crossing paths.
Are there certain rituals, walks, cafés or spaces that have become part of your everyday wellbeing?
I move around London a lot, so they change over time. When I lived in North London, I love walking to Studio Anatomy for a hot Pilates class—it was the perfect way to start the day. Afterwards I'd often walk along the canal towards London Fields or Victoria Park, weaving between Lime bikes and runners.
In West London, Holland Park is one of my favourite places. Although it's relatively small, you can completely lose yourself amongst the trees and winding paths. The Japanese Garden is especially beautiful.
What role does movement play in your routine?
Pilates is my go-to. I love how much breathwork is woven into every class while also helping me feel stronger and more centred. It's an hour at the beginning of the day where I can be fully present and reconnect with my body, away from my phone.
If I can't make it to a class, I love following online sessions with TF Studio and Le Studio.
Are there wellness spaces or treatments you return to regularly?
Salon C. Stellars'The Best Facial is a truly special experience. They incorporate meditation while you're under LED light therapy, which I absolutely love.
For a solo reset, I head to the infrared sauna at Oh My Cream in Marylebone, where you can relax before cleansing and moisturising with their beautiful products afterwards.
Sugaring London is my favourite for hair removal—it's much gentler than waxing and leaves your skin incredibly smooth. And every few months I visit George Northwood for a haircut.
Food shapes how we feel just as much as our surroundings. Where do you go for nourishment or comfort?
Klear Labs has fantastic ingredients and excellent coffee. Their Good Morning Bun is worth travelling across London for.
I also love Akub in Notting Hill. It's a Palestinian restaurant serving some of the best sharing dishes I've had, with beautifully cooked vegetables and incredible dips.
Some places stimulate us, while others help us slow down. Which spaces in London give you energy, and which help you switch off?
Nothing gives me energy quite like dancing. I love being surrounded by people who are all there for the same reason—to move, enjoy great music and have fun together. It's such a joyful feeling.
Does your environment affect the way you think, write and feel?
Absolutely. I much prefer a tidy space—clutter is distracting. During London's hot summers, flats can become overwhelming, so I'll often escape to a cool café to work for a few hours.
What are the small luxuries in London that you value most now?
Green spaces. Having places to retreat to in the middle of such a busy city is something I never take for granted.
If someone wanted to experience your perfect London summer day, where would it begin and end?
I'd start slowly with a morning walk followed by Pilates at Studio Anatomy. Before class I'd have breakfast and a Myco Soul Lion's Mane coffee.
Afterwards I'd head to The Culpeper rooftop for lunch, enjoying the vegetables they grow on-site, before finishing the day with cocktails and dancing at a festival like All Points East.
Mel's London Address Book
- Studio Anatomy – 1 King Edward's Road, London E9 7SF (London Fields)
- Salon C. Stellar – 19B Beak Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9RP
- Oh My Cream – 24 New Cavendish Street, Marylebone, London W1G 8TU
- Klear Labs – 93 Golborne Road, London W10 5NL
- Akub – 27 Uxbridge Street, Notting Hill, London W8 7TQ
- The Culpeper – 40 Commercial Street, London E1 6LP
Parks & Walks
- Holland Park & Kyoto Garden – Ilchester Place, London W8 6LU
- Regent's Canal Walk – Access from Camden, Little Venice, King's Cross or Angel
- London Fields – London E8 3EU
- Victoria Park – Grove Road, London E3 5TB
Festival
- All Points East – Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E3 5TB
