From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – here is some inspiration, celebrating the independents in our local neighbourhoods around the world.
This week’s selection has been curated by J. Louis, an artist living and working in New York City. He is known for his oil paintings, most of which feature female figures, that J states demonstrate and articulate “the exquisite strength and alluring complexity of women through saturated color, flattened space, and texture.”
FOR FOOD
“There’s too many... If I had to pick, it would be between the Rose Cafe in Paris, Sundays in Brooklyn in London, or any cafe in Ubud, Bali for brunch.
“For a nice dinner, it would have to be Nami Nori for sushi in the West Village, Lady Bird in the East Village or Aqua II in Florence.
“For an amazing desert, there’s Patisserie Fouet near Union Square, and Fresh Kills in Brooklyn for an incredible cocktail, or Decibel in the East Village for sake.”
FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
“All of New York is great for people-watching. If I’m sitting, it would be Washington Square Park. And if I’m walking, anywhere around lower Manhattan.”
FOR BOOKS
“The Strand Bookshop is always great. I really like Kinokuniya by Bryant Park, too.”
FOR WELLNESS
“For wellness, I go to the SNS Williamsburg Gym, or for a run around Manhattan. And also the Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel.”
FOR SHOPPING
“It has to be Kyoto, Japan.”