The 7 Series: My guide to LA

Last week I visited Los Angeles with the kids during half term, I have made curated guide of my top recommendations, from vintage shops, restaurants and activities to save for your next trip.

1. Shopping

I found some really special shops this week, from vintage to luxury to beauty.

Just one Eye: A stunning shop with beautiful mid-century furniture including Prouve and Royer, and Brazilian designs by Ulysses De Santi. There’s a a huge bespoke Damian Hirst blossom painting hanging on the back wall, it features an amazing curation of brands including Cartier, Prada and The Row as well as a lovely selection of candles, objects and fine jewellery

Violet Grey: The best edit of beauty and a super chic and pretty space, it was a pleasure to shop in.

Vintage shops: Decades, Scout, Paper Bag Princess

2. Breakfast & Lunch spots

The Beverly Hills Hotel: An LA must-go for a delicious breakfast

Gjusta: A Californian deli, bakery and cafe. It is a perfect lunch place, I loved their kimchi and sandwiches in particular. Make sure to pop into the shop after

Bravo Toast: Great for an afternoon pit-stop, they do delicious, healthy salads and toasts.

3. Gigi’s for Dinner

I had a delicious dinner at Gigi’s Hollywood during my trip. It’s a French restaurant with great seafood, fresh and delicious salads (and a perfect cheeseburger), as well as great cocktails.

4. Luna Luna

The world’s first amusement park from Germany has re-opened its doors in LA and it was truly amazing experience. With rides, games and attractions by visionary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Sonia Delaunay, and David Hockney. The park is for all ages, with attractions rescued from the original 1987 park, as well as story-driven installations on how Luna Luna was created, lost, and reborn. Get tickets here.

5. Antiques

The Window on Melrose has a really special antiques collection. Housed in a 1930's industrial Art Deco showroom, you will find a mix of vintage decorative and fine art, including furniture, lighting, sculpture, paintings and objects.

6. The Simon Norton Museum

One of the best private art collections I have ever visited, alongside the Courtald in London and Peggy Guggenheim in Venice. Its collection of European paintings and sculpture is among the most distinguished in North America. Ranging from the Renaissance to 20th century, it includes the finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pictures on the West Coast. It is now a must whenever I am next in town.

7. Drinks at Chateau Marmont

Located on Sunset Boulevard, Chateau Marmont is a classic Hollywood establishment that you must stop by when you’re in town. I went there for drinks one evening before dinner in the idyllic courtyard. I found a great non-alcoholic aperitif called Ghia when I was there, so if you aren’t a drinker like me, definitely order one. They are delicious and found in most restaurants and bars!

I hope you have found these personal recommendations useful, LA is a magical place and such fun to visit with your family. Until next week,

Alex x