in and out
T H I N G S T O D O , S E E A N D H E A R – AT H O M E O R O U T S I D E
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THE MUSTREAD
Page-turner
Longlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, Such A Fun Age is Kiley Reid’s debut novel. It tells the story of a young black babysitter who is accused of stealing the white baby she is caring for. A timely exploration of race, class and privilege that will satisfy die-hard book club members and light readers alike.
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THE STAYCAY TION
Order, order
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THE PL ACE T O E AT
French flavour
Designed by John Whelan and founded by François O’Neill of Brompton Bar & Grill the new Maison François London restaurant has opened with aplomb – heralding rather noteworthy interiors. Design inspiration was sought from architectural gems such as Ricardo Bofill’s postmodern cement factory, ‘with soaring 20-foot-high ceilings hung with art-deco chandeliers, softened by mirror-filled arches’. The menus ‘pay homage to the grand brasseries of Paris and Lyon’ so anticipate French cuisine options, such as Dauphine ravioli with Comté and black pepper and Beef entrecote with pepper. @maisonfrancoislondon
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livingetc.com
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THE INSTA ACCOUNT
Green scene
@plantkween is a self-confessed plant fiend. ‘A Brooklyn-based Black queer femme kween. Obsessed with the botanical scene. Community building through plants’ is how Christopher’s Instagram bio reads. You could get lost for hours on this feed, with countless pictures of luscious green foliage and Christopher’s insightful and helpful videos, most of which are geared towards best-care techniques for plants, or as Christopher likes to call them ‘green gurls’. Check out Christopher’s current collaboration with @heyhorti, an ‘indoor plant subscription founded by Puneet Sabharwal and Bryana Sortino, that builds your confidence in plant care’ and shares the love of greenery, flora and fauna.
FEATURE RORY ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHS (THE PLACE TO EAT) OSKAR PROCTOR
The old magistrates court in Covent Garden has been given a rehabilitation order thanks to NYC-based design firm Roman and Williams. The bedrooms of the Nomad hotel come with oversized artwork and velvet trimmings, the all-day restaurant has a Mexican flavour and there’s a lounge called Common Decency where you’ll find a plush cocktail bar. thenomadhotel.com
