TV presenter, style entrepreneur and fashion columnist DARREN KENNEDY is regarded as one of the UK and Ireland’s most stylish men and top lifestyle influencers. A regular on the front row over London Fashion Week and LFWM, Darren has hosted TV shows on BBC, CHANNEL 5, ITV and the Irish National Broadcaster RTE, as well as in the US having hosted live segments on FOX, ABC, OXYGEN, the CW NETWORK and E! UK to a combined audience of over 160 million. Darren recently started a new series on Instagram TV (IGTV) – The Secret Life of Celebrity Pets and will soon be seen as a Stylist on a brand new BBC One show YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR, hosted by Rylan Clark-Neal.
We caught up with Darren for the latest in our ‘My London’ series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
It has to be Bermondsey. It’s young, vibrant and full of life with some fab foodie markets. It’s so central too all things considered. The Fashion and Textile Museum and Kino, an independent cinema showing arthouse films, are two favourites.
Favourite place for brunch:
I love anything with a kick to it, especially South American food. For a treat, brunch at Isabel in Mayfair is always worth it. The art deco style interiors, menu full of Argentine influences and killer cocktail menu mean I never leave disappointed.
Best coffee in London:
Attendant cafe Fitzrovia. Housed in a former Victorian toilet that has been lovingly transformed into one of London’s top coffee spots in my opinion. The original porcelain urinals have been repurposed into a clever seating area.
Favourite gallery or museum:
It’s a toss up between the V&A and the Tate Modern for me. Based on visits, I reckon the Tate wins out by a hair’s breath.
Tell us a secret:
My new BBC One series YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR hits screens shortly!
Favourite place to shop:
I love the street shopping around Poland Street in Soho and Lamb’s Conduit street which is home to some of my favourite brands including Oliver Spencer and YMC.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Any lush green outdoor space. Richmond Park and Kew Garden are two favourites.
Best London destination for a date:
The French House, Soho. It’s compact, buzzy and central. Easy to find, easy to escape!
Favourite park:
Richmond Park. Great to just get lost in of a Saturday afternoon.
Favourite food market:
I like Brixton for the mix. It still feels real, raw and a little rough around the edges.
Your sanctuary in the city:
I love a little pampering session and a cosy fire. The Rosewood Hotel in Holborn has a fab spa but also lots of cosy nooks to hide away in for a few hours.
What inspires you?
Nature, it’s constantly evolving and innovating.
This season I’m loving:
Wide leg trousers, preferably pleated at the waist.
