Nicky Kelvin is the Head of The Points Guy UK (TPG UK) – a travel expert website and lifestyle media brand, that aims to provide people with helpful tips on how to save money, earn air miles and maximise the ways in which they travel around the world.
As a self confessed “aviation geek”, who originally began his professional career working as a music lawyer at Virgin/EMI Records in London, Nicky oversees the creation of UK focused content for the unique site, relishing in his passions for planes, photography and globetrotting to produce innovative and fresh material that serves to inspire TPG’s 8 million+ monthly unique readers.
Maximise Your Travel | Welcome To The Points Guy UK with Nicky Kelvin
We caught up with Nicky Kelvin for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
I absolutely adore Primrose Hill. When I first moved to London I lived in Belsize Park and was very near Primrose Hill for years. I love the view from the top of the hill, but also the shops, restaurants and vibe of the high street, Regent’s Park Road.
Favourite place for brunch:
Honey & Co. on Warren Street. I used to live in Israel and so now I live for modern Israeli cuisine. Huge Israeli breakfasts are perfect for brunch, and Honey & Co do it better than most in London.
Best coffee in London:
Monmouth Coffee takes some beating! I usually go to the Seven Dials cafe when I’m in the area. I used to work nearby, and so that was the spot to go to if I needed an extra strong caffeine fix.
Favourite gallery or museum:
The Natural History Museum is my all-time favourite. I visit the ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ exhibition every year. The National Portrait Gallery is a close second for me.
Tell us a secret:
I am secretly obsessed with Homesense. Some people find it weird that it’s my favourite place to be on a Saturday morning.
Favourite place to shop:
Whether I want clothes for myself, gifts for others, or just somewhere to float around and browse, it’s always Liberty. Both what is stocked, the architecture and the overall vibe of the shop is a winner for me every time.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Strolling the diverse streets of London always gives me inspiration. From the boho vibes of Soho to the grandeur of Mayfair, each area is steeped in history and inspires my upcoming moves and shakes.
Best London destination for a date:
I like date spots where you can be flexible depending on how the night pans out. Soho House is somewhere you can head to for a drink or two, which can then turn into dinner and more of a party if the mood takes you, but it’s just as easy to cut short after one Negroni!
Favourite park:
Hampstead Heath is my number one park. It helps that I live relatively close by, but for a city park it feels particularly wild and expansive. There are so many different parts to it, from the manicured beauty of Kenwood, to the views of Parliament Hill and of course the ponds!
Favourite food market:
I went to law school back in 2010 right by Borough Market and so for a whole year, I was able to eat my way through everything on offer there. It still holds a special place in my heart after all these years.
Your sanctuary in the city:
It’s not quite in the city but I love planes. I’ve been known to drive over to Heathrow to run a lap of the Airport’s 15km perimeter watching the planes take off and land, and even stop for a relaxing coffee in the terminal sometimes.
What inspires you?
I have been obsessed with travel for as long as I can remember. I am adventurous both within London, the UK and the entire world, exploring hidden nooks and crannies and experiencing different cultures and attitudes, and the diversity of life provide great inspiration. It’s one of the reasons I’ve found the inability to travel during lockdown so difficult.
This season I’m loving…
Bringing lots of flowers and plants into my house. This has helped me cling onto the hope of the end of lockdown and the return of fun and exciting lifestyle!
