Citizen Hip: James Brown’s secret London hangouts

Opened to much acclaim in 2010, ultra-stylish menswear boutique Hostem is located on Redchurch Street in London’s East End and carries a unique selection of avant-garde and artisan brands including Ann Demeulemeester, Margaret Howell and Haider Ackermann. A man of impeccable taste, here founder James Brown shares some of his secret London gems with Stylesight.

Petersham Nurseries- See
Church Lane, off Petersham Road TW10 7AG /+44 (0)20 8940 5230

Petersham Nurseries is a great way to spend the afternoon—especially if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of central London. The food is amazing and the café has just been awarded a Michelin Star. It is now starting a supper club that is well-worth going to. The shop is also great—always a good selection of antiques and objects. The nursery itself has every type of plant or tree you can imagine.

Allpress Espresso- Drink

58 Redchurch Street E2 7DD / +44 (0)20 7749 1780

Hands down the best coffee out there. Conveniently, it’s located pretty much opposite Hostem and is my first port-of-call before I start work for the day. Be sure to ask for Danni.

Stephen Sprake- Shop

283 Lillie Road SW6 7LL / +44 (0)20 7381 3209

While one of the many antique dealers on Lillie Road, Stephen Sprake has to be my favorite. I never know what I am going to find. Specializing in darker realm objects and curiosities, there is always an eerie but beautiful selection of unique, one-off pieces.

Lounge Bohemia- Drink

1E Great Eastern Street EC2A 3EJ / +44 (0)77207 07000

My very good friend and one of the best mixologists out there, Paul Tvaroh, owns the place. It has a laidback atmosphere combined with an old-school ethos—and without a doubt the best vodka sour in town.

Richard & Cosmo Wise- Shop

Spitalfields Antique Market – Brushfield Street E1 6AA

They are the resident rag dealers at the infamous Spitalfields Market on Thursday mornings. They specialize in beautiful, unique peasant and workwear vintage clothing mainly from Japan and France. I try to stop by each week to pick up some pieces.

Rochelle Canteen- Eat& Drink

Rochelle School – Arnold Circus E2 7ES / +44 (0)20 7729 5677

Probably one of the best-kept secrets in London, Rochelle Canteen is only open for lunch. The menu changes daily depending on what’s in season or fresh that day. Concealed by 6-feet brick walls, the place is accessed via a steel door with a small buzzer on the side. The interior of the main restaurant is in an old bike shed. On a summer day, tables are laid on the front lawn. It’s a little oasis in East London.