My London: Lily Collins

The actress loves the vibe at the 100 Club, buys her tea at Fortnum & Mason and wants to be buried in the glow of Edward Burne-Jones
Lily Collins
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Rose Beer23 May 2019

Home is…

LA, but I feel at home in my childhood house in the countryside in West Sussex.

Where do you stay when you’re in London?

The Corinthia Hotel. The spa is breathtaking. The decor is so relaxing, its selection of massages and plunge pools is huge, and the thermal floor is so heavenly I never want to leave.

The Corinthia Hotel.

Favourite club?

The 100 Club, because of its illustrious music history. A friend of mine played there years ago and it has such an intimate and unique vibe.

Favourite restaurant?

J Sheekey is always delicious. It’s the ideal place to go before the theatre or just when I’m craving incredible fish. I went there years ago and since then it’s been a staple for me.

What was the last play you saw?

I saw the opening night of True West starring Kit Harrington and my Les Mis co-star Johnny Flynn with a friend recently. I thought it was brilliantly acted and I loved the set design. I’ve recommended it to so many people.

Donald Sage Mackay as Sau, Kit Harington as Austin and Johnny Flynn as Lee in Sam Shepard's True West
Corbis via Getty Images

Where would you recommend for a first date?

Definitely a trip to a museum — the V&A or Tate Modern — followed by a romantic long walk around the city and a stop at Trafalgar Square. If it’s summertime, sitting in the park with a drink is perfect.

Where would you most like to be buried?

In the V&A museum in front of the Edward Burne-Jones painting The Mill: Girls Dancing to Music by a River. My mum and I always visit this piece so it’s very special to me.

The Mill Girls Dancing to Music by a River by Edward Burne-Jones
Alamy Stock Photo

Favourite shops?

Hatchard’s bookstore for the rickety staircase and all the incredible wood everywhere. I could disappear in there for hours. I love to window shop at Bentley & Skinner to see its stunning jewellery. Fortnum & Mason is a must for tea and the whole store smells amazing. So many of my friends ask me to bring snacks back for them, so I make sure to hit this store first.

Fortnum & Mason
Alamy Stock Photo

What is your London secret?

Always pack outfit options because you never know what the weather will be like. And comfortable shoes — you don’t want to be running home in the middle of the day with blisters.

What are you up to at the moment for work?

Last year was a busy one and now all my projects seem to be coming out back to back. I’m the face of the new Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude, alongside Lupita [Nyong'o] and Penélope [Cruz], Les Misérables premiered in the US in April, and Tolkien has just come out. I’m also about to start filming a movie called Inheritance with Simon Pegg.

Gregory Pace/REX/Shutterstock

What makes someone a Londoner?

A sense of adventure, innately cool style and an ability to withstand the weather. Oh, and great taste in music.

Lily Collins is an ambassador for Lancôme

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