What baffles me about London is, even though I’m from Paris, a cosmopolitan city; I can’t get over how international London is. You meet people from all over the world here; the whole globe seems to congregate.
London’s best-kept secret is Black Room on New Bond Street. It’s a secret room with magic names.
When I want to chill out I head to Shoreditch House at the weekend, but I am often to be found at The Soho House during the week; it is a great place to kick back and relax in beautiful surroundings.
The most interesting person I’ve met is Pierce Brosnan. I’ll always remember how, on the very first day of opening the New Bond Street Gallery in 2005, he stepped into the room. For a minute, it felt as if I had been transported into a James Bond film! I offered him a coffee, we had a long chat, and he bought a painting.
My favourite place for a drink is The Arts Club, there is always an inspirational mix of people and an unbeatable atmosphere.
For when you’re hungover in London you can’t beat a huge cheeseburger at Electric in Notting Hill.
My perfect weekend would be a long and joyful brunch with friends and family, all followed by an interesting exhibition either at the Tate Modern or at the Saatchi Gallery.
This summer, most of London will be pre-occupied with the Olympics – but I’m hosting the arts alternative to this in the form of two incredible exhibitions. One is a pop-up show by highly acclaimed French photographer Rancinan in Shoreditch. We are also planning one of the biggest pop-up art shows ever to hit London with Mr Brainwash (of Exit Through the Giftshop).
The last naughty thing I did – and I will be in trouble when my wife reads this – was go to The Box in Soho until 6am when she was away in Brazil!
Five words that sum up London … Cosmopolitan. Open-minded. Glamorous. Dynamic. Talented.
Main image: Photography by Daniel Barnett
