Lucy McWhirter is the Creative Director of Pophams, a hugely successful bakery and homewares store with three sites across London. Known for its innovative, utterly delicious pastries and exactingly curated homewares, Pophams has become a byword for effortless style and good living. Here are her weekend must-haves...
I'm an early riser. Even on the weekend I tend to get up very early. I haven’t used an alarm for years; but still find myself waking-up naturally at around six thirty to seven.
Coffee comes first. I do drink tea; but I always kick things off with a coffee. I’ve recently moved to East Dulwich so on weekends I’ll wander down to Bon on Lordship Lane and order a flat white.
The big breakfast. If I am at home and I have the time I adore a full English - eggs, sausages, bacon, hash browns, mushrooms and baked beans cooked with plenty of Worcestershire sauce. The only thing I can’t do is black pudding. If I was going to venture out for something to eat, I’d get in the queue at a local bakery. Even though I spend the majority of my time surrounded by pastries, I still can’t get enough of them. So many good bakeries to choose from too!
Antique shops and fairs are my weakness. I can lose hours rummaging through antique shops and reclamation yards; and am constantly on the lookout for pieces either for myself or for my other business, IOTA Edit. I love finding hidden treasures; but it does take time and commitment.
Weekend walks. Whenever friends visit London I always suggest a walk which starts at Pophams and meanders through London Fields, down Broadway Market and finally onto Columbia Road. It’s not a classically touristic thing; but you get a real sense of East London.
A pint of Guinness. For a weekend pint I’d head to the East Dulwich Tavern. Most of my family live nearby so a big group of us will often congregate there for an afternoon. They do a really great pint of Guinness and it’s a fun, buzzy place.
Dinner with friends. The Camberwell Arms is a brilliant place to enjoy refined pub food with friends. North of the river I’d do the Clarence Tavern in Stoke Newington. The chicken, leek and bacon pie there is delicious and they have the best wine list.
Hangovers demand eggs. The only real hangover cure is to get up and out. And any breakfast involving eggs. Ed Smith’s Instagram (@rocketandsquash) has lots of inspiration in this regard.