Londoner’s Diary
Sarah Jessica Parker may be a self-professed bibliophile, but how did she score the highest gig in lit land, as a judge of the Booker Prize? It was a simple case of ask and you shall receive. It started in 2022 when the Booker posted a video of their judges from that year to their Instagram. SJP commented “Oh let me try!!!!”, to which the Booker responded: “Shall we get our people to talk to your people?”. And just like that (three years later), her wish was granted. Parker was in town for the ceremony at Old Billingsgate and described the winning book, Flesh by David Szalay, as “singular, exciting, propulsive, emotional”.
Barely has the last autumn leaf fallen from the tree than the bells have startled to jingle, as Christmas season grinds into action. Somerset House kicked off the festivities with Skate, its annual pop-up ice rink. Guests including model Lila Moss, Lennon Gallagher and Izzy Richmond were unperturbed by the rain — though it did make for rather a wet rink. Those who hit the decks were marked by sodden bums for the rest of the night (condolences to Fat Tony). Dutch courage was courtesy of the somewhat un-Christmassy Aperol Spritz.
Meanwhile, Jack Guinness, Tigerlily Taylor and the Flag Twins went to the Walpole British Luxury Awards at The Dorchester. Among the winners were actor Cush Jumbo, who took home a “Great Creative Briton” award.
Paul Smith has turned his hand from designing clothes to decorating Christmas trees. He is the vision behind the Royal Opera House’s 18-foot baubled beast, which went up this week. Model Ellen Francis Gibbons and singer Poppy Ajudha went to see its unveiling. Over on Carnaby Street, Anaïs Gallagher, Kim Turnbull and Emilia Boateng were at the opening night of ASOS’s in person pop-up store. Meanwhile, model Mia Regan and former One Directioner Niall Horan were at The Standard to toast the 10th anniversary of TopJaw, the Instagram series where frontman Jesse Burgess asks chefs and celebs about the best (and most overrated) restaurants in London.
