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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Rose Beer

Jourdan Dunn's guide to London: candlelit dates at the Dover and nights at the Peninsula

A London native, Jourdan Dunn knows the city’s west side like the back of her hand. Here she shares her favourite beauty haunts, fitness classes and where she likes to let her hair down.

Home is…

West London, always has been and always will be.

Where do you stay in London?

When I want a little staycation or a place to get glam for events, my go-to hotel is the Peninsula London. The service is impeccable, the room service is great and the bathrooms are beautifully designed. It is pure luxury.

Where was your first flat?

My first place was in Brentford. It was really cute. It had high ceilings and views of the Thames. I felt like I had really made it in life.

Where would you recommend for a first date?

I still believe dinner dates are undefeated for a first date. I would recommend the Dover — it’s charming and seductive and the perfect place for a candlelit dinner. Plus, it’s quite hard to secure a table, so to me that would already score points.

What’s the best meal you’ve had?

Fire up the Kiln: One of Thailand's most respected chefs is on the way to cook in the W1 hotspot (Kiln)

My favourite Thai restaurant in London is Kiln. My favourite dish on the menu has to be the monkfish liver curry. It is rich, full of spice and mouthwateringly good.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

House the homeless and make mindfulness part of the school curriculum.

Who is the most iconic Londoner?

It has to be Chris Eubank.

Where do you go to have fun?

I’m a real homebody, I love being in my own little world. However, one of my favourite things to do is karaoke. I went to Moyagi in Marylebone recently, which was a vibe.

Where do you exercise?

I have a few spots I like to go to. I love the Proud Project in Chiswick for Pilates and barre. It’s a very welcoming studio, with great teachers. I also highly recommend Studio Fix in Kensington, for Lagree — Claudia’s classes are amazing. I also attend my brother Antoine’s strength and conditioning class at BXR. His playlist is unmatched.

Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?

No, never! Although I did call the police on my grandma once when I was six — I think it was because she hid my penny sweets from me.

Where do you let your hair down?

I stopped going to London clubs a long time ago, but whenever I do want to let go and dance, my go-to spot is The Connection Party, a safe, queer, person-of-colour space where everyone is welcome. My good friends Royston and Kylon are the founders and its roots are deeply grounded in community and culture. There’s always good vibes and sexy people — a win-win.

What are you up to for work?

(Charlotte Tilbury)

The Charlotte Tilbury holiday collection just launched with Celine Dion — shooting the campaign was the most magical day. No one does Christmas campaigns like Charlotte, and Celine’s aura is just so ethereal.

Which podcast are you obsessed with?

I’m currently loving Emma Grede’s podcast, Aspire — she recently had Tracee Ellis Ross on as a guest and there are so many great gems on there.

What do you collect?

Birth charts. I have a folder of the birth chartsfor my closest friends and family on my phone.

What was the last thing you googled?

Grammy nominations.

Read more: The London beauty hot list

What are your favourite beauty spots and why?

The Sweat Lounge in Chiswick is abeautiful infrared sauna studio — a truelittle oasis of calm. I always leave feeling rejuvenated and recharged. Dimple Amani inKnightsbridge does the best lymphatic drainage facials and massages and D. Thomas Clinic is my go-to for laser treatments. Actually, Debbie is the only person I trust with my skin — I’ve been going to her for more than 10 years now. And I love the new Charlotte Tilbury store on Carnaby Street, it’s a real playground for all things beauty.

What apps can you not live without?

Uber — I take Ubers everywhere!

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