Sophie Turner reveals why she never wants to leave London, plus the wellness, food and late night destinations that have her heart.
Home is …
In south-west London with my kids. I was in the States for about six years but I’ve always been a London girl at heart. I never want to leave again. It’s where my heart feels the fullest.
Where do you stay in London?
If I’m having a staycation, or when I used to visit when I lived in America, I would always stay at the Corinthia, near Embankment. The spa is killer. I’m talking full-on escape mode — dim lighting, eucalyptus everywhere, the most incredible massages and a pool downstairs with twinkling ceiling lights that make you feel like you’re floating in a dream. The rooms are also incredible. Big fluffy beds, heavy curtains that block out the world, amazing marble bathrooms and, most importantly, a lot of closet space.
Late nights with friends, takeaways on the floor, laughing until 2am, crying over boys, figuring life out... my old flat holds a lot of memories
Where was your first flat?
Belsize Park. I did no decorating, but it holds a lot of incredible memories — late nights with friends, takeaways on the floor, laughing until 2am, crying over boys, figuring life out. It was small and a bit chaotic, but it was mine, and it represented freedom. I still walk past it sometimes when I’m in the area and smile. I loved that flat.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
The best first date spot in London has to be Kensington Gardens or Parsons Green for a picnic. Nothing better than a sunny day, a few St-Germain Hugo spritzes, good music on your speaker, yummy food and — hopefully — good company. You don’t have the awkward restaurant pressure, there’s room to move around, and if the date goes well, it naturally turns into an hours-long hang. It’s low-key, thoughtful, and you can see if the person knows how to vibe.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
Brook House in Fulham has the best Sunday roast I’ve ever had. I was there with three of my girlfriends, as is tradition for us. The chicken supreme is my jam. And the Yorkshire puddings rock my world.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would turn the 20mph zones back into 30mph because what is that about? I know, I know — safety first — but sometimes you’re just trying to get somewhere and it feels like you’re in one of those dreams where you’re trying to run but your legs aren’t moving.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
I would say Charles Dickens. He defined the entire Victorian era in London. And everywhere you go, you can catch a glimpse of a reference to him or his books. You walk through parts of the city and it feels like you’re in one of his stories.
Where do you let your hair down?
Definitely a karaoke bar, probably Moyagi — I love an opportunity to rap some Eminem. Or a Ronnie Scott’s type place — it just feels like you’re in another era in there.
I always call on my group of girlfriends. When we hang out, the decibels go up
Who do you call when you want to have fun?
I always call any one of my group of 10 girlfriends. We’ve been best friends since we were at school and we’re still each others’ number ones. When we hang out, the decibels go up, the energy and adrenaline start pumping and we can’t not have the best time together. It’s physically impossible. We’ve seen each other through everything; break-ups, babies, weddings, funerals. They’re my lifeline, I don’t know what I would do without the homies.
Who is your hero?
Gisèle Pelicot is my hero. She sacrificed her privacy and anonymity to put her husband’s crimes against her in the public eye. To shed light on the sexual abuse of women. As a woman I am eternally grateful.
My professional hero has to be Gary Oldman. He’s consistently excellent and versatile, and chooses interesting projects. And does it all purely for the love of the art.
It’s weird, but I love looking at all the names on the old gravestones in Brompton Cemetery. Plus there’s allegedly a time machine there
What’s your favourite beauty spot?
I have the best nail bar in Fulham. It’s an unassuming place but they are incredibly fast, do the most long-lasting manicures and keep your nails in the best shape possible. It’s called The Nail Creations, in Parsons Green.
What’s your London secret?
It’s a weird one — Brompton Cemetery. It’s so beautiful there, I love looking at all the names on the old gravestones. Plus, there’s allegedly a time machine in the middle of it.
What are you up to for work?
I can’t say what I’m working on right now but I do have three things coming out in the near future. Trust, a horror film for Paramount; Steal, a thriller series for Amazon; and The Dreadful, a film I shot here in the UK with the brilliant Kit Harington.
As told to Joe Bromley
Sophie Turner is partnering with St-Germain elderflower liqueur as part of its “sip into something fresher tasting” campaign
