An Instagram Star Shares Her Little Black Book

An Instagram Star Shares Her Little Black Book

All this week we’re following fashion blogger Monikh Dale as she gives us a look into her life, her wardrobe and today, her little black book. Want to know where to eat with your friends, work up a sweat, travel with a loved one, shop ‘til you drop and get your nails done in 2018? Girl about town Monikh has you covered.

FOOD & DRINK...

Best new discovery – Wulf & Lamb

Vegetarians should check out Chelsea’s Wulf & Lamb. Each dish, from the burgers to the salads, are packed full of flavour – perfect for a quick and affordable lunch.

Best for brunch – Granger & Co

If you can get a table, Granger & Co for weekend brunch is a must – it’s a healthy alternative to most breakfast menus and totally Instagramable. I love the coconut rice, sharon fruit, pandan, raspberries and pistachio.

Best for cocktails with the girls – Le Bab

Basically posh kebabs, Le Bab does the tastiest, chargrilled meats with soft flatbreads and rainbow-hued salads. They have a happy hour each day with £5 cocktails – perfect for catching up with the girls.

Best for date-night – Sticks & Sushi

I love sushi and my boyfriend loves yakotori, making this a happy medium when it comes to date-night.

Best for a special occasion – Tsunami

If we’ve got something a little more special booked in, we’ll upgrade to Clapham’s Japanese Tsunami restaurant.

Last incredible meal you had – Novikov

It’s pricy but Novikov in Mayfair was such a memorable meal. They do both Asian and Italian cuisine which I love. I always order the black cod, soft shell crab and the wasabi prawns - delicious! 

Restaurant with the best interiors – Dishoom

I love Indian-inspired interiors – it reminds me of my grandparents house growing up – and Dishoom looks just like that.

Favourite pub in London – The Althorp

The Althorp on Wandsworth Common is my local. The foods great and in the summer you can sit outside in the sun.
 

Bicester Village
Bicester Village
Granger And Co
Granger And Co
Dishoom
Dishoom

TRAVEL...

Go-to holiday destination – Illetas, Mallorca

I’ve been going to Mallorca with my boyfriend and his family for the past few years. I totally fell in love with Illetas on the south west of the island – it’s rustic but there are also some great places that have opened recently. Try Hotel Bendinat – make sure you request a table outside - for a romantic dinner out, or Puro Beach for afternoon drinks in the sun.

Last place you travelled to – Los Angeles

I went to LA recently for the launch of Alexa Chung’s collaboration with Superga. I loved the Rose Cafè  for the most amazing pasta and wine, and The Butcher’s Daughter for a spicy margarita and Pinterest-worthy interiors.

Next on your travel wish list – Mexico

I’m obsessed with Mexico at the moment and Tulum is next on my list. I’m planning a trip as we speak.

Best hotel you ever stayed in – The Westbury, Dublin

The Westbury in Dublin was the epitome of luxe, from the incredible bedrooms to the bar, and the staff are so kind.

Best for a city break – Madrid

Madrid is one of those cities you can just walk around and stumble across great places without having to stick to an itinerary. From the Retiro Park’s stunning glasshouse to the national museum and of course the tapas and the sunshine, it’s an ideal city break.

Favourite beach holiday – Maldives

Last year I went to the Maldives with friends Kavita Cola and Rosie Fortescue for the ultimate girls’ holiday. We stayed at the stunning Angsana Ihuru Island Resort, before moving to the Angsana Velavaru Island Resort. Here we had amazing double storey sea villas with lounge areas, an upstairs balcony, own private pool and stairs down to the sea. It was absolute bliss.

Best for a staycation in the UK – Soho Farmhouse

It might sound cliché but I do love Soho Farmhouse. It’s got the edge and coolness of London but in the Cotswolds with sprawling countryside. When you live here you really have to get out of the city now and again.
 

HEALTH & FITNESS…

Best place to work out – Kobox, Chelsea

Boxing is my go-to form of exercise and Kobox is the one class that kicks me into shape for summer. I try to go two to three times per week and feel so good afterwards. And when I’m working out on my own, Elton John is on my guilty pleasure playlist.

Best restaurant/café for a health kick – Good Life Eatery

They do the best avocado and chilli on toast.
 

The Ned
The Ned
Sticks N Sushi
Sticks N Sushi
Soho Farmhouse
Soho Farmhouse

BEAUTY…

Best facial in London – Elemis

I’m a big fan of Elemis and use their products at home all the time. The House of Elemis spa is really central so perfect if I’ve been in town for meetings, but it’s tucked away on Lancashire Court, away from the bustle. I’m a big fan of the Pro-Definition Lift and Contour facial – it leaves my skin so glowing and sculpted.

Best place to get your nails done – Anywhere

I’m really not fussy when it comes to nails – I think the cheap, local places are just as good as spending loads on money on a mani.

Favourite place for a blow-dry - Sassoon, Kings Road

Sassoon is one of the few places that does my hair just how I like it. I also book in once a month for an intense conditioning treatment to protect against all the heat styling I put it through.
 

SHOPPING...

Favourite shopping area – Oxford Street

It has everything! I always go into Selfridges for a browse. And when it comes to online, Mango, NET-A-PORTER, Topshop and MATCHESFASHION.COM are all go-tos.

Best for hidden gems – Bicester Village

I’ve found some of my best designer finds at Bicester – my Chloé bag which was discounted from £1,500 to £550 and I wore all of last year is a favourite. Also, my Missoni bath towels were a steal and really make the bathroom.

CULTURE…

Favourite museum or gallery – Tate Modern

I love the Tate Modern and can’t wait to see the new Picasso exhibition that’s on. I also always make a point of visiting the gift shop for fashion and design books.

Best date spot in London – Colbert

On Sloane Square for dinner and drinks outside on a summer’s night.

Best for dancing – The Ned

On a Friday night for live music and some moves.

Best thing on Netflix – The Punisher

I'm totally obsessed right now.
 
 

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