The SL Team Share Their Perfect Weekends

On a typical Saturday morning, I love heading into Brighton. Just ten minutes from where I’m based in West Sussex, there are endless brunch spots to enjoy – I have a soft spot for Oeuf in Hove, right by the seafront. Not only do you get huge portions for your money, but it’s always buzzing, beautifully designed, and has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Then you can head straight to the beachfront to walk it all off.  

Closer to home, the Wildflower Café in Poynings is a favourite. Set within the South Downs, it’s my go-to after a long walk or run with my partner, friends or family. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s in a beautiful spot, has a simple, delicious menu, and is the perfect pitstop when you need to rehydrate or satisfy a sugar craving. It’s cosy and inviting, with none of the pretence – I love it, as do plenty of cyclists and passers-by. 

When I’m not taking it slow, my ideal Saturday includes dinner at a local pub with friends. We’re spoiled for choice in West Sussex. Summer is all about beer gardens, good food and great wine – a few places I rate include the Jolly Sportsman in Lewes, The Griffin Inn in Uckfield, and The Ram Inn, just outside Lewes. All three are worth a visit, but the Griffin stands out for its incredible garden overlooking open countryside. If we’re in Brighton and want something a little more lively, my partner and I love Plateau for sharing plates, while The Flint House is perfect for meeting friends – it has an amazing rooftop that looks out over the bustling streets. The cocktails there are excellent. 

We’re lucky to have some great wineries nearby – and what a lovely way to spend a weekend. We live near Ridgeview, which has a fantastic restaurant and terrace – it’s gorgeous in the summer and perfect with friends. Bolney and Artelium are also favourites: slightly more intimate, but with great food and a strong drinks list. All are close to mainline stations, making them easy to reach from London.  

Right now, at nine months pregnant, my weekends are all about taking things slow. Once the baby arrives, we’ve planned a stay at The Alfriston in the South Downs. Set in a picture-postcard village surrounded by greenery, the hotel has all the rustic charm of somewhere like The Pig, but with a more modern feel and spa. There’s an outdoor heated pool, a sauna and treatment rooms – I can’t wait to fully switch off and unwind. 

Later this year, we’re heading back to Rye – one of my favourite places for a weekend break. We’ve booked a stay at The George and will no doubt return to Tillingham, an incredible winery that also serves the best pizza. There’s so much to see and do in Rye, without any of the usual fuss.   

In the meantime, I’m making the most of any quiet moments I can – usually by reading. I’ve just finished The Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown, which dives into cliques and cults at elite US colleges – it’s made for a Netflix adaptation. Next on my list is The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. I love a good thriller and am racing through books at the moment. A few favourites have been This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter and The Dinner Guest by BP Walter — both perfect if you love a gritty whodunit. 

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I’m an early riser, even on the weekends – usually up by 6am, if not earlier. I love being awake while the world is still quiet; it’s so peaceful. My kitchen is my happy place, especially on sunny mornings when the light pours in from the skylight and back door. I make a herbal tea – Mission Lemongrass & Mint is my current obsession – and sit at the dining table with the sunshine on my face. I usually have a Tower Pilates class booked at Exhale Pilates at 8:30am, so I’ll slip into my Align leggings and bra top from lululemon. After class, I’ll meet my best friend and niece for brunch in Stratford. Bobo & Wild has an amazing egg selection – I always order the truffle eggs and an acai bowl — then I’ll walk home to enjoy the fresh air. 

On weekends, I like to stay local to East London. My favourite brunch spots include Barbie Green, Franze & Evans, Lantana and Dishoom in Shoreditch. I don’t drink coffee, but a chai latte is my weakness – and Dishoom does the best one, with unlimited refills! 

My weekdays are packed with work events and dinners, so I keep weekends low-key. I like to chill out, stay close to home, and spend time with friends and family — preferably in loungewear, with no make-up. If I don’t have to get dressed up, that’s a win. Plus, my weekend wardrobe is all about comfort. I spend most of the weekend in activewear or athleisure — I live in Lululemon and Alo. Unless I’m going somewhere that requires dressing up, I’m happiest in stretchy, soft layers that work for workouts and lounging alike. 

A perfect Saturday looks like early movement followed by great food and good company. After Pilates and brunch, I’ll usually spend the afternoon pottering, cooking, or catching up with loved ones. If I’m in the mood to treat myself, I’ll swing by Shades food truck on Hoxton Street – they do the best jerk chicken with rice and peas.  

Cooking is one of my weekend joys. I love making my favourite Ghanaian dishes — jollof rice and fried plantain – or switching it up with lamb kofte and tabbouleh, or chilli and garlic prawn pasta. It all depends on what I’m craving that day.

Sundays are a mix of movement and relaxation. I’ll start the day with a long run around the Olympic Park and Victoria Park, followed by a Pilates class. A roast dinner at Jones & Sons or Shoreditch House is my go-to, then I’ll spend the afternoon winding down at home. 

Self-care on the weekend means slowing down. That might mean baking a cake (which I find incredibly therapeutic), watching TV on the sofa, or booking a massage through the Ruuby app for a proper wind-down moment. 

Sunday evenings are all about the reset. I make juices and meals for the week ahead, including my homemade ginger shots and a rotating juice blend (my favourite is pineapple, bell pepper and cucumber). I also make my granola from scratch, ready to top yoghurt or chia seed pudding in the mornings. Finally, I make sure all my gym clothes are clean, folded and easy to grab – it makes my mornings feel far more manageable. 

I’ve got a weekend at Soho Farmhouse coming up in June. We’re celebrating one of my best friend’s birthdays, and when the weather’s good, it feels like a mini holiday – eating, swimming, bike rides and horse riding. While I’m in the area, I’ll also make a trip to Bicester Village to see if I can snap up any gems. 

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My perfect Saturday morning includes a good bagel and a coffee. It’s completely weather dependent, but when the sun is shining, I’ll get up early and head to one of my favourite bagel spots in East London. Often that’s The Bagel Guys in Netil Market, followed by a walk around London Fields or by the river. Otherwise, it’s Papo’s Bagels – although that usually involves a queue. On a not-so-nice day, it’s a lazy morning at home, making bacon and fried egg baps. I’ve recently been loving Monmouth’s espresso beans. 

My friends will tell you it takes a lot to get me to socialise at the weekend. For me, weekends are for rest and relaxation. I’m into slow mornings, cooking something elaborate (but therapeutic) for an early dinner, and long walks to get a dose of fresh air in nature. I’ve recently been enjoying yoga, too – often hot hatha or yin yoga, or even a sound bath class. 

I love London when it’s quiet, so an early walk is always my favourite without the crowds of tourists. I’ll avoid anywhere busy and opt for a small park walk before heading to a cute coffee shop. Sometimes it’s an early start and a trip to Borough Market to get some fun bits for brunch. 

I love an early lunch if I’ve had a quieter, slower morning. Lately, I’ve been loving spots like Towpath Cafe in Haggerston before enjoying a walk along the canal. I love the village feel of walking along the river after lunch, finding a pub for a drink, then popping to the butcher to pick up something for dinner. Lately, I’ve been going to the Village Butcher in Chelsea or Notting Hill (when I’m in the area) or The Ginger Pig in Victoria Park.

My weekend wardrobe is super low-key. It truly is ‘off-duty’ me at my best. Think wide leg linen trousers or white boxer shorts with a slouchy knit, cap, trainers or clogs and a neckscarf for good measure. It’ll be a pair of silk pyjamas or loungewear at home – likely from Picante. 

My perfect summer dinner would be rump steak smothered in chimichurri sauce with wild garlic mash and a fresh salad. Or something like zingy tacos with a fresh homemade salsa with either charred mango or pineapple for a bit of smokiness. My boyfriend and I also like to make homemade pizzas – buying the base and topping it with whatever our hearts desire on the day. 

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Right now, my weekends are split across three locations. I live in Wandsworth, but I’m often in Guildford, where I’m from and where friends and family still live, or in Portsmouth, where my boyfriend is based. Because I’m usually travelling between the three, an ideal Saturday morning means waking up in my own bed and reading with a coffee. Everyone at SheerLuxe knows I’m an avid reader – recent favourites include Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez, Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry and Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. 

Brunch and coffee spots vary depending on where I am. In Wandsworth, I love Frenchie or Café Fleur. In Surrey, Natter and The Palm House are favourites, and for coffee, The Howling Owl is a low-key spot locals love. In Portsmouth, Panero Lounge never fails us. 

Restorative weekends are my preference right now. Some weekends are packed with family commitments – over Easter, my boyfriend and I slept in a different house every night – but ideally it’s all about good food, long walks, time outside, and catching up on TV I’ve missed during the week. 

A perfect Saturday would probably be spent in Portsmouth. I never saw myself as a south coast girlie, but I’ve grown to love the green spaces, proximity to pretty towns like Chichester, and the beach – just as nice in winter as in summer. We’d start with coffee at home, then head out for a walk. Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is a favourite for the views and Viking burial grounds. Royal Victoria Country Park is great too – full of history and perfect for kids – and the pizza at The Cedar Rooms is really good. We’d cook dinner at home – my boyfriend is a brilliant cook, and I like being the sous chef – and then settle in with a sci-fi or horror film. We recently watched Sunshine (2007) – an early Cillian Murphy film with a fascinating premise. 

My weekend style is laid-back and casual. It’s quite different from what I wear to work, where I dress with the camera in mind and try to reflect the brands we love. On weekends, it’s Align leggings from lululemon, knitwear like  The Cru from Almada, affordable cashmere from H&M or M&S, and trousers from NA-KD.  My barn jacket from ASOS is probably my most-worn piece this season. 

I try to make time for exhibitions and new releases. I recently saw Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 at the National Gallery and have tickets for the Cartier exhibition at the V&A. I’m also keen to see Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme after its warm reception at Cannes. 

Podcasts are a weekend staple, especially on long drives. My favourites include Fashion People (I honestly think Lauren Sherman is one of the best fashion journalists working today), Let’s Get Dressed, The Wellness Scoop and Zoe Science & Nutrition.  

Meals at the weekend are nearly always cooked by my boyfriend. His chicken and chorizo paella – made with orzo – is a favourite. His flatbread with rocket, halloumi, tzatziki and pomegranate is perfect when we’re short on time. 

Sundays are slow and intentional. A lie-in, more coffee, maybe a swim or gym session, and then I’m usually back on the road to London. I try to do chores during the week, so weekends are free for quality time with loved ones. 

Sunday nights are for winding down. I’ll have an ‘everything shower’ using the L’Oréal Paris Bond Repair shampoo and conditioner, Le Petit Marseillais body wash (peach and nectarine is my go-to), and the Nécessaire body scrub. I’m focused on hair repair at the moment – OGX  Bond Repair Mask, Living Proof  Triple Bond Complex and my Dyson dryer have really helped. Finally, I like to apply the NEOM Wellbeing Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter and aim for an early night.   

Next up is a trip to Cornwall. My boyfriend and I are heading to The Scarlet – one of my favourite UK hotels. The setting is unmatched, and the food is always excellent. 

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My perfect weekend includes good food and plenty of time with friends. I recently moved to southwest London, so if I’m staying local now I’ll venture to August Bakery on Battersea Rise – a new favourite for coffee and pastries – or Toad Bakery, which serves some of the most delicious baked goods in south London. If I’m in town, it has to be 26 Grains in Covent Garden. The fried eggs in chilli butter is one of my favourite dishes of all time. 

I also like to exercise on Saturday morning. When the weather is good, I’ll meet friends at the  Hampstead Ladies’ Pond which is beyond relaxing. You can have a picnic on the grass afterwards or head to one of the many nearby pubs for pints and fish and chips. Closer to home I like The Hope in Wandsworth for a casual pub catch-up with friends. Otherwise, depending on my mood I’ll book a morning SoulCycle class or a reformer Pilates class near me. It’s less about routine and more about what I’m feeling that week. 

Weekends are also my time to unwind with a book. An hour or two of reading is a real luxury, and I try to start every morning with a few chapters. I just finished Food Person by Adam Roberts, which I enjoyed, and have started When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén (the next book in our SheerLuxe Book Club). I also love spending an hour or two at a great exhibition – the Design Museum is probably my favourite cultural spot in London as the exhibitions are so varied. 

TV-wise, I’m currently watching Mobland – the cast is brilliant – and season two of The Last of Us. It’s somehow even darker than the first and totally bingeable. It’s the perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa after a long walk and with a big bowl of pasta or noodles – another weekend staple in my household.  

Sundays are for baking. I’ve been loving I’ll Bring Dessert by Benjamina Ebuehi for sweet recipe inspiration, though I’ll often flick through Instagram Reels for ideas. My go-tos are blueberry muffins, healthy flapjacks or a classic lemon drizzle cake. Sundays also mean prepping for the week ahead, often with a roast chicken (resulting in lots of leftovers) and a salad I can eat throughout the week. My current favourite recipe includes giant couscous with crispy kale, leftover veg, parmesan and a wholegrain mustard dressing.  

My weekend wardrobe is low-key and comfortable. You’ll usually find me in jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers, with little to no make-up unless I’m heading out somewhere. The simpler the better.  

Wind-down rituals are non-negotiable. I’ll deep condition my hair with the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, before going in with the Ouai shampoo and conditioner. I also like to use a soothing face mask before using my Beauty Pie LED mask and my  CurrentBody LED hair mask, which I swear by. Add a calming podcast or audiobook and I’m ready for the week.  

In terms of weekends away, next up is Paris. I’ll be eating at plenty of bistros, going to flea markets and maybe hitting a jazz club or two. I’ve booked a table at newcomer Le Truffaut, an affordable restaurant in the Batignolles neighbourhood. I’d also love to head back to Madrid and explore more of Scandinavia – Copenhagen and Gothenburg are top of my list.  

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Saturday mornings start early in our house – but I secretly love it. My toddler usually gets us up, and there’s something grounding about the slow, quiet start to the day. Coffee is non-negotiable: our Sage Barista Express is probably my favourite thing I own, and I always use Rave Coffee beans. While I make mine, my toddler ‘makes’ his on a mini toy coffee machine – he’s obsessed with anything with a button. Once we’re caffeinated, we head into the garden to water the plants and see what’s growing. This spring, I’ve been experimenting with climbing jasmine, stocks and lupins. If the weather’s nice, we’ll wander into the field next door to visit the sheep and horses. When I can, I’ll squeeze in a quick Peloton or 20-minute strength session – it really sets me up for the weekend.  

Falconhurst is a favourite weekend spot. It’s a beautiful farm shop set on a wild, sprawling estate – perfect for little ones to explore. They do a brilliant brunch, and I’m hoping to get to one of their supper clubs this summer. It feels like a proper countryside escape, just down the road. 

These days, weekends are all about slow, restorative moments. Since becoming a mum, I’ve really come to appreciate a quieter pace – long walks, proper catch-ups with friends or even just a moment of solo time always take precedence over a packed schedule. 

Saturdays often revolve around the kitchen. After a slow start, we’ll head to Penshurst farmers’ market to pick up bits for lunch –  I’m always hoping the travelling fishmonger is there. My husband will find any excuse to light the BBQ, while I take charge of the sides: colourful, veg-packed dishes with grains and herbs. I always make extra to get us through the week. 

My weekend wardrobe is comfortable but considered. With a toddler in tow, comfort is key, but I still like to feel put together. Sisterly Tribe’s leggings and relaxed tees are buttery soft, and I usually layer them with an oversized hoodie from Conscious Citizen. For something smarter, I’m loving my Couture Club side-stripe joggers paired with a crisp white tee. 

There’s always something lined up to watch or read. I’ve got The Last Anniversary queued – I can never resist a Liane Moriarty adaptation, especially one exec-produced by Nicole Kidman. It’s got all the ingredients: family secrets, glossy women, and a dose of mystery. Reading-wise, I’m currently working through  A Court of Mist and Fury. Recent favourites include The Whalebone Theatre and Talking at Night. There’s usually a health podcast playing in the background — Davina’s Begin Again and Mind Body Green are favourites. 

Weekend meals are a real ritual. Lunch is often something simple on toasted Seedful bread, finished with Citizens of Soil olive oil and whatever’s in season. Dinner might be a homemade curry or a big traybake with a crunchy side salad. Sundays are for BBQs – we’re currently cooking our way through Helen Graves' Live Fire. Her flatbreads are a staple, and the pork fillet souvlaki with honeyed fennel is next on our list. Carolina Gelen’s Pass the Plate is another go-to cookbook – the one-pan garlicky chicken couscous is unreal. 

Sunday mornings are my sanctuary. My husband usually takes the reins so I can sneak out to our little home gym at the back of the garden. Even 20-30 minutes of strength and cardio makes such a difference. I’m obsessed with my Onyx weights – especially the 3.5kg ring for low-impact sessions. 

Self-care is about small but meaningful rituals. A walk in the fresh air, some movement, proper food and a bit of skincare go a long way. A Skin Cycles collagen mask during naptime is my idea of indulgence — and I’m loving the Ziip Halo for a quick, four-minute facial. 

Meal prep is my Sunday reset. It brings a sense of control amid the juggle of parenting, work and commuting. I always prepare overnight oats – recently adding more seeds, nuts and kefir yoghurt for gut health – and aim for an early night. 

A girls weekend in Ibiza is on the horizon. We’re celebrating a friend’s 40th with 20 of us heading out there – the perfect dose of fun before real life kicks in again. 

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My perfect Saturday morning starts with a lie-in and a cup of tea in bed. Weekday mornings are rushed – I’m often out early for breakfast launches or meetings, squeezing in a workout before heading off – so I relish a slower start. Once I’m up, I’ll do some exercise at home. I recently signed up to Caroline’s Circuits after writing about her new book in The Gold Edition. I love her teaching style, and the live sessions are archived, so I’ll usually begin with one of her strength workouts. Afterwards, it’s a long shower and a slow, indulgent getting-ready routine. 

For brunch, I always head to The Toast Rack on Trinity Road in Wandsworth. The entire menu is great, but I’m devoted to the Eggs Paxos – any excuse for cheese in a meal. The combination of feta, lemon and za’atar oil is unbeatable. They also have a well-stocked deli at the front, so I often pick up a few weekend nibbles – the pizzas and taramasalata are particular favourites. 

I love a Friday night out to mark the end of the week, but the rest of my weekend tends to be quieter. I really value restorative time with my family. I’m just as happy walking the dog, watching a film, reading a good book, and ticking off a few chores to get set up for the week ahead. 

Saturdays are slow and family focused. With two teenagers who don’t emerge until almost lunchtime, I usually head out for a dog walk on Wandsworth Common with a friend. When I get back, the kitchen is usually a flurry of brunch-making – it’s my kids’ favourite meal to cook, and I’m happy to be served a plate of eggs and avocado. In the afternoon, we might visit the farmers’ market on King’s Road or go somewhere like Richmond Park. Evenings are for staying in – a family meal and a film, though now it’s more likely the kids are out than in. 

My weekend wardrobe is as low-key as the plans. If I’m staying local, I’ll often go the whole weekend without make-up – a welcome break after a busy week of socialising and meetings. In the summer, I live in denim shorts and relaxed tops. My favourites right now are a scallop design from Wyse paired with a smock blouse. I’m also wearing a towelling set from ME+EM on repeat. 

Top of my cultural list right now is Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s Theatre. It’s inspired by Fleetwood Mac, so I’m expecting strong Daisy Jones & The Six vibes. 

I always have a podcast or book on the go. I love Desert Island Discs on a Sunday – I grew up hearing it on the radio and find the lesser-known guests just as fascinating as the big names. For solo dog walks, I’ll download Elizabeth Day’s How To Fail – I recently listened to the Simon Cowell episode and found it surprisingly insightful. 

Saturday nights are for trying new recipes. I love creating family-style sharing platters. My go-to cookbooks are Dr Rupy Cooks – great for Indian and Middle Eastern flavours – and Emily English’s So Good, which is full of delicious, nutritious meals my kids also love. We have a Gozney pizza oven in the garden, so pizza-making is often on the agenda, and if the weather’s good, we’ll BBQ. A marinated, butterflied leg of lamb with chargrilled veg and big salads is a go-to. 

Sundays usually start with a padel match. My husband bought me a racket for my birthday, and I now play at The Padel Yard nearby. It’s such a fun, easy sport – great for any ability – and we’ll usually grab a coffee afterwards. We’re big on Sunday roasts too. It’s a non-negotiable in our house – we always sit down together, no matter how busy the weekend’s been. 

Weekend self-care is about small rituals. With more time, I’ll fit in a workout, do a hair mask, body scrub, fake tan, nails – anything to help me feel pulled together for Monday. I always try to carve out time to read, which is my ultimate indulgence. 

I have a few Sunday reset rituals. I always plan meals and do a food shop for the week ahead. I find it so much easier to stick to healthy habits when the fridge is well stocked. I also do a thorough clean and get on top of the ironing – nothing worse than grabbing something on a busy weekday morning only to find it needs pressing. 

We have a few weekend trips coming up. We’re off to a friend’s house in Salcombe later this summer – beach walks and seafood, the dream combination. We’re also visiting family in the Kent countryside. It might be a cliché, but getting out into nature really does help reset everything. 

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