The British think their country is a mess, a shambles, a dog’s breakfast—politically, economically, perhaps even socially. But it’s in the worst of times that irrepressible London shows itself at its best. Post-Brexit chaos has been the perfect starter for creativity and style, and as old London crumbles, it rises again with the new.
The National Health Service flounders, and the Conservative government that starved it and so many other emblems of a modern democracy self-implodes. At the same time, the gallery scene in Shoreditch is the envy of its rivals. Wet Leg, Arlo Parks, and Little Simz are selling out stadiums. Whether it’s the terrine at Planque, in Hackney, or the venison at Dorian, in Notting Hill, London’s restaurants are more thrilling and varied than ever.
At the National Theatre, the programming has never been more interesting. Dear England, a hit play about football (soccer in the U.S.) of all things, debuted in June, and is now the toast of the West End. Meanwhile, London is once again setting interior-design trends from Tribeca to Tokyo.
Post-Brexit chaos has been the perfect starter for creativity and style, and as old London crumbles, it rises again with the new.
As for its place in the fashion firmament, bow down to the second coming of Phoebe Philo, whose long-awaited first solo collection sold out even faster than predicted. (Who could have foreseen that $5,200 trousers that resemble a kitchen mop would be so popular?)
But London owes its biggest debt of gratitude to its next-gen troublemakers, including the 25 talented artists, directors, writers, designers, comedians, and musicians in Air Mail’s London List, who are rebuilding the city in their own image. From indie-rock clubs to storied theaters, to the Royal Courts of Justice, our London List celebrates the best and brightest at the moment. And you won’t find a single crowned head among them.
Now let’s get going. Take a saunter with Will Self through the city that nobody knows. Meet Dorian Lynskey for a pint at the Spread Eagle before embarking on a raucous tour of the ever regenerating Camden. Spot the new London stereotypes pounding the pavement. Want uninhibited intellectual debate? Head to UnHerd with Stuart Jeffries. Or bypass argument entirely and learn how to use the c-word in the English manner with our profanity expert, Hannah Betts.
Then head west to sleepy old Kensington, where Alexandra Shulman recalls the glory days of big, bad Biba, while delightfully opinionated Nicky Haslam holds court on the terrace at Clarke’s. Learn the perils of dating a member of the royal family—and see which ones you can spot in Aatish Taseer’s delicious roman à clef. After that you might see King Charles the same way the marvelously scabrous Gerald Scarfe sees him. Boggle with Hilary Rose at the bizarreness of Bacchanalia, and tag along with Mark Rozzo to Hammersmith, where Ruthie Rogers of the River Cafe has nurtured some of Britain and America’s most talented chefs. We hope you enjoy every single morsel. —The Editors