How I Holiday: A Vogue-Featured Photographer’s Travel Tips For Living It Up In London
Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.
You’ve probably come across Daniel Temesgen’s work without even realising it. The Ethiopian-born, now Melbourne/Naarm-based photographer and director has shot for Adidas, New Balance, Manchester United, Issey Miyake and more, with his ethereal portraits landing in Vogue Australia.
Spotlighting cultures and the power of individuality through a fashion-leaning lens, Temasagen shoots across Australia and well beyond. He’s especially drawn to London, the never-sleeping city known for one of the world's most electric creative scenes.
Thanks to Singapore Airlines, touching down in the UK starts the moment you board. En route to the buzzy England capital, expect top-tier service from their friendly flight crew, a stacked line-up of the latest films on KrisWorld, and chef-designed dishes from an international culinary panel that ease you straight into holiday mode. Keen to take off? Read on for Temesgen’s top London tips.
What is it about London that you love so much?
The fact that I could do anything I wanted was so good. I could go to my favourite stores like Dover Street Market (DSM) and watch Premier League games, plus it has a very cool pub culture.
What makes London special to you?
It was so special because I got to see my favourite team, Arsenal, play at their home ground for the first time. The other thing I was really drawn to was that it felt like I was in five cities all at once; the amount of cultures blending was a very special thing to witness.
What’s a core memory you have there?
Besides the Arsenal games, it has to be trying new food places; everything feels so accessible.
What’s the best meal you’ve had in London?
Definitely Maureen’s Kitchen in Brixton, it’s literally in Ms Maureen’s house, you could sit in the backyard and enjoy the best Jamaican food out. Or, Darjeeling Express, which is an all-female chefs’ restaurant and offers the best Indian food I've ever had.
Where can you find the best shopping in London?
DSM is a great start, you’ll find some of the best brands in there alongside upcoming designers as well. Would definitely suggest going, because once you go to one DSM, you’ll want to go to all of them, which are in the biggest cities in the world.
Hot tip: If top-notch shopping is your thing but luggage space is tight, hop over to KrisShop and nab your fave beauty, fashion and tech products, then collect them on the flight home.
Where are you heading first next time you touch down in London?
A bit of a random one, but Finsbury Park. I’d have some Ethiopian food, then go for a walk around Arsenal's home stadium, then go to The Plimsoll and enjoy the pub food there (would highly recommend).
Where in London would you go for a little creative inspiration?
It might have to be Shoreditch, you know, a lot of cool people are always floating around there. There are nice vintage shops around Brick Lane, and definitely pop into Brick Lane Beigel Shop after and observe the local culture.
Where would you go to escape the crowds?
I would suggest a nice, relaxed day in Hackney. Walk by the river, maybe go get the best matcha in town from Juju Home Matcha. Definitely Regent Park as well. It’s a nice park with city views and a great place for a picnic—I miss it a lot.
What’s your non-negotiable on a trip to London?
Go watch a game of football at a pub, or even better, a stadium. It all feels like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
What surprised you the first time you visited London? Why?
The architecture—some areas in London have one of the best architectures I’ve seen. I was surprised because no one really mentions it that much.
Where should people eat, drink, stay and play in London?
Eat: Shoreditch
Drink: Soho
Stay: Notting Hill
Play: Oxford Circus
Finally, what's your number one flying tip to help you land feeling refreshed?
It sounds silly, but every time I'm in a new city, I search for Aesop. They always open their shops in the coolest areas.
Craving your own London moment? With Singapore Airlines flying to the UK capital from Australia multiple times a week, locking in an overseas getaway is seamless. Before you start plotting your itinerary, find the latest schedules, fares and KrisFlyer redemption options here.
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Imagery: Supplied.