The Italian-born editor and creative savant Gianluca Longo is often found at the most stylish spots and events in Europe, and beyond. We are always delighted to welcome him at The Park, and he most recently joined us for lunch at The Bar with his friend Sophie Conran, the designer, author, and retailer.
Gianluca, we often see you here at the weekend, which is heaven. What is your Park ritual?
I usually go to The Park after my Saturday morning workout, at around 10 to 10.30. I’m often alone. I like to sit at one of the small tables by the windows — table 38 is my favourite — and read the papers which I find at the entrance. I can relax. The natural light at The Park — even on a grey day — is what makes this place so special, aside from the menu and the décor. I always order the same things: an almond milk cappuccino and an egg white omelette with spinach and mushrooms on the side. Habits help my brain.
What do you enjoy about sitting at The Bar, in particular?
I like to sit at the table at times. I actually enjoy looking at people in restaurants, and while you are at the bar you can look at the people coming in and out without looking like a weirdo. I also like to sit at the bar for a quick lunch or a pre-dinner drink. It’s sexier.
You travel so much for both work and pleasure. When you eat alone, do you prefer to do it at a bar or a table? Or does it depend on the restaurant?
It depends on the restaurant and on the lighting. And if there’s a dishy waiter behind the bar, then it’s a no-brainer.
Can you tell us a bit about what you ordered? We hope it was delicious!
For this lunch we ordered Crab Linguine and a chopped salad to share. I am very fussy about eating pasta at restaurants — my Italian nature shows up! — but at The Park, you know how to cook it, and the lemony taste of the crab is delicious.
What inspired you to invite Sophie to join you today?
Sophie and I are very good friends and we share a love for food. We often talk about how we cook certain dishes. We don’t always agree on certain ingredients — she loves to use butter everywhere, while I prefer olive oil — but we know when we eat well. Also, she had just returned from a marvellous trip to India, and our lunch was a great moment to hear all about it.
As a design expert, we’d love to know some of your favourite artworks and design features at The Park.
I love the big staircase at the entrance. It’s so beautiful in its proportions, and it’s glorified by the large Alex Katz painting. Overall, the design of The Park is elegant in its simplicity. It’s not overwhelming in the décor.
You may have noticed that at the bar, our cocktail menu nods to the Italian tradition of aperitivo. Do you have any favourite cocktails of ours?
Aperol Spritz served in long glasses. So inviting! And so delicious.
And when you are hosting aperitivo at home in London, how do you like to do it?
In the garden, weather-permitting. Champagne or prosecco served in small glasses, usually in winter season, and Campari soda served in Laguna B striped colourful glasses in the warmer months. For snacks, big La Bella olives and small taralli. If I have time, I like to serve small white bread squares with butter and anchovies on them. Rolled.
GIANLUCA’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: Puglia, Italy.
Neighbourhood: Holland Park.
Cocktail: Negroni in winter, Campari Soda in summer, Champagne Piscine anytime. If I’m at a party, then Spicy Margaritas… all night long.
Workout: Once a week, I do PT and Barry’s Bootcamp, and then I’ll also run or padel — if I feel like it.
Bookshop: Daunt Books on Holland Park Avenue.
Favourite park: Holland Park, because you have it all — the wilder woodland area, the manicured garden with beautiful seasonal flowers, the quiet and relaxing Japanese garden, and a big lawn for children to play. And it’s nearby!
Current projects: I am a free agent now, I can manage different projects at the same time. I have been asked to moderate talks on design and fashion, I am working on two books (not mine nor on me!), and exploring more in the hospitality industry.
Any recommendations for us? Television, films, or exhibits? Looking forward to the Schiaparelli exhibition at the V&A. One of the greatest creative women of the past century on show.