The multi-talented Alex Eagle is a creative director, fashion designer, retail maverick, Substack star, and all-around stylesetter. Now, she’s turning her attention to the way we live with 180 the Thames, a new development that includes apartments, a grocery store, swimming pool, restaurant, and much more. A regular at The Park, she was joined by her son Jack Wadhwa and friend Sarah Harris, the Editorial Director of EE72.
Alex, is the Long Lunch a habit or aberration for you?
I wish it was a habit. I should make it one. How civilised it is to take the time for yourself in the middle of the day.
What makes a Long Lunch enjoyable, versus a chore?
I love a beautiful interior, some people-watching, good lighting and acoustics, but the main things would be the food and the company. It’s such fun indulging in a Long Lunch with a friend on a work day. It feels so naughty and decadent. It’s a real treat to take your time and order delicious things.
What are the qualities endemic to a lunch companion?
I love a bit of work strategy, life planning, and something a bit more superficial like discussing what’s in our shopping carts and planning future holiday destinations and trips.
And who was your companion at The Park, and why were they selected?
Because of the above and many more reasons, Sarah Harris and Jack Wadhwa, my son. Honestly, the best combination ever. Sarah is the easiest company and best for chats. We have been known to sit for days on end shooting the breeze together. Jack is such fun company and full of facts and interesting chats and observations, and it was a real treat for him. He was off school for the day, so he joined us last-minute. Sarah’s husband is his godfather, and she’s my other son’s godmother, so it was pretty much a family lunch only, not as overwhelming as when we have the whole gang join us.
What did you eat and drink today, and why?
The Monkey Bread, which I am addicted to, with its delicious friend, your salted butter. It’s the combo I dream of and run here for. I also had the Shrimp Cocktail, which I order every single time. We had New Orleans Crab Cakes and Chicken Milanese too. We had so many puddings, as we could use Jack as an excuse, and we ate them all. The best is the Key Lime Pie. My goodness! I also adore the zero-alcohol beer served in stein beer mugs. So dramatic.
What will you order on your next Long Lunch at the Park?
Exactly the same. It was perfect. I love to share good food and get to order more and try everything.
Tell us about your favourite long lunch of all time.
With the whole family at the perfect shake on the beach in Positano at Da Adolfo. You take a boat there and drink peach wine and mozzarella wrapped in vine leaves and the most delicious fish on earth. It’s fun and mad but relaxed at the same time as you can eat in your bathing suit. The kids adore it as much as I do.
If you could Long-Lunch with absolutely anyone on the planet—no offence to your companion—who would it be?
If Sarah was busy that day I guess it would be Pablo Picasso. I hope he’d be a big flirt and outrageous fun…and the stories!
And would you like to review your dining companion’s lunch order? Were you envious?
We shared everything, clever us, so I was just envious of her jewellery instead.
On the days that you are Long-Lunching, do you dress differently?
I design and make my own clothes for Alex Eagle Studio so I tend to wear a uniform of jeans, tailoring and shirting with cashmere and a good tailored coat. I wore Alex Eagle tailored trousers and a shirt to The Park. I’m quite obsessed with the perfect trouser and shirt combination. There’s something so elegant about these pieces that make you feel pulled together without trying too hard.
What is your favourite time of year (or weather) in which to enjoy a Long Lunch?
That’s a hard one. A cosy Long Lunch by a fire—looking out at the cold but being warm—is heaven, but then a Long Lunch al fresco for hours with endless chats is probably the best part of the summer. I can’t choose. Don’t make me!
ALEX’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: London, about a mile from The Park.
Neighbourhood: I live in Soho but grew up in Chiswick.
“Short” lunch strategy: A fresh bagel or soup at the Corner shop at 180 The Thames. And the green juice is perfection.
Cocktail: Spicy Margarita, but really I love a cold beer straight from the bottle.
Workout: Pilates, Pilates, Pilates.
Bookstore: Reference Point at 180.
Favourite park: Regent’s Park. Oh, it’s heaven.
Current projects: 180 the Thames. It’s just a hop away from Jeremy’s new restaurant, Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, so we will be neighbours. The Strand is becoming such an exciting food destination, and 180 sits right in the heart of it all. I’m creative director of 180 the Thames, and we have lots of things opening this year. My role is all about collaboration—working with incredible partners across hospitality, design and culture to build something that feels cohesive and meaningful. Everything I do centres around this idea of a life well-lived—the places you go, the people you meet, the experiences that matter. Building that into a neighbourhood at 180 the Thames is such a privilege.
Any recommendations for us? The Courthauld Gallery has such a beautiful permanent collection. I adore it and visit constantly. I am really loving the novel I am currently reading, Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld. Getting a pedalo on to the Serpentine and popping into the gallery, too. I have a Substack with all my cultural and shopping recommendations, in case you haven’t had enough of me by now.