From hidden gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – here is some inspiration, celebrating the independents in our local neighbourhoods around the world.
This week’s selection has been curated by Jack Lewis, founder of the flourishing and innovative plant care brand, Sowvital.
Founded by Jack Lewis, Sowvital was born out of a love for nurturing house plants and a curiosity for understanding how the right nutrients could help them thrive. What started as blending fertiliser formulations at home and sharing them with friends became Sowvital’s ritualistic and scientifically-driven philosophy. Jack left a promising career in law to follow his twin passions of entrepreneurship and plants.
FOR FOOD
“Abruzzi, Rome. It's a family-run restaurant, generous, tasty and deeply authentic.”
FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
“Behind the scenes at a film or photoshoot. It's fascinating watching the lighting teams and stylists busy at work, tweaking every little detail, and each with a highly nuanced and specific role. To be a fly on the wall is a lot of fun, and with Sowvital I've been lucky enough to work on sets with some great photographers and videographers.”
FAVOURITE BOOKSHOP
“Paper-browsing at Fedrigoni's showroom in London. I love discovering interesting papers, which have textural quirks and inspired endless ideas for new creative projects.”
FOR WELLNESS
“Ted's Barbers - it's a treat to relax and have a shave and a haircut.”
FOR SHOPPING
“Tokyo: endlessly neat, precise and ordered, but bursting with ingenious creativity. ”