MY FAVOURITE THINGS My favourite things


Stephanie Bonnassies is originally from Paris. The UK is her second overseas posting, after time spent in Houston (USA). In between she and her family lived in Montpellier, France. She is a medical doctor who followed her husband when he was transferred out of France resulting in a career break. They have been living in London for a year and have three children.


Your best advice to someone just arriving


in the UK? Relax, you are going to love it! Keep cool because it will require some time to be able to enjoy everything that London offers.


The best place to meet people? This one is easy: pubs for the ease in engaging a conversation; associations (FOCUS and Londres Accueil) for meeting people from the same background, and public sport facilities.


Your preferred pub, bar and/or


restaurant? The Sydney Arms in Chelsea which gets sunshine at the end of the afternoon. Or the Churchill Arms in Kensington for the pictures and energy of this political man.


The ultimate boutique or


clothing store? Comptoir des cotonniers offers nice and easy-to-wear clothes. King’s Road is just perfect for shopping with lots of shops and food.


The highlights of your UK


adventure so far? Cocktails at Christies. Driving a power boat on the Thames. Horse riding in Hyde Park. Music in Leighton House and a cocktail at Kensington Roof Gardens.


Your preferred West End show?


The Book of Mormon for its provocative and very inspiring spirit.


Your favourite flower shop? The Real Flower Company, a small shop, with high quality flowers on Cale Street. Also, The Chelsea Gardener on Sydney Street, which offers furniture, decorations and plants.


Your most watched


British TV show? I just saw both seasons of Miranda Hart. The lead character is a joy to watch. I've watched a couple of episodes of Mrs Brown, at the recommendation of an Irish friend, just to get the measure of how far British humour can go (but it's not


for everyone). www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 31 Your favourite expression you have adopted since


being here? Lovely. Fair enough. Keep calm and carry on.


Your preferred mode of transport? Definitely walking and when needed, the bus: top floor, first row.


Your first memory of arriving


in the UK? Taking a cab from London City Airport towards South Kensington on a sunny afternoon with the view of the London Eye.


The best afternoon tea spot? The Orangery in Kensington Gardens for afternoon tea.


The ultimate gourmet food or wine shop? Partridges on the Duke of York Square.


The best place to


workout/exercise? Hyde Park.


What is London’s best kept secret? Leighton House.


Your favourite place to shop for the home? Easy. Peter Jones.


The best place to take out-of-town guests? Tower of London, a cruise on the Thames or the Sky Gardens.


The best place to take the kids


on a rainy day? The Science Museum.


Your favourite food to eat in the UK? Food from all over the world found in Borough Market.


I felt settled when… I didn't understand why everyone wasn’t patiently waiting to queue; when I started drinking tea all day long; and was ready to eat ice cream in the middle of winter!


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