MY FAVOURITE THINGS My favourite things


My name is Ana Figueroa and I’m originally from Madrid, Spain. We moved to London for my husband’s work a year ago. We and our two children were so excited about living abroad. Today a year later I can say that it has been a great decision. It’s been a family adventure in which we are maturing and reinventing ourselves.


Your best advice to someone just arriving in the UK? Be open-minded and enjoy the city, the food and even the weather!


The best place to meet people? FOCUS of course! I have met a lot of interesting people in the international community plus I’ve made good friends.


Your preferred pub, bar and/or restaurant? We often go to a pub called White Swan in Twickenham, on the banks of the Thames. It has a nice, quiet terrace on the river.


Your favourite place for a UK


weekend away? So far, our tour around the Costwolds area. So many beautiful, perfectly maintained little villages such as Bourton-on-the- Water, Burford and Chipping Camden…


The ultimate boutique or clothing store?


I like Studio Max, especially in the sales! Everything has great design and quality.


The highlight of your UK


adventure so far? The reception with the King and Queen of Spain at the Spanish embassy. I felt more Spanish than ever!


Your preferred West End show?


I highly recommend Motown: the Musical the story of a legendary record label that changed music history. I went with the whole family and we enjoyed it very much.


The best ice-cream/coffee shop? Orée on High St Kensington is one of our favourites! Brioches, croissants and a wonderful lemon tart. There are another two on Fulham Road and Kings Road.


Your favourite


flower shop? There are so many, but I frequently buy from a spot on the street on the Fulham Road, The Chelsea Flower Stand or else Whole Foods and M&S.


Your most watched British TV show?


So far just The Tudors.


Your favourite expression you have adopted since being in


the UK? No worries! Not my cup of tea!


Your preferred mode of transport? I definitely prefer the bus. It helps me to get know the city and enjoy the views!


Your first memory of arriving


in the UK? Watching the sun through the windows while unpacking boxes.


The best breakfast/brunch/


afternoon tea spot? None yet, although I want to go for afternoon tea at The Wolseley.


The ultimate gourmet food or wine shop? An Italian place in Kings Road called Prezzemolo e Vitale. It has excellent truffle pecorino cheese!


The funkiest high street shops? My children take me to Soho.


The best spot to people watch? The pedestrianised area of South Kensington.


Your favourite place to shop for the home?


(furniture, electronics, etc.) Oka, Graham and Green.


Your favourite museum or gallery? The Saatchi Gallery is perfect to go to on a Saturday and to grab a bite to eat afterwards from the food stalls at the Duke of York Square also the Royal Academy as they have interesting exhibitions.


The best place to take out-of-


town guests? The Henry Moore Foundation is perfect. Also, Churchill’s house Chartwell.


The best children’s shop? Trotters.


Your favourite food to eat in the UK? All the berries! Plus rhubarb, scones and a Sunday roast.


Your favourite place to walk? The riverside in Hammersmith.


I felt settled when… I realised the whole family was doing fine in school, university and work!


www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 33


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