MY FAVOURITE THINGS My favourite things


Cristina Martinez-Baker moved from Spain to London fourteen years ago and she qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales. She currently lives in London with her husband and daughter Isabella and has previously lived and worked in Trier, Germany and San Francisco, United States. At present Cristina is on maternity leave from her job at an investment bank awaiting for the new member of the family to arrive.


Your best advice to someone just arriving in the UK? I would definitely advise him or her to wear their most comfortable shoes and explore each neighbourhood by foot. They are all unique. Also, always carry an umbrella.


The best place to meet people? I am biased by my love for running so I would definitely say join a running club, like parkrun which takes places every Saturday across every park in London for a 5km run or walk. Or sign up for a book or cooking club, or volunteering are all great ways to meet people.


Your preferred pub, bar and/or


restaurant? The Fumoir bar at Claridge’s hotel; Cambio de Tercio is a fantastic Spanish restaurant located in South Kensington.


Your favourite place for a UK weekend away?


Definitely the Cotswolds which is accesible by train from Paddington and by car, and is just 90


minutes from London. Stay at the Lords of the Manor and go for lunch at The Wild Rabbit.


Your preferred West End show? As cheesy as it sounds I really enjoyed watching Mamma Mia with my mother.


The best ice-cream/ coffee shop?


I am more a tea person, the coffee experts pointed me to Taylor St Baristas in the City and Monmouth Coffee Company in Borough Market. For ice cream go to Oddono.


Your favourite flower shop? Gardenia in Wimbledon Village.


Your favourite expression you have adopted since being here? “It’s raining cats and dogs”.


Your preferred mode of


transport? If I’m wearing flats I am happy taking the tube but if I’m in high heels and it’s raining I will be in a black cab in no time.


The ultimate gourmet food or wine shop?


For wine look no further than Hedonism. Their staff are not only friendly but also very knowledgeable and polite.


www.focus-info.org The funkiest high


street shops? I find the shops on Carnaby Street and Brick Lane rather funky.


The best place to


workout/exercise? I trained for my half marathons by running in different parks in London but since the weather can be unpredictable I would say Nuffield Health.


Your favourite location for a


date night? Anywhere along the South Bank – walking by the Thames is so very romantic.


What is London’s best kept secret? Dukes Bar for the best martini you will ever have or if you want some space and solitude, head to Whitehall Gardens or Sydenham Hill Woods.


The best spot to people watch? Manicomio located at the Duke of York Square and the Serpentine in Hyde Park.


Your favourite museum or gallery? The Tate Modern.


The best place to take out of town guests. You can’t go wrong taking them to the Glyndebourne Festival or to the Henley Royal Regatta.


The best children’s shop? For toys Hamley’s is a paradise for children – and a minefield for parents! For clothes I love La Coqueta, Amaia Kids and Bleu Comme Gris; for books head to Hatfield.


The best place to take the kids on a


rainy day? The Victoria & Albert Museum, All Star Lanes for bowling, any indoor swimming pool or even for some cookie baking at Biscuiteers.


Your favourite neighbourhood or area


to explore? I love Wimbledon and everything it has to offer, from tennis to great food to wonderful boutiques.


Your favourite place to have a fun,


cultural night out? Definitely the Royal Opera House.


Favourite place to go for some quiet? The Light House in Wimbledon or a walk around Greenwich Park.


I felt settled when… When we moved to our newly refurbished family home.


FOCUS The Magazine 33


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