MY FAVOURITE THINGS My favourite things


Rosi Ranieri was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and is an architect, wife, mum of three and a passionate baker. She lived in Boston, Massachusetts for three years then moved to Italy, where her family and husband are from. Fifteen years ago, she and her husband came to London for what was supposed to be just a couple of years but it has become their home.


Your best advice to someone just arriving in the UK? Don’t forget to dress warm and layer up, no matter the season. UK is not Canada or Iceland so it’s not really freezing cold but the temperature is always ‘fresh’ and variable even in summer time.


Your favourite place for a UK weekend away? There are so many places nearby to visit: Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, Stonehenge, Bath, Brighton – each of them are unique, I can’t pick one place.


The highlight of your UK


adventure so far? The Lake and Peak districts are amazing. We rented a caravan and spent one week visiting different places. The kids loved to travel, sleep, eat and shower in the caravan and camping places are so well equipped with children’s activities that they hardly wanted to leave.


Your preferred


West End show? My favourite so far is The Lion King.


The most fabulous spa or


hair salon? I recently moved to Kensal Rise, Blow & Bubbles is not only a hair salon but also a champagne bar, a concept store and a place to hang out before and after your hair is done.


The best ice-cream/coffee shop? I’ve always said that gelato has to be eaten in


Italy, but since Gelateria 3Bis has opened two stores here in London we couldn’t be happier. It can be found in Borough Market and on Portobello Road.


Your favourite expression you have adopted since


being here? “Hiya!”


Your first memory of arriving in the UK? We came one weekend at the end of May in 2004, it was one of the sunniest days ever. My memory is of the


perfect weather with barbecues and parties where we met many people at the open weekend for the London Business School. After 14 years, friendships are


stronger than ever. 36 FOCUS The Magazine May/June 2019 Your favourite location


for a ‘date night’? Well, my husband knows I love oysters so a perfect date night is at Wright Brothers in Soho.


The best men’s barber? There are many fancy barbers in London, but if you are around Kensal Rise then 96 Chamberlaynes is great – excellent haircut at inexpensive prices in a 50s old-style atmosphere.


The best place to take


out-of-town guests? There’s nothing like the charm of Borough Market – the food, the flavours, the colours…


The best breakfast/brunch/afternoon tea spot? Best breakfast/brunch is still the same place for me after 14 years in London Vicki’s first opened her doors in Little Venice but a few years ago moved to Kensal Rise. Their food is healthy and delicious at affordable prices.


Your favourite park? I am personally attached to Regent’s Park, we have always lived nearby, I used to run there and took my kids to play since they were toddlers. London Zoo is within the park as well as many playgrounds and little cafés to enjoy a good read.


Your favourite food to eat


in the UK? It’s either a good full-English breakfast or traditional fish and chips.


Your favourite place to walk? A walk through Southwark is a must.


Your favourite place to have a


fun, cultural night out? Any restaurant, pub, bar or private club in Soho is guaranteed fun.


Best thing about London in


the spring? I personally choose museums over parks because of hay fever; they are also less crowded than winter or summer time.


I felt settled when… My children started school and had a regular routine, as well as meeting parents with the same interests, concerns and activities as it made us feel less nostalgic about missing our home country.


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