MY FAVOURITE THINGS My favourite things
Suzy and Edward Bibko have lived in London since 2001, originally living in Covent Garden and then moving to the more civilised environs of Kensington. Suzy is from Chicago and Edward is from New York; they met more than 25 years ago on a summer law programme at Cambridge University. Suzy works in marketing for a fintech and Edward is general counsel for an investment bank.
Your best advice to someone just arriving in the UK? Travel as much as you can. Over time you start taking for granted the amazing things to see in the UK and Europe. And try to get out of your home country comfort zone; embrace the differences rather than complain about them or constantly compare.
The best place to meet people?
Our friends have mostly come from
work, expat social groups such as the Junior League and the American Society, our clubs (Lansdowne and Reform) and City guilds. The best way to make friends is to join in as many groups as possible.
Your preferred pub, bar or restaurant?
The Seven Stars pub behind the Royal Courts of Justice is wonderfully Dickensian, both in terms of décor and characters.
Your favourite place for a UK weekend away?
We met many years ago in Cambridge. In addition to the nostalgia, it is a fairy tale place if you can avoid the tour groups marching through. Try a punt on the Cam. And we love going to Edinburgh for the rugby – kilts, bagpipes, haggis, tweed and amazing scenery…what more could you ask for.
The best coffee shop? Nero for the high street, Reformation for a special coffee treat.
Your most watched British TV show? Suzy loves Miranda and Planet Earth, and really enjoys shows like Countryfile (she daydreams about owning a sheep); Edward likes the classics, like Father Ted (he daydreams that Suzy will one day enjoy it).
Your favourite expression you have adopted since being here? There are the everyday things like “brilliant,” but London has such vibrant language. Much of this
36 FOCUS The Magazine March/April 2020
creativity is unprintable. Edward is amused by the (admittedly Australian) phrase “don’t come a raw prawn with me, mate” and Suzy seems to have taken to “such fun” (a la Miranda, the television show).
Your first memory of arriving in the UK? Booking a car at Heathrow to take all our baggage to our flat and not knowing the difference between an ‘estate’ car and a ‘saloon’ car. Do they still even use those terms?
The best breakfast/brunch/ afternoon tea spot? Zoblers in The Ned is a terrific New York Jewish deli serving terrific breakfasts.
The best place to workout/exercise? Equinox (American, I know). There are lots of great independent Pilates studios; we like Heartcore in West London.
What is London’s best kept secret? It’s full of small, quirky finds like the statue of Dr Johnson’s cat off Fleet Street, inscribed “Hodge, a very fine cat indeed”. And the City guilds have some of the most amazing halls; if you’re ever invited to an event at one, do go – it’s often like stepping into a Harry Potter set.
The best place to take out-of-town guests? Pub quiz night at your local.
Your favourite park? Holland Park has everything-formal English gardens, an Orangery, art galleries, Japanese gardens, woodlands and peacocks.
Best thing about London in the spring? There is a special joy on the first truly warm and sunny day of the year. People flood into the parks and there is a special feeling in the air like a spontaneous group hug is imminent.
I felt settled when…
We went back to the US and waiters seemed too friendly. After a while you do start to think the oddities of England are normal and normalities of America are a bit odd.
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