My Favourite Parisian Brasseries

Paris is one of the most-written-about cities in the world. The image of a French writer or heartbroken woman outside Café de Flore on Boulevard Saint Germain, book and espresso in hand, is surely one of the most visible (albeit cliché) sights we can all envisage in our minds. 

As someone with more than a penchant for Paris, food, and wine (and cheese), I have always feverishly sought out the best brasseries to visit whilst on a trip to the City of Light. Simply, there's nothing more relaxing than sitting with friends en terrasse over coffee, watching and commenting on the locals strolling by. On a recent birthday trip with my sister, this is all our itinerary consisted of (case in point with all of the below photographs I'm about to bombard you with). Having visited Paris countless times, and after reading some of the best guidebooks on offer - The New Paris and À Paris Avec Amour being my favourites - I've become quite the brasserie connoisseur. Ahead, you'll find a lengthy list of where best to head for your morning bowl of coffee, your late-afternoon lunch, and your post-dinner digestif. 

Gabrielle Chanel

There are few fragrances on the market that can rival that of Chanel's No.5. The iconic perfume sells every 30 seconds, according to the French government, and rakes in an incredible $100 million per year. But when 'Gabrielle Chanel' thrusted its sophisticated, golden, boxy self in front of our eyes, it seemed there actually could be something just as successful.

Bonjour Londres! Where To Find the Best of Paris in London

Because, if you can't be a Parisenne, you can be a fake French-Londoner, sans beret.

London truly has it all. And that even means a little bit of Paris too. The city of romance is full of charm, history, tradition, amazing food, fashion, wine - the list is endless. Paris is certainly fetishised through the lens of Instagram, and has its flaws of being dirty and expensive, but the city somehow remains magical despite all its faults. And in a world obsessed with perfectionism, isn't that part of the charm?

The Red Jumper

The best jumpers are like rich mince pies, a warm bed on a Sunday morning and taking your bra off after a long day: pure comfort. When I spotted this knitted red jumper hiding in the corner of my local Zara, with its oversized shape and pretty bow at the back, it seemed only courtesy to take it in my arms and give it a home.

And when better to adorn yourself in red than the festive season? You can surely count on us bloggers to get you into the Christmas spirit with our vlogmases, advent calendar openings on Instagram stories and lengthy gift guides.

The White Shirt

Classic wardrobe pieces are classic for a reason. They work in any outfit and for every season. And a white shirt is exactly the kind of piece I'm living in right now. Though, I do admit, these photos were taken a little while ago as these days you'd struggle to find me amidst a bundle of layers and one too many scarves.

Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone

It's no secret that I am a bonafide lover of Marylebone. And if you happen to follow me on Instagram, you'll more often than not see my frizzy hair and wide-toothed grin sitting gingerly at Chiltern Firehouse, a luxury boutique hotel down the ever-stylish Chiltern Street.

To catch a seat in the restaurant is near enough to impossible (Sienna Miller's and Princess Eugenie's clan seem to take up all the reservations), but the dreamy, cosy and undeniably chic courtyard is just as nice, if not better due to its intimacy and twinkling lights.

If you're not in full Christmas mode just yet (I'm a little disappointed in you though, I'll admit), then the cobbled courtyard is just your place. With it's black and white seats and awning, a roaring fireplace and dappled waiters in waistcoats, this charming spot tucked away from the bustle of the city is straight out of a New York fairytale. 

Black and White, Marylebone

Hello, hello ladies. It's been a crazy month cracking on with my university work but now that's all completed, you'll be seeing a lot more of me on here (feel free to boo or cheer.) 

November greeted us Londoners with the most bittersweet chill. A chill so cold that my skin has glued itself to this fluffy Mango coat, making me permanently resemble a polar bear. I've shared this faux fur number numerous times, and it wasn't until today that I realised I always style it in the same way (case in point here and here.) So while I wish I was showing you all something uniquely inspiring and revolutionary today, it's safe to say my style, still a year later, is pretty simple, understated and well, monochrome. So here's to more noir et blanc...

The Secret Parisian Gallery, Mayfair

Dreaming of an autumnal escape to Paris? Can't stop thinking about strolling around the Jardin des Tulieries, post-espresso and pre-Sezane shop? Ain't we all. But if, like me, your hometown ties are reigning you in and a Eurostar ticket is out of reach, there's a little pocket of Paris in Mayfair that can substitute for the meantime.