My Sydney: Pippa Holt

PLACES
Written By Charlie Cameron

What better way to get to know a travel destination than to ask a local. And not just any local! Pippa Holt has become a global name in the fashion scene since launching her kaftan business 8 years ago. As a former British Vogue stylist, Pippa applied her knowledge of how to dress women and created Pippa Holt kaftans - beautifully hand crafted in Mexico from a team of women who have become like family. Since launching, Pippa Holt kaftans have become a fashion editor’s go to choice for laid-back luxe and a wardrobe must-have for stylish women the world over.

Despite spending much of her year travelling - from working with her team of artisans in Mexico, to visiting stockists and hosting trunk shows across Europe, the US, Middle East and Asia - Sydney is where Pippa calls home. With a discerning eye for all things stylish and an ability to unearth the best gems, we asked Pippa to share with us her Sydney. The Sydney she lives in - an everyday look at where to go and what to do in Sydney from a local.

The Boathouse, Rose Bay

“There is nowhere quite like Sydney - I can say this without bias because I’m not actually from here - my original hometown is Melbourne and as a family, we also have a base in Dublin. For 20 years I lived abroad in Europe, America and London - but now Sydney is where I call home (at least for part of the year!) It is the place that I return to, to decompress and breathe in the salty sea air, catch up with friends and spend time with my three children. I can honestly say, I think Sydney is the best place to live in the world - living on the Harbour with the sun shining and being surrounded by immense beauty and nature, is hard to beat. It is the perfect city for combining the outdoors with city life. From a parents perspective the schools are wonderful and being able to head to the beach after school pick up is fabulous. Here is ‘My Sydney’. Enjoy!”

eat | sleep | sip | shop

Summer is my favourite season in Sydney because I love the heat - the relaxed ‘Aussie’ atmosphere during the summer months makes January my pick for the best month to visit. Spring is also particularly beautiful when the Jacaranda trees dotted all over the city are bursting with purple blooms - it’s like the Sydney version of Japan’s cherry blossom season.

Sydney’s special sauce is being located on the water - from the Harbour to the beaches, it feels incredible that this bustling city is surrounded by water - which makes staying anywhere on the Harbour or by the beach my best picks. Sydney locals tend to fall into one of two camps - North Shore or Eastern Suburbs. I love the North Shore, but for convenience to everything I love, plus the water views, I would recommend staying in the Eastern Suburbs - think Bondi, Double Bay, Watsons Bay, Potts Point or Vaucluse.

eat | sleep | sip | shop

Start the day right and head to Cali Press for great juice and smoothies before you take a dip in the ocean.

Brunch has got to be Bills at Double Bay or Bondi. An institution for brunch - there’s a reason why Bills has continued to be a favourite amongst the locals. Grab a table by the window at the Bondi cafe and watch the world go by (or at least the Bondi locals head about their day).

For a gorgeous lunch spot, I love to head to Catalina Rose Bay. Perched right on the edge of the water and with stunning uninterrupted views of Rose Bay, indulge in beautiful seafood dishes and a cold glass of something lovely. Lunch here feels like a million miles away from city life.

Drinks with friends is always fun at Tanuki in Double Bay. A Japanese izakaya style restaurant that has a courtyard and delicious Japanese inspired cocktails with a late night lounge for dining. A firm local favourite.

For a date night dinner I have three favourites -Icebergs, Hubert or Fred’s. All of them are great. Icebergs is quintessential Sydney - perched on the cliffs over Bondi Beach it is the perfect spot to watch the sky turn its various shades from day to night. Fine dining but without all the pomp - just gorgeous fresh food and a stunning dining room to enjoy it in. The menu is inspired by chef Maurice Terzini’s Italian heritage and the service is impeccable. A visit to Sydney isn’t complete without a dinner here.

For a different vibe, I love Hubert. With two bars and a central dining room with live jazz it is a fun place for a big night out. Low ceilings, dim lighting and bistro furniture. The menu is French bistro - think oysters shucked at the table, steak tartare cut by hand and a wonderful wine list. Start in one of the bars, have dinner in the restaurant and then head back to one of the bars to finish the night. If you are dining as a couple (it’s date night after all!) grab one of the banquet seating booths.

Lastly, for a fab local dinner I also love Fred’s located in Paddington (one of my favourite suburbs). A dinner at Fred’s is a bit like being welcomed into a friends country home - it feels special but also friendly and welcoming. Plus the laid back French inspired interiors are beautiful. The perfect place for a more low-key but lovely date night with my husband.

My favourite place for casual dining with the family is The Boathouse Rose Bay. You can find a few Boathouse restaurants dotted around Sydney’s coast and all of them are lovely. But this is our local go-to. Easy delicious food and casual vibe.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for a really special dinner out - but with a neighbourhood feel - then my pick is Margaret. It is located in Double Bay and is just a stunning restaurant - from the food to the interiors and service - everything is spot on. You won’t be disappointed.

My last recommendation is for lunch with friends at Mimis. Located in Coogee - an Eastern beach suburb, Mimis is in the Coogee Pavilion - beautifully restored by the Merivale group. It is a really beautiful seaside location - the interiors are stunning and Mediterranean menu is delicious. One of my faves.

Mimis at Coogee Pavilion

eat | sleep | sip | shop

For a morning or afternoon of shopping you can’t go wrong with Queen Street Woollahra, Double Bay or Five Ways Paddington. They’re all great for popping in and out of shops, grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat and shopping a little more. You could happily head to one of these local shopping areas and just wander - no specific map or itinerary needed. Let yourself stumble across all the lovely little boutiques and coffee shops dotted throughout the streets.

But let’s get specific on some of my fave shops…

Grandiflora

If you are looking for a service provider in Sydney - here are my go-to’s:

Pippa Holt will be in Singapore this coming Monday, 15th April for her Singapore trunk show. Come along and shop Pippa’s beautiful handcrafted kaftans.

Pippa Holt Singapore Trunk Show
Four Seasons Hotel
Click here to RSVP to attend

Charlie Cameron
Previous

The Secret To An Effortlessly Stylish Home
Next

The French House: Take Me Back to the Beginning