CURIOCITY | London with Susan Knof
London, United Kingdom
Curiocity Guides celebrates cities, travel, friendships and the joy of the journey.
We’ve been around the globe, so you can travel like a local.
“The best part of any journey are the friends you make along the way”
Meet Susan
Susan is the Creative Director and Owner of KNOF design
Hi Susan, Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m the founder of KNOF design and Knof Design Club. I am an architecture and design lover and have spent the past 20 years in the architecture industry working on projects for Fortune 500 companies to designing luxury residences around the world.
My International design experience has granted me the opportunity to travel to many different locations from London to Lisbon and from Bali to Baku. I love sharing the places and people I have met along the way. I am just as comfortable in hard hats as I am in high heels.
Curiocity Guides likes to celebrate friendships made while out in the real world.
In 2007 I took a leap across the Atlantic for an incredible life changing experience in London. I joined luxury architecture and interiors firm SHH where I lead a team focusing on high-end Residential interiors throughout the UK and Europe. I was blessed to travel the world working for heads of state to celebrities.
In 2012, I established KNOF design. I have had the pleasure and privilege to work on luxury properties from London to Luanda.
London has had a huge influence on my life and design. To start, I had to learn a new ‘language’ so to speak, transitioning from working in imperial to metric. There is something powerful about having to think differently about something you have always done.
London is such a fascinating city – it’s geographical location places it so close to so many international cities. It is a cultural epi-centre -The history, the depth, the international influence.
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”
Samuel Johnson, an 18th c. English author stated ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’. There is so much to explore throughout the city, I think it may forever be my muse.
Come discover London, Are you Ready?
London is such a large city so let me break it down for you. Are there districts or neighborhoods? Tell us your favorites. North or South, East or West?
London is broken up into 33 boroughs. This makes up what is called Greater London. Within those 33 boroughs there are roughly 48 neighborhoods as some straddle between two boroughs. Each neighborhood truly has its own personality which is what makes living in London so unique.
What I think is great about London is that it is broken down into zones with zone 1 being central London and then it increases in concentric circles with zone 6 being the furthest from the center.
It is common to use postal sub-districts as place names in London, particularly in the property market: a property may be described as being "in N11", especially where this can be synonymous with a desirable location.
The main sub districts start with the orientation: E, EC, N, NW, SE, SW, W, WC
I was lucky enough to have lived and worked in
WIMBLEDON - SW19
NOTTING HILL - W11
BERMONDSEY - SE1
BATTERSEA - SW11
FARRINGDON - EC1
RAVENSCOURT PARK - W6
FITZROVIA - W1
This guide will take you give you a taste all around London, but will probably dip a bit more into the districts I lived and worked. I look forward to following up with more guides of specific areas.
Let’s get started. First up where to stay?
Top 11 Hotels - in no particular order
Set near Covent Garden, Rosewood London is an ideal base for experiencing the British capital, from ale houses to Michelin-starred dining, and cultural hotspots such as the Royal Opera House. The space is jaw-droppingly beautiful. I feel Royal just visiting. If you don’t stay I at least reccommend popping in for a drink.
2. The Ned
The 250 bedrooms range in size from intimate to large-scale suites – all with a nod to 1920s glamour. Every bedroom at The Ned has been designed to give guests a relaxed and memorable stay. Make the most of your stay by booking one of the experiences, giving you access to upgrades, restaurant and spa credit, plus Cowshed gifts. Ned’s Club is our private members’ club. Members can access Ned’s Club Upstairs and Ned’s Club Downstairs, which include the roof and The Vault. When you book a bedroom direct, you'll be able to access: Ned's Club Spa, Ned's Club Gym, and Ned Friends restaurants.
Chiltern Firehouse celebrates contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking, with an underlying American accent. Executive Chef Richard Foster in collaboration with renowned Chef Patron Nuno Mendes, has created a fresh menu of reimagined classics and bold new flavours, placing emphasis on seasonality and healthy eating.
The Hoxton, Holborn is a buzzing home in the heart of London, a stone’s throw from the West End. Covent Garden, Oxford Street and the British Museum are all in easy walking distance from the hotel, along with great local eateries and some of the city's most charming old streets.
The London EDITION offers both a reinvention of its landmark building and the luxury hotel experience. Located in Fitzrovia on the edge of Soho, the boutique hotel blends thoughtful design and intuitive service with excellent dining and nightlife.
Set in London, 0.7 miles from Brick Lane, Redchurch Townhouse by Soho House features access to a local fitness centre. Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area. All rooms come with a private bathroom. A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property. There is an on-site restaurant, which specialises in Italian cuisine and also offers gluten-free options. Redchurch Townhouse by Soho House provides an ironing service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. For any tips on how to get around or what to do in the area, guests can ask at the reception. Tower Bridge is 1.7 miles from the accommodation, while Borough Market is 1.7 miles from the property.
7. The Laslett
Within seconds of turning out of Notting Hill Gate Station, you will find yourself on a smart, quiet street, lined by a row of Regency-style houses. Evoking the same sense of luxury and elegance that once made them so desirable amongst the crème de la crème of Victorian society, five of these impressive townhouses have today provided the starting point for The Laslett – a hotel by Living Rooms.
8. The Mandrake
The Mandrake is a multi-award-winning, luxury lifestyle property in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia. Every aspect of The Mandrake has been thoughtfully curated and designed to offer guests a unique, immersive and truly unforgettable experience.
Located on the first-floor terrace, Jurema -Global Winner of Outdoor Space - AHEAD Awards- is surrounded by a hanging garden of suspended jasmine and passionflower and overlooks the Courtyard with its soaring Tasmanian Ferns. Serving up Summer ethnobotanical cocktails and Mexican inspired dishes from YOPO, it is an open-air bar unlike any other in London.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is recognised for genuinely kind and generous service. The hotel is perfectly positioned to offer unique experiences in an incomparable location between the Royal Park and bustling Knightsbridge, embracing London’s world class culture, retail, history and innovation.
The hotel's exquisite rooms and suites were created by internationally acclaimed designer, Joyce Wang and it is undeniably one of the city's finest culinary destinations and oasis of calm featuring two outstanding restaurants, two Michelin stars, a magnificent bar and the extensively restored and enlarged Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London.
10. Zetter Townhouse
Fuelled by a passion for super cocktails, sensational parties & the perfect slumber.
The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is an independently owned, 13-bedroom Georgian Townhouse Hotel with an award-winning cocktail lounge.
11. Nomad Hotel
Situated in the heart of Covent Garden adjacent to the Royal Opera House, NoMad London takes residence in the historic Bow Street Magistrates' Court Building.
NoMad London's 91 rooms and suites offer hardwood floors, an extensive custom art program and clawfoot tubs in many suites.
The property is also home to several dining and drinking spaces. The NoMad Restaurant sits at the heart of the hotel in a light-filled glass atrium and Side Hustle, NoMad's casual space evocative of a British Pub with a twist, offers a cocktail program of classics and contemporary choices and menu inspired by the culinary of Southern California.
"We loved how nature was breaking into this strong, masculine building – the femininity creeping in was a big inspiration. We wanted to let the sunshine in, to liberate it."
- Stephen Alesch, Roman and Williams
Pubs
The Garrison (Bermondsey)
A Bermondsey institution since 2003, the Garrison has grown up with the surrounding neighbourhood, but always with an eye to its original intention: to serve quality food & drink, and to do it with a smile.
The Prince Albert (Batterrsea)
Just a short wander through Battersea Park, The Prince Albert has been providing delicious food and drink since 1866. Step inside The Prince Albert for a pub with an elegance that charms visitors and locals. Located a stone’s throw away from the park entrance, it’s the perfect pitstop to bring your friends, family, and dog buddies.
Spread over two floors featuring an intimate beer garden, airy restaurant, and stunning private room that will keep you wanting more; it’s the perfect venue for any occasion.
The Cock and Bottle (Notting Hill)
Located in a delightfully quiet backwater in Notting Hill opposite St Mary of the Angels Church, you will find the Cock & Bottle, one of West London’s most charming and beautifully restored traditional pubs.
We boast a strong wine list that pays tribute to both Old and New World producers. We also offer exciting beers by local craft brewers as well as some from more well established, traditional breweries. Our Head Chef has perfected the balance between traditional pub food and going the extra mile for our dining room upstairs, with a weekly changing and seasonal menu.
The Slaughtered Lamb (Farringdon)
Live music and comedy with burgers and craft beers in lounge bar with floorboards and leather sofas.
Susan Knof sketching outside The Slaughtered Lamb - located must beneath the first KNOF design office.
Afternoon Tea
Located in the stunning St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, The Hansom is the ultimate destination cocktail bar in King's Cross.
Whether you're having business meetings or meeting friends, sip coffee and cocktails under the roof of this iconic building. They also serve modern British bites throughout the day, from morning to evening and St Pancras Afternoon Tea daily from 1pm to 6pm.
Combining British heritage with European grandeur, ‘Piccadilly’s Shining Pearl’ (as the building became known during its time as a bank), now opened its doors as what was considered to be London’s first Grand Café.
Renowned today for its spectacular interior, classic food and seamless service, The Wolseley has earned its reputation as one of London’s most respected all-day café-restaurants, becoming an iconic institution the world over.
Charlotte Street Hotel is situated in the media neighbourhood just north of Soho. It is a minute's walk from leafy Soho Square and the theatre district, within easy reach of the financial centre and is surrounded by some of London's best bars, restaurants and cafes.
Petersham Nurseries - Afternoon Tea
One of my absolute favourite places! The Garden Afternoon Tea provides the perfect opportunity for sharing special moments and creating lasting memories.
Brimming with delicacies that reflect a spirited style, and exuding romance and character, inspired by the natural world, this is an Afternoon Tea that departs from the traditional, engaging with new ideas to present an entirely different experience.
Escape your everyday routine and transport yourself to the perfect English country garden setting. Experience an Afternoon Tea like no other, for a true reflection of the traditional tastes of the season, in a wholly new Afternoon Tea event, available every Saturday and Sunday.Voted Vogue’s Best Afternoon Teas in London
Restaurants
A collection of independent and individual modern cafés inFitzrovia, Bloomsbury and Victoria with handsome bars, serving neighbourly hospitality and awesome food.
Chicama is a seafood restaurant in Chelsea with a menu inspired by the coastal food of Peru and the bold-flavours of Peruvian cuisine.
Cafe Boheme is a place to eat and drink in laid-back bonhomie, inspired by the 19th-century French poets who used to meet on Old Compton Street.
We serve French classics such as confit duck, steak frites and escargots, based on traditional recipes. Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and live jazz every day.
Established in 1985, Andrew Edmunds is considered one of the last bastions of 'old Soho'. This 18th century town house has, for more than thirty years, attracted many loyal customers. A relaxed atmosphere, seasonal menu and famous but reasonably priced wine list have ensured our enduring popularity.
Pollen Street Social opened in April 2011, and was awarded a Michelin star within just six months , alongside 5 AA Rosettes and no.4 in The Good Food Guide’s best UK restaurants. The restaurant delivers an informal and social setting, where the surroundings are as vibrant as the food.
The restaurant serves a menu of small tapas style and more substantial dishes that can be served as starters and mains or as tapas for sharing. The food is influenced by José's passion for the best quality seasonal Spanish produce cooked in an open kitchen. Get lost in our huge Spanish wine list and sherries and cocktails.
Located on a vibrant pedestrianised market street, Caravan Exmouth Market is a bright and airy space with glazed frontage on two sides and an outside terrace on the market. Serving signature well-travelled breakfast and all day food and drinks menus along with freshly roasted coffee from the Caravan Roastry. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Home of multiple restaurants all in one setting. Each of the restaurants have their own distinct space, separated by 92 verdite columns and rows of Grade I-listed walnut banking counters.
Museums + Galleries - I love checking out local art and galleries, do you have some you can suggest?
This is certainly one area where London absolutely excels. Not only are there so many to choose from, but one of the best things about visiting London is that many of its world-class museums and galleries are free for everyone to visit.
With that being the case, I think it is great to visit the main museums and galleries and then visit the smaller independent galleries by area.
Not only will you get a great taste of the world’s best art and design, but also a wonderful architectural tour as the building area as magnificent as the great works inside.
Homage to the Square: Study for Nocturne 1951
© 2022 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/DACS, London
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Explore modern and contemporary art from around the world
Tate Modern has over a hundred years of art, from modernism in the early 1900s, to exciting works created today. This includes paintings, sculptures, and more made by artists all over the world such as Pablo Picasso, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, and Jenny Holzer.
Experience Tate’s iconic Turbine Hall. In the Natalie Bell Building you can see how artists create new ideas. In the Blavatnik Building you can explore the underground Tanks, dedicated to performances, installations and video works.
When I lived in London I did a figure drawing class that took place at night once the galleries closed. It was absolutely incredible to be able to sit amongst Picassos while creating our own Figure drawings. I’d highly recommend this, if it is still available.
An icon of Brutalist architecture, the Barbican is one of the UK’s architectural treasures.
Working with a site almost completely razed by the Blitz, the Barbican’s architects, Chamberlain, Powell and Bon, seized the opportunity to propose a radical transformation of how we live in buildings and cities.
The result is one of London’s most ambitious and unique architectural achievements: a city within a city that is raised above street level and draws on a rich palette of references, from ancient Roman fortresses and French Modernism to Mediterranean holidays and Scandinavian design.
Home to some 4,000 residents across 2,000 flats, organised around schools, a church, a library, an artificial lake, conservatory and an entire arts centre, no detail was left unconsidered, from the top of the 40 storey towers to the basement theatre and cinemas.
The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects that span over 5,000 years of human creativity.
The Museum holds many of the UK's national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.
Explore art made in Britain from 1545 to the present day.
Discover some of the oldest and best-loved art in Tate’s collection – including work by William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough, Gwen John, and the pre-Raphaelites – as well as the most exciting contemporary work by artists such as David Hockney, Chris Ofili, and Claudette Johnson.
Tate Britain has the world’s largest collection of paintings by one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, J.M.W. Turner, which has been rejoined by Mark Rothko’s Seagram murals.
The Museum is a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre.
Unique collections and unrivalled expertise are used to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today.
It is home to 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually.
A long time bucket list item that I am embarrassed to admit I have not done yet is ice skating at the Natural History Museum. So if you find yourself in London at Wintertime put on those skates for me!!
Founded in 1856, the aim of the National Portrait Gallery, London is to promote through the medium of portraits the appreciation and understanding of the people who have made and are making British history and culture, and to promote the appreciation and understanding of portraiture in all media.
This is a great little gallery nestled in Hyde Park and is wonderful to visit all year round. But Spring/Summer when the Serpentine Pavilion is underway it is an absolute must!! This was my favourite yearly ritual.
The pavilions, which last for about three months and must be realized with a limited budget are intended to provide a multi-purpose social space where people gather and interact with contemporary art, music, dance, and film events.
The Serpentine Galleries Summer Pavilions since the first one, designed by Zaha Hadid in 2000, up to the 2021 edition, designed by the all-female South-African architecture office Counterspace.
Check out more about the latest Pavillion here.
One of my favorite things to do when I arrive in a new city is take a long walk and just absorb all the new sounds, sights, and smells. Do you have any favorite strolls to people watch and take it all in?
Yes! Depending on what area you are in and if you want to take in culture and city life or relish in natural beauty, these are a few of my favourites.
I love, love, love strolling around a bit aimlessly discovering my favorite cobbled paths, beautiful mews houses and taking in the rows of colorful homes in Notting Hill or spotting Magnolias and hydrangeas growing with reckless abandon over Georgian and Victorian architecture.
When I lived in Notting Hill during the 2008 recession I was inspired to run to work instead of using the tube. This is when I discovered all the beauty of Notting Hill from Ladbroke Grove to Holland Park.
Every morning and evening I would alter my route slightly to discover all the amazing and colourful architecture and overflowing trees and flowers.
South Bank The South Bank is a bit touristy but there is a reason for this. It is a great stroll along the Thames and you will pass attractions, museums, theatres, architecture, galleries, food and shops. The London Eye, the BFI, The National Theatre, The Old Vic.
Strolling through Borough Market
Borough Market and Maltby Street Market
This is a food lover’s heaven so come hungry and ready to try a little of everything from Coffee at Monmouth Coffee to lots of great nibbles along the way!!
When I lived in Bermondsey these were my local markets and I was able to wander about during off hours which was great to avoid large weekend crowds. On Thursdays most things were open so you got to experience the market with less crowds and tourists.
Set right in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers both world-class events and concerts together with plenty of quiet places to relax and unwind.
Dip your toes in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, brave an open water swim in The Serpentine, or just admire the views across the lake from a waterside café.
Richmond Park and Richmond High Street
From the high street to the lanes, the green spaces to the stately homes, this London neighborhood has everything I love all in one place and what a place it is.
My hands down favorite place is Petersham Nurseries - A place of calm, in tune with nature and positive living.
For a more detailed look at Richmond check out this Richmond Guide by A Lady in London.
Welcome to Portobello Road, the world’s largest antiques market with over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectible!!
Visitors flock from all over the world to discover one of London’s best loved landmarks which contains the most extensive selection of antiques in Britain.
Portobello is really several markets in one, Saturday being the day when all are in full swing. Then you can experience a mile of hustle, haggle, colour and energy. The feature of Saturdays is the opening of hundreds of antique and specialist shops and stalls. There are some talented and bizarre street performers to be spotted too.
Primrose Hill has a character all of its own, at the summit of this grassy hill are some spectacular views across London. It is separated from Regent’s Park by Prince Albert Road and the ZSL London Zoo.
Window Shopping along Pimlico Road.
For some great interiors window shopping, Pimlico Road is a must!
It is a favorite sourcing mecca for KNOF design - from Textiles to Furniture and Lighting it is a road to get inspired!
OCHRE Furniture and Lighting
ROSE UNIACKE Contemporary Interior Design and Antique Sourcing
SOANE BRITAIN Furniture, lighting, fabrics and wallpapers
LINLEY Cabinet Makers and Bespoke Furniture
JAMB Finest antique and reproduction chimneypieces and fire grates.
For a further list - check out the Pimlico Road Design District Directory
Let’s talk culture, where do you like to go to get Inspired?
Bookshops always fill me with inspiration and London has no shortage of independent ones.
Tell us a hidden gem that only a real Londoner knows?
Oh gosh, there truly are so many!
I love when I would stumble upon a hidden square. Living in the city could sometimes feel overwhelming and so I ‘d like to discover little quiet spots for when I needed a little peace.
My first ‘Knoffice’ was located in Farringdon and there was a very quaint square nearby called St. John’s square.
I found this to be a good quiet space to reflect and sketch out ideas and concepts, draft proposals, and understand complex details.
Sketching in St. John’s square in Farringdon
We are a big fan of your work. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into architecture and interiors and travel and what inspires you most?
I was pretty much born with a pen in my hand, Very early on I realised that it was the best way to communicate my thoughts and ideas in a collective manner - especially when I had a lot of ideas!!
I always considered sketching and drawing and my passion for fine arts a hobby. So when it came to select a major in college I decided on Psychology. I didn’t so much as take one Art class. It was then I realised a large part of me was now missing. Not only did I love it, but I needed it. Art and Design was my meditation.
It was then I decided to switch majors. I picked up a course catalog and highlighted all the classes that appealed to me - furniture design, lighting design, 3-D sculpture, architecture, History of Art…..I then saw most fell in the Interior Architecture category so I submitted a portfolio, was accepted and never looked back. I’ve followed this passion around the world and back again!
I don’t like to plan for inspiration. I like the surprise of it! Travel usually does it for me as it allows my senses to become alive and open. People, Nature, History, Architecture, Art, Fashion, my inspiration is usually a cocktail - a combination of a few great things!
Check out Susan’s work!
