My Plate & Place with… Kimi Murdoch

Her path then took an unexpected turn when she joined Bravo’s Ladies of London. Today, Kimi is bringing those worlds together in her latest project, Ladies Over Lunch – a new series celebrating fashion, food and culture, with plenty of personality, style and good conversation along the way.

Describe your perfect day in London?

My perfect day in London would begin with a brisk stroll to Birley Bakery for an alfresco cappuccino and a pain au chocolat, followed by a leisurely rummage through the markets in search of a little antique treasure.

Lunch would be dim sum at A.Wong’s fabulous bar, with a ringside view of the chefs at work. Then, as the afternoon begins to fade, l would raise a glass of champagne and give in to a rather more delicious temptation-somewhere between late afternoon and early evening, with the sort of company that makes one quite forget there was ever a dinner reservation.

Favourite restaurant?

My favourite London restaurant is the timeless Scott’s, where I’ve been returning for more than 25 years.

I start with bracingly fresh native oysters, followed by their magnificent Dover sole meunière – the kind of dish that makes everything else seem rather unnecessary. Add the impeccable service and a final glass of rosé Champagne, and it remains, quite simply, unbeatable.

Best place for brunch?

I’m not much of a brunch person. As Oscar Wilde put it, “Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast,” which has always seemed a perfectly good reason to skip it. But if I had to choose, it would be Colbert – a Chelsea classic, and the cheese omelette is gloriously indulgent.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

The last museum I visited was Tate Modern, a few weeks ago, for the fabulous Frida Kahlo exhibition. It explored how she became such a powerful posthumous icon, with her vivid colours, haunting self-portraits and unmistakable gaze filling the galleries. Quite simply, a feast for the eyes.

Where are the best places to shop?

My favourite places to shop in London are wonderfully eclectic. First, Japanese Knife Company on Baker Street, where exquisite handmade knives and ingenious cooking tools make browsing dangerously addictive. Second, Hedonism Wines, where virtually any bottle you could dream of can be sourced. And third, Les Couilles du Chien on Golborne Road, a wonderfully eccentric trove of antiques and curiosities where the best finds often come with surprisingly good prices.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

My favourite bar in London is Oswald’s, where the Krug arrives almost theatrically cold-icy, immaculate and utterly delicious – in one of London’s most beautiful settings. It’s difficult to imagine a more civilized way to drink.

Favourite tipple?

My tipple of choice is always a French 75, named in 1915 after the formidable French 75 field gun for its explosive force. Sweet, sour and dangerously precise, it delivers a neat charge of gin with Champagne fizz as its sparkling fuse – then hits its target.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

When I want to unwind, I walk around the Serpentine in Hyde Park, watching the swans glide across the water with their effortless, almost theatrical elegance, their white feathers mirrored in the ripples behind them. It’s one of those rare corners of London where everything seems to slow down.

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

If I had just one day in London, I’d take myself straight to The National Gallery, where centuries of extraordinary art unfold around you. From Titian and Vermeer to Van Gogh and Turner, it’s an embarrassment of riches. I’d linger over the paintings, stop for coffee, explore the beautiful café, and simply let the art work its way through me.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

We’re currently working on a new show called Ladies Over Lunch, bringing together three friends from Bravo’s Ladies of London – Lady Martha Sitwell, Myka Meyer and myself. Filming begins on October 26th for a new YouTube series that takes us to some of the world’s most iconic cities in search of exceptional restaurants, fabulous food and plenty of fun.

It’s food, fashion, wine and cocktails, with three friends who have plenty to say and absolutely no shortage of chemistry.

We’ll be eating, drinking, exploring and, inevitably, getting ourselves into a little trouble along the way.

To find out more about Kimi and to keep up to date with her latest news, follow on Instagram @kimimurdoch