CognitionX co-founder Tabitha Goldstaub shares her city secrets, from the pub that stops time to the app that delivers local beauty heroes to your door.
MY LONDON
I’m west London born and bred. I was born in Clapham (yes, I still consider that west!), traversed to Battersea, and grew up just off the Kings Road. My first flats away from home were all in Notting Hill and today I live in White City.
This part of London just feels like home. People smile at each other – or at least I smile at people – and I love the endless contrast of tatty and smart, establishment and popup. It’s rough around the edges and perhaps even too glitzy in parts, but what’s for sure is that it’s got a lot of heart.
One of my favourite memories of growing up here is when my brother and I would always hold our breath when walking over three manhole covers. Naturally I still abide by this law.
There is something special about walking around the Kensal or Old Brompton Cemetery. Not in a spooky way, I just like the juxtaposition of the architecture and the calm quiet that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
Date night for me and my boyfriend Ed is always at home. Eat Tokyo used to be our go-to delivery but that’s not necessarily very romantic! I always advise using the website hot-dinners.com to find the latest local opening to try out.
Pizza Portobello at Notting Hill Gate is a favourite spot because the Italian waiters are so funny that they make me cry with laughter. You can sit outside and feel like you are on holiday all year round, and the saltimbocca (basically a rolled up pizza) is to die for. The Cow has to be my favourite pub because it’s like the Tardis: once you’re inside, nothing else seems to matter. It’s either that or a year-round version of that magic time between Christmas and New Year, every day of the week.
Weekdays are always a mad rush. On the weekends I get excited about the eggs at Granger & Co on Westbourne Grove. Other amazing foodie spots are La Piccola Deli and Michanicou Bros, just off Holland Park. I’d shop there every day if I could.
I love nothing more than a solo trip round the Science Museum in South Kensington, and popping into the V&A gift shop to buy presents on the way home. Beauty junkies will love my friend Sharma’s app Beautystack, which allows you to book the coolest pros in town to come to your home: the dream.
What I love about the fashion in West London is that it’s constantly changing. Local street style around here is a great barometer for what’s on trend from the catwalk, clashed with a classic look of the traditional English gentlewoman.
CognitionX is an AI Advice Platform that connects organisations with a global network of AI experts. Tabitha is also Director of CogX, the Festival of AIl Things AI.