By
Ina Yulo Stuve
on
28th August 2024
Cally Squires could have never predicted that getting her hair done would change the course of her life so drastically.
Back then, she was in Law School, and was sitting in Jonny Long’s chair at luxury salon Lockonego when she casually mentioned how much she enjoyed editing her old school newspaper. That conversation reminded her of how much she loved journalism, and all it took was a few texts from Jonny to his contacts, and she was on her way to gaining work experience under editorial dynamos Emma Tucker at The Times and Natasha Pearlman at News of the World. “I was so inspired by these two women, I promptly quit my training contract with a Magic Circle firm to take up a minimum-wage internship at The Financial Times. Both my former mentors now live in New York. Emma is the editor of the Wall Street Journal and Natasha is editor of Glamour magazine, so not too shabby as role models go!” she says.
Nowadays, Cally is the editor of Belgravia Magazine, a publication she has been involved with for over 5 years. The community-focussed magazine covers the lives, events, and goings-on of the unique characters and businesses who call the upscale West London neighbourhood home. Whether it’s interviewing iconic chef Claude Bosi, checking into the most glamorous hotel suites in the name of journalism, or hosting the annual Belgravia Awards, Cally can always be counted on to be at the heart of the action on all things Belgravia.
In addition to her day job, Cally has found herself donning another hat—that of an amateur property developer. “As an architect, my husband Felix is great at the bigger picture vision and I’m allowed to pipe up when it comes to the interiors details. His own style is very natural, pared back, and sculptural, much like a restaurant he designed on Portobello Road called Gold, where we had our first date. Luckily we are aligned aesthetically, if anything it’s my taste that leans more to the monastic than his,” she shares. The couple has worked on both a mews house and a flat in Ladbroke Grove, which they have now sold, and are looking for a plot of land for their next build project, a remote, off-grid barn conversion.
The Sybarite contributor Ina Yulo Stuve speaks with Cally to find out more about her new life a as a country bumpkin and hear her top tips from her little black book of Belgravia.
You've had another life pivot recently with a move from London to the Cotswolds. Was it hard to adapt to country life?
No, it was more of a gradual process as we spent lockdown and some of my maternity leave at Felix’s cottage. And then we had another impulsive decision—we bought a mews house in Bayswater just after our son Wylder was born, but we lived in it for barely six weeks before we decided we preferred country life. Felix recently renovated and sold the last of his bachelor flats in Notting Hill, and now we are happy to be full-time country bumpkins, albeit living embarrassingly close to Soho Farmhouse.
Tell me more about the Belgravia Awards.
It’s a chance for anyone who lives or works in the area to nominate an unsung local hero or charitable champion, and shine a light on some of the incredible philanthropic endeavours that so many people in our community undertake, often without any recognition.
What do you love most about being the editor of Belgravia magazine?
Besides all the amazing retailers, restauranteurs, and hotels in the area, there is a real community among the local residents, several of whom have become friends. The “lights out and nobody’s home” impression is much exaggerated in my opinion.
Can you share some of your favourite moments with Belgravia's quirkiest residents?
I was lucky enough to interview and become friendly with one of my heroines, Chris McVie from Fleetwood Mac—Songbird is still one of my favourite records—when she moved back to London. Her apartment was madly eclectic in the most iconic way—a triple platinum disc hanging above a taxidermy Chihuahua dressed in a cashmere jumper. I’ve never felt more cool than when we were at a mutual friend’s party in Belgravia and she approached me and tapped me on the shoulder to say hello.
How do you believe the neighbourhood has changed over the past decade?
Wellness has definitely blossomed with the opening of Eccleston Yards. I’m not a Barry’s Bootcamp gal, but I love spinning at Psycle and the meditation classes at Re:Mind. More recently, the interiors district on Pimlico Road has expanded significantly too with the refurb of Newson’s Yard. Now, we also have Nina Campbell’s flagship there, and she’s a living legend.
What would your ideal day in Belgravia look like?
I’d start by energising myself with a spinning class at Psycle, preferably with a Taylor Swift bangers-themed ride. Then I’d take things down a notch with a swim in The Peninsula’s underground pool, followed by a deep tissue massage with Sandhya, the best therapist if you have a high pain threshold!
Lunch would be a light Japanese bite at The Pantechnicon, when it reopens soon, at the Sachi restaurant which is moving up to the rooftop space. For a quick blow dry, I’d be spoiled for choice as I adore Errol Douglas, Adem Oygur, David at Issy’s, and Ryan at Hershesons. I’m not a huge fan of white tablecloths and super formal dining, so my go-to spot for date night would be Wild By Tart. To wrap up the perfect evening, The Berkley’s Blue Bar can always be counted upon to serve up late night vibes and french fries.
What are your favourite neighbourhood haunts for…
Shopping: It has to be Elizabeth Street with Beulah, Evarae, Cubitts, WNU and the most recent openings Cefinn and Penelope Chilvers. Now that I’m living my best country life, I’m mostly in my Penelope Chilvers wellies, but I do love to dress up when I’m back in town.
Meeting the girls for lunch: The Buttery is a bit of a hidden gem, with a gorgeous garden at the back. If I’m in the area, I can’t resist popping over the road to Peggy Porschen to grab a pretty cupcake to takeaway too.
A special occasion dinner: I get asked this a lot and never hesitate to recommend Muse, an intimate 25-cover Michelin-starred restaurant by my friend, chef Tom Aikens. Unlike many other celebrity chefs, you’ll see Tom in his kitchen almost every day.
Weekend coffee: I spend most of my time in the Cotswolds very near Daylesford Organic’s farm, but still seek it out in London, and on Saturday mornings you have the bonus of the farmers’ market right on the doorstep of their Pimlico Road café.
Cute independent shop: On the north side of Belgravia near Knightsbridge, I love chandler Rachel Vosper, who has a sweet boutique on Kinnerton Street. Further south towards Victoria, I’m a fan of father-and-daughter jeweller duo Jessie and David Thomas. Jessie does everything the old school way by hand, and you won’t see her designs or bespoke commissions mass-produced. Although Taylor Swift did once wear the pear-shaped ring, which is now my engagement band!
History: There are a huge number of Blue Plaques around Belgravia, and if you don’t fancy having a solo stroll and a snoop, Storystock Sounds organises guided audio tours from The Hari hotel.
Hotel for a London staycation: There are some big players to choose from, but you can’t beat The Berkeley for service, style, and atmosphere. You’ll find me cosying up in The Snug in winter or ideally with a tequila cocktail by the pool if the sun shines.
Cocktails: If you want the friendliest and most chatty bartenders, look no further than The Lanesborough’s Library bar, which as a bonus is also dog-friendly. Start with a gentle Twinkle and see where you end up.
Homeware: Pimlico Road is a one-stop shop for everything from natural paint by Ed Bulmer and colourful trays from The Lacquer Company to rattan craftsmanship at Soane. Nina Campbell is a wonderful addition to the area, and for crockery I can’t get enough of the whimsical designs Hugo Guinness does with Carole Bamford for Daylesford. My other tip, which I did recently with my husband, is to take a masterclass at the fabulous Studio Pottery London and make your own sake cups with a helping hand from ceramics master Gregory Tingay.
Cally Squires
Instagram: @callysquires
Belgravia Magazine
Instagram: @belgravia_ldn
