My Perfect Autumn Weekend: Irina Linovich
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FRIDAY NIGHT
To me, autumn is a truly magical and mystical time of year. I love the rain, the leaves blanketing the ground and the chance to pull out my cosy cashmere from the wardrobe. It also has that refreshing 'back to school' feeling – and thus, a burst of motivation. I love seeing the autumn goals I set during the summer come to fruition.
My ideal Friday night has to involve something interesting or new. For the past few years, we’ve developed a new tradition: instead of just going to dinner with friends, we look for new experiences to do together. Whether it’s attending a daytime techno party or organising a breathwork session with Rodolfo from Alchemy: Rewire, something cool has to be on the agenda. As a big fan of great electronic music, I keep an eye out for events, especially daytime concerts. I value my beauty sleep, and waking up refreshed allows me to enjoy an active Saturday morning with my kids. Plus, it leaves time for a little njghtcap at Chiltern Firehouse.
If I’m staying in, it’s all about the food and good TV. Autumn always makes me crave warm, comforting dishes – this is the season for baking pies. My latest favourite is a leek and white bean pie with miso. I enjoy the contrast of a crunchy crust and a creamy filling. Another go-to is a plant-based goulash pasta made with red wine, smoked paprika, red beans, peppers and mushrooms. For dessert, I treat the family to warm apple-stuffed pancakes before we snuggle up on the sofa.
Right now, I’m rewatching Modern Family with the kids. I don’t always have time to watch long series, but I do plan to finally commit to The Bear this autumn, which has been on my list since 2022
SATURDAY
Saturdays call for a hearty breakfast. I love using Erbology’s Organic Almond Milk Base powder in my porridge and pancakes for some added protein. It’s also fantastic for baking and desserts.
Autumn calls for cosy days spent indoors with a good book. Currently, I’m reading The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, a beautifully written story about a family from southern India grappling with a peculiar affliction – in every generation, at least one person drowns.
I always make it a point to get outside, especially in autumn, when Hampstead is at its best. The neighbourhood is filled with parks and forests, making you feel as though you’re not in London at all. Nature has always been a vital part of my life, and I cherish my daily walks on the Heath, which has some of the best views of the city. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute journey from my restaurant, Holy Carrot.
For a quick pitstop, I love to swing by the super cosy Klear Labs bakery in Notting Hill for healthy treats and high-quality drinks. My signature autumn drink is daigyoku matcha with hot cashew milk and a little bit of fresh vanilla and maple syrup. I switch to blue matcha in the evening, packed with antioxidants from blue spirulina.
My autumn wardrobe leans toward androgyny, with oversized silhouettes being the cosiest choice. I love wearing sustainably made pieces from the Ukrainian brand Better, which was created by my close friend Julie Pelipas. She expertly transforms vintage men’s clothing into cutting-edge womenswear. I also like the classic pieces from Phoebe Philo, and The Row’s men’s cashmere coats are my go-to for staying warm and comfortable as the weather cools. This season, I’m particularly fond of a grey wool double-breasted coat inspired by the 90s.
On Saturday night, I’ll have a table booked somewhere. My favourite spots in London are Silo, a zero-waste project, Planque in Hackney, our Notting Hill neighbour Zēphyr, and fire-cooked delights at BRAT.
If I’m escaping London, my ideal weekend at this time of year is spent at Maison Estelle. It’s the perfect spot for an active minibreak, starting with morning hikes and gym sessions. During the day, it’s wholesome activities with the kids and then some R&R in the world’s best baths and spa before dinner. In the evenings, we gather with friends for games at the bar. Then, on Sunday, we make our way to the pick-your-own farms. I love that it teaches kids how their favourite seasonal fruits and vegetables grow.
SUNDAY
During the autumn, I finally have time to bake bread. The summer is too busy to focus on this process, which definitely cannot be rushed. My recent favourite book, Richard Hart’s Bread, has been a great source of inspiration. To me, there’s nothing more wholesome than enjoying fresh homemade bread on a Sunday morning. I find the act of bread baking to be both meditative and relaxing – it helps my end-of-week reset. I also enjoyed Tim Spector’s new book – it’s full of healthy recipes to support your immune system during the autumn flu season.
A Sunday hike is the perfect way to prepare for a busy week. It clears my mind, grounds me in nature, and boosts my energy and inspiration. I’m fortunate to live just a few minutes from the forest, but we also enjoy visiting nearby Regent’s Park.
This autumn, I’m eager to continue my summer tradition of weekend hikes outside of London. Brighton is at the top of my list. I thrive on active adventures and, even when I’m on my own, I never pass up the chance for a good walk, come rain or shine.
My Sunday roast tradition is a bit unconventional. As someone who follows a plant-based diet, my ideal roast features coral tooth mushroom steaks with gravy, expertly prepared by Daniel Watkins, the head chef at Holy Carrot. It comes with all the works: regeneratively farmed crunchy pink fir potatoes and a seasonal veg bouquet on the side. I’m biased, but it’s the most innovative roast in town. The Pelican in Notting Hill also does a delicious vegan roast.
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