Budapest-born

Budapest-born
Sandra Sandor founded Nanushka in 2005
having graduated from the London college of
Fashion. Over ten years later, the ready-to-wear fashion label is
now found in over 30 countries. With comfort and confidence at the
core of the brand, Nanushka creates ready-to-wear (and reasonably
priced) looks channelling an understated femininity.

As a child, the creative director spent a year living in
Portugal, returning this year to revisit favourite places and
discover new ones. “In Lisbon,
you get the dynamism of Berlin, the
beauty of Paris
and the easygoing vibe of Barcelona – all on
the right scale”, she told us. Following her trip to southern
Europe’s coolest capital, Sandor let us in on where to eat, shop
and drink, and tells us what to pack for an autumn city break.

Where should we wake up?

Overlooking Lisbon’s red roofs are Valverde Hotel and Chafariz d’el Rei – two beautifully restored
19th-century boutique hotels.

Who does the best coffee in town?

Fabrica Coffee Roasters is somewhat of an institution
with two locations and a truck. Their Ethiopian house blend pairs
perfectly with a pasteis de nata (custard tart). They don’t have
wifi so it’s better for catching up with friends than working.

Where should we go for lunch?

Time Out
Market is an enormous food hall located in the historic Mercado
da Riberia with over 30 mini restaurants serving everything from
octopus to Azeitao sheep cheese, a local speciality.

What about dinner?

Tapisco
celebrates Iberian cuisine with two menus – one Portuguese, the
other Catalan. Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sa Pessoa created
this modern space as an alternative to his fine-dining restaurant
Alma.
Share a plate of squid-ink paella or tuck in to Bacalhau à bras for
a twist on the traditional salted-cod dish.

What should we not miss?

Any place by José Avillez, but my favourite is Mini Bar. It’s a
gastronomic experience where nothing is as it seems; foie gras
Ferrero Rocher bonbons, green apple-margaritas and caipirinhas to
eat rather than drink.

Who throws the best parties?

LX Factory is a former clothing manufacturing
site that’s been subtly reworked to create an industrial space
hosting a creative calendar of events.

Where should we go to buy a souvenir?

Tinned fish might not be first on your list but 86-year-old
preserve shop, Conserveira de Lisboa, is a charming testimony to a
staple of the Portuguese diet. Complete with original cash register
and countertops, the tin designs are a mosaic of retro packaging
handcrafted by Portuguese women. For something a bit chicer than
sardines head to Claus Porto, a soap boutique with a Great Europa meets
with a Wes Anderson aesthetic. If the intricate tiles
littered around Lisbon have given you an urge to redo your
bathroom, pay a visit to Cortiço & Neto’s, a vintage tile store run
by two brothers who took over the business from their late
grandfather.

We’ve got some free time, how should we spend it?

Take a trip outside of Lisbon to check out surrounding areas
such as Cascais. Here, you’ll find the Santa Marta beach which is
the best place to chill in the summer, though beautiful year round.
Eat at Marisco na Praca Casçaia when you’re there. I’d also
recommend visiting Cabo da Roca in Portugal’s wild west, which was believed to be
the edge of the world until the 14th century. It’s all windswept
cliffs and dramatic rugged headlands, with just a lighthouse,
coffee and gift shop.

Stay cosy in our ocelot print sweater with a wool shirt-dress or these Africa trousers, which made from soft vegan
leather.​ Our Babou
shoes are comfortable and light, making them perfect for
running around town, while this cross-body bag is ideal for travel.