18 December, 2019
We're heading east to Kiev for 48 hours with the Ukranian-born pop duo, Bloom Twins.
Known for their moody, synth-pop music and austere fashion, the Bloom Twins grew up in Brovary, an eastern suburb of Kiev. The model-musicians, Sofia and Anna, made the move to London a couple of years back, but make the three-hour flight home as often as their touring schedule allows.
This trip, we were invited to tag along too. Over the course of 48 hours, we rifled through vintage stores, wrote songs, made repeat snack stops at Besarabsky Market, partied at Art-Zavod Platforma and slept in at 11 Mirrors Hotel - and that's just the preamble…
About three times a year. Nothing feels better than being home.
They impact us greatly. You are what you eat. You are what you observe. London has definitely punked up our styles a bit. Dr Martens are forever a good match - be they paired with a dress or a suit. Musically, we love to write everywhere so that we have a feel of each city we visit. Music is a global language that needs no translation.
Any day; being in the city feels like it's permanently the weekend.
The 11 Mirrors Hotel. Location is the key. From here you can walk to the Golden Gate, Kyiv History Museum, Kyiv Academic Young Theatre or the Besarabsky Market. There's a vast variety of delicious places to eat nearby, too - we like VaBene Bistro and Citronelle.
We are big fans of Besarabsky Market. Since being constructed in 1910, it has fed and inspired many of those living in Kiev.
Definitely on foot.
Flea markets are filled with little relics of Ukrainian history. Our favourite is Petrivka Market; you might find a rare masterpiece or the most useless stuff you will never need.
Chang is our winner. There's outdoor seating and delicious food; everything on the menu is worth trying.
Chichiko is a stunning Georgian restaurant. There's great wine, great food and a great vibe. Kanapa on Andriyivskyy Descent is a go-to for traditional Ukrainian flavours and interiors.
The city is diverse, but the coolest kids wear vintage. Our favourite vintage shops include Nika Chick Vintage Corner, Goodbuyfashion and, of course, Andriyivskyy Descent.
It's worth having a look at the Ukrainian designers. We love Ksenia Schnaider and Bevza.
Art-Zavod Platforma. It has amazing street food, live bands and awesome DJs from across the world.
For live music we love Stereo Plaza and Atlas, where we played a few times - the atmosphere was absolutely incredible.
If you enjoy good electronic music, head to either CHI by Decadence House or Art-Zavod Platforma.
That it looks like Moscow and that people mostly speak Russian. Kiev is a great such a mix of people and languages, not only Ukrainian and Russian. The city has its own energy.
Andriyivskyy Descent. You'll find lots of traditional Ukrainian food, souvenirs and will enjoy a beautiful view of St Andrew's Church, Mikhail Bulgakov Museum and Kontraktova Square as well as the young and colourful neighbourhood of Vozdvizhenka.
We love Orang+Utan for a healthy organic lunch, Atlas for drinks and live performances and Café Select for a delicous breakfast and coffee.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Even though it's not a Ukrainian book, it presents an ideology around how people should be living and exploring new places in the world. Don't overwhelm yourself with too many plans, find yourself a good few places to visit and enjoy your journey.
Green 13 Café - a great vegan kitchen with A-grade coffee.
You have to bring back a vyshyvanka - a traditional embroidered Ukranian shirt.
Brovary, the little town where we grew up. It has the beautiful Zalissya National Nature Park as well as some great cafés - try the lavender-oat coffee at Pitch Coffee Bar.
T-shirt, jeans, all the usual stuff… and a film camera.
You should visit Zima Russian Restaurant; it's where we go as soon as we get homesick.
Explore beyond the capital. Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities we've ever visited. It's full of history, gorgeous architecture, inspiring people, charming coffee shops and dangerously delicious sweets.
Film, camera, computer, mini keyboard (to be able to write songs on the go), make-up, hair straighteners, Dr Martens and our favourite mini bag by Stée.
