14 November, 2017
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.
Overlooking Lisbon's red roofs are Valverde Hotel and Chafariz d'el Rei - two beautifully restored 19th-century boutique hotels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LX Factory is a former clothing manufacturing site that's been subtly reworked to create an industrial space hosting a creative calendar of events.
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.
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.
