Twenty-four hours in White City, London
Even though Notting Hill Carnival was cancelled this year, Creative Director Olivier Geraghty still finds plenty of ways to celebrate during a weekend at White City House
Olivier stayed in room 44 at White City House
London member and Creative Director Olivier Geraghty spends the carnival weekend at White City House, sipping rum punch on the rooftop, enjoying a night out in west London, and recovering with a hearty Sunday roast.
10am: arrival
When I arrive at White City House, I watch my good friends Peigh and Nathaniel run their Swimdem class on the rooftop swimming pool. Such a beautiful morning to see them doing what they love.
12pm: check in
I’ve visited the House many times before, but this is my first time staying overnight. Observing the iconic Grade II-listed Helios ring as we walked up was almost worth the stay in itself. Entering the corridors from the lift felt like walking into the calm before the storm ¬– especially as carnival weekend had just begun. When I finally get to my mid-century-inspired suite, I can’t help but throw myself onto the super king-sized bed.
‘I catch Jazzy B’s DJ set while drinking some Carnival Punch, made specifically for the weekend’
5pm: rooftop chill
After resting for a while in my room, I go up to the rooftop to eat some Mama’s Jerk chicken. I catch Jazzy B’s DJ set while drinking some Carnival Punch, made specifically for the weekend. I then head over to Notting Hill to capture some of the weekend festivities. Even though the carnival was cancelled, the streets are still alive.
9pm: getting ready
As it begins to get dark, I head back to the House to get ready over a few drinks with friends, before moving onto some of west London’s parties.
1am: winding down
Completely exhausted after the evening out, I come back to the suite to end the night.
‘I wake up early for a 9.30am boxing class with Nat Robinson. I’m definitely pushed to my limit, and the session is needed after my night at the House and around town’
9.30am: boxing session
I wake up early for a 9.30am boxing class with Nat Robinson. I’m definitely pushed to my limit, and the session is needed after my night at the House and around town.
11am: morning tea
After training, I go back up to the room to relax, before heading to lunch. Even though I’m about to eat, I can’t help but order some of the chocolate-chip cookies and a cappuccino. I can never turn them down.
‘After recovering from my food coma, I decide to spend the rest of the afternoon in the underground swimming pool and hammam. There’s something about this space that has a calming energy’
1pm: Sunday roast
Dressed and ready to go, I head upstairs to the ninth floor for a classic Sunday roast with my guests. The food is amazing, and to top it off we order Picante De La Casas late into the afternoon.
4pm: a restorative swim
After recovering from my food coma, I decide to spend the rest of the afternoon in the underground swimming pool and hammam. There’s something about this space that has a calming energy. You feel like you’re away from the world, even if it’s just for a moment… I feel at peace here.
6pm: movie at the Electric Cinema
To finish off what has been a beautiful weekend experience, I head down to the Electric Cinema to see the new Christopher Nolan film, Tenet. The movie literally blew me away and had me on the edge of my seat with suspense. The surround sound definitely added to the cinematic experience. What a way to end my weekend at the House.
