Our founder, Tofi Caroline, recently interviewed Ngoni Chikwenengere, founder of We Are KIN, a London-based fashion label known for its timeless, size-inclusive collections and ethical approach to luxury. Besides We Are KIN, Ngoni is recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree and is widely featured in the press. Beyond her brand and accolades, Ngoni is an effortlessly cool girl, so of course, we had to know her best and worst bits of London. Below is a transcript of her favourite and least favourite parts of London.

What’s your favourite thing about London?
It’s a city full of possibility. No two days are the same when you’re in London for sure.

What’s your pet peeve about London?
Tourists! When you live in London for a couple of years, you do become that person, you are like “come on, move it”.

If you could only spend time in one part of London—North, South, East, West, or Central—which would it be, and why?
I think it has to be West London for sure. Cos I’m a bougie babe. They’ve got the food, the views, and everything is pretty. And a lot of friends live in Notting Hill, so it’s perfect for me.

Your favourite coffee spot—and what makes it your go-to?
I don’t have a favourite coffee shop. I just like going to holes in the wall. So, wherever I am, I will look for an independent, and that’s it, that’s my favourite coffee shop.

Worst coffee you’ve had in the city?
Can I say where it was? It was the Clerkenwell Grind, and it was awful. Yeah.

Best bakery in London?
I am going to basic, and I am going to say Gail’s. Because you know what you are getting and it’s always consistent. Yeah. Actually, Buns From Home is my favourite London bakery.

A bakery that didn’t live up to the hype.
What is that bun one? I think I am good with the kind of choice I make; it’s rare that I have a bad meal. Sorry.

Favourite restaurant—and why does it stand out?
I actually love Fumo in St Martin’s Lane. Again, it’s always consistent. The Italian food is always really great. It’s great for dates. I take friends there whenever they’ve had like a really big win, and it’s really lovely food.

A restaurant you wouldn’t return to, even if it were comped?
Again, I am one of those people who study a menu. I don’t have bad meals. Because in London, it’s expensive. I have got to know what I am doing or where I am going, so I don’t have one. London, when it comes to food, is chef’s kiss.

Your go-to bar for great drinks and good vibes?
I want to give you my favourite bar. I am trying to think. I am trying to gatekeep and girl boss. Do you know where is always consistent? The bar at the Standard. You can’t go wrong.

Favourite park to escape the noise?
I really like St. James Park because when I was staying in Pimlico, I could always go there, sit and sketch, and there is not a lot of people in it.

A part of London you quietly avoid—and why?
South! It’s very far, that’s all.

What are your thoughts on service charge and tipping culture in London restaurants and cafés?
Sick of it. That’s why I make everyone come here, so I will cook for them. Because a lot of the time, the service isn’t worth it if that makes sense. I don’t really love service charge a lot of the time.

Favourite gallery or museum?
The Gagosian always has really amazing exhibits going on, so I will say that is my favourite.

Best bookstore (preferably independent)?
The Book Bar in N5 [Islington].

One cultural experience that moved you recently—exhibition, play, concert?
I went to go see The Book of Mormon finally and it moved me. It made me question things. It left me speechless, and it was a lot of fun.

Which London-based creative or artist are you currently inspired by?
Damn! I have so many creative friends. This is not a fair question! There is this Instagrammer called Noorie Ana, I just love everything she creates with brands. It’s a new take on being an influencer, and everything she shoots is always so well done.  And yeah, I think she is inspiring me creatively.

Tube, bike, or taxi—what’s your preferred way to get around?
Bus! Because I can take my time and I am not going to be sweaty and I can read a book while I am on a bus.

Your favourite tube line?
Northern! I feel judged. I thought this was a safe space. Darling, come here. Come protect me from these vibes.

Tube line you absolutely dread.
That yellow situation. The Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City. As much as I love West London, that trifecta is awful, and I want that on the record.

How does London influence your personal style?
 I just feel like in London you can take risks and wear whatever you want and so that’s what I love the most about going into London. Once I am there, no one cares what I am wearing, you know, so yeah.

Describe your perfect Sunday in London.
Wake up, take the dog for a walk in Hampstead Heath, get like a really lovely roll from Buns From Home, get back and make lunch for friends, and go and see some museums and galleries. There is always something to do in London, and as you are doing that, I will always bump into another friend and end up getting drinks, and then it becomes a whole thing and then its like 2am and then I am like “I need to get home”. 

If London were a scent, what would it smell like?
Oud! I am joking! … I would say vetiver. Every time I smell vetiver, it’s fresh, it’s green, and it makes you feel really inspired, and it’s energising, and that is London to me, energy.

You can access the full interview here!