ROB'S GUIDE TO
We’re basing ourselves in Manhattan for this trip, as we’re taking a first-timer to the city. After a rain-soaked visit last time, this one is all about being outdoors, so the parks will be getting plenty of attention. Bryant Park is a personal favourite, ideal for live music and evening drinks with that iconic skyline backdrop. Central Park is a must for more sentimental reasons, as we were married there, so a nostalgic bike ride over Bow Bridge followed by lunch at the Boathouse is firmly on the agenda.
I’m a massive fan of New York’s gallery scene and, beyond the usual big boys, Galerie Perrotin on the Lower East Side is always worth a visit. Their modern exhibitions are consistently strong, with artists like Daniel Arsham and Danielle Orchard often featured.
Record shopping is another ritual. I’ll be crate digging at a few favourite spots, but if I had to choose one, it would be The Jazz Record Center. Hidden away on the eighth floor of an unassuming office block in Chelsea, Fred Cohen’s space has been serving the city since 1983, and I never leave empty-handed.
With endless food options, picking just one is nearly impossible, but Minetta Tavern stands out. Keith McNally’s West Village bistro delivers both in atmosphere and arguably one of the best burgers in the city.
Music is a huge part of any New York trip, so we always plan ahead. This time, I’m especially excited about a night at the new Refuge club in Brooklyn, where the legacy and spirit of The Paradise Garage lives on. Craig Bernabeu has created what might be the best club sound system in the world. At the other end of the spectrum, an evening in Greenwich Village for live jazz is non-negotiable. If you time it right, you can catch an early set at the Village Vanguard and then nip around the corner to Smalls for a late show.
Work is never too far away, so I’ll also be making time to visit some menswear stores. New York has always had an influence on the Basement of The Hambledon, and it continues to inspire. A stop at the Knickerbocker store on Canal Street is high on the list, for a look around and a coffee with Andrew and the team.
