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Founder and Director of the independent communications agency SALT, Celeste Bolte leads a London-based studio working with architects, designers and sustainable product makers to tell the stories behind great design. From their new home in Hoxton’s Studio Two, SALT produces brand strategy, PR, events and content for clients across the UK, Europe and Australia — a role that lets Celeste indulge a love of seeing what happens behind closed doors.
Originally from a rural seaside town in Australia, Celeste now lives in North London near Hampstead Heath, drawn to its greenery, sense of community and the feeling of countryside calm just minutes from the city. Seven years on from moving to London, they’ve built a thriving practice, a talented team and a roster of returning clients — all while navigating a live-in flat renovation, an achievement they count proudly among their milestones.
If I don’t have time for a bite at home in the mornings (which is often) or want to treat my clients/team to delicious baked goods, I will stop by Long White Cloud in Hoxton on my way into the studio. It is one of the best bakeries in London, try the Tahini buns, or their savoury pitas. Their focaccia is so good I served slabs of it at our studio house warming party, much to our clients’ delight. Many still talk about it, 6 months on.
We go to the Parliament Hill market most Saturdays. It has an amazing selection of fresh veggies, meats, cheeses, other pantry goods and fresh flowers. The samosas and spicy chai teas from the charismatic lady at Mumbai Mix are delicious.
I prefer to sit when I can. Nécco is a great spot for casual, affordable Japanese on Exmouth Market. Also on Exmouth is Quality Wines, a perfect little wine bar that sometimes runs a good little £10 lunch deal - usually some kind of hot roll and european beer - we had juicy portuguese Bifanas in the summer.
I love a wander through Mud Australia in Islington. Their ceramics come in beautiful colours and I love a little slice of craft from home. I actually have a deep teal-coloured dish that I use a few times a week for baking and roasting; it’s 11 years old and still going strong.
I deplore being cold and so have in recent years been on the hunt for the best knitwear I can find. I am a big Toast fan, I almost exclusively live in their Donegal jumpers in the Winter. They have lovely knick knacks for gifts and stock independent makers too. It’s not a London brand, but Le Tricoteur is a Guernsey based knitwear company making traditional guernsey sweaters, the quality is incredible and I’ve never been warmer.
I like Dan’s in Dalston for a relaxed catch up with friends. It’s a perfect spot for a casual glass of wine and little pot of olives. I am so often on the go with work, so weekends are for breathing time away from busy streets or screens. Each weekend, we’re always up early and straight out onto Hampstead Heath with Percy, grabbing a coffee from Superette or Meghan’s on Swain’s Lane first.
London is such a beautiful city, both architecturally and in terms of nature. When visitors come, we take them on the clipper boats on the Thames to see the city from the river (super easy - just tap on, tap off). The typical London sights are often too crowded, but it’s nice to see many of them from the river. When our jetlagged families arrive, we often take them to the Parliament Hill Lido for a swim (and sauna in winter), to reset after a long flight. We also recommend a walk up Parliament Hill, which has some of the best views of London and is a perfect way to orient yourself after a big trip.
Broadway Market in East London is a great spot to people-watch, although you might immediately feel underdressed. You’ll see all kinds of wardrobe aesthetics whipping up and down the little strip of shops like it’s a catwalk. I love sitting in the Barbican courtyard in the Summer and watching people enjoying the buildings and lake. Londoners might boo me for this, but I have a soft spot for The Ned. It’s a hotel that occupies a beautiful old bank building designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1924. The ground floor has multiple eateries and bars, and often has live Jazz on; a great spot to observe all the corporate suits at their long-lunches and after work drinks!
I am a morning person and less a night owl, so usually opt for drinks and dinner opposed to a big night out. Little Duck the Picklery is one of the best restaurants in London, it’s a classic. Low light and homey decor, incredible food and good service make it a winner. I also love the pub culture of the UK and have spent many great evenings in the Southampton Arms. Spiritland in King’s Cross and Bambi in London Fields are vibey spots for a dance, and I always end a night with a cocktail, either from Bar with Shapes for a Name (my old local) or Bar Termini, a Soho institution.
In the past few years I’ve ditched Air BnBs for great hotels. Friends recently spent a few nights at Mason & Fifth in Primrose Hill and really enjoyed it. If I were coming to the city for a long weekend, I’d book a room at One Hundred Shoreditch and hang out locally (Coffee at Joelene or Allpress, lunch at Rochelle Canteen), or stay at The Standard in King’s Cross if I had a full city itinerary and needed to zip around on the tube.
Follow Celeste on Instagram to see even more places she loves in London.
