Any accessories-lover knows that wherever Charlotte Dellal goes, a good time follows. The creative impresario behind Charlotte Olympia relishes the good life and its many pleasures — especially a Long Lunch with a treasured friend, who in this instance was the milliner Adele Mildred.
Charlotte, is the Long Lunch a habit or aberration for you?
I am working on making it more of a habit. Since moving to the countryside seven years ago, I love to have a Long Lunch in town to catch up with friends before jumping on the train back home.
What makes a Long Lunch enjoyable, versus a chore?
Clearing my afternoon schedule. There’s nothing worse than checking the time and suddenly realising I have to be somewhere else on the other side of town.
What are the essential qualities in a lunch companion?
Good conversation and positive energy, I like my Long Lunches to be merry.
And who was your companion at Arlington?
My very talented friend Adele Mildred, she is a fabulous milliner, illustrator and fellow Hampshire resident. Like me, she’s happy to dress up for an occasion and is great company.
What did you eat and drink today, and why?
The chopped salad with chicken and bacon is a favourite, always with a side of alumettes ‘to share’ and a glass of Champagne. We ended with an affogato which I tell myself doesn’t count as a dessert.
What will you order on your next long lunch at Arlington?
The same, but next time I’m not sharing my fries!
What was your favourite Long lunch of all time?
For the last few years, it’s become a birthday tradition to have the longest ‘ladies’ lunch’ mid-week in London with lots of my girlfriends. Each year the table gets longer, the laughter, louder and Skye McAlpine makes me a spectacular surprise cake. The last one looked like a crate of bananas.
If you could Long-Lunch with absolutely anyone on the planet — no offence to Adele — who would it be?
I’m sure Salvatore Ferragamo enjoyed a Long Lunch.
And would you like to review her lunch order? Were you envious?
Adele had the crispy duck salad with the Coastal gin martini, which made me wish I also ordered a midday cocktail!
On the days when you Long-Lunch, do you dress differently?
I generally like to make an effort when going out. Since I no longer live in London it feels like even more of an occasion nowadays, so I try to dress up. For my Long Lunch at Arlington, I wore a bright red retro knitwear top to match my lipstick and nails, sailor pants and my signature beret. Next to Adele, I felt very underdressed. I probably should have worn a more flamboyant hat.
What is your favourite time of year or weather in which to enjoy a Long Lunch?
Springtime, when the sun is shining and London looks its best, or the beginning of the holiday season when everyone is feeling festive.
The best day of the week for a Long Lunch is….?
Wednesday or Thursday. It feels like a welcome break to the week, especially if you add a lunchtime cocktail or two for a little more decadence.
