As a co-founder of Collagerie, a meticulously curated edit of the very best fashion, interiors, beauty, and lifestyle products, Serena Hood understands that a stylish life isn’t simply about what you wear or how you decorate your home. It also requires some indulgent pleasures, including (but not limited to!) a Long Lunch with a treasured friend. To enjoy this rich Arlington tradition, she invited Fin Fellowes, the founder of The Kensington Paperie.
Serena, is the Long Lunch a habit or aberration for you?
The Long Lunch is usually reserved for the weekends with family, as my weekdays tend to get busy with back-to-back meetings for Collagerie. Now and then I do get to mix business with pleasure over a Long Lunch with a client. Now that I think about it, some of our most exciting partnerships and projects have come out of what started with a Long(ish) Lunch!
What makes a Long Lunch enjoyable, versus a chore?
Over the years I’ve learnt this all is about the company you keep. This pertains to breakfast and dinner too.
What are the qualities endemic to a lunch companion?
Always a sense of humour, and a fellow foodie. I love sharing food and there is nothing worse than dining with someone who is a picky eater.
You were joined by the wonderful Fin Fellowes, founder of The Kensington Paperie.
Anyone who knows Fin understands how hilarious she is. She is one of the few people who can make me laugh so hard until I cry! We have been the best of friends for 30 years and speak every day. I’m very lucky.
What did you eat and drink today, and why?
I had the Endive, Walnut and Roquefort Salad to start, followed by the Ribeye steak. When I go out, I tend to choose something I don’t usually cook at home. I always end up burning a steak myself and filling the kitchen with smoke setting off the fire alarm!
What will you order on your next long lunch at Arlington?
The Duck Salad. Fin ordered this, and I had one eye on it through our entire lunch. I had a bite and must say it was beyond delicious.
And would you like to review Fin’s order?
I always have food envy, and that bite was a 10/10!
Tell us about your favourite Long Lunch of all time.
That would have to be the long “picnic” lunch when my husband proposed to me at La Residence, Franschhoek. That was truly unforgettable.
If you could Long-Lunch with absolutely anyone on the planet—no offence to Fin—who would it be?
The Obamas.
On the days that you are Long-Lunching, do you dress differently?
Absolutely, I always make an effort for a long lunch. Whether that is a pair of heels, a blazer or any excuse for a blow-dry. For my long lunch at Arlington I wore my favourite flared jeans with my new tweed blazer, and fail-safe Chloe boots. The blazer and heels dress things up but the jeans keep it casual for day.
What is your favourite time of year in which to enjoy a Long Lunch?
All year round. It’s all about the setting. I love a cosy lunch inside by the fire on a cold, grey winter day. In summer there is nothing better than a shaded lunch outside enjoying a glass or two of rosé.
The best day of the week for a Long Lunch is….?
Probably a Saturday or Sunday so I can enjoy a glass of wine with it.
SERENA’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: New York City.
Neighbourhood: Brook Green, West London.
“Short” lunch strategy: My desk.
Cocktail: I’m a champagne girl.
Workout: BODY Pilates with Drew Mayberry.
Bookstore: Daunt Books in Holland Park.
Current projects: I feel lucky that Collagerie offers so many varied opportunities and outlets, from collaborations in the works, to campaigns we are planning. 2026 is already looking very exciting!
Any cultural recommendations for us? I’m reading Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, and next up is Strangers by Belle Burden.
FIN’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: London.
Neighbourhood: South Kensington/Chelsea – a topic of hot debate.
Short lunch strategy: Joe and the Juice Fiberactive. It’s not on the menu anymore so you have to request it.
Cocktail: Neat San Pellegrino.
Workout: The four flights of stairs up to my studio.
Bookstore: Heywood Hill.
Current projects: My wallpaper range launched on Thursday.
Any cultural recommendations for us? Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre until 21 February; William Nicholson at Pallant House until 10 May.
