Matilda Goad, the founder and creative director of MG&Co., is a fixture of London’s design scene. Her artful and purpose-led approach to interiors has earned her fans on both sides of the Atlantic, and as a designer of timeless homewares for modern living, she has turned everything from knobs and hardware essentials to matchboxes and lampshades into objects of serious desire. Londoners can browse them all at her new MG&Co. store at 194 Ebury Street. Matilda joined us at Arlington alongside her friend Lucy Irby, the founder of Irby Rubinstein.
Is the Long Lunch a habit or aberration for you?
It’s a real treat to break up the working day, but it doesn’t happen often enough.
What makes a Long Lunch enjoyable, versus a chore?
Delicious food with great service, a dreamy setting and of course someone you want to spend time with!
What are the qualities essential to a lunch companion?
Really good company, when you have so much to chat about that you jump vicariously between conversations!
What inspired you to invite Lucy, your PR and longtime friend?
While Lucy is external, she was the first ‘employee’ of MG&Co. and has really been with us through a lot! We are never short of conversation.
What did you eat and drink today, and why?
Chicken Milanese with Rocket and a side of Mashed Potatoes. It’s my ultimate comfort food, and Arlington does one of the best. It’s failsafe, especially when I’m in an indecisive mood. I never eat pudding at lunch, but I love a cappuccino to follow.
Tell us about your favourite Long Lunch of all time.
A really good Long Lunch happens on holiday when there is no fixed time it needs to end and there is nowhere you need to be. I guess it’s that sense of freedom it gives.
On the days that you are Long-Lunching, do you dress differently?
On weekdays when I don’t have meetings, I’m studio-based, so I dress for ease and tend to lean towards a uniform of high-rise straight-leg jeans, a shirt (often denim), and always a big over-the-top coat and colour-pop of a bag.
MATILDA’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: London.
Neighbourhood: Kensal Rise.
Cocktail: Bellini.
Workout: In the mornings, always. It’s a mix of weight training and Pilates on a screen at home.
Bookstore: I love Reference Point at 180 The Strand. It’s a library and bookstore in one. I always leave inspired—and with a book.
Current projects: The first MG&Co. store opened at 194 Ebury Street in the autumn, which had been a big moment for the brand.
