Yinka Ilori’s Favourite London Haunts, Acton 2026

Key Points

• Current Residence: Multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori resides in Acton, north-west London.
• Childhood Roots: Ilori grew up on Essex Road in Islington during the 1980s and 1990s, describing the era as a time when community genuinely mattered.
• Culinary & Retail Preferences: He enjoys steaks at Straker’s on Golborne Road, shops for essentials and treats at Marks & Spencer (M&S), and buys jewellery at Dover Street Market.
• Personal Loyalty: The artist maintains absolute loyalty to his regular barber based in Camden, asserting that one cannot cheat on their barber.
• Relaxation & Leisure: Ilori frequents Banya (the Russian baths in Belgravia), plays padel at Racketeer in Acton, and listens to music at New Forms, a listening bar in Chelsea.
• Recent Creative Work: He recently launched a homewares collection with Dunelm inspired by community and craftsmanship, alongside a poignant South Bank mural dedicated to his late mother.

Acton, (Extra London News) July 25, 2026 — Celebrated British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori has shared an intimate glimpse into his personal life, mapping out the capital through the lens of his childhood memories, favourite culinary hotspots, and trusted local businesses. Known globally for his serotonin-inducing public installations, vibrant colour palettes, and community-driven design projects, Ilori sat down for a candid lifestyle interview detailing the places and routines that ground him in the British capital.

Where Did Yinka Ilori Grow Up and What Are His Earliest London Memories?

Reflecting on his formative years, Ilori opened up about his upbringing in north London. As reported by journalist Joanna Taylor of The Evening Standard, Ilori stated that his first flat in the city was located on “Essex Road in Islington, where I grew up”. Describing the experience, Ilori told The Evening Standard that “it was amazing. I had the best people in the world to grow up with”.

He added, as noted by The Evening Standard,

“I grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, and community meant something then. It’s not the same as it was”.

When asked about nostalgic neighbourhood spots for a romantic outing, Ilori recalled a childhood staple. As detailed in The Evening Standard, Ilori recommended “Georgie’s fish and chips on Essex Road” for a first date, noting that although the establishment is no longer there, he spent most of his early teens visiting. He explained to The Evening Standard that

“he did the best fish and chips and you got such good energy from him”.

Explore More London Local News

Republic Masterplan Crane Plans Submitted in Tower Hamlets, London 2026

Central London House Prices Drop 23% in Westminster, 2026

Which Shops and Retailers Does the Designer Rely On?

When it comes to daily essentials and special purchases, the designer maintains a curated list of trusted brick-and-mortar stores across London. According to The Evening Standard, when asked which shops he relies on, Ilori stated,

“M&S. I need my all-white boxers, I need my jelly. They just do such good food, they have an amazing bakery, the most amazing wagyu steak, Venetian biscuits”.

Beyond high-street grocery staples, Ilori looks to antique dealers and high-end concept stores for inspiration and gifting. As reported by The Evening Standard, he highlighted

“The Old Cinema in Chiswick, which is a really cool antique shop”

alongside commercial galleries like “Victoria Miro”. For romantic gifting, Ilori told The Evening Standard,

“Honestly, it would be Dover Street Market. They’ve got the best jewellery, a real curated selection of rings, necklaces, pendants”.

Furthermore, keeping true to his personal maintenance routines, Ilori stressed his strict loyalty to local grooming services, telling The Evening Standard:

“Also my barber, who’s in Camden. I’m loyal man, you can’t cheat on your barber”.

Where Are Yinka Ilori’s Favourite Places to Eat and Unwind in London?

Food and wellness play a major role in the artist’s routine when he is not transforming public architecture or designing homeware collections. As noted by The Evening Standard, Ilori declared a deep affection for seafood, stating,

“And I love oysters! So Whistling Oyster”.

When questioned about the best meal he has experienced in the city, Ilori told The Evening Standard that it was found “at Straker’s on Golborne Road”. Describing his order, Ilori stated,

“I get the steak in there, medium rare, cut up super finely, and I have it with chips. Steak is big for me”.

He also recalled a relaxed wellness routine to The Evening Standard, mentioning,

“I was in High Road House in Chiswick and I had an infrared sauna and then a steak”.

For socialising and evening recreation, the artist prefers atmospheric, design-conscious environments. As reported by The Evening Standard, when asked where he goes to have fun, Ilori pointed to

“New Forms, it’s a listening bar in Chelsea. I love a nice drink in a listening room”.

What Are Yinka Ilori’s Hidden City Secrets and Wellness Habits?

Away from the bustling design studios and public art unveiling ceremonies, Ilori incorporates rigorous fitness and recovery practices into his schedule. According to The Evening Standard, he exercises through callisthenics at “Push N Pull Fitness in Shepherd’s Bush,” works out at the gym at “Soho House in White City” and “180 Strand,” and is a strong advocate for infrared saunas, which he values for blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and promoting sleep.

Sharing his lesser-known local recommendations with The Evening Standard, Ilori revealed his top London secrets:

“Racketeer in Acton, where I played padel for the first time, and Banya, the Russian baths in Belgravia. You have some tea, do the cold plunge and after that you feel amazing”.

What Creative Projects Are Currently Occupying the Artist’s Schedule?

Bringing his narrative full circle, Ilori’s creative output remains deeply tied to themes of memory, family heritage, and public joy. Discussing his current professional undertakings with The Evening Standard, Ilori detailed a deeply personal public art venture:

“I recently collaborated with Bupa on a mural on the South Bank that was a very personal piece”.

He explained to The Evening Standard that the artwork is

“a love letter to my late mother, who I lost nearly three years ago. It’s called Under Your Umbrella, and it’s kind of a reminder that she’s still here, and wherever I move around, she’s always guiding me, protecting me and my siblings”.

Additionally, Ilori shared news regarding his commercial design partnerships with The Evening Standard, expressing enthusiasm for his latest retail rollout:

“I’m also so excited to have just launched my new collection with Dunelm, which is available now”.

Describing the scope of the homeware line, Ilori told The Evening Standard that it is

“inspired by community, craftsmanship and the stories that shape our homes, and includes everything from furniture and lighting to bedding and soft furnishings”.

He concluded by noting to The Evening Standard that he wanted

“to create pieces that feel joyful, full of character and bring colour and personality to everyday spaces, while making great design accessible to as many people as possible”.