Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Linda Pilkington: I have always said that my proudest achievement with Ormonde Jayne had been to balance my family and work, ensuring I was there every morning and night for our two sons. Pre-pandemic, Ormonde Jayne was launching across the USA, Europe and right across UK and wanting to be present for each launch, my achievement was beginning to wane! Adapting to life post-lockdown, I subconsciously began adopting unhealthy habits, working all day and night seven days a week, answering every message and being on call for everything. I took stock and implemented a new rule where at 3pm on the dot, I leave the boutique or studio and stop working. It's been four months now and have summoned my steeliest determination to ensure that I stick to it. Now our sons go to school independently, I start my working day much earlier too which helps the balance.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
When I put my work-life balance into perspective earlier this year, part of the process was to jump in my electric Mini where I can park on Old Bond Street and drive straight to the RAC Club in Pall Mall. For two hours I am either swimming in their stunning pool, using the gym, or sitting in the quiet room or Turkish baths sipping a green juice. The best part is that no mobile phones are permitted in public spaces, not for calls or scrolling! So for at least two hours I am off the grid, relaxing in silence. It’s an absolute joy and I feel so much better and measured.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
We live close to tennis courts and with my husband and two sons, we have been playing doubles now for over a decade at the weekends. I find it very grounding to play tennis with my family, as no matter what the weather or homework situation, we go and it’s part of our Sunday ritual. Occasionally, we all jump on our bikes and cycle around the Inner Circle in Regent’s Park. It’s 1km per circuit and we will do at least five. It sounds a bit Enid Blyton and the Famous Five, especially with my 1950s Raleigh bike that my mother passed down to me when I was a teenager, but it’s meditative time to think and appreciate my lot in life, putting everything into perspective.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
About 5 years ago I was given Peter Frankopan’s book The Silk Roads by my husband. It was gripping and it inspired an entire collection for Ormonde Jayne, ‘La Route de la Soie’, with 9 perfumes using the flora and spices found along this epic voyage. I am now about to read the sequel The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World to understand how many daily necessities and inventions have come because of the Silk Road, not just tangible inventions like gunpowder and paper. It’s a lesson for our times in diversity and how creativity can only increase exponentially when there is more collaboration, more diversity and more openness. It helps me widen my outlook and reminds me how Mayfair is but a microscopic speck in this huge world, with much to learn from everyone.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
There is a hidden corner of Regent’s Park which I only discovered a few years ago. It’s as close to being in The Secret Garden as you can get in central London with nooks and crannies covered in overhanging clematis. Part of its beauty is that it’s nearly always empty as there are no major signs to direct you, so you have to almost be convinced to step in the first time. The entrance to St John’s Lodge Gardens is near the outdoor theatre and used to belong to the Marquess of Bute who owned one of the grand houses. The ingenious dogleg design disorients you into a dreamland as you pass through roses, wisteria and magnificent magnolia trees and it’s at its best in late spring.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
People know that I enjoy cooking and drinking so by the time Sunday night comes, it’s time to lay down arms and get schoolbags ready, deciphering which kit goes where. Then I usually sit down around 9pm and write my to-do list for Monday so I can hit the ground running. I’m an early riser and annoyingly chirpy as soon as I wake, which my husband and sons have yet to appreciate, so I end up having to sing to my cats.
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
I recently went to a surprise 50th birthday in Germany. I really wanted to enjoy those three days away and be in the moment without even thinking about messages that might perturb me!
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: in the winter I have a old collection of cashmere and mohair jumpers and cashmere bedsocks from Johnstons of Elgin which I never want to take off. In the summer, I have five kaftan dresses that I have had for about 30 years. They are so soft and easy to wear, just slip it over your head and you can always look half decent. I’m not really one for tracksuits and sweatshirts.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Marrakesh is a world apart, even though it’s on the same timezone. Also my husband proposed to me there. It’s a great place for a long weekend, and I love the souks where you find anything from snake charmers to false teeth vendors. We stay at an old riad called Dar Ayniwen with a stunningly lush garden and pool in the Palmeraie.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: My favourite restaurant is La Petite Maison in Mayfair for a special occasion. However, if I had to choose only one, it would be Brown’s Hotel on Albermarle Street, and not just because I can get there in under 60 seconds from the boutique! It’s the welcoming ambience, the friendly staff and and the wonderful food at Charlie’s restaurant. I go there for any excuse.
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend: I’ve just booked tickets for Queen’s Club for the cinch Tennis Tournament in June. After two long years, I can’t wait as it’s always a great day out and not overcrowded like Wimbledon. I took my son and his friends to The Crystal Maze in Piccadilly for his birthday and which was really good fun for everyone.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: A TED talk given by Sheelagh McNamara, the mother of a friend of mine, on how to express yourself.
Hobby you'd like to cultivate: I would master the fine art of how to grow beautiful gardenia in the UK.
Luxury that’s actually a necessity: Hot water
Best luxury under £25: Drinking a ‘Daylesford Mary’ with horseradish vodka and tabasco with their Salmon fishcakes at Daylesford in Westbourne Grove.
