JOURNAL

Welcome to our Guadalajara guide. These are the best things to do in the design-forward, unhurried, artistic city.

It's a jam-packed gastronomical landmark that brings to life the taste of Brazil's culinary carnival: from century-old recipes and spices to rare Amazonian delicacies.

In an increasingly environmentally-conscious consumer society, contemporary artisans – potters, woodworkers, weavers, jewellers – are leading the charge with small-batch production, preserving heritage techniques and often, sourcing sustainable or recycled materials. Some push the boundaries of what defines craft; others go back to basics, producing the simplest, purest form of essential everyday tools. But to survive, they need bricks-and-mortar spaces to sell their wares.

Clinkety-clank the bottles go. Arms are laden, bags are full. A sign of a successful shop? We think so. Yes, you can easily pop to the local grocery store (well, so long as you're not in Sweden), but there’s something about a bottle shop that brings you into a whole new realm of excitement. Natural wine is abundant, craft IPAs from down the road and the occasional bottle of fine gin or whisky tucked away on the shelf.  Forget falling for book covers, bottle shop labels are our new jam. 

Every Christmas without fail I, or at least one member of my family, receives a cookery book. Years ago, it was Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals or a Riverford Farm edition by the iconic Guy Singh Watson. The pages of Delia Smith’s classic scones were well-thumbed and the brown leather binding worn and torn. This book had been privy to kitchen disasters, children’s messy hands and baking adventures. Now, a few years on, my passion for cooking remains. I may have moved on from the old-school classics, and, sure, my shelves are full of the Yotam Ottolenghi classics—Simple remains a go-to—but, I’m also a collector of many, many more.

With Stockholm Design Week incoming, we're taking the opportunity to seek inspiration from those interior aficionadas and from the city that plays host. Home of some of the sleekest design hotels, and stellar architecture, it is non-negotiable that it is also home to some of the best shopping destinations we can find.