A glimpse at Darrin Thomas’s Instagram will have you green with envy. The jet-setting, the eating at delicious restaurants, the cool clothing. One week he’s in the deserts of Saudia Arabia, the next he’s flitting about the Louvre. Add to this that the consummate comms man is kind, fun and generous with his time, ideas and knowledge, and, you’ve got a first-class blueprint for good living.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year – and why?
Both of Stanley Tucci’s books, Taste and What I Ate in One Year, felt like sitting around a dinner table with close friends laughing over good food and a glass of wine. There’s a warmth to his writing that’s both inviting and comforting, with just the right amount of nostalgia and heart.
How do you keep fit?
I really do make an effort to work out at least five times a week – it’s a bit of a non-negotiable for me. That said, it can get a little tricky when I’m travelling, but I try to stay consistent wherever I am.
When I’m at home, I usually split my time between MovementX and F45 – they both offer such great energy and variety, and I genuinely look forward to the sessions.
When I’m in Dubai, I’m obsessed with a spinning studio called Crank – the vibe, the music, the atmosphere … it’s just next level. And, in London, nothing beats a good Barry’s class. It’s intense, but there’s something about that red room and the endorphin rush that keeps me coming back.
I’ve also collected a few favourite running routes in different cities over time. It’s such a great way to explore a place – there’s something really grounding about taking in the sights and sounds of a new (or familiar) city on foot. That said, sometimes it’s just me and a trusty hotel treadmill – and honestly, that works too. The key for me is just finding a way to move, no matter where I am.
Weeknight, low-key restaurant go-to?
Can we count Uber Eats as a low-key restaurant? Because honestly, some nights that’s as gourmet as it gets – and I’m not mad about it!
When I’m home, Chariots at the Wanderers is our go-to local. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to dress up, you can swing by after work for a quick bite, and the staff know your order before you even sit down – kind of like the Cheers of the neighbourhood. Good food, no fuss, and always a friendly face.
Some other favourites I always find myself going back to:
- Chiltern Firehouse – I still dream about the 48-hour chicken and that indulgent tiramisu.
- Whitcomb’s at The Londoner – the burrata and citrus salad is so fresh and flavourful, it’s become a must every time I’m in town.
- The May Fair Kitchen – the duck and pomegranate salad is honestly heavenly.
And then there’s this little noodle shop in Shanghai that holds a special place in my heart. I used to go there so often that they’d bring my usual as soon as I walked in – no menu needed.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love – and why?
When it comes to artwork, I like to keep things simple. I’m drawn to anything colourful that makes me smile – just something that sparks joy.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Andy Warhol, especially his Mickey Mouse pieces. There’s something about that mix of pop art and childhood nostalgia that gets me every time. I’ve loved Mickey since I was little.
At home, our passage has become a kind of colourful gallery of our travels. Every time we go somewhere new, we make it a point to pick up a local print or a piece of street art – something that captures the spirit of the place in a fun, visual way. It’s become a bit of a tradition and one of the highlights of our holiday itinerary. Each piece holds a memory, and walking past them every day brings back those little moments of joy from around the world. It’s like having tiny windows into our favourite adventures.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
Travelling and shopping. Shopping while I travel.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Packing cubes – honestly, they are life-changing. Total game-changer.
I know it might sound like an unusual one to rave about, but if you’ve never used them before, trust me – once you do, you’ll never go back.
They make packing (and unpacking!) so much easier and more organised. No more rummaging through your suitcase in a frenzy to find that one thing buried at the bottom. It’s all neatly sorted, easy to access, and somehow you end up fitting in more without the chaos.
It might sound like a small thing, but honestly, for anyone who travels often or just likes a bit of order, packing cubes are a travel essential. Give them a try – you’ll wonder how you ever packed without them.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Oooh, this is a tough one. Can I say I can’t remember?
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
If I had to pick just three songs to take with me to a desert island, I’d go for a mix of fun, emotion, and a little sentimentality.
First up: Spice Girls – Say You’ll Be There. It’s the ultimate feel-good track. It’s upbeat, fun, and perfect for a solo dance party on the beach. I mean, if I’m going to be stranded somewhere, I need at least one song that makes me smile and sing at the top of my lungs – even if no-one’s around to hear it!
Then there’s Adele – All I Ask. I’ve always loved a good sad song, and Adele just nails that. It’s okay to feel all the feels, even in the middle of nowhere.
And finally, Billy Joel – Just the Way You Are. This one is really special to me – it was my parents’ wedding song. It holds so much meaning, and listening to it always brings a sense of comfort and connection. On a quiet island, I think I’d find a lot of peace in hearing it.
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