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10 Questions with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole
Helen Brocklebank leads Walpole, the prestigious industry body for British luxury, with a vision that champions the excellence and influence of UK luxury brands on the global stage. Known for her dynamic leadership and deep understanding of both heritage and innovation, Helen plays an essential role in elevating British luxury, connecting brands, and advocating for the growth of this vital sector. Her passion for storytelling and dedication to showcasing Britain’s finest make her a pivotal figure in the luxury landscape.
01
Where is your favourite travel destination and why?
Not for nothing is Gleneagles called the Glorious Playground: set in the heart of the spectacular Scottish countryside, you’re never at a loss for what to do whatever your mood. You can try your hand at off road driving, go for long, beautiful walks or runs, play golf if that’s your bag (it’s not mine but that’s the beauty of Gleneagles, you do you), or chill in the spa. The food is amazing and the staff seem to know exactly what you want before you want it. And you can take the train directly from London to their own station. I’m hard pushed to think of anywhere I love better.
02
What is your most memorable holiday?
I first visited Venice in late Autumn as the light was falling to dusk across the lagoon and this magical, enchanted island of Renaissance palaces, Baroque churches and Medieval towers seemed to emerge as if from a dream. It was like nowhere I’d ever been before and beyond anything I could have imagined so of course I fell in love with it at first sight. I’d just watched the Nicholas Roeg film ‘Don’t Look Now’ on tv which captures the rather sinister eeriness of Venice at night so well. If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know the kind of jump scare I got when I turned a corner and saw what looked like a figure in a bright red cape just ahead of me in the darkness (it was actually a bit of red tarpaulin over a short wooden mooring post but I was terrified).
03
What is your favourite season?
I love Autumn for its unexpected weeks of Indian Summer, the cosiness of nights drawing in, casseroles and comfort food, Hallowe’en and Bonfire night. Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
04
Where in London do you go to let your hair down?
The bar at ...At Sloane plays amazing music - it’s the London sister of Hotel Costes and if that’s a vibe you like, I highly recommend it.
05
Describe your perfect day in London?
Breakfast with a Walpole member at Claridge's; a meeting with Walpole’s brilliant Chairman, Michael Ward, at Harrods (in addition to Chairing Walpole, Michael runs the world’s most iconic corner shop) followed by a quick trolley dash round the incredible foodhall to buy some lunch (not expensive and properly delicious.) Then a wander through the pretty streets of Chelsea back to Walpole HQ in Cadogan Gate. Might try to get a workout in at KXU at lunchtime before visiting Walpole members - maybe bespoke tailor Kathryn Sargent at her new atelier in St James, or Berry Bros. & Rudd because it’s an incredible 21st century business run from a 17th century building which is like something out of Diagon Alley. In the evening, maybe a spot of early supper at Whitcombs at The Londoner before seeing something at the Royal Ballet and Opera.
06
Where in London do you recommend for a first date?
My dating days have been over for decades, but if it’s a first date, I’d recommend meeting for a great coffee at the National Gallery’s cafe, rather than suggesting a dinner or a show or something. If you have coffee in one of London’s amazing museums, and decide your date is rather promising, you can extend things by suggesting a little wander around the paintings, But if it dawns on you they suck, you can bail without it looking rude. Never commit to dinner on a first date - two plus hours over food is a long, long time if they're not second date material.
07
What is your favourite flower?
I love the smell of hyacinths - all the promise of a beautiful English spring.
08
If you could send flowers to only one person each week, who would that be and why?
My sister is one of the most inspiring and beautiful people I know, a weekly bouquet would be a lovely way to show how much I value her friendship.
09
What is your favourite film of all time?
Don’t Look Now because it is weird, beautiful, a bit disturbing and brings the magic of Venice back to me. Paddington 2 a close second.
10
Do you have a favourite book or author?
Reading is my favourite thing in the world. I just read War & Peace on holiday - all 1358 pages - but now I’ve got the showing off out of the way, I can freely confess Jilly Cooper is my all time favourite author.