Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Lauren Grant-Adams: This is a challenge for me. Even when I am on holiday, I can find myself just skimming emails whilst sitting on a sun lounger or texting a co-worker to see how everything's going. On a recent holiday, I actually left my phone in the apartment so it meant I was fully switched off – not even scrolling social media. I quite like the feeling of not being contactable.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
Probably a bit late to the party on this one, but I’m watching Suits at the moment and can’t get enough of it. Also, throwing on some comfy clothes as soon as I’m through the door.
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What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
When I’m in a good routine, 15 to 30 mins on my peloton or yoga mat clears my work brain. My release is turning up the music. A favourite thing to do is actually waking up early on weekends to walk to my local coffee shop - even the night before I am excited to think about getting coffee the next day.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I really like listening The Mel Robbins Podcast. If I don’t have the bandwidth to listen to a full episode, I scroll through her TikTok profile for quick video snippets. There’s one thing she said that resonated with me recently: she said, “if everything is important, nothing is important”. I always feel I can or need to achieve everything on my to-do list, but now I am learning how to prioritise better. Highlighters really help zone in on what must be done!
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
I used to live in Battersea and could be in the park within five minutes. It’s probably the only park in London where I feel I’m not in the city. There’s a small enclosed garden which has a small pond and benches. I could sit there for hours in the sunshine and feel like I am in my grandma’s garden: beautiful flowers, the sound of the pond fountain...
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I turn into a bit of a clean freak on Sunday and like to have fresh bedding and a fully stocked fridge – particularly items for breakfast. If I don’t have a good breakfast, I feel like I’m on the wrong track.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
To escape to the wonderful Island that is Barbados. My parents used to go a lot when they were together, so it’s become a favourite place of mine. There are some nice restaurants to visit, but the thing I love the most is grabbing a fish cutter sandwich in a local spot. Bajuns are super friendly and everyone says good morning unlike London! If you’re planning on making a trip there, make sure you head to Bathsheba – it's fun to watch the surfers if they’re out.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: In summer, high-waisted denim shorts, a black vest, and sneakers. In winter, gym leggings, vest, varsity-style jumper, puffa coat and running trainers
Your happy place anywhere in the world: It would have to be New York. I was lucky enough to live and work there for a year. I worked with an amazing team to open a restaurant in Hudson Yards. I find the city so inspiring and feel the opportunities there are endless.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Tendido Cero on Old Brompton Road in London for elevated spanish tapas. The staff are always the same and the sangria is incredible. In the summer you can perch on a table outside and they have a great guitarist. It’s hard to choose one item from the menu because it’s all so good, but I’d probably say the baby anchovies pickled in sherry vinegar. My favourite spot for cocktails at the moment is the Naked and Famous Bar at Zephyr in Notting Hill, London.
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend: Every time I go to Paris I skip museums, but I fancied something different on a recent trip there and went to the Musée d'Orsay. I became totally immersed in Claude Monet’s works.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: I’m halfway through the audio book, The Family Upstairs. It’s a thriller and so addictive.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: A bit out there, but I'd love to learn to DJ. I have decks, so I have no excuse to get started really!
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: A really good cashmere scarf – it makes everything better.
Best luxury under £25: Carpo Coffee Shop’s sesame seed, pistachio and dark chocolate bites.
