Welcome to Citizen Enfants’ new column, where we talk to mothers about work-life balance, their favourite travel destinations, travelling with children, and how they really do it.
This month Kate Bryan, Global Art Director for Soho House, TV presenter, author, and mum to three-year-old Juno tells us ‘How She Does It’.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m an art addict. My main role is Global Director of Art for Soho House where I’m custodian of one of the largest art collections of its kind, and constantly acquiring new work from artists local to upcoming Soho House sites. I’m also an arts broadcaster, presenting Inside Art and appear as a Judge on Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year and Landscape Artist of the Year. I’ve written two art books, The Art of Love and Bright Stars that I hope appeal to a non-expert audience. My husband and I live in Brixton, South London with our 3-year-old daughter, Juno.
What’s the the best holiday you’ve taken with your child?
This summer we celebrated our 15-year wedding anniversary in a suite with a terrace at Soho House Rome, and it was glorious. We lived in Rome for a year before we had Juno and it was really special to go back with a totally different change of pace. I used to be a three museum a day person, and now it’s more leisurely rooftop breakfasts, hours playing in the pool with Juno each morning (taking it in turns to get a workout in), then a long lunch, a nap, one quick culture fix – always with a gelato afterwards. On this trip we were asleep by 10pm, and came back feeling properly recharged despite tackling a city with a toddler.
Which hotels or destinations have you found are the best for travelling with kids?
So far as parents, we’ve mostly hired our own villas with a small pool on Airbnb. But now Juno is getting older I am starting to research kids club resorts that she will love and that won’t drive me insane. Soho Farmhouse is a clear winner for a UK break with kids, I would happily go every weekend. I was surprised to realise that you can still go to the elegant, fabulous places with small children too.
The longest trip you have taken with your child is…
We’d like to have done more travelling for longer periods when I was on maternity leave, but covid struck when Juno was seven months old. We did get on a plane the week after Juno’s first immunisations – at six weeks old – to Puglia, and again a few weeks later to Venice. I realised we ought to go now since she was so light and I was a walking milk factory; it was remarkably simple and easy time to travel. We also went to Paris on the Eurostar which I think is the most civilised way to travel. My husband and I have lived in Hong Kong as well as Rome, and will never underestimate the power of those experiences. Juno is three and I think well-travelled already – even though there’s been a pandemic for nearly half her life, she’s been abroad 10 times.
Travel essentials with a kid?
For the flight, lots of sticker books and obviously well timed and unusual snacks – such as fruit she hasn’t eaten before. While we’re away I always take new arts or crafts to amuse us all, things like painting mini pottery, making paper dolls, or face paints. And a ball. If we have a ball the three of us are golden.
Three items that help you juggle everything
Firstly, a yoga mat. I need it to stay clear headed and calm when there’s so much going on. Secondly, my phone. I make a lot of to-do lists (both of a philosophical and practical nature) and – like most people – write down the things that I’ve already achieved to make myself feel better. Lastly, wine. I suddenly become a master juggler after one glass.
How do you think travel benefits your child?
I think it’s so fundamental. My life changed when I arrived in Venice aged 19 at university, only the second time I had ever been abroad. I felt the thrill of a new place course through my blood, and it still happens: this year I have fallen madly in love with Stockholm as I built the art collection for the forthcoming Soho House. I get to see a very special slice of a city – through the eyes of contemporary artists. Not just in the artwork they create, but in the bars, restaurants, and galleries they show me.
Favourite holiday memories?
We had a very special break at Villa Lario on Lake Como this Spring. The Lake is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I couldn’t get over how good the hotel was. Nothing was too much trouble. The entire place was scented with Ortigia which is my favourite scent brand, and the food was a masterclass in how to respectfully adapt Italian classics. We worried that taking a two-and-a-half-year-old was a bad move, but the staff loved her and the lakeside gardens were magic to play in. We spent ages boat-spotting in our room, and watching rainstorms in the distant mountains.
Something for the weekend?
Our ideal weekend would include pastries from our local bakery, Aries Bakehouse on Acre Lane, they’re as big as my head and make me happy all day. We’d take in one exhibition, usually at Tate Modern or Tate Britain, and we take turns to look at the art or entertain Juno. She has good stamina now and we can usually stay nearly an hour. We love Battersea Park and Brockwell Park; we rotate south London parks every weekend, sometimes hiring bikes in Richmond Park. I love taking Juno out to eat, she’s so observant, witty, and loves food. She’s well known at Little House Balham now too, and we also love a good roast at the Sun Inn in Barnes or The Florence in Herne Hill.
Top tips for London with kids?
The Transport Museum, which I had never stepped foot in three years ago and now am so grateful for on a rainy weekend. The Horniman Museum is a great all year long as it has beautiful gardens plus a Butterfly House, Aquarium, and Crazy Golf.
How do you document your family’s travel memories?
I’m the family photographer and have tens of thousands of photos on my phone. I was so amazed by travel in my early twenties that I used to make scrap books, but such things are a thing of the past now – for me anyway as I just don’t have the time! I still take polaroids on every trip and put them in an album.
A day to yourself – what are you doing?
Yes please! I am sure it will happen again one day. I’d love to read an entire book in one day while sunbathing, I could compete at the Olympics in that. I’d gladly go back to the San Domenico Palace Hotel in Taormina where we started our honeymoon and returned for our 10-year anniversary.
Heading ‘out out’. Where is your favourite spot?
Anywhere in zone 1 with my childhood best friend Jenny. We love Bar Termini in Soho for early cocktails and then maybe Langan’s for dinner. I’m at a stage in my life when being out past 11pm seems reckless, so I’m not sure anyone should take my social life guidance.
The best advice you would give to other mothers?
Don’t compare yourself to other mothers. You and your child are completely unique. Embrace that and protect it.
How do you do it?
I get asked this so often! I’m lucky in that I have a strong partnership with my husband who I’ve known for 20 years. I love my job(s). I am completely motivated and passionate, so things mostly just get done, no matter the volume. My real secret weapon is my amazing parents who moved nearby recently, and do a big chunk of the childcare with true passion and enthusiasm, for which I will be eternally grateful.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just made a feature length documentary about Michelangelo for Sky Arts. It’s very special to me as I got my first big career break working on the Michelangelo Drawings exhibition at the British Museum in 2007, when I was 24. It will be out next year. I’m also going to be unveiling the art collection for Soho House Mexico next year, which I think is our best one yet!
Any Questions or Tips to add?