Welcome to our new interview series, A Tryst About Town, where we join an escort as they share the best of their hometown city. In this instalment, Sunny Bonheur takes us around London!
We’d love to know what makes London such a special city for you?
London holds a special allure as a city brimming with boundless opportunities. Coming from a smaller town, my initial awe at the sheer size of London was matched only by the endless discoveries it offered. While iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace capture global attention, my London is a tapestry woven with myriad threads of culture, diversity, and hidden gems.
What sets London apart for me are its lush parks and verdant spaces, where I can lose myself for days in the tranquillity of places like Ally Pally or St James’ Park. Yet, London's essence extends far beyond its green havens. It's in the eclectic tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character.
From the bustling energy of Broadway Market to the timeless allure of the West End and its grandiose musicals, London pulsates with life at every turn. From the hipster second-hand shops of Hackney, Dalston and Shoreditch where I have found some of my most beautiful gems, to the unapologetic decadence of an unconventional Camden.
Venturing further afield reveals London's lesser-known wonders: the serene beauty of Hampstead's ponds, the banks of Greenwich, where time knows no boundaries, and the cultural mosaic of Brixton's diverse communities. From Notting Hill’s vibrant summer beat to the underrated streets of Rye Lane, where the fourth wall is always better broken.
And let's not forget the botanical splendour of Kew Gardens or the majestic deer roaming freely in Richmond Park. These are the moments that define my London – a city where every street corner holds the promise of adventure and discovery, where diversity is celebrated, and where the pulse of life beats strong in every neighborhood.
Can you tell us a great memory you have specific to living in London?
Those who are not familiar with London may not know that once night falls, the city fills up with… foxes! Yes, you've read correctly. You may also see them during the daytime, but they are really present from dusk onwards. I had no idea foxes were so common in London before I moved here, and I have to admit I was quite scared of them during my first two years here.
The other day, I was spending time with a friend of mine visiting from abroad. It was her first time in London and she was here for a few days. As we were walking in the street, the sun dipping below the horizon but still casting its glow, I got lost in storytelling. It took me a good moment to realise that my friend was no longer walking next to me. She had stopped walking and was staring at a fox who was just there, lounging atop of a car’s bonnet. I laughed because I had obviously noticed the fox. As much as I’m used to them, let's be honest, a fox on a car is pretty noticeable, but I probably did not think it was shocking enough for us to stop and comment on it. I suppose it’s safe to say that any lingering fear I once had has long been replaced by a sense of amused acceptance!
Where is the best place for a stroll?
Waterside walks are one of my favourite pastimes. I used to live next to the Thames and I loved waking up to the sight of the river every morning. It was a comforting ritual, especially during lockdown. As we were only allowed to go out for essential things and exercise, I felt very fortunate to be able to go for walks and runs on the Thames path.
Do you have a great coffeehouse or tea shop to recommend?
I loooove going to Fortnum & Mason for tea! As someone who didn’t grow up in the UK, afternoon tea was never really part of my culture. It was a friend who first recommended Fortnum & Mason to me, insisting that it was a must-visit establishment.
I remember my first solo visit, immersing myself in the ambience and charm of the place for hours on end. From exploring the exquisite tea selection to savoring delectable pastries, every moment there was delightful!
Pubs, fancy cocktail bars… Where are the best places for a drink with a date?
London’s pub culture is undeniably vibrant and although I don’t drink alcohol, I really like the ambiance of a good pub evening. When it comes to cocktail bars, you can never go wrong with Sketch in my opinion.
It may come as a surprise but I also love Vagabond wine bars. I love both the aroma of wine and it’s always a pleasure to see Vagabond’s diverse collections. While I may not partake in drinking, my French roots instil in me a deep appreciation for the art of wine. I firmly believe that one can savor and enjoy wine in more ways than one, beyond just imbibing it.
Where is good to eat? Let us know some of your favourite restaurants.
I recently discovered this culinary gem called Akara, in Southwark. It is a delicious fusion of West African and Brazilian flavours, and it’s the one thing I never knew I needed.
I also have a soft spot for Italian food and despite London’s abundance of Italian restaurants, finding the perfect one can be a challenge. I am lucky enough to say I have found mine: Forty on Dean Street never disappoints.
Last but not least, my friends have highly recommended The Ivy Asia in Mayfair. I’ve yet to experience its charms firsthand but it’s certainly on my list of must-visit restaurants in the near future.
If a client wanted to pamper you, where’s your favourite day spa in London?
I can never say no to a day at the spa. I think the Renaissance Hotel in St Pancras is magnificent and I feel so lucky that a client took me there for my birthday last year. The staff was lovely and I had the perfect time at its spa. Needless to say, dessert was equally enjoyable.
While the Renaissance holds a special place in my heart, I must also mention that my second favourite is the May Fair in – you guessed it – Mayfair.
For those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, I highly recommend the Rena spas at Leonardo Hotels.
And to anyone listening, Shangri-La remains firmly on my spa wish list…
What’s the best way to get around the city?
While I do enjoy walking, I must confess it’s not my preferred mode of transportation. When I need to travel from one point to another, I’m more inclined to hop on my bike, especially on a sunny day, or get the tube.
Now, if I’m honest I also love being driven places so if it's late at night or I have to get to a place fairly quickly, I will most definitely choose Uber.
What’s the best sex shop in town?
I really like Simply Pleasure in Soho and Skin Two in Waterloo (it used to be called Honour Shop). I don’t go to sex shops that often but I do enjoy turning the experience into a communal activity with friends or fellow sex workers. It’s a great opportunity for us to share tips, recommendations, and explore new products together.
Is there a gallery, museum, or venue that stands out for you?
I love KOKO in Camden. I think it is such a beautiful venue. I love music and concerts and every time one of my favourite artists plays there I am thrilled!
I have also had the opportunity to discover really good artists and performers there, so I definitely associate this venue with good times and unforgettable musical moments.
Where could a client take you on a wild shopping spree?
To be frank, wild shopping sprees aren’t really me. When it comes to clothing, I tend to do most of my shopping online. It’s not just a matter of convenience, for those with larger body sizes like myself, finding suitable options in-store isn’t easy.
One of my favourite online shops for lingerie is Playful Promises, which I actually discovered thanks to Amelia's interview for Tryst!
I’m also a frequent shopper at Savage X Fenty. It’s incredibly empowering to see bodies like mine represented, with Black, plus-size models showcasing sexy lingerie. It’s refreshing and inspiring!
Where is the best place for visitors to stay?
I’ve highlighted several hotels for their exquisite spas, but I’d also highly recommend staying there for the comfort of their beds, which rival the relaxation of their jacuzzis.
Additionally, if you’re looking for exceptional accommodations, I personally adore The W in Soho and The Conrad in St James. They’re the perfect blend between luxury and comfort.
What’s your perfect London day out?
Breakfast is undeniably my favorite meal, but being more of a night owl than an early riser, it often evolves into a leisurely brunch.
Therefore a perfect London day out would have to start with brunch at Ottolenghi in Spitafields or The Parlour at Sketch. If the sun is out, then depending on where we are, we could either go take a walk along the Thames or get sun-kissed and make out in Green Park – yes, I am smoothly turning this day out into a date. Afternoons are meant for digesting and relaxation, so that’s precisely what we’ll do.
The day would culminate with a captivating musical, a thought-provoking play, or a soul-stirring concert. And as the night falls, well, I’ll leave that part to your imagination.
My social handles are:
https://www.instagram.com/sunnybonheur/
https://twitter.com/SunnyBonheur
Are you a sex worker with tips or experiences to share? We'd love to hear from you!
The Good Client Guide destigmatizes sex work while providing guidance on how to be a better client and ally. Better experiences for workers mean better experiences for clients! To make this happen, we’re welcoming submissions from both providers and their customers.
