Laura, aperitivo hour on Old Compton Street

Green eyes are what people mention after meeting Laura, though the rest of her makes a strong case too. Athletic and 169 cm tall, she wears her light brown hair long, sun-streaked from summers outside, and has the easy posture of someone who rides horses rather than watches them. Her style is breezy and garden-party bright: a printed midi dress, bare shoulders, a straw clutch in summer and a camel coat when the season turns. In her mid twenties and fresh in any weather, she can make a grey London afternoon feel like the first day of a holiday.

Adventure is her default setting. Laura has skied off-piste, ridden across open country at a gallop and planned three separate journeys through Italy on a single rail map, and she talks about all of it with a warmth that invites you along rather than showing off. Her English is lively and fast when she is excited, which is often. Energetic without ever being tiring, she is equally good at filling a quiet moment and at leaving one alone when you need it.

Soho gives her a small taste of Italy on Old Compton Street. Bar Termini is her afternoon ritual, a narrow room with a handful of seats where the coffee is serious by day and the negronis take over as evening arrives. She perches at the counter, orders two of whatever the bartender recommends, and tells you which station bar in Rome inspired the name. From there it is a short stroll to a trattoria table, or straight back to your hotel if the afternoon has other plans.

Paddington is her base, a few minutes by Elizabeth line from Tottenham Court Road, and same day requests are fine from midday. Put a time and your hotel in a message to booking, and she can often be with you by mid afternoon.