From decorating biscuits at Biscuiteers to an evening at Amie Wine Studio and singing ABBA in the back of a hot pink stretch hummer, step inside Veena McCoole’s London hen do.
Why London?
To me, there’s nothing better than a full day out soaking up the best of the capital, especially in the early summer sunshine we’re having. London is my favourite city in the world, but it can be easy to forget all that it offers when you live here and become accustomed to your neighbourhood. Our itinerary whisked us from East to West London, featuring both well-trodden spots and new locations for the most magical day that felt distinctively “me”. With so much summer travel on the agenda for everyone, I wanted to keep things local so as many of my hens as possible could make it.
What we did…
The morning began with some at-home pampering and nibbling on fresh pastries, with TWE Beauty Editor Yasmin Salmon styling my hair and makeup to perfection. My girlfriends and I hopped in a sleek Blacklane car bound for East London, and were greeted at Bubala by trays of Bubie’s spicy margaritas made with mezcal and chilli syrup, and bridal balloons galore.
After a long, giggly lunch, we gave bridal-themed biscuit decorating a go at Biscuiteers in Notting Hill (trickier than it sounds, especially after a few drinks), before concluding the evening at Amie wine studio in Eccleston Yards for a wine tasting and hen games that had everyone in fits of laughter.
Where we ate…
The private dining room at Bubala Spitalfields on Commercial Street was the perfect spot for our group. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in the city, and we indulged in a gorgeous spread of breads, dips, and Middle Eastern small plates: I’m obsessed with their charred oyster mushroom skewers, garlicky labneh and burnt butter hummus, washed down with crisp white wine. The margaritas kept flowing from our private bar, and they generously popped our desserts in little to-go bags for us to enjoy in the limo ride to our next destination.
What I wore…
As soon as I saw this classic Oddmuse number, I knew it would be my hen look. The thick halter neckline was comfortable and flattering, and the retro flared skirt shape was a departure from what I usually wear. Paired with sky-high pearlescent platforms from Jimmy Choo and a statement Shrimps bag (that was actually big enough to fit everything I usually carry around with me!), I felt like an elevated, more partygoing version of myself. I topped it with a pearl-studded bow in my hair to finish the look (a fabulous Vinted find), and as the temperatures fell in the evening, one of my hens treated me to an oversized Amie wine studio T-shirt to keep me warm on the journey home.
The best moment…
Singing at the top of my lungs to ABBA in the back of a hot pink stretch hummer with fourteen of my favourite women in the world was just the best thing ever. Everyone popped their personalised bottles of Nyetimber as we flew through the sunny streets of London, and toasted to an unforgettable day of laughs, happy tears, and plenty of off-key singing.
My maids of honour both live abroad, but they generously surprised me with so many goodies along the way—a magnum of champagne, a delicious cake, and a bouquet of flowers—it felt like they were with me in spirit. I couldn’t be luckier to be surrounded by such incredible friends and family who so generously and unreservedly made me feel so loved and celebrated, and the festivities made me so excited for the big day in September!
