THE JOURNAL
Trevi Fountain, Rome. Photograph by Ms Michelle Bitetto/Unsplash
For a man who has built a life between Australia and Italy (not to mention a career in travel), to say that the past couple of years have been tricky for Mr Bradley Cocks would be an understatement. Still, a pandemic is no match for the resourceful founder of social consultancy company Goodtrip Pty Ltd. Mr Cocks has adapted to the new normal with grace, spending the past year pivoting to consulting in biotechnology.
As well as a professional polymath, Mr Cocks also happens to be on MR PORTER’s Style Council. With travel now tentatively back on the cards – and considering Mr Cocks’ expertise as a local in Rome – who better to guide you around the Italian capital? Read on to find out the secrets he’s learned about living the Italian way, his restaurant recommendations, plus a hot tip for navigating the city like a true Roman.
When someone visits Rome, where do you take them first?
We would always start at Roscioli for coffee, then stroll through Campo de’ Fiori, pop into Chez DéDé on the way to the centro storico to visit some of Rome’s famous art works. I love Caravaggio, so I might even walk guests up to the Galleria Borghese. Then, it’s either lunch at Armando al Pantheon or a walk down the River Tiber to experience Felice a Testaccio – a Roman establishment since 1936.
Do you have a favourite spot to eat? What’s your order?
Sitting outside at Pierluigi is a special Roman experience. Here, I’ll talk to the waiter or owners, and see what they recommend as the freshest catch or seasonal dishes – always a lobster or vongole pasta, of course. I also love the food and family at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali in Monti.
What’s the best-kept secret in the city?
Download the SHARE NOW app, which gives you access to two- or four-seater smart cars, so you can explore the city and feel like a Roman. You can easily park anywhere in Rome, and even drive out to Tivoli. No need to visit the traditional car-rental agencies, which can be a tedious experience.
What has moving to Italy taught you?
It’s taught me to be more open-minded and not to judge situations so quickly – there are so many different approaches to life that often take time to accept.
View of St Peter’s Basilica over River Tiber, Rome. Photograph by Mr David Sülflow/Getty Images
What is your favourite thing in your wardrobe and why?
My OrSlow Western-style denim shirt because it’s versatile to wear with jeans or chinos and is very comfortable. Since I’ve been here, I’ve learnt that Italian men are very passionate and take a lot of pride in their appearance. As a friend of mine in Italy told me: “Never wear shorts, unless there is a high probability you will be swimming.”
How has the luxury-travel industry changed, given the past couple of years?
Travel will slowly open in stages, starting with regional travel, then countries that people have visited in the past and feel “safe” because they know them. The future norm will become “green passes” starting in Europe, Asia and Australia – the US will be dependent by state.
What are you spending most of your time on right now?
Since the travel industry has almost ground to a halt since Covid-19, I have transitioned and have been consulting for biotechnology companies. They are an incredibly smart and passionate group of people making advancements in cancer research within immunotherapies and cell therapies. I’m currently working on a special rebranding project for a biotech company that will launch late September. They are leading a new cell-therapy technology, which is looking very promising.
Finally, what do you know now that you wish you’d known sooner?
The future of cryptocurrencies and cryptoassets. Like a lot of people, I wish I had taken more time to learn about this space…