As well as being a member of our Style Council, you could say that the menswear designer and entrepreneur Mr Alessandro Squarzi is a good friend of ours. We trust his opinion. A long-time collaborator, we have talked to him over the years about everything from his watch collection to his wardrobe. And today, we are asking him to take us around his home city of Milan for some insider tips. To see where he eats, drinks, stays, and what he does, read on below.

See Mr Alessandro Squarzi’s Style Council recommendations here

“This is a historical restaurant, family-run since 1936. It is a place where Italian artists are welcome to display their work, so inside it has beautiful paintings that make the atmosphere elegant and classy, and occasionally you can enjoy jazz music played by talented musicians. The menu follows Milano’s culinary traditions, so you can experience true Italian cuisine.”

_trattoriaarlati.it _

“Pandenus is a cosy place to enjoy happy hour. All the ingredients it uses are fresh daily and it works with first-rate suppliers. I personally recommend trying its Americano, which is really well-made. I particularly like the fact that it is always populated with interesting people, and that makes the atmosphere agreeable. They can also provide you with a room for the night.”

pandenus.it

“Since I live in Milano, I’m not best-placed to recommend a hotel there. However, the Bulgari Hotel is really well-served and has a lovely garden inside the chaos of the city. Soon in Milano there will be a new place to sleep. I’m currently working on a beautiful historic building called the Fortela House, a little luxury hotel that will feel like being hosted at Alessandro Squarzi’s home.”

bulgarihotels.com

“If you are enjoying a weekend in Milano, you can’t miss a good walk through Parco Sempione, an amazing park in the city centre. From there you can walk through the castle and reach the Duomo, which has an outstanding view. Another street that might be of interest, especially if you like fashion, is Via Montenapoleone, where you can find a really good coffee at Marchesi. If, like me, you are a WWII enthusiast, you can visit the Museo Nazionale Scienza, where they offer a tour inside an authentic wartime submarine.”

museoscienza.org

“During winter in Milan, I suggest wearing a good coat. In Italy, everybody is free to wear whatever they feel is most appropriate. A more casual look suits the city vibe, especially at the weekend. A coat and some sneakers will do just fine.”