You Are What You Give... with Emily & Hugo of Straw London

Straw London were an early stockist of Scribble & Daub, and it's hard not to fall for the beautiful ceramics, baskets, clothing and French vintage finds that inhabit Emily & Hugo's small but perfectly formed shop on Columbia Road in London. I have lived in a pair of Gardana clogs they gave me for my birthday a couple of years ago, and was also honoured to create their wedding stationery.

Sweethearts since they were 16, these stylish shopkeepers share their love story, favourite films, food and finds for Valentine's Day with us...

How did you two meet?

Emily: Hugo and I met at secondary school back in Dorset. Despite being in the same form from the first day, we didn’t really start talking until year 11 at age 16. Last October we celebrated our 20th anniversary together!

What is your most memorable Valentine’s day?

Emily: Without sounding too sentimental, my most memorable Valentine’s day has to be our first one with Cosmo (our son). He was 5 months old at the time, and the night before I had dressed him in the sweetest pyjamas. The next morning I was greeted by my boys with heart shaped toast & butter, a little vase of daffodils, cards & a huge heart shaped box of chocolates from Rococo. It wasn’t necessarily a traditionally romantic Valentine’s Day but it was one overflowing with love for my little family.

Hugo: I can’t think of a specific one but I have many fond memories of frantic kitchen work. Ensuring the foods are heart shaped, the wine is chilled and chaos does not prevail. I really enjoy cooking and to cook for someone you love is a special treat.

What’s the best Valentine gift you have given or received? Or the most romantic thing you have done for each other…

Emily: For as long as I can remember, our Valentines traditions have been centred around food, usually cooked by Hugo with the odd dessert made by me. His previous specialities have ranged from heart shaped pizzas, lobster spaghetti and moules mariniere. I would say that is the most romantic thing Hugo does for me every year and he does it very well. I remember when we lived in a tiny flat, had recently moved in and not yet unpacked. We affectionately called the sitting room “box mountain”. Hugo had excavated the table and set the scene with beautiful wine, music and delicious food. He is so wonderful at doing things properly even when surroundings are less than perfect.

Hugo: When we were younger, Emily made me a sketchbook of photos documenting our relationship through the years. We look through it every so often and it’s a lovely reminder of how so many things have changed, but we are still the same two people who started this journey when we were so young.

And book?

Emily: Hugo is the reader in our family and our house is full of books! I, however, am definitely more of a tv or film person and anything romantic (and usually tear jerking) is my favourite to watch.

Hugo: I don’t think I read anything that could conventionally be considered romantic, but A Dream Of Wessex by Christopher Priest does spring to mind. In short, it’s about a relationship that you as the reader are rooting for.

What is your favourite romantic film?

Emily: This is a tough one but ultimately it’s got to be Bridget Jones Diary, although I love most 90’s romantic comedies. While You Were Sleeping is another favourite, that era of film is such an easy watch - the storylines, the clothes - all great, and the interiors always make you wish you had that life.

Hugo: I really struggle to choose favourites but today I will say Cary Fukunaga’s Jane Eyre.

And song?

Hugo: Spinning Away by Brian Eno. Emily walked down the aisle to this song so it’s very special to us. It brings back all the emotions of the day when I hear it.

Emily: Chet Baker Sings on vinyl always makes me think of Hugo (who bought it for me as a Valentines present many years ago).

And art work?

Whether or not the artwork itself is romantic is hard to say but we both love Cy Twombly. The shared experience can be romantic and there are certainly romantic memories from pilgrimages to see his work.

And meal?

Emily: I think our most romantic meal has to be the Salmon and haricot vert from Cafe Charlot in Paris which reminds us both of the night we got engaged. A side of frites is essential. Bottle of Sancerre optional. Hugo drove us to Paris on the way to a vintage market - one night we were in the most beautiful Hotel Bourg Tibourg getting engaged, and the next night we were sleeping in the back of our very old Volvo estate awaiting a 2am start for shopping time. I think those couple of days sum us up perfectly.

If you could pick one thing from Scribble & Daub’s Valentine edit, what would it be

Emily: My collection of Scribble & Daub is quite vast already, especially after Caroline designed our wedding invitations which hold such a special place in our hearts so I am lucky enough to already have quite a few things. The Boissier Chocolate Truffle Hearts are so delicious so a tin of those are at the top of my Valentine’s list which I promise to share with Hugo.

Hugo: I would pick the Kaweco pen. I have my dads old one and the nib is slightly worn by his handwriting so it can sometimes be stubborn. I could put my own mark on a new one!

Please tell us 5 love-ly gifts you’d give, and 5 you’d like to receive…