Nº90: Emily Burke
The London-based writer and editor talks Kissing Rose toothpaste, community saunas and haunted antiques.
We’re back with Emily Burke. Read on to find out what she’s into, and if you’re new here, hit subscribe for secret recommendations every week.
Emily Burke is a writer and the Associate Editor of Elephant Magazine.
☞ COMMUNITY SAUNA BATHS: I’m hesitant to recommend this because it’s already getting far too popular for my liking, but there’s truly nowhere better in the world. It’s sexy in a way that is only truly possible when things verge on being a little bit gross. As a rule, you’ll know if you’re truly bonding with me because I’ll stop pretending I want to go for a drink and start inviting you to the sauna.
☞ PATINA: An East London favourite of mine, and a great place to buy vaguely haunted antique items. Patina is a family-owned store, and the owner's mother sends over hand-knitted socks and hats every winter. My recent purchases include: a metal chocolate mould in the shape of a bunny and some 1930s Christmas decorations.
☞ BAKE STREET: At the risk of this becoming an East London guide, I can’t complete a list of recommendations without recommending Bake Street. Everyone needs to try their tacos and consommé + make sure to pick up some Tajin while you’re there so that when you next buy a watermelon, you can top it with Tajin.
☞ SHIRLEY JACKSON: “A woman born for tragedy, perhaps, although inclined to be a little silly.” - Shirley Jackson, We Have Always Lived in the Castle. A perfect, creepy little novel by the inimitable Shirley Jackson. Merricat is one of my favourite characters ever written, and I think of her often, especially when I'm in a particularly melodramatic or murderous mood.
If you're a big Jackson fan, like me, I also recommend Ruth Franklin’s biography of the author and this recently published collection of her letters.
☞ MARVIS KISSING ROSE TOOTHPASTE: I’m pretty basic when it comes to romance, I like flowers and lots of kissing. This toothpaste combines both desires, and it looks really nice in my bathroom.
☞ ADVICE: Don't listen to me, listen to Tara Brach <3
☞ FUN TIGHTS: I’m hoping that next winter, I will be really into sensible, thick tights that don’t snag, but it hasn’t happened so far in my adult life. I like the seller Moody MuMu on Depop.
☞ PODCAST: I really enjoyed Jamie Loftus’s Ghost Church podcast, which examines the history of Spiritualism in America. I also like her podcast, Sixteenth Minute, and the recent series of (surprisingly compassionate) episodes she has done on Hailee Welch, AKA the Hawk Tuah Girl. And if you're into the nitty-gritty of the editorial world, then you should listen to 'The Critic and Her Publics', especially the episodes with Sasha Weiss and Emily Greenhouse.
☞ CURRENTLY READING: They Flew, Carlos Eire.
♪ LISTENING TO: Dolly Parton’s Silver Dagger, always.
☠ HATES: Dill. As in the green thing that is always ruining a perfectly good salmon dish.
Thanks Emily! Follow Emily here!
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