ESSENTIALLY LONDON is the creation of Lia Lalli
Lia’s love affair with London began in the early 1990s; by the end of her first short stay she had fallen in love with the city and and never left!
ABOUT OUR OWNER
Her initial career in London started on the trading floor at Goldman Sachs after which Lia moved into the creative side of finance, joining Imagination Global Investors Communication (IGIC).
Here Lia managed a team organising pre-IPO international roadshows for blue-chip companies, working with senior management teams to advise on strategic communication with investors. This involved intensive preparation beforehand, as well as continuing coordination and support thereafter. In this role Lia travelled widely with the senior teams worldwide to the major financial capitals of the world from New York to Hong Kong.
In 2009, Lia decided to use this experience to pursue what she was truly passionate about, retraining as a professional London tourist guide. Following a two-year intensive course, she was awarded the much-coveted Blue Badge for London by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. She has never looked back! In 2010 Essentially London was established.
London has a way of keeping its secrets hidden and over the years Lia has discovered secluded corners where this incredible city hides its bounty. She has a profound love for London, and Essentially London is the result of this enthusiasm and passionate wish to share all that she has discovered with visitors – nothing has changed since her first day as a Blue Badge Guide.
“The first time I visited Westminster Abbey on a tour led by a Blue Badge Guide, I felt totally in awe of the place and richer from the experience. So when I take visitors through Westminster Abbey, I want them to feel what I felt that first time”
Explaining her passion and inspiration, Lia says
ESPECIALLY REWARDING
…has been the opportunity to create an agency using her fellow guides, matching their unique individual knowledge with the interests of her clients; every guide has their own special way of connecting with visitors and Lia personally curates every itinerary to ensure that each client enjoys an adventure which will leave lasting memories. As well as the Blue Badge Guides themselves, Lia works with a team of professional drivers and suppliers and has built up an enviable portfolio of luxury experiences.