According to Harry Brantly, co-founder of FRESCOBOL CARIOCA
Summering in the Cidade Maravilhosa is an art; we asked the founder of the brand wholly inspired by the Carioca way of life how he chooses to practice it.* 

*This interview was conducted in “Portunglês”, a mix of Brazilian Portuguese and English, and has therefore been translated across parts. 

Why is Rio important to you?
I am a Carioca, so the connection with Rio has been ever present in my life. There is a unique way of living here that you can’t find anywhere else- I often joke with Max [Leese, co-founder of FRESCOBOL CARIOCA], that in a line-up of 100 Brazilians, I could easily pick out the only Carioca da gema (transl/ “Carioca from the yolk”; a true native of Rio de Janeiro). It’s in their mannerisms, their colloquialisms, even the way they stand. They exude an ease; an appreciation for life and its simplicities.

How do you travel there?
Now I've put down roots in London, I find every second I'm able to spend in Rio is precious. Perhaps that's why, when I go back, I choose to rely on what's familiar, to places that have always held a significance and feel like home. Growing up, I would spend my life between three places: the city itself, in Urca where I went to school; the Interior, the farmlands of the state of Rio, and on vacation in Angra dos Reis. This trio feels like a reflection of Rio's varied landscape, but also it's a product of my upbringing. My father is Brazilian, my mother is English – they actually met at a a Carnaval party while my mum was doing a gap-year trip to Brazil. I guess the stereotype that 'once you come to Brazil you never want to leave' is true!

What’s a must-visit spot?
Forte de Copacabana: it’s got an incredible view of the beach, my personal favourite of the entire city. Go and grab a cafezinho and a snack at the Café 18 do Forte. There are beautiful high points for panoramic views all over Rio, but this to me feels special as it's actually on the beach and not too crowded. I like that you can hear the waves crash while the sun sets.

And an unmissable eatery?
It’s a crime to pick just one, but I’d say Bar Lagoa; the minute I land, I head straight there. It’s right on the edges of the Lagoa (transl/ Lake Rodrigo de Freitas, in central Rio], the waiters all look like they’ve been there since it opened back in the 30s. I always order the same thing: the filé Oswaldo Aranha, which is a tenderloin cut with farofa, and a caipirinha de maracujá (transl/ passion fruit caipirinha). 

Where to stay?
I guess the obvious answer will always be the Copacabana Palace. It’s iconic, you’ve got beautiful architecture, great rooms, stunning location - you really can’t go wrong. But really, if you’ve got the opportunity, I’d always recommend staying with a local. If you have a Carioca in your life, chances are they’ve already invited you to ‘Aparecer lá em casa!’ (trans/ ‘Drop by my place!’), so I’d suggest taking them up on the offer.

Finally, what’s a unique experience that only exists in Rio?
A classic Cobal, which is an artisanal fair held in these huge market spaces across the city. They sell everything from jewelry, to local fruit, to acarajé (a typical street food delicacy from Bahía), which is a favorite of mine. I also love taking the cable car up to Urca to have a coffee; usually known for its sunset hour, though I prefer to go during the day when it’s less crowded, or hiking up to Pedra da Gávea, which is pretty spectacular.

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