Lou Dearden

Before her departure in October 2023, Anna-Louise (mostly known as Lou) was Editor in Chief of Saga Exceptional’s newsletters.

A journalist and editor since the ‘90s (when lunches were considerably longer – and louder) she’s written for The Guardian, Total Film, Glamour, Sky and Vogue. She’s also collaborated with huge brands like ASOS, Barclays, House of Fraser and Tesco.

Having cut her teeth in the food and drink industry, she’s been lucky enough to visit vineyards and Michelin star restaurants – as well as much less salubrious, but no less fun destinations. And as editor of a film magazine for six years, she’s interviewed stars like Michael Palin, Sandra Bullock, Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn. She once had a boozy lunch at the Dorchester with Robocop and fell asleep on the train from London, waking up in Nottingham (not her destination).

A Mental Health First Aider, Lou is passionate about wellbeing and happiness, and is constantly seeking out experiences that inspire awe (even the every day, little ones). She has two children, who she managed to get to 18, so is now looking forward to travelling out of the insanely expensive school holidays.