Reflecting on her move from New York to the Algarve and the creative journey that shaped her latest book
Over the years, Patty Farmer has forged a career that is defined by its impressive transitions, moving seamlessly from the high-stakes financial world of New York to the gentle, sun-drenched pace of the Algarve, all whilst securing numerous literary accolades.
Although Patty describes herself as “mainly a businesswoman”, her professional life encompasses several distinct, high-profile roles as a globally recognised journalist, a respected historian, a former model, and a sharp-witted spokeswoman.
Born in Ireland, her family moved to the United States when she was very young, shaping her into the driven professional she is today. She grew up in New Jersey and graduated in Finance and Business from Princeton University, complemented by advanced degrees from LIM College in New York. This financial education became her primary, full-time occupation immediately after her studies, yet it provided the foundation for a much deeper passion: writing.
Her books, covering a diverse range of subjects, are met with excellent reviews from renowned authors and major publications, including the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. “I love to write, and there are a few things I really like to write about, including entertainment, music, and now tea,” she shares.
In fact, this ‘new’ interest has already proved fruitful. The best-selling author has recently won the 2025 IPPY Gold Medal in the Specialty Cookbook category for her latest title, Tea Under the Palms: From Leaf to Kettle, a History of Tea and the Art of a Proper Tea Party. The book is instantly appealing for its charming blend of history, culture, and hospitality tied to the ceremony of tea.
The book’s narrative is intrinsically linked to the legendary Plaza Hotel in New York, a place that has special place in the author’s heart since her earliest years. This was where she first experienced afternoon tea with her mother, a cherished habit repeated on special occasions, and a passion she maintained whilst actually residing there for seven years.
Enchanted by the Plaza since she can remember, when she received the proposal to write a book about tea, it was an opportunity she readily embraced. “I enjoyed the research, the place, the testing, just the whole process,” she recalls, explaining the thoughtful decision to make the book small enough to sit comfortably on a plate, ideal for events, and perfect as a gift.
Enjoying a cup of tea is still a regular part of her daily life, whether she is working or relaxing, and it’s a culture she follows closely, noting its evolution. From her experience, she observes a growing interest among younger generations and is confident that this trend will increase among Millennials and Gen Z.
It was during her time living in an apartment right next to the Plaza Hotel that her investigative curiosity first manifested into serious historical work. She discovered the hotel housed a legendary nightclub, which had been operating since the 1930s.
Delving deeper, she unearthed its fascinating history, which, she explains, was initially just for personal interest, not necessarily intended as a book. However, the depth of the story led her to meet old performers who had worked there and the celebrities who frequented the venue. This journey unexpectedly connected her to figures like Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, culminating in her acclaimed book, The Persian Room Presents: An Oral History of New York’s Most Magical Night Spot.
During the more than 300 interviews she conducted for that project, many people repeatedly mentioned their experiences working at the iconic Playboy Club, a world about which Patty knew little. This sparked a new literary interest, giving rise to the eventual best-seller, Playboy Swings: How Hugh Hefner and Playboy Changed the Face of Music.
The research led to a personal connection with Hefner himself and the opportunity to spend time with Bon Jovi, including a conversation with Sharon Bon Jovi, who used to bring her son, John Bon Jovi, to the club.
According to Patty, the children of musicians grew up in a unique environment defined by music, celebrity, a sense of union, and freedom.
“The Playboy Club was a lifeblood, because it spawned so many clubs. Famous people like Jack Jones and Tony Bennett, of course, they were all there. They’d play at a Playboy Club in New York or in Miami or in Los Angeles, Chicago, London… There were many around the world,” she underlines.
With Playboy Swings focused on the musicians of the era, she followed it up with Playboy Laughs: The Comedy, Comedians, and Cartoons of Playboy, a work dedicated to comedians.
Next came the definitive history of New York’s beloved Plaza Hotel, also known for the numerous famous movies that were shot within its luxurious interiors – Starring the Plaza: Hollywood, Broadway, and High Society Visit The World’s Favorite Hotel.
Beyond her literary success, business remains a core part of her everyday life. The significant success she saw in the the US through her various real estate ventures gave her the financial confidence to pursue global opportunities.
Today, she still works in both fields, a connection that led her to Portugal. About 10 years ago, whilst actively searching for places to invest, having already secured property in Uruguay, Mexico, and Panama, she came across a listing for what felt like an undiscovered location, compelling her to visit.
“It looked very appealing, and it was not discovered yet,” she recalls, recounting the first spark of interest that led her to realise, a few years later, that she wanted to acquire property in Portugal. Having spent the next seven years exploring the region, she fell in love with the Algarve. On her very first visit to Lagos, it was love at first sight.
Patty shares that she had always wanted to live in Europe, and this coastal town finally solidified that decision. “The city felt pleasant and calm with its boats, and it was completely different from New York,” she emphasises.
Now, she is fully enjoying her life in Portugal and is actively trying to master the Portuguese language, though she hasn’t abandoned her international career, travelling frequently to attend events and launches across the globe.
In her daily life, she takes pleasure in her walks around Lagos with her dog, Marina – Patty’s second name and a reference to the picturesque area where they reside – a pair known and liked by the local community.
Furthermore, she is making the most of her long-held dream to live in Europe, using Portugal as a base for extensive travel. “I visited Vienna, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Budapest, and, of course, Paris, Milan, Florence; cities associated with fashion,” she lists.
With a life constantly on the move, Patty Farmer continues to surprise, and the next chapter is already in development: next spring, she is scheduled to release a new book that explores the life and works of the legendary crime author Agatha Christie and her connection to tea. The research process includes a journey to the Middle East and a visit to some incredible tea houses.
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