Home is …
North London. I grew up in Holloway and have always rented between Islington and Harringay. I don’t think I could ever leave north London — I very rarely venture south of the river. I’m pretty sure I even lost signal on my phone once down there!
Where do you stay in London?
When I’m lucky enough to stay in a hotel, it’s usually for work. I love The Soho Hotel for its colourful decor, incredible mattresses, and the great pub right outside the back door. Plus, the hum of scaffolding and drunken revellers in Soho is oddly relaxing.
Where was your first flat?
On Camden Road, above a Domino’s pizza. It was a tiny studio where the bed had to be pulled out of the wardrobe. You could brush your teeth in the bathroom, stir a pot on the hob and watch TV at the same time. But I absolutely loved living on my own in the city.
What was your first job?
I worked as a florist on Seven Sisters Road during secondary school work experience. They kept me on when I turned 15 as the Saturday girl. I earned £20 a week and learned a lot from the owner, Lorraine, about the importance of knowing your local community. My dream is to have my own little flower shop one day.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
A big, long walk through Hampstead Heath is ideal for a first date. There’s an app called Geocaching that turns it into a treasure hunt. Plus, if the date goes badly, you can run away and head to The Spaniards Inn for a pint on your own.
Best meal you’ve had in London?
Right now, my favourite restaurant is Humble Chicken in Soho. I recently took my The Gentlemen co-stars, Theo James and Daniel Ings, for a celebratory season two renewal meal. The chefs prepare a Japanese-inspired tasting menu right in front of you — it’s amazing!
Which shops do you rely on?
Dunn’s bakery in Crouch End for the best sourdough of your life. For the vibes, I love Cyberdog in Camden Market. For groceries, I go to the Brazilian Centre in Stamford Hill — I am half-Brazilian and cook Brazilian food three or four nights a week at home, so I’m there very often. Whenever a friend has a baby, I go to Hamleys. There’s something very special about buying a teddy from there.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I’d make it mandatory for someone to shout “ANTICIPATE THE BARRIER!” at every Tube station escalator for tourists. We love you, but please get through the barriers faster.
Most iconic Londoner?
Peggy Mitchell. End of story.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
My best friend’s dad was a London cabbie. He taught me to say “be lucky” when leaving a taxi — it’s like a secret code between cabbies. I still say it every time.
Have you ever had a run-in with a London police officer?
When I was 13, I bunked off school and got stopped by a policeman in my uniform. I panicked, ran back to school and have been very respectful of the law ever since!
Where do you go to let your hair down?
In my teens and early twenties, we’d go to Joe’s swing bar in Camden, then Marathon kebab shop, which had a speakeasy in the back with an Elvis impersonator and candles — you just go for a “can of Stella” to be allowed in. Nowadays, I love pub gardens in summer, or singing 1990s classics in my kitchen with friends until the early hours.
In my twenties, we’d go to Joe’s swing bar in Camden. Now, I love pub gardens in summer, or singing 1990s classics in my kitchen with friends until the early hours
Biggest extravagance?
My home. Since I started working at 14 my goal was to be able to get a mortgage. I’m trying to set down some roots for my kids and their future, which is something I didn’t have.
Favourite work of art in London?
The Spriggan sculpture along the Parkland Walk. Otherwise known as The Fairy Bodyguard of North London.
What’s your London secret?
ANTICIPATE THE BARRIER!!!
What are you up to at the moment for work?
I’m working at Hampstead Theatre. It’s my London stage debut and I’m excited to be working with a wonderful company on a new play, East is South, written by the brilliant Beau Willimon. It explores the ethics behind AI, what the future holds for it, and how humans see their relationship with technological advancement.
East is South is at the Hampstead Theatre, opening on February 7
