I love Borough because it is a cultural hub and has great food. It’s in walking distance of Soho and my office at Somerset House but what I really love is the sense of community.
After I had my son, Lucky, there were moments when the world felt like it was happening somewhere else, but a walk to Borough Market and a chat with the guys at Elliot’s, The Ginger Pig or the recently closed Flor and I’d feel human again.
I like walking everywhere and SE1 is so central. For more than 10 years I lived in a flat in Borough that was so unusual in its layout. My husband and I loved that you could walk past and have no idea of what went on behind the gates.
We’ve been told that it was a converted flag warehouse; one huge, white open space with our bedroom mezzanine at the top and a shared courtyard for all residents that really came into its own over lockdown. We would use it for barbecuing all the delicious things we’d buy from the market.
Best eating and drinking
Elliot’s; the cheese puffs are essential eating. There is an insane natural wine menu, too. Sam, Brett and the whole team make every night out there feel like a special occasion.
Then 40 Maltby Street is the place for trying new wines with a side dish of great food.
Where I work out
Along the river. I could run across to St Paul’s Cathedral over the Millennium Bridge every day.
For a culture fix
The whole area is a culture fix. The Young Vic is my favourite theatre as the work there is so experimental and ambitious. I have found that the programme with artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah has really tried to engage the community with an initiative called Taking Part.
I was sad to hear that they’re closing down the Tate Exchange. I did one of my first events for my creative agency, A Vibe Called Tech, there and it was a unique space bringing together social purpose and art.
The Calder Bookshop on The Cut is one of my favourite shops in London. You can always find an obscure political science book that you never knew you needed.
Lastly, White Cube. I think people are less comfortable with visiting commercial galleries but the staff at White Cube are always super welcoming, the shows are superb and the gift shop is the answer to every birthday dilemma ever posed.
To commune with nature
There’s a beach by the river where there’s always a man building elaborate sandcastles, someone doing tai chi or couples just sitting and relaxing.
Grocery shopping
Go to St John for doughnuts and Ginger Pig for meat. I feel like they wrongly have a reputation for being super expensive but that’s only the case if you’re buying kilos of Chateaubriand. Tell the guys what you’re cooking and your budget and they’re super helpful at making suggestions.
Marks & Spencer Bankside also has the nicest team in the world working there. Whenever I go in, several people will ask me how my son is.
Getting around
I walk or take the Tube. A lot of Londoners will argue that the Victoria line is best but they are wrong, it’s the Jubilee.
Dream street
My favourite street is not technically a street, but Trinity Church Square. The fact that it’s beautiful is pleasing but the real joy is the unexpected presence of Henry Wood Hall, a rehearsal and recording space. If you put your ear to the door, you might well hear an orchestra playing Bach.
Something you only see in Borough
Sarah Jessica Parker eating takeaway fish and chips in a corner. True story.
What’s the catch?
It’s not a massively residential area so the streets at night can feel a bit ghostly.
In three words
My Happy Place.
A Vibe Called Tech; vibecalledtech.com
Schools
There are several primary schools in Borough rated outstanding or good, including Boutcher Church of England Primary School, Beormund Primary School and Friars Primary School.
For secondary education, Ark Walworth Academy is rated good. Haberdashers’ Aske’s Borough Academy is a newly registered school that has yet to be inspected. DLD College London is an independent school in the area.
