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St Albans with my partner, Viv. We’ve lived together for a few months now.
Where do you stay in London?
I like the W, that really is a treat. Every now and again I love a little bit of luxury. Who doesn’t!? The gadgets and the good food.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Depends on what you like, but I love to have food at Sexy Fish or Novikov followed by a good show. I love The Lion King, my all time favourite, an absolute classic, the best. If you haven’t been I highly recommend it — it is incredible. At Sexy Fish I always order the set menu, then you have a little bit of everything and it is all so delicious.
What’s the best meal you’ve had here?
Sexy Fish or Novikov! Both exceptional Japanese restaurants, especially with good food and company, which is Viv or my team-mates from Arsenal. I’m a classic cocktail girl, I love a Pornstar Martini, you can’t go wrong. In relation to food, sushi all the way or anything that involves truffle. Yummy! Atmosphere-wise both are very different. Sexy Fish is busy and a DJ is often there so the music is blaring. It’s a nightclub slash restaurant vibe — I love it! Whereas Novikov is more chill, a good food, good people vibe.
What was your first job in London?
I moved here to be a professional footballer. I was 21 when I signed for Arsenal. I was injured so I actually found it really difficult as I didn’t have football to distract me so much and everyone had their own schedule — until I got my own I felt lost. But with time and being able to play again, falling in love with St Albans, my home, London city life become more exciting and I love everything about being here now.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Use all congestion charges and put them towards charities and food for the homeless. Nothing crazy but I’d love to help people.
The most iconic Londoner in history?
David Attenborough, what a man! No one is competing with him. I’m a big animal lover and he brings them alive. My favourite animal is a penguin, they are so cute. I love them: they work hard and are very loyal to one another, just like us on the pitch.
We love a good upbeat ABBA number in the changing room
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
‘OMG, are you Beth Mead?’ I couldn’t believe a London cab driver would ever know who I was.
Ever had a run-in with a police officer?
I haven’t, I’m a good girl so no issues with the police. But one did ask for a picture with me last week, if that counts.
Who do you call when you want to have fun in London?
Steph Catley, my Arsenal teammate, or Amelia Dimoldenberg: she knows how to have fun always.
What are you up to for work?
I’m unfortunately rehabbing right now... I’m obviously sad to be missing the World Cup so I’m really trying to spend as much time as I can in the gym trying to get stronger for the next one.
Which podcast are you obsessed with?
I love Peter Crouch’s. He’s good fun and I love hearing his stories from over the years.
Any songs you like to get you into the spirit before a match?
Leah Williamson, our changing room DJ, likes to put on songs to please us all. We love a good upbeat ABBA number though, especially for Swedish player Stina Blackstenius.
What was the last thing you googled?
Full disclaimer: what the job of the London Mayor was, haha!
