Star of The Crown and The Magic Faraway Tree, Claire Foy gives us her London lowdown, from her food recommendations (Primeur, The Delaunay) to her relatable city struggles (arguing with parking attendants).
Where do you stay in London?
Any of the Firmdale Hotels are great, or anywhere with a pool. I’ve heard Claridge’s has got a pool now, but I haven’t been there yet. I’m happy as long as there is a steam room and a sauna.
Where was your first flat?
Honor Oak Park. It was a six-bedroom house, where I lived with all of my friends from drama school. We basically had to convince the owners to let us rent it, even though they wanted to rent it to a family. So we all chipped in and managed to convince them to let us stay in this house that none of us would have ever been able to afford otherwise. It was such a beautiful house. I remember spending a lot of time on the 363 bus.
What was your first job?
I worked as a security guard at Wimbledon. I know it’s hard to believe, but it was two weeks of really insane work and then I went on holiday with all my mates from uni. I was really jammy, though, because I got put on the players’ entrance, so I just had to search through all the players’ bags and trainers.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Get on a bike and cycle around Hampstead Heath and go to a lovely pub, like the Flask, or somewhere else in Hampstead. Then attempt to cycle home.
Which shop would you go to to buy a present for a partner or spouse?
Fortnum & Mason.
Which shops do you rely on?
Sourdough Sophia, Superette and Monmouth Coffee Company. And I really don’t think you can beat a good Food & Wine corner shop. The people who work in them have such patience; I have a lot of time for them. What they do is an absolute civic duty.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
So many. Eating is my favourite pastime. Primeur, London Shell Co, 28 Church Row, The Delaunay, J Sheekey — they’re all fantastic.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Give everyone a day off work, a day off school, turn all the sprinklers on and have a massive slip and slide.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
All of the pearly kings and queens! Or my mum.
Where do you go to have fun?
In the old days, I used to go to Fabric or Salvador & Amanda in Covent Garden, but that’s now shut. Now my best nights are in people’s gardens and kitchens.
What’s the best thing a London cabbie has ever said to you?
“I’m not going there.”
Where do you exercise?
I go to an amazing woman who does strength training and physiotherapy, but I selfishly don’t want to name her. I’m a class person, not a gym person. I need people watching me so I don’t give up.
Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?
Never, but I’ve had plenty of run-ins with London’s parking enforcement officers.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Travel. I love a holiday. I especially love Greece and I’m hoping to travel further afield now my child is older. I get to go to a lot of far-flung places for work, but it would be lovely to do it with family. As for spending in London? Food. And Thames Water.
What are you up to for work?
I’m promoting The Magic Faraway Tree. It’s an adaptation of an Enid Blyton book, brought up to date. It’s fantastical, but also about childhood and trying to get back to nature as much as possible. It’s really, really lovely.
Who is your professional hero?
Monica Dolan. She’s in so many things, and she’s a fantastic actor.
What do you collect?
Skincare. I especially love Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream. And a whole host of completely unnecessary plates and cups, vases and things that I pick up when I go on holiday.
What TV show are you obsessed with?
I loved Heated Rivalry.
What’s your favourite building in London?
There’s a little house on the Waterloo roundabout, opposite the IMAX. It’s the only house there, it’s insane, with this little front garden. I don’t know if people live there; I assume they’ve just never sold it and said, “Nope, we’re not moving.” I love that about London — that if you open your eyes, you can see all these things that are remnants of many, many years ago.
As told to Maddy Mussen
