Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is obsessed with London’s theatre scene, knows the best spot for Caribbean takeaway, and used to bunk off work to catch a film at the Victoria Curzon. When he attends the football with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he reveals, things can get a little heated.
Where was your first flat in London?
In Clapham South. It was during that bit after university, in my first years working as a lawyer.
What was your first job?
Working in KFC on Tottenham High Road. It was fantastic. You spend your whole time thinking: “Is this person the mystery shopper?” They have people who come in and put thermometers in the chips. I still love fried chicken. My staff have to stop me getting it all the time, otherwise I would probably be very rotund.
Where would you go to buy a present for your wife?
The Urban Flower Company in Crouch End does the best bouquet in London.
Which shops do you rely on?
Broadway Dry Cleaners in Crouch End. They have done my dry cleaning for many years, and do it superbly. I love Pak’s on Stroud Green Road, where I buy my shea butter, toothpaste, aftershave, all that sort of stuff. New Beacon Bookshop is also in that area and is wonderful. There’s a shoe repair shop called Callis, in Crouch End; the guys there are fantastic.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
From Granny’s Caribbean, which is next to my barbers on Stroud Green Road. It’s my takeaway of choice because I’m so attached to Caribbean food.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Walter Tull. He was one of the first black players in football history; he played for Spurs. He was a club hero and fought and died in the First World War. He was playing in 1909, about 45 years before my father arrived in Britain.
Where do you go to have fun?
I love the theatre. I went to Stratford East to see The Harder They Come with my big brother before Christmas and it was fantastic. I took my daughter to the Hackney Empire for the pantomime, which we go to every year. I’m also pretty addicted to movies. When I was a backbencher, I used to — occasionally — bunk off work and could be found by my staff at the Victoria Curzon, watching a film.
What’s the best thing a London cabbie has ever said to you?
“You look like that Mr Lammy, but just a bit younger.”
Where do you exercise?
The Parkland Walk, between Finsbury Park and Highgate. It’s one of London’s hidden gems, this wonderful old railway track that’s now a green urban oasis connecting two great parks. I walk my dog and run there — I love it.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
My wonderful dog, Silver. Her grooming, her treats, her food, walking with her. I still marvel at the fact we own a dog.
A year ago this week our family went up to Ipswich to pick up Silver our adorable Cavachon puppy. We were a little nervous but she has filled our lives with so much fun, walks and laughter. We should have done it years ago! pic.twitter.com/aGTlTcfhTr
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) December 6, 2020
Have you ever had a run-inwith a police officer?
I was first stopped and searched when I was 12, on Lawrence Road in Tottenham. It was avery scary experience.
What’s your London secret?
The Park Theatre in Finsbury Park. It’s a small, fantastic fringe theatre that is at the heart of its community. It’s a bit of a treasure.
Who’s your professional hero?
My predecessor in my London constituency, Bernie Grant. He was a trailblazer. He was a very generous person, he cared so much. I’ve heard stories of him giving constituents money because he was so worried about the poverty they were living in.
What are you up to at the moment for work?
What do you collect?
I collect ties and flag pins. You often get given them when you’re the foreign secretary or representing the country overseas. I’ve got well over 100, maybe 150.
What’s your favourite work of art?
My wife Nicola Green’s art is my favourite. It’s very special when you’re sitting in a restaurant or a hotel where her art is on display. I always take a picture and send it to her.
Where do you let your hair down?
Spurs. That’s where I can be found on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, screaming and shouting and occasionally swearing at the top of my lungs. It’s fun to do it with the Prime Minister sometimes.
What’s your favourite beauty spot?
I feel at my most warm and tender in the Lordship Recreation Ground in Tottenham. It has an old track where I learned to ride my bike when I was eight or nine, and I've taken all my kids to cycle around it. It was built in 1938 as a Model Traffic Area and has roundabouts and zebra crossings. I'm very fond of the park because I grew up in the area. My mum and dad used to take us, so I feel very at home there.
What apps can you not live without?
I think it’s Uber Eats. In politics, there can be late nights and there’s a Lebanese we order from when we’re working into the evening.
What’s your London dress code?
I would say preppy casual is how I’d sum myself up. These days, it’s a combination of Uniqlo and JD Sports.
As told to India Block
