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North London, kind of near Ally Pally. I’ve been there about two and a half years, but I grew up as an east Londoner in Stratford. So I kind of always flip between east and north London. I’ve done that my whole life. I can’t decide!
Where was your first flat and what was it like?
The first time I moved out was to university halls. I went to King’s College for a bit and studied war studies for about six months, but left to go and do an acting degree. No regrets. I moved into halls in Stamford Street and really thought I’d made it because it’s central London. That was a real baptism of fire — when you move out of the house and you sort of have to do everything.
Best meal you’ve had?
Padella in Borough Market. Every dish they do. I have a toxic relationship with pasta because I don’t think it’s great for me, but I love it. The food is so good. They do a creamy, buttery tagliatelle which is my go-to. I went to Park Chinois recently, too, which does Asian food and delicious. It’s a nice, extravagant, get dressed up and really go for it kind of meal. I was just celebrating life there. Things are going pretty good.
Which shops do you rely on?
A new favourite of mine is Rains in King’s Cross. They do anoraks, bags, coats and boots — it’s kind of festivally. But I saw Top Boy recently and they all seemed to be in Rains! I would also say EL&N café, love a cake. I’m a big dessert person. I love the King’s Road and having a bit of a potter there. Oh, and Dior! Going to go big here with Dior. And then just the locals. My corner shop, you know, you can’t beat it.
Who do you call when you want to have fun?
One of my besties is Weruche Opia, who starred in I May Destroy You, and we love to be girls about town. So we do the dinners, we do the dancing. We went to Amazonico recently, and then on to Annabel’s, and then on to The Arts Club. We can always keep the night running and we have a lot of fun together.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Mr Fogg’s Residence. Also The Standard hotel. I think on a first date it’s good to talk. I don’t want to commit to dinner. I think going for a nice cocktail in a moody but quiet, intimate setting is a good place to get to know somebody. The Standard is amazing for that, and Mr Fogg’s does the best cocktails, and really fancy ones that can hopefully help distract if you need something else to look at.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
Always dinner first. I like to line the stomach, so dinner and cocktails. Then I always end up at The Box. It’s back! It’s here! I actually didn’t go the other night and I was really annoyed because Usher performed at the 10th anniversary. I missed it, fuming! But for example, I was at a Bafta thing the other night and we all ended up at The Box afterwards. I like anywhere a bit dark and moody, where you can let your hair down. It’s also accessible for all, its queer friendly. It always feels like a bit of a homecoming.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Ugh, pressure… Idris Elba. One, he is from east London. So am I, down the road. And I feel like he is the epitome of London: good-time person, got a cool edge. And he has got swagger. He can kind of turn his hand to anything — whether that’s acting, music — and I think he’d be good on a night out, wouldn’t he?
