Illustration by Lee Martin
(Picture: ES Magazine)Home is…
East London. It’s been home on and off for a long time but last year, I finally got my own flat. It’s still a work in progress decorating-wise, but it’s lovely having your own place so you can drill holes in the plaster.
Which shops do you rely on?
I enjoy a Foyles. I’m one of those people who loves to buy books and then not read them. Foyles is the perfect place to browse, kill some time and hang out in the café.
What is your favourite restaurant?
Pachamama in Shoreditch. They do Chinese/Peruvian fusion food. Their aubergine dish changed my life.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
The South Bank. There are so many options to dip in and out of: theatres, restaurants, bars, beautiful scenery. It’s always romantic to be beside water in the middle of a city. And if it’s awkward, you can run away easily.
Favourite beauty spot?
My hairstylist, Subrina Kidd, just opened her own salon called SKH. It’s a cute boutique spot in Dalston. I went the other day and she coloured my hair. It felt very much part of the community, with people popping in and saying hi. At a time when lots of businesses are opening and closing post-Covid, it was nice to see some community spirit.
What makes someone a Londoner?
Londoners have this great way of complaining and knuckling down at the same time. Like, we get on with it but have a little whinge first. And probably during as well.
Biggest extravagances?
Food, skincare and shoes. I have far too many pairs of trainers. To be fair, I do give some away when it gets too much. I’m actually building some shelves for my collection at the moment. It’s a bit of an operation!
If you could buy any building and live there, which would it be?
St Paul’s Cathedral. There’s something about the way they light it at night that I find mystical. The dome looks like a moon. It has an ethereal feeling.
Most iconic Londoner?
Charlie Chaplin. I loved his films as a kid. Modern Times and City Lights are my favourites. I lived in Elephant & Castle while I was at uni and there was a Charlie Chaplin pub nearby. As a fan, it always made me smile.
What’s your London secret?
There’s a bar in Soho with a speakeasy vibe. If I tell you its name, everyone’s going to go. But I’ll give you a clue: the cocktails are South Asian fusion.
Ever had an run-in with a police officer?
I always love seeing them having fun at Carnival. That’s the side of the Met that the community wants to see — building trust and making it feel like we’re on the same side.
What are you up to at the moment for work?
The Woman King is out next week. I’m super proud there are three Black British Londoners in the main cast [Atim, Lashana Lynch and John Boyega]. Next up is a film called All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt. I’m also trying to write my own stuff. That’s what I was doing just before this chat but I was stuck, so I’m glad you called!
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Make all the museums and galleries free.
Where would you like to be buried?
Bow Church graveyard. Under the Bow Bells, like a proper cockney.
