#jun 2019

The actress loves the dining vibe at Italo, is a sucker for Bob Bob Ricard’s on-demand bubbly and finds her happy place at TK Maxx

By Hamish Macbain 05 June 2019

Home is…

I’m Hackney born and bred and find it hard to call anywhere else home despite the extreme ongoing gentrification which gets me down. I split my time between here and my new love, Margate.

Bus, taxi or Tube?

I love the Tube. I give the different lines personalities. The Victoria line is the best friend you can always rely on, the Jubilee line is the enigmatic crush you just can’t seem to get close to. Although, if you asked anyone else they would tell you I have a taxi addiction that needs professional attention.

Where would you recommend for a first date?

Art galleries are the best first date spots for my money. You’re close, but your gaze is averted, you’re held together by an invisible line. Newport Street Gallery owned by Damien Hirst is my favourite London find.

Where do you work out?

Haha! Good question. I’m a bit sporadic in that department. I have a wonderful trainer and friend, Nyambe Ikasaya, who runs One Life Studio in Stoke Newington and has a totally holistic approach to fitness. He also specialises in cryotherapy, which is great for muscle recovery.

Which shops do you rely on?

Liberty for everything, Dover Street Market for clothing inspiration and the Wellcome Collection gift shop for eclectic books and gifts. Also the Plant Warehouse in Bethnal Green to make my flat look like a jungle and finally TK Maxx — it’s widely known that this is my spiritual home. I’m never happier than when I’m in TK sourcing bargains.

What is your London secret?

Italo in Bonnington Square, Vauxhall. I lived in Vauxhall for a bit and it’s full-on and busy near the Tube, but this square felt like stumbling upon a London secret. I’ve had some blissful times here. It reminds me there’s still community to be found in this city.

Last play you saw?

I’ve been in a play since the beginning of the year — Betrayal at the Harold Pinter Theatre — so haven’t been able to catch much recently. But Summer and Smoke knocked my socks off. Tennessee Williams moves my soul. Patsy Ferran and Matthew Needham were breathtaking in the lead roles. And the Betrayal cast presented Patsy with her best actress Olivier Award.

Best meal you’ve had?

Bob Bob Ricard for a birthday years ago. The ‘press for champagne’ button by the tables is just genius and far too tempting. A lobster roll and a few glasses of fizz and I’m happy.

Favourite pub?

The Prince George on Parkholme Road in Dalston. It’s the first pub I ever tried to get served in and was turned away. Now it’s run by two of my oldest friends. Amazing vibes, great food, a proper local.

Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?

^▽^  190621 KST Official Broadcast | Korea-America Friendship Festival