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Just off Ladbroke Grove where I was born. I was born up the top end of Ladbroke Grove and I’ve been moving steadily downhill over the years — I’m now in W10. I’ve got one daughter who’s now at Glasgow School of Art, but they’re all still at home.
Favourite hotel?
I’ve never actually stayed a night in a hotel in London! But I did go to Beaverbrook Town House the other day, which I thought was gorgeous — it’s all been done up by Nicola Harding.
Where was your first flat?
Coincidentally, it’s opposite where our studio is now in the George Building [W11]. We’ve got Mario Testino behind us, Stella McCartney in there, too — it’s a little fashion cohort. I lived with my sister and we rented out a couple of rooms; one to my sister-in-law who was my best friend at the time — that’s how I met my husband. I married my best friend’s older brother. There were also friends from art college. I went to Camberwell and then Bristol Poly.
What was your first job in London?
Working in my mum’s jewellery shop, Annabel Jones, in Beauchamp Place during the school holidays. I was in charge of gift wrapping. It was so fun because it was opposite San Lorenzo, so in the 1970s and 1980s you’d see Princess Diana and Annie Lennox.
Where would you recommend for a date?
I would probably walk along the canal from Ladbroke Grove to Regent’s Park. It’s got lots of different bits — it changes quite a lot as you go along.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
Recently it was Cafe Kitty in Soho. They do a very good Knickerbocker Glory. The kids loved it and they have a really nice bar.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Queens Elizabeth I and II. Amazing women who were completely central to London. In Downing Street there’s this very cool painting of Elizabeth I with sort of peroxide blonde hair, very punk.
Which shops do you rely on?
I have to confess, I’m not a big shopper. But I love my local café. The owner was burnt out of her home in Kosovo, and then again from her home in Grenfell Tower. And then out of that, she started Adriana’s just round the corner from us, and it’s been a great success in the local community.
Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
One told me about the book I had to read to pass my driving test. I read it and passed.
Have you ever had a run-in with a London police officer?
When I was in my 20s we had some armed police knock at the door saying that there were masked gunmen on the roof and they needed to come through. We let them in!
If you could buy any building in London and live there, which would it be?
My son is at school just over the river and on the corner of Hammersmith Bridge there are some amazing Victorian flats with big windows down the river. Every time I walk past I think, oh my God, aren’t they lovely.
Biggest extravagance?
I have a personal trainer on Zoom at 6.30 every morning.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I’m pretty sad Hammersmith Bridge is still closed. So I’d open it. It’s a tragedy.
What makes someone a Londoner?
Knowing your way around all the Tube stations, and you know all the shortcuts and how to sneakily get to all the platforms.
What do you collect?
Gold hoop earrings. I have so many pairs. I also have lots of lone hoops left behind.
What’s your London secret?
If you want a fun birthday party, Tiroler Hut is an institution. It’s kind of ski lodge, German beer hall vibes.
