Lauren Laverne might he headed to Glastonbury for the week, but here she shares what she loves most about living in the capital.
Home is …
Muswell Hill. I moved to London when I was a teenager and have lived all over, but I’ve been in this neighbourhood almost 20 years now and I love it. The view from the terrace of Ally Pally is one of the most beautiful in London.
Where was your first flat in London?
I was in a band and we moved down to sign a record deal when I was 18. We got a place just off St Paul’s Road in Camden which was within tottering distance of some great clubs. I had no idea, but my future husband was living round the corner on Camden Square. Camden was much more rough and ready back then.
What was your first job in the city?
A musician. I was supposed to be at university doing medieval studies but life intervened.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
I’m a huge fan of the V&A so I’d probably say to head down to their new museum in Olympic Park. The perfect place to while away an afternoon getting to know each other.
Which shops do you rely on?
Liberty — if it’s good enough for Emma Stone’s Cruella it’s good enough for me. Space NK in Covent Garden, where I could happily spend the whole day just smelling things. Foyles bookshop — same as Space NK but the smell is books. Audio Gold in Crouch End is my local record shop and sound system experts. The loveliest people and so knowledgeable. Dunns Bakery in Muswell Hill is an institution. Get the rosemary sourdough with salted crust, toast and butter it and watch your life change.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
My 40th birthday dinner at Dean Street Townhouse. I love it in there, especially in the winter when they have a fire blazing in that twinkly Georgian dining room.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I’d reopen Bagley’s in King’s Cross for a gigantic rave.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Dickens. He knew every side of the city and the way he articulated its energy and people has become part of our collective memory.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
We always end up talking about music! I had one who has a successful sideline as a house DJ and had just bought a record label. We had a good time chatting a load of Balearics …
Where do you let your hair down?
A gig at Ally Pally or a night at Alexandra Palace Theatre. You can see anything from Iggy Pop or The Chemical Brothers tearing the place apart in the main space to brilliant plays and stand-up. And I can walk home!
Who do you call when you want to have fun?
My kids! They’re teenagers and just so much fun. I’m off to the ballet tonight to see Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Royal Opera House with my youngest, and it’s Pulp at the O2 for my eldest tomorrow.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Museum memberships and theatre tickets.
What’s your London secret?
Going to the clock gallery in the British Museum at 10 to twelve on a weekday and just waiting for everything to go off … symphonic!
What are you up to for work?
Getting the nation to start its day dancing on my 6 Music show, talking about life and music with a fascinating castaway on Desert Island Discs, and chewing the fat and having fun with The One Show team each. I’m also about to head back to Glastonbury to bring the event into listeners and viewers’ homes with the BBC.
Who is your hero?
Annie Nightingale taught me how to be joyful while also changing things — she always made being a pioneer look like a party! And my mam, who was the wisest, cleverest, most encouraging person I have ever known.
What do you collect?
Books and records — and far too many.
The London work of art which makes me happiest is the Peter Blake portrait of Sir Michael Eavis
Favourite work of art in London?
The one that makes me happiest is the Peter Blake portrait of Sir Michael Eavis that hangs in the new entrance to the National Portrait Gallery. Michael is a wonderful man and seeing him honoured for all he and his family have done warms my heart.
What was the last thing you googled?
“Shepton Mallet two-week weather forecast.”
As told to Vicky Jessop
Lauren Laverne will be broadcasting from Glastonbury on BBC TV, radio and iPlayer
