Ahead of headlining The Libertines Festival at Gunnersbury Park in August, the band’s frontman Carl Barât shares his favourite spots in the capital – and why nothing beats a city walk.
Home is …
Outside London. I do miss London. The old London calling vibes. But I’m moving back in September. When I come up, I sometimes stay in this little hotel in Hackney called Mama Shelter. Or if someone else is paying, I stay at The Langham, but that’s quite rare.
Where was your first flat in London?
I went to university in Twickenham because it was close to London and that’s the sole reason I chose the university. I was always fascinated and intrigued with London because I was born out in Basingstoke but I always felt drawn to the big city. You feel in your blood like you’re a Londoner, and I’ve always felt like that — so I tried to edge towards London. The next flat was in
East Sheen, which I think was my first London postcode. That was above a place where I did my first songwriting sessions. It had little fireplaces and a weird stand-up bath. Then I went to West Kensington, above a curry house.
What was your first job in the city?
I did a lot of ticket tearing in theatres which was a great job. I worked at the Old Vic and the Aldwych and The Lyric. It literally didn’t pay for any more than your rent. But it introduced me to a community of artists and people living in the cracks between the floorboards of art, history and society. Everyone was in it together. Not to mention the talent on stage; Marcel Marceau used to get some of the front of house staff to carry him up on stage.The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
It depends what kind of person you are. I mean it could be something like Bunhill Fields: I love walking. I love walking around the city. I’d probably bore my potential first date to death actually. Maybe the canal by Angel, or a walk from Shoreditch into Columbia Road Flower Market.
What’s the best meal you’ve had in town?
The Anchor & Hope by Waterloo. It’s good food but just in the epicentre of that little Lambeth buzzy-ness. It’s a centuries-old little village. That’s what I love most about London: it’s just a conglomeration of towns and villages.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
My mind’s racing between The Purge and a free for all. I don’t think I should be entrusted with that power. Total freedom or total anarchy.
Who is the most iconic Londoner in history?
Maybe Marc Bolan.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
It used to be, “You can smoke.” The worst is when you get in the cab and you’ve got a guitar. That goes two ways. First of all, “You’re in a band?” Then you explain your band and they go, “Never heard it.” Or they’ll go, “Can you get me tickets?” or they’ll say, “My cousin’s got a studio in Epping. Let me get your number.”
I think we got a bit clobbered by the police, but it felt like a bit of a game, a cat and mouse thing at the time
Have you ever had a run-in with a London police officer?
Yeah, I’ve had numerous occasions from back in the day down at the old riots. I think we got a bit clobbered, but it felt like a bit of a game, a cat and mouse thing at the time. I once got arrested and put in a cell at Kentish Town and spent the night there. On paper, it was for theft of a moped. But me and Pete [Doherty], we were eyeing up this moped that had been neglected. Nothing particularly glamorous. It looked so neglected and sad, we thought we’d liberate it one rainy evening. It was a bit Miami Vice: an unmarked car pulled out in the middle of the road. We tried to explain we were out of work poets and it didn’t really sway it. It turned out it belonged to a one Mr Hesmetzky who subsequently dropped charges. So thank you, Mr Hesmetzky.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I love the river. I love the South Bank, and also out east, mudlarking territory. I love mudlarking without doing any mudlarking — I don’t want to get my hands dirty. Down by Greenwich and way out that side.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
I like antique things. There’s a great shop down in Cecil Court. There’s a couple of them. I go down there and spend silly money on something that I start obsessing over, like a statuette or coins.
What’s your London secret?
Browns restaurant in Covent Garden. There’s something about the place.
The Libertines Festival takes place on August 9 at Gunnersbury Park, ticketmaster.co.uk
