Home is…
North-west London, in Barnet. I live there with my wife and we’ve been there for about six years. I was born in Royal Free Hospital, moved to Cricklewood, Edgware, lived in Mill Hill for a few years. So yeah, this is my neck of the woods.
Where do you stay in London?
We often stay at the Richmond Harbour Hotel with the team. Richmond is a beautiful part of town, and it’s got a boutique feel, great spa and is right next to the park.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Borough Market, it’s really interactive and there’s plenty to do. I like to see what entices the taste buds when I get there, then to mix and match. One of my friends has a business called Humble Crumble which we swing by.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
At Akara, a West African restaurant in Borough Yards with three of my childhood friends that I grew up playing rugby alongside, and later started our professional careers together. It was amazing. Lots of the dishes are based around akara which is like a bean fritter. And they had their own twist on jollof rice. It was really nice.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I’d add a couple more London-specific bank holidays and also have a big drive for parks, so that Londoners can enjoy more green space.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
I’m an Arsenal fan, so I want to go with Ian Wright for everything he’s done for Arsenal.
Where do you go to have fun?
We often go to one of the Soho Houses, whether Greek Street, Dean Street, White City or 180 — any of them really. Or maybe a house party where one of my friends is DJing… but at my age it’s also dinner at friend’s houses which I tend to favour. My ability to pull an all-nighter has waned significantly.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
Well, they’re always insightful and opinionated. And often extremely interesting, so I really enjoy chatting with them. I have never been chucked out of a cab, but I have been refused entry to a few. That’s a story for another day…
Where do you exercise?
I’ve got a home gym so I mainly train at home if I’m not at my club or stadium. But if I’m not doing that, reformer Pilates is my go-to. I go to a studio in St John’s Wood or in town.
Have you ever had a run-in with a London police officer?
I have but I was innocent! I was pulled over but I was obeying the law — it was their mistake.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
When I get the opportunity I enjoy travelling. Lagos and Nigeria is a place very close to my heart. I just love exploring different parts of Africa. I’m desperate to go to Zanzibar.
What are you up to at the moment for work?
At Saracens we’re competing for the premiership, so we have a huge game this Saturday (against Exeter Chiefs). If we win, it will allow us to reach the play-offs. I also co-run Akoje Gallery, a touring African art gallery. It had an exhibition this week in Mayfair, so that’s really exciting.
Who is your hero?
I’ve always admired Michael Jordan. He’s obviously the GOAT of basketball, a supreme competitor, but I admire what he has done in the business world also.
What do you collect?
Art is one of my big loves. I’m a big African art collector and am beginning to reach the stage where I’m running out of wall space at home.
Favourite work of art in London?
We work with an artist called Oluwole Omofemi. He’s amazing and he recently did a painting of Prince William for the Tatler cover.
The last thing you Googled?
Vinnie Jones! I watched the Vinnie Jones documentary last night, so I was doing a deep dive into him.
Favourite wellness spot?
My favourite masseuse is Kate Turner. She works at Hooke in Mayfair. She’s been working with me for a number of years now and is great.
Where do you go for headspace?
The parks. Regent’s Park, or I’m a big fan of Paddington Rec. I read a book, or there’s something so therapeutic about a long walk and I’ll listen to music or a podcast as I go.
As told to Rose Beer
Maro Itoje is co-founder of Akoje Gallery & Akoje Residency, a non-profit platform supporting artists from Africa, the Caribbean diaspora and SWANA regions
