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Lauren Laverne might he headed to Glastonbury for the week, but here she shares what she loves most about living in the capital.<\/p>\n
Muswell Hill<\/a>. I moved to London when I was a teenager and have lived all over, but I\u2019ve been in this neighbourhood<\/a> almost 20 years now and I love it. The view from the terrace of Ally Pally is one of the most beautiful in London.<\/p>\n Where was your first flat in London?<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n What was your first job in the city?<\/p>\n A musician. I was supposed to be at university doing medieval studies but life intervened. <\/p>\n Where would you recommend for a first date?<\/p>\n I\u2019m a huge fan of the V&A so I\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n Justine Simons who has seen her vision of the East Bank in the Olympic Park, Stratford become a reality<\/p>\n Matt Writtle<\/p>\n Which shops do you rely on?<\/p>\n Liberty \u2014 if it\u2019s good enough for Emma Stone\u2019s Cruella it\u2019s good enough for me. Space NK in Covent Garden, where I could happily spend the whole day just smelling things. Foyles bookshop \u2014 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<\/a> is an institution. Get the rosemary sourdough with salted crust, toast and butter it and watch your life change.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the best meal you\u2019ve had?<\/p>\n My 40th birthday dinner at Dean Street Townhouse<\/a>. I love it in there, especially in the winter when they have a fire blazing in that twinkly Georgian dining room.<\/p>\n Dean St Townhouse <\/p>\n Soho House <\/p>\n What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?<\/p>\n I\u2019d reopen Bagley\u2019s in King\u2019s Cross for a gigantic rave.<\/p>\n Who is the most iconic Londoner?<\/p>\n Dickens. He knew every side of the city and the way he articulated its energy and people has become part of our collective memory. <\/p>\n What\u2019s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?<\/p>\n 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\u2009\u2026 <\/p>\n Where do you let your hair down?<\/p>\n 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! <\/p>\n The terrace at Alexandra Palace <\/p>\n Who do you call when you want to have fun?<\/p>\n What\u2019s your biggest extravagance?<\/p>\n Museum memberships and theatre tickets.<\/p>\n What\u2019s your London secret? <\/p>\n Going to the clock gallery in the British Museum at 10 to twelve on a weekday and just waiting for everything to go off\u2009\u2026 symphonic! <\/p>\n What are you up to for work?<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, and chewing the fat and having fun with The One Show team each. I\u2019m also about to head back to Glastonbury to bring the event into listeners and viewers\u2019 homes with the BBC. <\/p>\n Lauren Laverne in the band Kenickie in the Nineties<\/p>\n Stephen Sweet\/REX<\/p>\n Annie Nightingale taught me how to be joyful while also changing things \u2014 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. <\/p>\n Books and records \u2014 and far too many. <\/p>\n The London work of art which makes me happiest is the Peter Blake portrait of Sir Michael Eavis<\/p>\n Favourite work of art in London?<\/p>\n The one that makes me happiest is the Peter Blake portrait of Sir Michael Eavis<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n What was the last thing you googled?<\/p>\n \u201cShepton Mallet two-week weather forecast.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Justine-Simons-apg6xw9d.jpeg\")
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