What baffles me about London is that, despite being the capital, it’s not really a 24-hour city at all.
London’s best-kept secret is the kindness of strangers. It is there if you scratch beneath the surface.
When I want to chill out I walk across Hampstead Heath, preferably in the sun or snow. I need nature.
The most interesting person I’ve met is PJ Harvey, and she was as interesting, sensitive and beautiful as her music. Truly captivating.
My favourite place for a drink is [private members club] The Phoenix Arts Club in Soho, just off Charing Cross Road.
For when you’re hungover in London you can’t beat a vegetarian English breakfast at Cafe Mozart on Swain’s Lane, near Hampstead Heath.
What gets me up in the morning is my cat shoving his paw in my face.
The first thing I think of in the morning is making music. Once you find the thing you love to do, it becomes a beautiful obsession.
My perfect weekend is when I can relax – my life is hectic, so that is always welcome.
I’d watch a movie at Screen On The Green in Islington, which has to be the most comfortable cinema in all of London, then have dinner with some friends.
On Sunday I’d curl up in front of the fire with a book.
The biggest faux pas I’ve made was, on first meeting an old boyfriend’s posh mother, she asked me: “Who is your favourite author?” My answer to her was the Marquis de Sade.
It was a deliberate faux pas, of course, but she looked at her son and said: “My my, now we know what you are into.” He was mortified.
Five words that sum up London … Exciting, staid, depressing, inspiring
and home.
She plays The Bedford, Balham, SW12 9HD.
Nov 1. 7.30pm. Free
http://www.frankademille.com
