London in three words…
Boom, boom, boom! It means the city is always on the go. You instinctively hustle in London…, and the city doesn’t permit anything less.
If London were a scent, what would it be?
It would smell like grit combined with a hint of urine. Lol! But honestly, that’s how London smells to me. Truly a strong and unforgettable smell!
Where are you local—and why does it feel like home?
West Silvertown! To localise it more, it’s a couple of stops away from Canary Wharf. It feels like home because it’s young, modern, and clean…ish for London, at least.
What’s your favourite thing about living in London?
The possibility of success and the fact that things are available 24/7. So, if I crave dim sum at 2 am in London, I can get that. How cool is that?
And the one thing you could happily do without in London?
There are many things, but if I had to choose one, it would be the hordes of tourists in Notting Hill, so we Londoners could enjoy it more.
If this chapter of your London life had a title, what would it be?
Hard work and hope! I have shifted from working in the corporate world with a steady high income to starting AJOSEPO. That leap and change was truly driven by hope and, of course, a lot of effort behind the scenes to secure AJOSEPO’s ongoing success.
North, South, East, West or Central—where’s your heart, and why?
Right now, East London holds my heart. Previously, it was West London, but now it's East. I love East London because it has an easygoing, cool vibe, with fantastic restaurants, bars, and galleries. Plus, people are generally less snobby and more laid-back out east.
A part of London you avoid—and why?
North London. I particularly don’t like Camden. I don’t like it because it’s dirty, overhyped, and grubby. I have been living in London for the last 12 years. Prior to this, I used to travel to London regularly from Wales. In over 20 years of visiting and living in London, I have only been to North London a handful of times, and I hate it.
Your go-to coffee spot?
Allpress every day. If I feel fancier and boogie, then Omotesando.
Worst coffee you’ve ever had in London?
Grind! Very weak coffee…the few times I have been there, I had to ask for an extra shot to get decent coffee…not acceptable.
Best bakery in the city?
Layla’s in Notting Hill. But I recently started going to Corner Shop 180. I’ve only had croissants there, so I can't switch just yet. However, if I get bread there that’s absolutely delicious, then my answer will change to Corner Shop 180.
Most overrated bakery?
Buns from Home just because I have a sizing and freshness issue, in the sense that back when I used to go in 2020, it was huge buns and now they're just so tiny and more expensive. Also, if you visit in the mornings, you will probably be served the last day’s bun which isn’t fresh and it’s just so frustrating.
Actually, I am being slightly bratty and petty, the absolute worst bakery is TOAD Bakery Peckham! It’s overhyped, disgustingly dirty, and the queue is absolutely bonkers and unwarranted for the below-average goods you get.
Favourite restaurant—and why does it stand out?
I would say there are two in London: Peckham Cellars, because I have dined there several times and always enjoy the food and wine. But suppose I had to pick a restaurant that left the most lasting impression on me. In that case, I would say Caractère in Notting Hill — it's expensive and fine dining but doesn’t seem pretentious, and the food is absolutely incredible.
A restaurant you wouldn’t recommend.
Wasabi! I avoid chain restaurants anyway, but the food options at Heathrow Terminal 5 are limited, and Miro and I had a transatlantic flight, so we dined there. Needless to say, the food gave both of us the worst diarrhoea ever, so I avoid Wasabi like the plague. I remember when I worked in corporate, and people used to suggest Wasabi, I would just sidestep and refuse to go…never dining there again!
Your go-to bar for good vibes and great drinks?
Gosh, there are so many great options. If I had to choose one, it would be Claridge’s; it's an old favourite and trusted bar, and the cocktails and wine options are really good.
Hot take: service charge + tipping culture—love it or hate it?
I hate it. Just being honest, I hate it. To some extent, I understand the need for it in the States, as people in the service industry are underpaid, but those in the service industry here are paid well. I don’t mind a service charge and tipping in fine dining restaurants, but asking for a service charge and a tip for a takeout coffee is just crazy!
A neighbourhood spot you’d recommend to a friend?
Little Hudson. Great coffee and the service there is top-notch!
Favourite park to escape the noise?
The park where I live is wonderful. It overlooks the Thames and is so green and lush. I am incredibly lucky because I don’t have to travel to a park! Outside where I live, I would say Holland Park—the Kyoto Garden section is just so beautiful and peaceful, and it’s also where Miro proposed to me eight years ago, so there are great memories attached to that park.
Gallery or museum you’ll always return to?
Saatchi Gallery has such a great vibe. The exhibitions are very well curated and diverse. I also picked up a couple of art pieces there for my apartment that really resonate with me.
Best bookstore in London?
Hatchards, located right next to Fortnum and Mason, feels like a different world. I suggest picking out a book and sitting there for a while before buying, to enjoy the stunning interior and relax.
A cultural moment that’s recently moved you (exhibition, play, concert)?
Gosh! All the exhibitions, plays, and concerts I have experienced recently have been outside of the UK. It’s so bad, honestly. I went to the Tate a few weeks ago with an acquaintance, and rather than seeing any art, we ended up catching up at the members’ lounge. But if I can stretch it out a little, then Slave Play by Jeremy O. Harris – that was incredibly visceral, compelling, and at times deeply uncomfortable to watch, but it really made you think about history, social constructs, race, equality, gender, and love. Great, great watch!
Which London-based creative or artist is inspiring you right now?
Dalia Al-Dujaili! She is a British-born Iraqi writer, editor, and producer based in London. She recently published her book ‘Babylon Albion,’ and wow, it was definitely the best book I have read this year. The way she brilliantly and seamlessly weaves the intersection of her British and Iraqi heritage, using nature as a backdrop, is just so thought-provoking, refreshing, and brilliant. Highly recommend her book, it's incredibly inspiring.
Tube, bus, bike, or taxi—what’s your preferred way to get around?
Tube! I avoid the bus like the plague! Taxis are for late-night journeys. Bikes are just a no-no for me!
Favourite tube line?
Jubilee Line. It’s mostly clean, super-fast and reliable.
Tube line you dread.
Circle and District Line. I can’t choose between them. They're both equally bad — unreliable, slow, and dirty... I don’t like either!
How does London influence your personal style?
In every way, Londoners are incredibly stylish, and I love that different parts of London each have their own unique style DNA. In West London, people tend to be classic and preppy; in East London, they usually go all black, look very artistic, and wear tailored clothes; in South London, it's more streetwear; in North London, it's punky and edgy; and in Central London, you get a mix of all these styles coming together. I prefer the style DNA of East and South London – it feels more authentic to my style DNA!
To answer the question, London gives everyone the freedom to express their own unique style without judgment, and I can definitely see that this has allowed me to be more experimental in how I present myself rather than conforming to expectations.
Describe your perfect Sunday in the city.
When Miro and I aren't travelling or working on shoot spotlights, our mornings start with getting ready and driving to Notting Hill. We pick up drinks from Blank Street Coffee or Fabrique, then watch a film at Electric House, Portobello Road. Post-movie, we enjoy a Sunday roast at Electric House. After returning home, we usually hit the gym or focus on work. Miro often cooks dinner—usually fries, big fat steaks, and veggies—and we end the day watching a film together. It’s typically a wonderful Sunday, just as we like it.