On balance:
[There’s a] constant internal battle as a 24 year old to always feel like I should be doing more to achieve my ambitions but also the need to take it day by day and enjoy life.
On hope:
Despite being a city in decline, [London] still feels very alive with opportunities at every corner. I’m a big believer in “you get out what you put in” and, in the last few years, I’ve felt that energy matched by others and this city. Being open to anything and not knowing where I could be is kind of exciting.
On love:
People checking in with me [makes me feel loved]. Even if it is someone I don’t speak to often, it’s always nice when someone reaches out to see what’s new and how you’re doing. I always try to do the same to those that matter to me.
On fear:
[I’m fearful of] not achieving what I want to in life. In a city like London where the “race to the top” mentality is everywhere you go, it’s hard not to get caught up in it and feel that I’m not on the trajectory I want to be at times.
On the perfect Soho day:
Start around midday with a double espresso at Bar Italia, walk down Old Compton Street and greet a few familiar faces. Stop by the French House for a quick schooner before making my way to Berwick Street amongst all the stalls, and meet someone for another coffee at Our Place. Pop into The Blue Posts for a couple of pints and, once we start getting hungry, head to one of my favourite restaurants, Blanchette on D’Arblay Street. After a feed from my good friend, Stevie the Sous, I’d head to the Old Coffee House (where I work) for a chinwag with whoever is working that day, as well as some of the regulars, before deciding if I’m going “Out Out”. If so, then we’re probably heading to Soma for a couple of cocktails, Below Stone Nest to dance and Trisha’s to socialise in the smoking area.
On favourite Soho moments:
Sitting in Golden Square with a cigarette and a coffee, either reading or people-watching. It’s a melting pot where everybody has a story, be it the waiter on their break, old friends catching up over a smoke, or compatriots playing dice on the ping pong tables.
