My London: Annie Mac

The DJ goes to Bethnal Green for pie and mash, loves a dip at Hampstead Ponds and would make Battersea Power Station party central
21 December 2017

Home is…

A semi-detached house in a housing estate in the south Dublin suburbs, where my mum and dad live. I still call it home even though I’ve lived in London longer than I’ve lived in Ireland.

Where do you live in London?

Kensal Rise with my partner Tom [Toddla T] and our two sons, who are one and four.

Last play you saw?

A Midsummer Night’s Dream with David Walliams and Sheridan Smith at the Noël Coward Theatre (above). It was just a joy from start to finish.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

Sadiq has actually already done it, which was to review the 696 form. It is an order form that means if police suspect any kind of crime at a gig they will have the licencee shut down — so it’s really hard for a lot of really famous and successful rappers to play, and for a long time it has felt quite biased against grime, rap and bashment.

Best meal you’ve had?

The ones that are closest to my heart are the ones I’ve had at E Pellicci on Bethnal Green Road. It’s just a little café but it’s run by this really gorgeous Italian and Irish family. It’s a really famous East End haunt and you get pie and mash and fry-ups. I had an uncle Dave, who passed away, and we used to meet there.

If you could buy any London building, which would it be?

Battersea Power Station (left) because it’s such an iconic building. I would make a side of it a party venue and put on the best raves ever, with a 24-hour licence.

Alamy Stock Photo

What is the first thing you do when you come back to the city?

Hang out locally. There’s a really nice coffee shop in Kensal called Bel & Nev (above), run by a lovely couple. It’s one of those places where everybody knows everyone and everything is home-made.

What was the last song you streamed?

‘No Bulls***’ by Avelino.

Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?

There is this one London cabbie called Alfie who is a regular listener of my show. He texts in all the time so I feel like I know him. Then one time I actually got in his cab and it was like a reunion of long-lost friends.

Favourite club?

I like Printworks (below), it’s where the old Evening Standard print presses were.

What are your favourite discoveries?

Hampstead Heath Ladies’ Pond. I really love fresh water swimming. Last summer I would often go there on my own before my shows.

Where do you go to let you hair down?

Friends’ houses. Grimmy and Sara Cox (below) are really good at throwing parties. I have had some of the most fun house parties of my life at Sara’s house.

Samir Hussein/Redferns

For tickets and info on AMP Sounds in February, go to anniemac presents.com

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