I’m a born and raised Londoner working as a guide part-time whilst running my own business. I am in love with the deep history of this city and love to share its history and diverse cultures with others.
Q. What inspired you to become a guide?
I’ve always had a love for London’s history, food, and melting pot of cultures, so when a chance arose for me to try guiding some Devour tours, I found I had a knack for it. I love connecting with people and sharing stories, and watching other guides display their amazing skills whilst training inspired me to prepare for my first tour. After that, I had truly caught the guiding bug!
Q. What's one of your favourite stories to tell on tour?
When in the City of London I love to talk about the Great Fire of London in 1666, and in particular the incredible diaries of Samuel Pepys who documented the ravenous blaze in real time. Pepys had become preoccupied, like many residents, with saving their most prized possessions as the flames approached. So he decided to bury a great wheel of cheese and it was never seen again! Is the cheese still waiting to be found? It’s one of London’s great mysteries!
Q. Tell us about a memorable moment from a tour?
One lovely couple who joined me for a Borough Market Tour, they immediately booked to come and join me for a tour of the City’s pubs that very afternoon. Being able to spend the day together and get to know each other as I got to show them my favourite parts of London was incredibly special.
I love long-distance walking and hiking.
I am a member of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, a livery company started in 1403.
I am very much a cat person and adore my adopted cat, Bean.
Q: What's one of the best times of year to visit London?
Autumn time is wonderful, you have the benefits of the occasional balmy weather, all of London’s trees changing colour from lush green to golden; perfect opportunities for walks by the river or in many of our local parks, which can get crowded in the summer heat.
Q: What do you tell your visiting friends to see in London?
The Tate Modern Gallery, Bankside: A stunning gallery in a decommissioned power station. Like many of our great galleries and museums it’s free to visit. Can be tied in to a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market via a pleasant saunter along the river.
Take in Soho’s great nightlife: Cocktails, great food and live music to be discovered here. My favourite haunt is Café Boheme. They do a mean espresso martini.
Take a day trip to Greenwich: There is so much to see and do here, from the Queen’s House to the Painted Hall of the old Royal Naval College, to sampling a traditional Pie and Mash at Goddard’s, you’ll not get bored. You can also travel there by DLR: the driverless Tube line that takes you through Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers.
Q: What about the culture in London should people not miss?
Don’t mistake Londoners for being unfriendly, we’re actually very chatty (and helpful!). If you’re lost don’t be afraid to ask someone for help, they’ll be more than happy to direct you. Once you get used to the Tube and public transport, it’s so convenient (and quicker than taxis!).
Q: What are some unmissable foods and drinks?
You get a great introduction to British food and drink on a Devour tour, of course, but there’s so much more to explore. Here are some of my favourites:
For craft beer lovers, check out The Bermondsey Beer Mile, close to London Bridge / Borough Market and packed full of breweries to choose from. My favourite: Anspach & Hobday’s London Black (it’s London’s version of Guinness and it’s delicious).
Check out Camberwell (I’m showing my south London bias here!). It's less than 30 minutes by bus from Central London and it’s a secret foodie heaven with international foods represented here. Check out FM Mangal for the best kebabs in town, or the Silk Road for exquisite Chinese cuisine in an intimate cantina style restaurant. There’s bars and pubs too, my favourite is the Old Dispensary.
For a special treat, head to Chotto Matte in Soho for Japanese-Peruvian fusion food in a vibrant setting. Ceviche fans need look no further.
