As Chicken Shop Date turns 10, we look back at the time its host Amelia Dimoldenberg chatted all things London with us — and got quizzed on the capital’s best nuggets.
Hackney. I’m a London girl. I grew up between Marylebone and Edgware Road stations — I don’t think you get more central London than that.
What is your earliest memory of the city?
Going to see Cats the musical with my sister and my parents. I remember vividly, in the interval, Old Deuteronomy was on stage so you could get your programme signed by him. I still have mine. For the next two years, me and my sister would do our own rendition of Cats every day. When my parents had friends over we’d put on our costumes and crawl into the living room.
Lemonia
Me and my family, and now my friends, go to Lemonia in Primrose Hill. I remember I met Sporty Spice there when I was younger.
Which shops do you rely on?
Most of all, Boots. I love the miniatures aisle. Selfridges has been this constant through my life. I would go there as a young person, obviously I couldn’t afford anything, just to hang out. I ended up working there for quite a few years. And also Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street.
As a Londoner you do everything. Just get Citymapper out and decide which is quicker.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
House all the homeless. I think that is the best thing we could do as a society to alleviate so many other problems. And it’s possible, there’s no reason why it can’t be done!
Best place for a first date?
Where do you go to let your hair down?
There’s nothing better than going to a friend’s house for dinner or drinks. My friend is having a house party tonight, which nowadays happens once in a blue moon, so I’m super excited about that.
If you could buy any building and live there, which would it be?
The Barbican. Every time I walk through it I’m like, ‘I can’t believe this is in London’.
Who do you call to have fun?
Felix Beard, my best friend. He always has a plan. It’s usually three different plans.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
I’m gonna go with J Hus.
When my parents had friends over me and my sister would put on costumes and do Cats renditions
Where are your favourite wellness spots?
I don’t really go to spas. Maybe London Fields Lido — it’s a great place to go where you can’t be with your phone.
What makes London style special?
Its individuality. No one is afraid of being playful. There’s not one uniform. What is the last thing you googled? ‘The meaning of pious,’ because my sister told me I was being pious.
And finally… where is London’s best chicken shop?
My very diplomatic answer is, the best one depends on who you’re with. And where the best nuggets are.
