Singer Nell Mescal shares her personal guide to London, from favourite haunts to hidden gems.
Home and Accommodation
Technically, Nell lives in north London with her brother Donnacha. She has been there for five years and loves it more each year. However, home will always be Maynooth in Ireland, where she grew up. When staying in London, she loves the NoMad hotel in Covent Garden, feeling posh and enjoying room service burgers and Sergeant Pepper cocktails while lounging on the huge bed with a face mask.
First Flat and Dating Spots
Her first flat was a studio in Finsbury Park during secondary school. She was too scared to explore much, so she spent days writing songs on her keyboard. For a first date, she recommends Half Cut Market in Kentish Town, calling it intimate with delicious food and drinks. She had a successful second date there and highly recommends it.
Shops and Meals
Nell relies on Bread by Bike for sourdough and coffee, her corner shop for off-brand wired headphones, Marks & Spencer for fancy moments, Sainsbury's for classics, and Nisa for late-night treats. Her best meal recently was a birthday dinner at Goodbye Horses in De Beauvoir, with oysters, cheese toastie, and orange wine.
Iconic Londoner and Fun
She considers Sir David Attenborough the most iconic Londoner. For fun, she goes to Prince Charles Cinema in Soho or a friend's flat for dinner and drinks, preferring chill activities over partying.
Cab Story and Exercise
A cabbie once asked to listen to her music and said it wasn't his taste but his daughter might like it. She found it sweet. She exercises at Topnotch Gym with trainer Annamaria Pollini.
Relaxation and Extravagance
When the sun is out, she heads to London Fields with friends for wine in the park. Her biggest extravagance is Cartier perfume, which she goes through quickly. Her London secret is Hampstead Heath, where she finds quiet spots for peace, listening to music, making decisions, or having a cry.
Work and Hero
Nell is writing new music and collaborating with producers for summer gigs. Her hero is her mum, a published author of poems about finding joy in everyday life. Her favourite work of art is the #BRICKFLATS around London, small pretend flats replacing bricks in buildings, scattered in Islington, Dalston, and Shoreditch.
