Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason lives in Peckham with his brother and a friend, in a house filled with music. He loves his garden, which boasts a fig tree, an apple tree, and a banana tree.
First Flat and Musical Beginnings
He moved to London nearly 10 years ago as a student at the Royal Academy of Music, staying in student halls in Marylebone. He has never had a proper job, having performed as a cellist since he was young.
Favourite Spots and Meals
For a first date, he recommends Hausu in Peckham, describing it as a cool, cosy spot with good food and drinks. He believes restaurants in London close too early and should be more like New York, letting people stay out longer.
His best meal was at Jikoni in Marylebone, particularly the banana cake dessert, which he would visit after practice. He says it's indulgent, beautiful, and delicious.
Mayor for a Day
If he were Mayor for a day, he would give restaurants later licences to stay open longer, as he often finishes concerts at 10.30pm and races to get an order in before kitchens shut.
Iconic Londoner and Fun
He considers Bob Marley the most iconic Londoner, as he lived there for a time. For fun, he centres on Peckham, especially in summer, visiting Bold Tendencies at Peckham Levels on Wednesday nights.
Exercise and Extravagance
He plays football using the app Footy Addicts, travelling as far as Brixton to play, but avoids being in goal to protect his fingers. He is a striker. His biggest extravagance is clothes, favouring Paul Smith, who is from his hometown of Nottingham.
Secrets and Heroes
His London secret is The Meeting House in Peckham, a cool space for working with a superb lasagne he is obsessed with. A cabbie once told him he drove Mstislav Rostropovich, the great Russian cellist, which made his day. His professional hero is cellist Steven Isserlis.
His favourite work of art is the changing residencies at the Serpentine. His new documentary, My Favourite Melodies, is streaming exclusively on Marquee TV.
