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My London: Amy Winehouse
By Alistair Duncan, ES Magazine Last updated at 00:00am on 19.03.04
Where do you live and why?
In Camden. I like the fact that it's close to town, packed on the weekend but quieter during the week. I used to sell clothes in the market.
How long have you lived there?
Just under a year. Before, I lived in East Finchley, where I grew up. I'd move back there in a heartbeat.
What advice would you give to a tourist?
To be honest, tourists can get on my nerves. I'd probably say, 'Don't go to that shop, go to this one.'
Who's in your secret address book?
I spend a lot of time in HMV on Oxford Street - I buy so much stuff there. I always get my hair cut at Frangelli in East Finchley. It's run by a lovely Hungarian called Tibor.
What have been your most memorable London meals?
I don't eat out much so probably my nan's meatballs and spaghetti bolognese.
Harvey Nicks or Selfridges?
I like Selfridges. You can try on beautiful clothes before you start saving up for them. But I'm more of a Fenwick girl - they mix expensive and affordable.
What do you miss most when you're out of London?
That feeling of just being at home - being in bed, watching TV, smoking a joint.
What are your favourite home comforts? I always have music on and I love incense. I hate too much light - I prefer sitting in the dark with the TV on. I've got a guitar in every corner so I can just sit down and have a play when something pops into my head.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I'd let people smoke cannabis in the street and I'd have a street party. I could drive around in a specially made Mayor-mobile with the best sound system. The rapper Mos Def could be my chauffeur.
What is your life philosophy?
At the moment, my philosophy is that the colour coral goes with both red and pink outfits.
What items are in your spring wardrobe?
I've just had a lovely Dolce & Gabbana dress made for my new video - a short, pink denim one. Adidas gave me a load of stuff, including a black tracksuit top that I wear every day.
What are your current projects?
I'm looking forward to doing my next album. It should be similar to Frank - beat-driven and jazzy - but I intend to introduce new instrumentation.
What was the last book you bought?
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon. It's about an autistic boy. I was reading it on a plane and crying throughout like some weirdo. Unfortunately, I left it on the flight.
What perfume do you wear?
I like Escada, which you can only get in America. And also Chanel No 5.
How do you get around town?
I walk mostly. I walk to the laundrette and the dry-cleaners and I am just about to walk to get a sunbed. If I had enough money I'd get a 1985 white Porsche with pink bits.
What was the last CD you bought?
The new Kanye West album. I love it - it's got some wicked themes, some wicked melodies. There's too much stupid music out there. There are too many idiots making music.
What are your extravagances?
Flowers. I was out with my boyfriend, Tyler, the other day and I told him I fancied spending £50 on flowers and he told me I was mad. I ended up spending £49 on roses. If I had more money I'd buy more shoes, too.
What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it? It was Topdog/Underdog with Mos Def at the Royal Court. I cried my eyes out the whole way through. Mos Def is my hero. He's such a talented rapper. I met him on 23 February 2003 - a date I won't forget.
Do you have a favourite pub?
I like going to the pool hall in Kentish Town - I'm a big fan of pool. But I'm not all that picky really. Anywhere that sells Jack Daniel's!
