Capital Questions
For best-selling novelist Marion Keyes, 34, her 11 years in London was a time of ups and downs that ended with a suicide attempt and recovery in a Dublin clinic. Marian now lives in Dublin with her husband. Here she talks about her first London job and her current passion for shoes.
What's your first memory of London?
Arriving very air early in the morning at Euston station. It was February 1986 and it was freezing. I remember feeling I was at the start of a big adventure.
Where's the worst place you've lived in the capital?
The first place I lived in was a squat in Hackney. My friend, Conor found it before I arrived. It was fabulous fun though a bit grim in retrospect. We had one arm chair and took turns to sit in it.
What was your first job here?
I waitressed at a place called the Video Cafe in Argyle Street which is no more. It was fabulous and awful at the same time. Most of the people who worked there were resting actors. They were beautiful and skinny with loads of attitude. I was wide-eyed and innocent so it was a very good introduction to London. The man who ran the cafe was very volatile - we all quaked whenever he walked in.
Do you shop at markets?
When I lived in Gospel Oak with my husband we'd go down to Camden most Sundays. They had all these fabulous mirrors that I used to covet, as well as gorgeous pottery and wonderful antique ecclesiastic furniture.
Which is your favourite food hall?
Fortnum and Mason's. It so English and charming. They have lovely hand-made chocolates and champagne truffles are delicious.
What are you most please to see when you return?
Russell and Bromley. The shoe shops in London are so amazing and there's nothing to compare in Ireland.
Where is good for a first date?
The Ivy is the most beautiful place. They're so nice to you.
Where do you eat out?
There were some good locals in Gospel Oak. I used to like the Fleet Tandoori. They stop giving me the menu eventually because I always ordered the same thing. The poor man who used to run the place made all sorts of specials and would be nearly in tears trying to persuade me to try them. I'd listen, say they sounded lovely and still ordered chicken tikka masala.
Which is your favourite hotel bar?
The one in the St George Hotel. The top floor has the most amazing view. It's a real revelation because you don't realise from outside that it's going to be so special.
What's the last tourist attraction you visited?
When I lived in London my sister came to stay and she made us go to Madam Tussaud's. Oh, the dreariness of it.
Where would you take newcomers to the city?
Maybe to Parliament Hill - there's such a great view from there - or Kensington High Street.
When did you last go to a museum?
Last spring I went to an exhibition of clothing through the ages at the V & A. They had loads of couture, fabulous suits and handbags. I really enjoyed it.
What's your favourite exhibit?
I love furniture modern stuff with lots of chrome and wood.
Which is your favourite tube station?
It's either Arnos Grove, Wood Green or Southgate. Their Thirties, they're deco, they have those wonderful round glass brick exteriors and they're really atmospheric.
What's the last conversation you had with the cabbie?
I was going to a restaurant. There was a doorman waiting outside and the cabbie said, quite seriously, 'Look, love, there's your boyfriend waiting for you, all dressed up.'
Who writes well on London?
Jane Green, Isabel Wolff, Martin Amis and the bloke who wrote the A-Z.
Where would you like to be bought a present from?
Space NK Apothecary. I love their Kiehl's and Aveda stuff.
Who will replace the Bridget Jones generation?
I've read a couple of pieces saying there isn't an upcoming generation in which men will far outnumber women. So it will be the male Bridget Jones-men who are lonely and have to try harder. Roll on the day is what I say.
How would you change London?
The only problem I have is with the size. It's too big. It would be lovely to introduced teletransporters.