Only in Camden

Camden has some great architecture. Which aspects do you enjoy most?

I just love being in Camden. You're bounced between the extraordinarily diverse architecture, from the railway heritage to the British Museum and the British Library; to the Camden Town shops with all of their wonderful designs, styles and sounds; to the new Eurostar conversion of St Pancras. But for me and my family, wandering around Kenwood, Hampstead Heath, a visit to London Zoo (my eldest son particularly loves the flamingos – which he calls famlingos…..) is a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the rest of Camden.

What is a unique musical experience you can recommend in Camden?

There are several: the BBC Electric Proms with the Roundhouse at its heart. The fabulous Camden Crawl. And Lauderdale House, for an intimate experience.

What unique cultural experience does Camden offer visitors?

There are items in the British Museum and the British Library that are famous throughout the world, including the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone, ancient books and modern editions. Then there is the Frieze Art Fair in Regent's Park. And The Place, where Dance Umbrella promotes some of its most innovative dance shows, is stunning. Plus Camden has Charles Dickens' house. And I love walking around looking at the blue plaques on the walls, especially along Park Road where Henry Moore and Mondrian lived… 

What unique event in Camden are you most looking forward to this year?

David Byrne of Talking Heads fame is bringing his Playing the Building installation to the Roundhouse. He attaches wires and cables to the building, which then vibrate and ping in response to a keyboard, turning the building into a giant musical instrument!

What's your favourite hidden gem in Camden?

There is a hidden gem down nearly every side street. Camden is actually huge, from West Hampstead to Highgate, the West End to Tuffnell Park. Some things to look out for are the terrific shops and patisseries of Bloomsbury, quiet and tucked away yet so central; Lambs Conduit Street; the Salvador Dali's portrait of Sigmund Freud in the Freud Museum; and the Picasso mural in the Wellcome Collection.

What do you think surprises visitors to Camden?

That alongside the huge mixture of music venues, we have places for quieter contemplation (loads of fantastic smaller museums from the Freud Museum to the Hunterian), some fantastic restaurants and beautiful green spaces – huge expanses of Hampstead Heath to the gorgeous Russell Square and the treasured Coram Fields – a green space where adults only get in if accompanied by a child!

Where do you recommend for a unique eat in Camden?

Lemonia at lunchtime and Limani in the evening in Primrose Hill; Marine Ices with your kids; Acorn House for fresh sustainable food; a picnic at Kenwood; Asakusa Japanese in Mornington Crescent – always full of Japanese people who know what good Japanese food is… It's superb.

Aside from the amazing market, where do you recommend for truly unique shops in Camden?

Go to Hatton Garden: you'll find the best traditional craftsmen and new contemporary designers, and you can actually see your jewellery being made. And the shopping's pretty unique on Lambs Conduit Street. Plus you can always try Cockpit Arts on one of their open studio days, and pick up a gorgeous unique design from designers whose work appears in all the best design shops.