My London: Bella Freud

The designer paints the town red with Christian Louboutin, loves Ronnie Scott’s and wants a sleepover at the Electric

26 October 2017

Home is…

Ladbroke Grove (below), with my son Jimmy who is nearly 17. I’ve lived in the area for 25 years.

What was the last play you saw?

I saw Oslo at the Harold Pinter Theatre, which I really didn’t like. The Oslo process didn’t do it for me. It was a macabre mocking of real life events.

Which is your favourite club?

Ronnie Scott’s. I’ve seen amazing people play there, like Nina Simone. I’ve been going since I was a teenager.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

My husband James said to me, ‘You have to be able to listen to what people say.’ If I’m going to come up with a good argument, I have to be able to hear what people have to say and not just barge in with my opinion.

If you had to be locked in a London building overnight which would it be?

The Electric Cinema (below). I’d just watch films all night.

Alamy Stock Photo

Who is your hero?

Phoebe Philo — she’s a great friend, I have a lot of admiration for what she does and how she does it. Her work is so full of integrity and it’s fun, and that’s a really beguiling combination.

If you could buy any building which would it be?

The In & Out club just off Piccadilly. I’d do it up as if it had never been interfered with by modernity. I’d have a salon in there and a lovely bedroom in the ballroom. It would be fun.

Where would you go for a nightcap?

Somewhere where I could get a cup of tea — I love having a cup of tea in the middle of the night. I suppose I would go to The Fumoir at Claridge’s for a jasmine tea.

What do you collect?

I like photographs and I’ve bought a few. I bought a Robert Mapplethorpe print. It’s of a young guy looking very gay and sexy.

Best meal you’ve had?

I love snacks and I’ve had some really mind-blowing ones at the Rose Bakery (left) in Dover Street Market. They had these blueberry and raisin scones and they were pretty off the scale. I hate butter so I have them with jam and cream.

Best place for a first date?

When you are feeling extremely self-conscious and excited, sitting side by side is easier than face to face. So I’d go for a walk around the Serpentine (above) and probably end up having a black coffee in the café. I’d be far too nervous to eat.