Anna Richardson on ‘Media Rise’

TV presenter, diet guru, sexpert and most importantly, Kensal Rise resident, Anna Richardson

We find out from Anna Richardson, Park Life pal and long-time Kensal Rise resident, what she loves about our area...

What do you love about this ‘hood? There’s a real mix of interesting, creative, funny people that live in this neighbourhood and unlike Hoxton and the East End they’re comfortable with themselves – rather than feeling the need to make a point. I know a comedy director, celebrity make-up artist, film location manager, BBC commissioning editor and several writers and actors that all live in spitting distance from me. It’s peaceful, but lively – with a wonderful sense of community and great pubs.

Circus Antiques, 60 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise

What’s your favourite shop in Kensal Rise? I’m a big fan of the vintage furniture shop Circus on Chamberlayne Road – they always seem to have kitsch religious paraphernalia in there which appeals to my vicarage upbringing. I bought Jesus from there recently – but his arm was missing. It’s a miracle he’s still on the cross.

Where do you go for hair or beauty treatments? I swear by Katie in Cutting Crew on Salusbury Road for a killer Louise Brooks bob. I’ve also been known to have a Brazilian bikini wax in Queen’s Park Beauty Clinic opposite the Tube where I can discuss the perils of pubic hair with the Middle Eastern women in there with abandon. They love it. I hear Australian women have shockingly coarse pubes. They hate to wax Australian women. Beware.

If someone in our neighbourhood wanted to get in great shape, any top tips? I’ve just taken up private hip-hop dance lessons with Thalia Charalambous (07867 672612). I absolutely loathe and despise all exercise because I’m simply bone idle – but this is a cool way to keep fit. In my mind I’m Madonna… in reality I’m my Mum… in legwarmers.

What are your favourite restaurant hangouts in Kensal Rise and why? The oldest and the greatest pub has still got to be The Paradise, surely? Excellent food, good tunes, interesting crowd. It’s stood it’s ground for the 15 years I’ve been knocking about. The Island is also brilliant on a Wednesday night for live music. The world, his wife and their kids love Gracelands on College Road but I much prefer the café in Roundwood Park. The Park itself is a little Victorian haven of beauty, and you can get a killer cappucino and decent lunch.

We do love you, dear Lexi

Where to spend an evening with friends? I’m a total film lover so I tend to spend a lot of time in a dark room being immersed in fantasy – the Lexi Cinema is a joy for this. Small, intimate and with really nice people who don’t take mobile phone calls during the feature. They also do a film club every first Wednesday of the month. If I’m feeing more sociable then I’ll nip down to my local pub the Masons Arms for some good pub grub and a catch up with pals. Your fantasy dinner party comprised of ingredients you’ve bought locally? It’s well known that I’m a terrible cook, even though I love love love food. I’ve co-written a diet book ‘Anna Richardson’s Body Blitz: Five Rules for a Brand New You‘ with a professional recipe creator so I’ve been introduced to the pleasure of cooking simple, healthy, delicious food. The Farmers Market is a must on a Sunday, otherwise head for Italian deli L’Angolo on College Road for authentic Italian fare. Ask for Vanessa Colosi, who runs the shop with her dad.

Merchant Archive, 320 Kilburn Lane, Queen's Park: a trove of hip retro homewares and vintage fashion treasures

How would you spend the perfect weekend in this locale? On a Saturday morning I’d call in at the Mayhew Animal Home to go and stroke the cats – I’ve always adopted pets from there and have just taken on two new kittens. I’d then go and mooch around vintage fashion boutique Merchant Archive on Kilburn Lane: the owner Sophie Merchant has a fantastic eye for beautiful one-offs and also occasionally displays work by local creatives. I was really taken by a limited-edition hand-printed book in there called Anna & the Witch’s Bottle which had an accompanying CD by Doves musician Martin Roman Rebelski. I love it.

The Intervention Gallery in the Anglican Chapel in Kensal Green Cemetary

Any other kicks? If there was a party going on at the Masons Arms or The Paradise I would finish up the day there with some mates. The perfect Sunday would be spent having a long walk around Kensal Green Cemetary, popping into the Intervention Gallery at the Anglican Chapel, before shopping at the Farmers Market and preparing for a huge roast dinner with friends.

Any pet peeves about the local area? I’m slightly frustrated that there isn’t more of a live music scene, and definitely piqued that there’s not more space for artwork. I’d also like to see a regular clothes/craft market along with the Farmers Market. A mini Portobello if you like.

Any local charities you support and why? The Lexi Cinema and The Mayhew Animal Home are the charities I’m aware of in this area. I support both.

Tagged as: Anna Richrdson, Beauty, Circus, Cutting Crew, Fashion & shopping, Intervention Gallery, Kensal Rise, Lexi Cinema, Locals we love, Masons Arms, Mayhew Animal Home, Merchant Archive, Queen's Park, The Paradise