My London: All Saints' Shaznay Lewis on Lavo, Lucky Voice and Ally Pally

My karaoke song is ‘You Got It (the Right Stuff)’ by New Kids on the Block”

Home is…

Home would be wherever my family is.

Where was your first flat?

I was lucky enough to be based in Knightsbridge.

Most memorable meal?

The best recently was at Lavo. I had a dish called The Meatball. It was a soft, gigantic Wagyu and Italian pork sausage drenched in marinara sauce and fresh whipped ricotta. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days. I was with my Libra gang girlfriends. It’s hilarious because none of us can ever decide on anything. When you have an evening of indecisiveness between four or five people, it makes for an entertaining night.

What was your first job?

My first job was All Saints. I left college and I went straight to being in a band. We did a lot of Smash Hits road shows.

Favourite shops?

M&S petrol station or Whole Foods, where I always stop and get food whenever I’m dashing to the studio.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

I’d fill in as many potholes as possible.

Where do you go to let your hair down?

It would have to be a karaoke bar in Soho, somewhere like Lucky Voice. My song of choice is usually ‘You Got It (the Right Stuff)’ by New Kids on the Block.

Who do you call when you want to have fun?

My close girlfriends Jess, Terry, Gurneen, Rochelle and Claire.

Most iconic Londoner?

Vivienne Westwood. Everything about her represented London and British culture. I love what she stood for and how she incorporated the diversity of London into British fashion.

Biggest extravagance?

Had I no sense, it would probably have been shoes and handbags. Nowadays, I really enjoy collecting books. I follow lots of different book clubs. I’m always ordering books off the back of any recommendation, still waiting to be read, which I promise myself I will get to.

If you could buy any building in London and live there, which would it be?

I recently went to Alexandra Palace. The views across the city blew me away. Waking up to those views and experiencing London lit up at night would be incredible.

What are you up to at the moment for work?

I can’t really say too much about it, but I’ve been writing the music for a film that’s super exciting.

What’s your London secret?

London shouldn’t have any secrets, especially for fully fledged Londoners who are out and about on the scene. However, this city is filled with little gems, and my favourite is a cosy Austrian restaurant called Tiroler Hut. It’s near Notting Hill and it’s been our spot for 25 years. With bell ringing, singing, traditional food and much participation needed, we always have a great time.

Do you have a favourite beauty spot?

Cowshed in Primrose Hill.

Who is your hero?

One of them is the radio presenter and author James O’Brien. He is that voice who is always for the greater good. In a world where kindness and empathy sometimes feel like an anomaly, reading his books or listening to his show on LBC restores my faith in humanity. Another one of my heroes is my dog, Winnie. She’s a three-year-old toy poodle and she’s the only ‘person’ who doesn’t give me any crap. Well, only the physical kind.

What makes someone a Londoner?

The ability to converse and get along with people from different ethnicities, cultures and faiths.