My London: Arlo Parks

Singer Arlo Parks sips natural wine at Elliot’s, thinks Kenwood House is the best address in the world and is still waiting for that O2 Arena booking…
ES Magazine
Isobel Van Dyke31 August 2023

Home is…

Hammersmith.

What’s your most memorable meal?

Probably the first time I had the nduja pizza and natural wine at Elliot’s in Hackney. I’m also a big fan of Sucre in Soho, Manteca and Noble Rot.

Favourite gig you’ve ever played in the capital?

The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, it’s the venue where I saw my first-ever show so I could feel magic radiating off the walls. The crowd was wild in the best way — it just felt like a very pure and happy show.

What’s one London venue you’ve never played but want to?

It’s my absolute distant dream to headline the O2 Arena one day.

Tube, cab or walk?

Walk, definitely.

What shops do you rely on?

Santa Maria Novella in central London for candles, Spence Bakery, Acne Studios, Machine-A and Donlon Books.

Best place for a first date?

A picnic on Primrose Hill.

Who do you call to have fun?

Probably my friend Daniyel — our moods are always in sync and whether it’s peaceful or chaotic, it’s always a good time.

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

Kenwood House, definitely — the Heath is one of my favourite places in the world.

Who is the most iconic Londoner?

Sir David Attenborough.

What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?

A 45-minute-long story about rescuing a puppy and smuggling it to London from Chile.

Where’s your favourite place to spend a night out?

I’m usually out like a light by 10pm but if I were to go out I’d probably end up at a natural wine bar or a bowling alley — or maybe at one of my friend’s club nights in some sweaty basement.

What are you up to for work at the moment?

I’m mainly in promo mode for My Soft Machine, but creatively I’m in an absorption phase — watching Linklater films, reading Paul B Preciado, talking to my brother — just learning and taking notes.

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

Make the Central line less unbearable.

What makes London style special?

That there is no one style. It’s a beautiful soup.

What do you collect?

Those 50p Biros — I have an unholy amount on me at all times.

Where do you go to find inspiration?

I always go to the ocean, just dunk my head in and wait…

What has been the best thing for you about this summer?

Soaking in South Korea for a little bit and eating heaps of mozzarella in Italy for my 23rd birthday.

Arlo Parks’ debut poetry collection, ‘The Magic Border: Poetry and Fragments from My Soft Machine’, is out 14 Sep (£16.99; HarperCollins)

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