My London: Lynne Franks

The PR supremo, and inspiration for Ab Fab’s Edina Monsoon, wants to spend the night in Clarence House and loves to throw a party

Dipal Acharya30 June 2016

Where do you stay in London?

I have spent most of my adult life living in west London, moving between Notting Hill and Maida Vale. I love the green spaces, working out with my trainer in the Paddington Recreation Ground. I adore Portobello and Golborne Road and the whole Notting Hill vibe — although it’s all changing far too quickly.

Best place for a first date?

One of London’s wonderful art galleries. The Serpentine on a summer’s day is a good choice, followed by lunch at its restaurant, Magazine. It was the first place Heinz [Frank’s partner] and I went.

The Serpentine

First thing you do when you come back to the capital?

Go to Daniel Galvin’s salon to get my very unreal red hair coloured up. He’s been a leading colourist since the Sixties and I used to do his PR back in the day.

What’s your earliest London memory?

Growing up in Arnos Grove. My parents owned a butcher’s shop where I worked during my teens. I also remember walking to school down what is now the very busy and dangerous North Circular Road.

If you could buy any building in London which would it be?

Somewhere adjoining Hampstead Heath, so I can walk there every day and swim in the Ladies Pond as soon as it is warm enough. I love swimming in natural water with the ducks and no chlorine.

Hampstead Ladies Pond

Most memorable London party?

The best party I ever threw was for my 40th birthday, when 500 guests danced the night away at Westway Studios. People still talk about it even though it was more than 20 years ago.

Best thing a London cabbie has ever said to you?

‘Don’t worry, I’ll get you there on time.’

Where in London do you go to let you hair down?

Any 5Rhythms dance class — at the Tabernacle, or Tufnell Park or Vauxhall. It’s a mixture of full-on dance and meditation and is a great workout for mind, body and spirit.

Building you’d like to be locked in overnight?

Clarence House. I went once when Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, hosted a supper party. I remember it being very comfortable and homely, with photographs of the family all over the place.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

‘The best way to true happiness is service to others,’ by Dadi Janki, the head of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual group.

What are you up to at the moment?

Writing a book, The POD (Power on Demand Effect).

What was the last album you bought?

I’m waiting for the new Paul Simon release. I have been to every gig he has ever played in the UK.

Lynne Franks is the founder of SEED, the women’s empowerment network (seednetwork.co.uk)