I. What are your two favourite shops in London for browsing?
I’ve got to include Harrods, but I do actually love Selfridges. The selection’s fantastic and I could spend a lot of time there.
II. What are your two favourite restaurants in London?
There’s a great restaurant in Shaftesbury Avenue called Fallow, and I really enjoy it there. Their corn on the cob is outstanding. The other one is Scott’s in Mayfair, which probably does the best seafood in London.
III. What are the two best things in life that are free?
Well, obviously one is time and I’d say the others are my children and my grandchildren.
IV. What are your favourite two places to go in London when you need to relax?
For me, it’s the tennis court, and then my steam room at home. I try to have a steam pretty much every day, and that relaxes me.
V. What are the two items you always carry?
I’m sure everybody says their phone. Same for me. And I do have my glasses when I need them.
VI. What are your two favourite apps for navigating your life?
Spotify because I enjoy music, and something called Blinkist, which shortens books to their bare minimum, to about 10-15 minutes. I think it’s a great app.
VII. What are the top two reasons why you chose to live in your neighbourhood?
I live very close to work and I used to commute a lot. Also, there are excellent school choices where we are.
VIII. What two things are you the most grateful for?
Obviously my wife and also my friendships
IX. What two things inspire you the most?
Creativity, because I’m not particularly creative myself, so it does inspire me when I see it. And also, excellence.
X. What are two things that you aspire to accomplish in your lifetime?
Well, minimal regrets I’d like that on my tombstone, and a legacy of friendships.
XI. What are two qualities that you look for in a soulmate?
Passion and understanding, because a soulmate needs to be understanding to be my soulmate.
XII. What are two pieces of advice you would give yourself at a younger age?
Take more risks and try to pay off your mortgage early.
XIII. What are your two most treasured possessions?
Memories and health.
XIV. Name two inspiring people with whom you would like to share a meal (and what you would eat).
I’m a massive basketball fan, so it’ll be LeBron James, I think, because he’s still playing. Obviously, Michael Jordan would be interesting but I think LeBron. And then, someone called Viktor Frankl, who was a Holocaust survivor, which you may have heard of.
XV. What are the two best habits that you have learned?
Practice, practice, practice. If you want to do something and achieve something. And the other one is don’t procrastinate.
XVI. What are the two best-kept secrets of London?
There’s a very small club that does cabaret and things, called the Crazy Coqs, it’s in Piccadilly, it’s fantastic, only about 50 or 60 people, but always has great shows. Absolutely superb. The other thing is some marvelous historic places in the city that people don’t get to see much. Some lovely halls and churches. Hidden gems.
XVII. Name two pieces of music that lift your spirits.
Simple Minds' Alive and Kicking and David Bowie's Let’s Dance.
XVIII. Name two scents that transport you.
Well, I could say cut grass, but I’m not going to, so eucalyptus. I love the smell of eucalyptus, and actually gorgeous fresh pizza coming out from an oven, I love that.
XIX. What are two places that you want to visit?
I haven’t seen Alaska, and I’d love to visit the pyramids in Egypt.
XX. What are two things that you appreciate about yourself?
It’s a tough one, isn’t it? I’d say integrity and I do aim to please
XXI. What are two things that you’d like to change?
Quite broad, probably religious conflicts, and personally, to be more patient. I’m not a patient person.
Martin's London
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Fallow, one of Martin's favourite restaurants in London.
The Crazy Coqs, one of the best-kept secrets in London.
Selfridges, Martin's favourite place to browse in the city.
