The Journey from Bristol to London
‘Home is…Bristol will always have my heart as I was raised there, but since I was 16 it’s been London. I just bought a new house and it’s in the decorating stages now so I’m looking forward to being settled there.’
London Memories
First flat: Good old Ladbroke Grove. My flat was literally right on the doorstep of the Notting Hill Carnival route, so it was such a great location and always a vibe.
First job: In retail. I worked in Westfield White City at the Lipsy London store as a sales associate.
Exploring the City
Best place for a first date: There are a lot of cute restaurants that are private and out of the way, but I think for a first date you have to do an activity. Whether that’s a fairground or an arcade you have to do something activity-based where you can chat while having fun, too. That’s the best way to get to know someone, I think.
Most memorable meal: Bacchanalia I’d say — the food is insane. I’m a huge foodie so I’ll order pretty much everything on the menu, but you can never go wrong with their lobster pasta or the Greek meatballs. Plus, I always start the night with a good drink before the food arrives and I love a cocktail.
Where would you most like to be buried: It’d probably be St Dunstan-in-the-East, it’s such a peaceful area in the middle of the hustle and bustle of London.
If you were Mayor for the day: I’d give everyone a week-long August Bank Holiday and make Notting Hill Carnival last the entire week.
Embracing the London Spirit
What makes someone a Londoner: As an adopted Londoner, it’s a hustle, go-getter mentality, and a midweek pub trip.
The most iconic Londoner in history: Favourite Londoner Edward Enninful — he’s a Ladbroke Grove legend and worked his way up to being the boss he is today. He has broken so many boundaries and changed the game.
Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you: ‘You’re just like a girl I grew up with.’
Where do you go to let your hair down: I do love The Box, if you want a bit of an ‘oonts oonts’ night out, but if you want a chilled sort of karaoke session with your mates then Lucky Voice is a shout. I love a sing-song!
Life’s Luxuries and Passions
Biggest extravagance: I’d say my Hermès Birkin bags — I have a few now but they’re something I hope to pass on to my kids one day, so an investment, really.
What are you working on at the moment: It’s been a busy start to the year, hosting Love Island: All Stars and working on my partnership with Gordon’s Premium Pink and its new limited-edition bottles.
Who is your hero: Davina McCall and June Sarpong are two professional heroes. They were two prominent females in the industry when I was just starting out and they’ve both gone on to achieve such amazing things in their careers and kept that longevity in the industry.
Podcast you are currently obsessed with: I’ve only started getting into podcasts, but I like Adwoah’s Gurl’s Talk and the new Abbey Clancy one she does with Peter Crouch.
Favourite work of art: Kew Gardens, it’s not really art as in an exhibition but is a nice place to take in the sights.
Last thing you googled: ‘How to get a bug out of my room safely’ and ‘Are South African insects poisonous?’
Maya’s new Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Premium Pink Alcohol Free 0.0% limited-edition bottles available nationwide (gordonsgin.com).