Five minutes with the co-owner of Arthouse Cinema

Home is…

Alexandra Park. Such incredible views across London and, I think, one of the best places to see spectacular sunrises and sunsets!

Which shops do you rely on?

For food and drink, it’s hard to beat Crouch End Food Centre, which has such a wide variety of products. They seem to stock virtually everything and even when you don’t think they have it, they generally find it tucked away in a corner. Also, Dunns Bakery is a must.

Best meal you’ve had in the borough?

That’s a tricky one as it depends on lots of factors, but Banner’s in Crouch End would be up there. As a lifelong vegetarian I’m always looking for really good vegetarian and vegan choices, which Banner’s has, and they also make the best mojitos. I tend to go for their Sri Lankan aubergine curry or their veggie burger. Sumak, which is a few doors away from our cinema, is another good one with lots of veggie options.

Where do you go for a good time?

Apart from watching good films at Arthouse, I try to do Ally Pally ParkRun, which I always feel good about after I’ve done it.

Why do you love Haringey?

There are so many things to do in Haringey and I love the diversity, community, and creativity it has. I’ve lived here for over 40 years and can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Where do you go for a moment of quiet?

We are truly spoiled in Haringey as there are so many quiet, green spaces across the borough. I love walking to Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood and working through everything in my mind.

What’s your secret Haringey spot?

I don’t think it’s that much of a secret but Parkland Walk (which is the old railway track that ran between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace) is a great place to walk and see so much nature.

Where in the borough would you recommend for a first date?

Definitely start at The Arthouse and watch a brilliant film and then on to one of the many restaurants/bars to finish your evening. We had a marriage proposal recently at the cinema and they said yes – thankfully!

A film that changed you?

Probably the incredible South Korean film, Parasite. Such a clever, complex, and brilliant masterpiece directed by Bong Joon-ho. In 2020, it won the Oscar for Best Picture, becoming the first non English-language film to take the top prize. I think I need to watch it again!

What’s your one rule for life?

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it!

What food sums up happiness?

Probably spaghetti arrabiata or chips.

What should HCP readers be watching right now?

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris starring the excellent Lesley Manville. Also, we’ve been streaming NT Live: Prima Facie with the phenomenal Jodie Comer and I urge anyone who hasn’t seen it to try and get tickets as it’s just brilliant.

What are you working on at the moment?

Well, we’re very busy setting up more Arthouse Cinemas in Barking and Harrow – so watch this space!