Yogesh in Harrow is 31-40 and is a telecom manager.
Yogesh recently moved to London from India with his wife and daughter. The UK has been everything he ever dreamed of and more, and funnily the place where he first ever began playing the sport he loved to watch so much when back home, cricket.
Film Maker: Ruth Gardiner
Questions & Answers
- What's your first memory of London? This is part of my childhood memories. The first I ever saw of London was through a poster of London Bridge that was hung on my granny’s drawing room wall. The bridge was lit up in the evening sky-- it looked mesmerising and I wanted to see it for myself in real.
- What do you miss when you're away from London? I guess the sense of space that I get in London, at least in the boroughs that make up the greater London. I also feel there is great consistency of heritage architecture that one gets to experience in London that is missing in some of the other mega cities of the world.
- What's your favourite neighbourhood? I live in Harrow and love it! The other part of London that I absolutely love is Richmond upon Thames.
- What's your favourite building? There are so many, it is hard to pick. However I love the churches and palaces more than the modern marvels.
- What's your ideal day out in London? A game of Cricket would be perfect! On other note, a day out with the family in one of the large parks, lunch by the lake basking in the sun shine, and then a stroll by the South Bank in the evening.
- What's your ideal night out in London? Night outs are mostly a house party affair - getting together, enjoying good food, and some Bollywood and Bhangra beats with my friends is what I enjoy the best.
- What's your most hated building? This is a hard one - but there are so many that are coming up that are so out of touch and character with the heritage architecture. Basically anything with glass, concrete, has a cheap external cladding, and is square in shape goes straight on that list!
- What's the best view in London? I love the view from the Shard on a clear sunny day - you can see miles on end in practically all directions. It really is a sight to behold!
- What's your favourite open space? This is simple - Hyde Park and the other Royal Parks nearby. London is probably the only city in the world to have so much open green space reserved for its citizens to enjoy.
- What's your favourite bar, pub or restaurant? My longing for the good Indian food takes me to the place called ‘Mumbai Local’ in Harrow. They are small, unpretentious, but do a jolly good job of the food.
- What's the most interesting shop? I would love to visit the Harrods, I haven’t been there yet - but I hear it has some of the best collection of consumer goods.
- What's your favourite place to hang out? I love the vibe of the South Bank, there are so many interesting sights and things to see. I like the contrast of the old and the new London, the modern art of Tate and the pubs that tell a story of London of the old. It is the very heart of London and it pulsates with art, history, culture, architecture, topped up with gastronomic delights.
- What's been your most memorable night out in London? Oh well - this is one of the first time I was visiting London. I went with a couple of friends, we went to the London Bridge, realised that long standing dream. Then enjoyed warm mulled wine and long walk through Trafalgar Square, Soho’s, the works…
- How would you like to spend your ideal day off in London? Visit Hyde Park and laze on the banks in the day. Spend time kayaking on the lake and enjoy some wood fired pizza at the Serpentine.
- Where would you take someone visiting from out of town? I’d take them to the Lord’s and give them a tour of the history of Cricket!
- What's the worst journey you've had to make in London? Monday morning. 08.30 am Tube on a grey soggy day. Barely any space to breathe. Experience it.
- What's your personal London landmark? This has to be the Harrow School. I love everything about it.
- Who's your favourite fictional Londoner? I am not much into fiction, but working in Paddington I can’t help but think that the Paddington bear is rather cute!
- What's your favourite London film, book or documentary? I haven’t yet, but definitely want to read more and watch more!
- If you could travel to any time period in London, past or future, where would you go? A century ago - say the 1920s to see what it was to be at the power centre of practically the world!
- For you, who is the ultimate Londoner? I think Londoner isn’t just one person - it is made up of you, me, and million others who call this city a home, a living dream.