Time Out at 40

See all Time Out London’s 40th birthday heroes

You’ve been chosen as one of Time Out’s all-time London heroes, how do you feel about that?
‘Surprised and incredulous.’

Who are your London heroes?
‘Two big ones. First, the man who designed the tube map [Harry Beck] – it must be the most beautiful map in the world. Then there’s the man who campaigned to keep the north side of Hampstead Heath, around Kenwood House completely unbuilt. That’s why you can walk all around there. Of course, I can’t remember his name, but that’s the point, isn’t it?’

What’s the biggest thing that’s happened in your field in London in the past 40 years?
‘The renewal of all the major museums and galleries – each and every single one has been reborn.’
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What’s your personal favourite moment in London? Where were you, and what was happening?
‘That’s easy, it was watching Nelson Mandela standing on the balcony of Africa House after he was made president. Just to be in Trafalgar Square at that moment was outstanding.’

What does Time Out mean to you?
‘It’s the ultimate confirmation of Dr Johnson’s view that in London there is everything you could want – not only that, but it’s every week. He was the living demonstration of that idea, he should be the patron saint of Time Out.’

Complete the sentence: London is…
‘…the only city to live in.’

See all Time Out London’s 40th birthday heroes