MY CITY: NICOLA KING
The lawyer and ‘East London Girl’ blogger on exploring the nooks and crannies of the city and working next to St Paul’s Cathedral
WHAT PARTS OF LONDON DO YOU CALL HOME?
I lived in Bow, East London for six years. Prior to that, I lived in North London for three years. Lucky for me, my office is right by St Paul’s Cathedral, one of my favourite landmarks in London.
WHAT’S YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF LONDON?
Watching a West End show with my mum was always the highlight of my year growing up. It always began with shopping and lunch, before becoming engrossed in the theatre performance.
WHAT MAKES LONDON SPECIAL TO YOU?
London never ceases to amaze me as I always manage to find something new – there are just so many nooks and crannies to explore.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LONDON IN THREE WORDS?
Vibrant, charismatic, diverse.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE LONDONER?
It has to be the Queen.
WHAT ARE YOU WEEKLY RITUALS?
Monday morning is rest day. Tuesday to Friday I run and do yoga. It helps me feel energized for the day, especially now the commute to my office is a mere few metres. Weekends are for eating!
WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?
I became a freelance lawyer and blogger (very different, I know) two years ago and have managed to maintain a healthy balance juggling the two. Boundaries are so important to achieve this – I set out expectations and parameters at the outset and have learnt to say no sometimes.
WHAT’S THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS?
Fearne Cotton’s Happy is such an open and honest account of everyday mental health struggles and seeks to break down the walls and encourage people to be kinder to themselves. It contains useful advice and tips on how to have a healthier and happier lifestyle.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Don’t give up on yourself, and things happen for a reason – it may just not be the right time, the right job, the right person…
Nicola King is the creator of the food, drink & travel blog East London Girl, which contains a curated list of the best restaurants and bars in London and further afield, as well as sample itineraries for over 30 cities around the globe. Follow Nicola’s adventures on Instagram @eastlondongirlblog
