North London Food & Culture

Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Edith Bowman, 40, radio and TV presenter

'What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to me? You can't have a dirty burger today'

'' Photo: PR
Edith Bowman: ‘I love the sound of steam trains occasionally going past.’ Photo: PR

Originally from Fife, Scotland, Edith Bowman has hosted regular shows on Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music over the years, as well as a stint on Top of the Pops. She married Editors frontman Tom Smith in December 2013, and the couple live in Gospel Oak with their two sons. On Sunday 16th February, as part of the EE British Academy Film Awards, she will host the BBC3 show from the red carpet.

When were you happiest?
I’m pretty happy now, thanks. Just got married before Xmas, my boys are healthy and I feel pretty lucky and blessed.

Where would you like to live?
I feel pretty smug where we are at the moment, within walking distance of the Heath. Doesn’t really get much better than that to be honest.

What is your favourite sound or smell?
I know this might sound mental but, with the Overground line within ear shot, I love the sound of the steam trains occasionally going past and seeing the steam puff over the fences.


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Hampstead Heath: 'It doesn't get much better than that'
‘It doesn’t really get much better than that’:
Hampstead Heath. Photo: Stephen Emms
What is your greatest life achievement?
My two boys. They are both very different little characters, but seeing their relationship and interaction with each other grow is one of my favourite viewing pleasures.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Don’t worry about what other people think of you, it’s none of your business. My friend Natalie told me this a few years ago and it’s so true. In the age of social and digital media, people can also be anonymously cruel, hiding behind a blog or twitter name. It’s a waste of energy to even let it get to you.

What is your earliest north London memory?
Myself and my good friends Douglas Anderson and Rick Edwards whilst doing Rise on Channel 4 set up our own K-Town Scrabble and darts club in the Pineapple pub. We would start work at 4am and finish by 11am, so to encourage brain stimulation we had a wee Scrabble club followed by a game of arrows.

What makes you unhappy?
Not having enough time with my family; and forgetting people’s birthdays.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
If I was a better time keeper and said “no” to more things.

What is your most unappealing habit?
I have one in particular that winds my other half up so much, but I don’t think I can share it with Kentishtowner readers just yet – we’ve only just met. So I’d say probably either my procrastination or doing too many things at one time.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Dirty Burger on a weekly basis.

Where do you hang out?
Talacre Sports Centre, the Heath, Ginger and White, Chicken Shop, Dirty Burger, Southampton Arms, The Stag, K-Town City Farm…

Who or what do you hate and why?
Hate is a word I try and not use but I would say dog owners who don’t pick up their animal’s shit. Being a pram user, I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve cursed mistaking a steaming turd for a pile of leaves that has then required the power hose. We need Dog Poo Wardens, on the spot fines or take the bloody dogs off them if they can’t pick up their mess. It’s disgusting. So I do probably hate that.

What have been your best and worst experiences round here?
Best is moving in with my other half and having our family, simple. Worst: the dog poo.

Oink. Some happy piglets at Kentish Town City Farm. Photograph by Stephen Emms
Oink. Some happy piglets at Kentish Town City Farm.
Photo: Stephen Emms
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Are you kidding? This oil painting! There’s normally something on a daily basis that I would like to improve. At the moment I’m desperate to see George who cuts my hair and have a fringe cut back in. Cheaper than Botox.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
You can’t have a dirty burger today.

Tell us a secret.
I want to be a photographer.

What has your career taught you?
Sometimes it can be who you know and not what you know.

What is your favourite dish and why?
I’m loving having little sushi nights at home at the moment. To eat out, I LOVE food and really go through phases of things. Another of my fave things is this Jamie Oliver recipe of a big Yorkshire Pudding made with some rosemary, smoked salmon dumped on top, sides of beetroot warmed in honey and balsamic, spinach and watercress, and a yoghurt lemon and horseradish dressing. Yum.

What did you do today?
I went to Great Ormond Street to help them launch their Kiss it Better Campaign, which raises vital money for research and treatment of cancer in children. I then sat in my office and listened to some new music and answered these questions. Then it was off to interview Wes Anderson for a BBC 6 Music Screen 6 Special I’m making on him, and then picking Rudy up from school, preparing chicken noodle soup – and trying to make sure there is no football on the TV tonight.

Phew. Describe yourself as an animal.
A squirrel. Always on the go – but loves nothing better than hibernating with nuts.

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