Born in Yorkshire, and brought up in Hong Kong, Germany and Shropshire, Rhiannon Batten is currently living in Kentish Town after a decade in Scotland. Travel editor of olive magazine, she also writes for The Guardian, The Independent, ELLE, National Geographic Traveller and Greentraveller.
When were you happiest?
Last week, when about eight people in one day unexpectedly offered to help me haul my baby’s pram up and down steps and on and off public transport. Life took on a soft-focused, Richard Curtis glow for a while.
Where would you like to live?
I visited the Burton House as part of Doors Open Day and loved it. I’d always wondered what was through the round window-gate at the bottom of Lady Margaret Road but I’d never guessed that the reality was a house so spectacularly peaceful, leafy and light. It’s changed my thinking about what city living has to look and feel like.
What is your favourite smell?
Freshly baked almond croissants at Leverton Grocers on a Saturday morning. Having moved back to London after living in a small village in Scotland that was big on bookshops but low on culinary diversity, it’s exciting to have a shop a minute’s walk from the house that sells the likes of cavolo nero, avocados, posh cider and really good coffee.
What is your greatest life achievement?
Still being able to earn a living from print journalism. Just.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Don’t be too quick to judge.
What is your earliest K-Town memory?
I haven’t been here very long but I’d probably say breakfast at MAP café after a swim at the brilliantly restored Kentish Town baths (left). My one bowl of apple and cinnamon porridge was big enough to feed Goldilocks, the three bears and their extended families – perfect post-swim comfort food.
What makes you unhappy?
Much more since I had a baby. Apparently I can’t even glance at the news these days without welling up.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
A wheeling ramp for pushchairs on the steps down to the southbound platform at Kentish Town tube station.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I’m the opposite of the clichéd freelancer in pyjamas sitting around watching Homes Under The Hammer. I find it hard to slow down or switch off, which is annoying for people around me who are trying to have evenings and weekends.
What is your guilty pleasure?
A glass of wine, a bowl of chips or a Ruby Violet ice cream at The Star pub after a walk in Waterlow Park.
For window-shopping Future & Found and Harrington & Squires on Fortess Road, plus Salvino, Bumblebee and Belle & Bunty on Brecknock Road. Torriano Cottages, to ogle the houses. The Heath. Kentish Town City Farm. Pushchair-friendly pavements around Bartholomew Road, Dartmouth Park Hill and Tufnell Park Road. If I could go out in the evenings that list would be very different.
What has your career taught you?
Put up tent first, open wine later.
What was your best gig and why?
Woodenbox playing at Kilmarnock’s Palace Theatre. They describe themselves as a Mariachi folk sextet but don’t let that put you off. They’re proper musicians with beautiful voices, silly amounts of energy on stage and a way with trumpets. With comedy, I’d never knowingly miss a Daniel Kitson gig.
Describe yourself as an animal.
A beltie (Belted Galloway cow). I cope surprisingly well in hostile terrain and have a fondness for stripes.
Got a suggestion for Ich Bin Kentishtowner? It can be absolutely anyone at all, from shopkeeper to A-lister. Email info@kentishtowner.co.uk
