Zack Polanski is a Kentish Town resident and Cognitive Hypnotherapist. Based at the Lewis Clinic on Harley Street, he works with a variety of clients mainly involved in media, politics, business and public speaking.
When were you happiest?
There’s never been better days for me than last year’s (oh so brief) summer spending days off lying in the sunshine with my partner Cruz. Rochester Park is busy with locals and their beautiful dogs, mums and dads with their kids, and we really got to know some characters.
Where would you like to live?
Kelly Street always looks like that moment after Dorothy hits Oz. Anywhere on Kentish Town Road is pretty happening too – I just enjoy people.
What is your favourite sound or smell?
Kentish Town City Farm. I’ll leave the smell to your imagination but Sunday mornings spent there never fail to delight visiting friends.
What is your greatest life achievement?
I’m gonna pass in the hope I’ll appear modest. Really it’s just because I hope it’s not happened yet.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
There’s no better version of you anywhere – so be you. It’s not about defeatism or passivity but enjoying who you are in this moment. As well as the next.
What makes you unhappy?
Injustice. Unfairness. Inequality and hate. You know – all the fun stuff.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
I breakdance every week and it’s one of the times I feel most alive. A dance studio in my flat would be pretty sweet.
What is your most unappealing habit?
A love for engaging in debate. My friends and family would probably rephrase it as argumentative.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cycling my lovely bike around. It’s heavy and impractical but she makes me happy.
Where do you hang out?
It’s all about Town Cafe on Kentish Town Road. It’s a builders’ caff that you might easily miss – you’d be silly to. Amazing portions, super cheap and the friendliest staff I know of in London.
Who or what do you hate and why?
It’s very lefty of me – but I’m all about love.
What’s your best experience in NW5? Worst?
Best experience in NW5 is probably the evening I walked into the Abbey Tavern and it had been taken over by 100 singers from a choir. They weren’t performing but had started up an impromptu concert as they sat with their pints – quite magical.
Walking near Sainsbury’s a while back, Police Officers were targeting cyclists who run the light. Having been a resident here quite a while, I’m pretty sure there’s better things that groups of officers could do than catch cyclists.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
It would be my beard which is really difficult to manage. Thankfully, Eddie’s Barber shop regularly save me from the embarrassment of a wonky goatee.
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
It saddens me that anybody, especially the young, declines to participate in politics (‘they’re all the same…nothing changes anyway…it doesn’t even affect me’). I don’t think it’s about knowing trivia or being an activist, but just keeping informed.
Tell us a secret.
I don’t think I have many secrets – I try to remain an open book (apart from my client work, naturally).
What has your career taught you?
That no matter if someone is a CEO, a middle manager or a member of the domestic staff – we all experience the same fears, joys, insecurities and journeys. I love the variety of people I work with.
What is your favourite dish and why?
Spaghetti with quorn. As a vegetarian, I was super relieved when my boyfriend demonstrated that it wasn’t completely the end of my favourite dish.
What was your worst gig and why?
I went to see a comedian recently who shall remain nameless. I got chatting to the lady next to me and together we discussed why he was the unfunniest man in the world. The next day, I realized she was his agent.
Describe yourself as an animal.
Easily a dog. On my better days, when I’m not a grumpy mastif, hopefully more Labrador-like.
Got a suggestion for Ich Bin Kentishtowner? It can be absolutely anyone at all, from shopkeeper to A-lister. Email info@kentishtowner.co.uk
4 thoughts on “Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Zack Polanski, Hypnotherapist”
What a nice guy – great start to the year. I agree Town Cafe has amazing portions and the food is superb. Once I got over changed by them after paying for four breakfasts and actually walked out with £17 more than I walked in with having had four breakfasts. I now realize this is theft and would like to take this opportunity to apologize reservedly to Town Cafe for not returning the money.
Well, you know where it is, mate, and they’re probably open…
Very entertaining interview and worthwhile read. Includes lots of positive notes about KT and life generally that I relate to. Nice one!
This man is completely lovely! I only know him from dog stuff in Rochester, not that he’d remember..how great to see him on here.