Justine Solomons runs Byte the Book, a writing and publishing collective which embraces opportunities to connect authors with readers in the digital age. She puts on regular events at The Club at the Ivy for writers and publishing professionals, and a popular book club on the last Monday of each month at the Map Cafe.
When were you happiest?
I got married just down the road at London Zoo, pretty much my happiest moment, and it started at our flat that morning so like all good days it began locally.
Where would you like to live?
We live in a converted pub on Inkerman Road and it’s a brilliant location. In the 10 years I’ve been in Kentish Town, I’ve been in some great spots, renting on Falkland Road, Alma Street and Patshull Road before buying our current place with my husband six years ago. If we were to move I’d like to stay local and definitely not too far from the pool: Inkerman Road, Bartholomew Road, Alma Street or Willes Road would all be great.
Since setting up my business last year I’ve been working from home a lot and I’ve grown quite fond of the ice cream van playing ‘The Teddy Bear’s picnic’ in the afternoon. Also, the smell of Camden Brewery’s streetfood market on a Friday evening from Kentish Town West’s platform.
What is your greatest life achievement?
I got to interview Feargal Sharkey at The Ivy Club recently for a Byte the Book event. I’ve also beaten the ex-world champion at backgammon; and came 111th in my age group in the swimathon about fifteen years ago.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Keep going, better to do something, whatever it is, than nothing at all. I’m also quite fond of the phrase ‘Everything in moderation including moderation’, but that’s really a rule to live by rather than a lesson.
One of my first jobs while at university was temping for Camden Learning Difficulties team next to the M&S. I used to come to Prince of Wales Baths in the mornings to swim before work. The changing rooms and showers were all open in those days; a little bit shabby but very friendly.
What makes you unhappy?
Being cold.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Kentish Town pool bringing back its sauna.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Can’t leave scabs alone, I do like a good pick. (Yuck! – Ed)
What is your guilty pleasure?
If I’ve had a big night out sometimes a Mars bar from Buywise is the only thing that’ll sort me out.
Where do you hang out?
The Grafton is nice since it reopened and is our local. I also like The Oxford, Map Cafe, Bull and Last, Arancini Brothers, Doppio, Pizza East and the Heath on a blanket with a picnic and paper in summer.
Who or what do you hate and why?
The kids that keep smashing our old pub lights.
What’s your best experience in NW5? Worst?
Best: Alma Street festival is right outside our flat, we provide the main stage with its electricity every year. 2012 was particularly amazing – a boiling hot sunny day spent partying with lots of friends. Worst: someone tried to break into our flat the week before our wedding.
I’m pretty OK with the way I look these days, but I’m not that tall, as the old song goes, “five foot too and eyes of blue”. I don’t really mind being short except when I’m at gigs or trying to get things down from high cupboards.
Tell us a secret.
Marty Feldman was my second cousin.
What has your career taught you?
Be brave and work hard, do something you love and the money will follow.
What is your favourite dish and why?
When I was about twelve my parents took my brother and me on a boat trip on the river Yonne for a week. Dad and I had some sorrel fish one night and it was incredible. The first time I realised just how good food could be.
Describe yourself as an animal.
My brother says I’m an owl because I’m always reading, my husband reckons I have a hippo nose when I come out the water, and an ex boyfriend described me as a budgie because I can’t pass a mirror without looking in it.
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