Born and bred in Camden Town, Jamie Fallon is a true local. Leaving school at sixteen, he never thought about university – “one of my only regrets” – and joined the post office before leaving for Spain. After then roaming round the Canary Islands, Thailand, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong and the US, he’s been back in London for a decade and selling antiques for the last six. Find him daily at Matt Townsend Antiques (179 Queen’s Crescent, closed Mondays), and the weekly antiques market every Saturday.
When were you happiest?
Banging in goals over Talacre when I was 13. It never got any better on the football pitch.
Where would you like to live?
My old school building (St Richard of Chichester) on Prince of Wales Road. Odd, as I hated it when I went there.
What is your favourite sound or smell?
Since working in Queen’s Crescent Market it’s the Blue Sea fish and chip shop. A great sound is the antique shop shutters coming down, and another day done.
What is your greatest life achievement?
I did some work with serial young offenders in HMP Parc high security prison in South Wales about six years ago, working six-hour days in a group, and one-to -one mentoring. It was challenging, rewarding, humbling, and even a little scary at times. I felt very proud at what I think we achieved.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Quite simply that givers create givers, and takers create takers. Karma really does exist.
What is your earliest memory?
Helping my mum feed bed sheets though the laundry rollers in Prince of Wales baths.
What makes you unhappy?
Why is it nearly £5 for a pint in some pubs, and why does Guinness have to be chilled?
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Dog owners, pick up your dog’s crap.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I would have said smoking, but I’ve just quit. So I guess that now makes me perfect. Maybe my partner should answer this question. Have you got an hour to spare?
What is your guilty pleasure?
Drinking coffee on Monday mornings watching people going to work, then going back to bed. I don’t work Mondays.
Who or what do you hate and why?
I don’t hate anybody; that’s not the world I want to live in, but if I did it would be Arsenal.
What’s been your best experience?
Learning how to swim in Prince of Wales baths when I was a kid. And seeing the Counting Crows at the Town & Country club, pre-Forum.
Tell us a secret.
My business partner Matt used to be a woman!
What has your career taught you?
Never pre-judge anybody. Being nice gives people permission to be nice back.
What is your favorite dish and why?
My mum’s Sunday roast. Pie and mash at Castles, the best in London.
Describe yourself as an animal
I like squirrels, they hide their nuts.
What did you do today?
Gym, for a spin class and swim. Christmas has to be paid off – still.
