Dog walks, long lunches and serious seafood with Jamie Klingler
We ask the burger expert and Reclaim These Streets founder where she goes in London
Every now and again we like to ask people for their personal take on London. We get them to tell us the places in the city that they turn to for different reasons: the spots that excite them, inspire them, make them feel calm, happy or just make them want to spend money. We call it ‘Where do you go?’.
If we were going to appoint a patron saint of London in Bits, Jamie Klingler would definitely be in the running. As someone who used to work for both ShortList and Stylist magazines she knows the city like the back of her hand, and as co-creator of London Seafood Festival and founder of National Burger Day she’s spent a good deal of her life bringing people together around some of London's best food.
More recently Jamie helped establish Reclaim These Streets, the group created in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard to speak up on issues of street harassment, and to educate boys and men to take responsibility for the problem of violence against women and girls.
As London slowly comes back to life his week, we wanted to ask Jamie about the latest on Reclaim These Streets, and ask for some of her favourite places to eat, drink, and relax across the city.
Who are you and why should we trust you?
I’m Jamie Klingler. I’m the founder of National Burger Day and of London Seafood Festival (in terms of my food credentials), and now am one of the founding members of Reclaim These Streets.
And what is Reclaim These Streets?
We are a group of women that came together after the murder of Sarah Everard. We aim to use legislation, education and community action to ensure no woman has to be asked to “Text Me When You Get Home” again.
You’ve been working on amending the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to outlaw street harassment and kerb crawling. Can you tell us how it’s going?
The progress of the bill was paused, but it was announced that it will be restarting in last week’s Queens Speech. We have spoken with MPs to secure cross-party support for amendments led by Harriet Harman MP to make street harassment and kerb crawling illegal. Over 50 MPs from all parties have already added their name to the amendment and we’ll be continuing to gather support.
While it is a problematic and controversial bill for many reasons, we are at least hopeful that it will ensure women have better protections in our laws, and that it will ensure that those men who do harass women and contribute to our feeling unsafe in public spaces are held to account for their behaviour.
We're also talking with some of the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners to develop specific actions on women’s safety that can be implemented in police forces and community partnerships across the country.
With London’s nightlife opening up again do you have any advice for people who are victims of street harassment or if they see someone being harassed?
Take pictures if it is safe to do so. Document the activity and get contact information of other witnesses. It needs to be reported. We know what the conviction rates are like, we know that it seems like a waste of time; but we need to document to the police how prevalent this is.
Also, men and women alike need to be allies. Stay with the victim until the police arrive, make sure they are safe, be a safe space.
And what’s the best way for people to get involved and support what Reclaim These Streets is doing?
We are currently recruiting volunteers. Please go to our website for the form. Our three pillars are legislation, community action and education. We want to maximise your time in the best way possible. For instance, I am focused on the new Relationships and Sexual Education Curriculum and finding passionate educators to help build out our resources for teachers.
Okay, on to the usual questions… Where do you go to have a great time?
I am often found at Street Feast or Kerb venues, I love checking out up and coming new food offerings.
Where do you go and always end up spending too much money?
Quality Chop House or the French House (below). A lunch at the French House is my favourite way to spend a long afternoon. You end up friends with all of the neighbouring tables and sharing homemade madeleines at the end of the meal.
Where do you go that can never close down, because if it does you might cry?
There are too many to name. But Darjeeling Express is a home away from home for me. Asma Khan is a dear friend and I love her and the team so much. Her kitchen ties India to Italy and my mother’s kitchen. There is a bond there that is incredibly important to me.
Where do you go to cheer yourself up?
The top of Primrose Hill with my dog, McNulty. Fresh air, playing fetch and seeing everyone enjoying themselves reminds me of why I moved to Camden 19 years ago.
Where do you go to be alone?
I spend a lot of time jogging on Regent’s Canal. Audiobook on my headphones. Another happy place.
Where do you go to impress someone?
Battersea Power Station’s lovely restaurants: Fiume, Wright Brothers (below), Brindisa, Megan’s and No 29. They all know me well because of London Seafood Festival so I always feel like a bit of a celebrity there. It’s such a lovely communal family of restaurants... and getting there by Thames Clipper is a joy.
Where do you go that’s within walking distance of your house?
Love the Landsdowne in Primrose Hill. Super vibes and dog friendly.
Where do you go when you can afford it?
The Wolseley is just incredible every time. You feel so special and spoiled in there
Where do you go to be romantic?
Climpson’s Arches for Brat (below) or Joy at Portobello. Good food is sexy to me.
Where do you go if you want to feel comfortable?
I am pretty comfortable wherever I am, especially if McNulty is with me but Santo Remedio or Bob’s Lobster are both wonderful places to spend a long long time with lovely food and company.
Where do you go if you want to switch off?
I don’t tend to switch off much
Where do you go to get inspired?
Street Feast venues always inspire me, by not having set tables, you meet so many different people, find out what excites them and what they are eating.
If you know of anyone that you think would make a good interview for our ‘Where do you go?’ series then let us know on Londoninbits@gmail.com.