Londoners Magazine

Julie Hoffman is the curator of the Social and Working History section at the Museum of London. She tells Lydia Mossahebi what she loves about the capital.

“I’ve lived in London all my life. I left for a few years, for college, but I’m a Londoner through and through. I live in Camden Town and grew up near Archway. I haven’t moved very far.

“I’ve stayed in London because jobs have always been here and I love it. I haven’t really had any reason to move. The area where I live is one of my favourite parts, I just really enjoy it.

“I like wandering about, looking above shop fronts and looking at buildings. I enjoy looking at how roads interconnect and exploring different parts of the city. It’s just a mix and jumble of buildings.

“Around King’s Cross is my favourite area. I like it because it’s a real jumble of architecture. I love St Pancreas: the great old railway station with people going on journeys. There’s a real mix of vibrancy.

“I love the roads around the back of King’s Cross. Keystone Crescent just off the bottom of Caledonian Road is right within the seedier part of King’s Cross. But it’s pretty, like something out of My Fair Lady. Behind the busy streets it’s quiet and peaceful. There’s also the canal, with ducks and people walking.

“I wouldn’t necessarily always live in London; I would be happy living elsewhere. But London will always be is my first love.”