My guilty guilty pleasure? Pie, mash and liquor from Manzes, under my flat.
A “Danish Croydoner” is how Sarah Maria Klitgaard describes herself. She has lived on Tower Bridge Road for the past three years – which is handy right now as, on the side from her day job as a PR, she’s busy helping to promote the nearby Bermondsey Street Festival (@bermondsstfest). The 21 September event celebrates local music, arts, cuisine and creativity –there’s even a dog show. “I love a project,” Sarah explains. You can also find Sarah blogging about “style, career, travel and other fun stuff” at Land of Opportunity.
When were you happiest?
At Woodcote High School in Croydon in the noughties.
Where would you like to live in south London?
I adore where I live on Tower Bridge Road and would just take over the whole building as my house if I had the option.
What is your favourite south London sight?
I love seeing the Shard from anywhere in London. I pretty much view it as a massive pin in the map pointing at my neighbourhood.
Who is your favourite south Londoner?
David Bowie, a good Bromley boy.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
I’ve still got plenty to learn, especially as I get most of my “wisdom” from movies, but Glengarry Glen Ross (see the – fairly sweary – clip below) taught me the A-B-C.
What is your earliest south London memory?
Going to Tammy Girl in Croydon with my mum and begging for knee socks and a crop top (like Cher Horowitz from Clueless).
What makes you unhappy?
When I feel like time is passing and I’m not getting smarter.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Jose Pizarro opening another restaurant on Bermondsey Street.
What is your south London guilty pleasure?
Pie, mash and liquor from Manze’s, on my road (M. Manze, 87 Tower Bridge Road, SE1, tel: 020 7407 2985).
Where do you hang out?
There is so much to do on Bermondsey Street that I’m lucky enough to not have to go far from home. I’ve also met huge amounts of awesome people while being involved with the Bermondsey Street Festival that it’s not always necessary to leave the area.
Best south London night out?
You can’t beat the Black Sheep in Croydon (68 High Street Croydon, tel: 020 8680 2233). When I want more of a dignified and age-appropriate evening I head to Matthew’s Yard around the corner.
What has your career taught you?
If you’re not that smart, don’t despair. It is amazing how being prepared and diligent will set you apart.
The house I live in is…
Split into three flats and above a very religious print shop.
Tell us a secret…
I once lived in north London for two years.
Your favourite (south London)…
… building or landmark?
The Guinness Trust building on Snowfields.
… shop?
The Fashion and Textile Museum shop on Bermondsey Street.
… bar/pub?
The Angel (101 Bermondsey Wall, SE16, tel: 020 7394 3214) is an amazing riverside pub completely unspoilt by tourists and visitors (until now?).
…place to eat?
Simon the Tanner (231 Long Lane, London SE1, tel: 020 7357 8740) for Sunday roasts that are so good they could kill, Mongolian Grill and Hot Pot (29 North Street, SW4, tel: 020 7498 4448) in Clapham for great value food and the fun of cooking your own hotpot.
Interview: Ben Benjamin
