In a 2012 interview, DJ Sara Cox offered a vivid and affectionate portrayal of her London life, sharing personal anecdotes and local favourites that paint a picture of a city with both charm and character. At the time, Cox resided in Tufnell Park, a leafy, somewhat bohemian neighbourhood in north London. She appreciated the area’s blend of greenery and urban edge, describing it as “close enough to dodgy areas for me to keep it 'street'” while still being a pleasant place where children play on the streets.

Cox’s earliest memory of London was an amusing family adventure navigating the complex traffic roundabouts near Buckingham Palace, revealing the often daunting experience newcomers face in the sprawling capital. She confessed to missing her home, friends, and especially the vast variety of local takeaway options whenever she was away from London.

Among her ideal London pastimes, she warmly recommended borrowing or “stealing” a dog for a walk on Hampstead Heath, an expansive green space beloved by many Londoners. Her enthusiasm for local culture extended to theatre, as she recalled attending a rapturously received performance of the musical "The Producers" at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Cox’s social life is notably centred around Camden, particularly The Lock Tavern pub, which she frequents due to her husband Jon’s part-ownership and musical performances there. She described this spot as her place to indulge in good food and wine while adopting a carefree, almost theatrical persona reminiscent of a character like Angie Watts from the famous TV soap EastEnders.

Her culinary memories included dining at the restaurant Fifteen, where she appreciated the exciting menus and special treatment. Cox’s tastes in fashion and fragrance also stood out; she favoured Vivienne Westwood’s Boudoir perfume and routinely wore Westwood’s designs, having even commissioned a wedding dress from the iconic London designer. This connection to distinctive London-based designers highlights her engagement with the city’s creative and fashion scenes.

Musically, Cox’s iPod playlists reflected a broad taste ranging from British indie rock bands like The Zutons and Kaiser Chiefs to American icons such as Dolly Parton and Eminem. She was also an avid reader, often picking up books from whatever shop she passed by, with David Mitchell’s "Cloud Atlas" noted as her latest purchase.

Cox acknowledged her love for accessories, particularly shoes and bags, a personal indulgence she confessed perplexed her husband, DJ Jon Carter. Her appreciation for smaller, independent London businesses was evident in her nods to Pemizett Flowers in Camden for beautiful blooms and Christmas trees, Diane von Furstenberg on Ledbury Road for expertly tailored dresses, and Richmond’s Source, a food store specialising in cheese and wine.

Demonstrating a straightforward and candid approach to life, Cox summed up her philosophy simply as “No regrets.” When asked what she would do if elected Mayor of London for a day, she proposed a tough stance on litter, advocating for rigorous enforcement against offenders to keep the city clean.

This portrait of Sara Cox’s London lifestyle from 2012 encapsulates a blend of local loyalty, creative flair, and everyday pleasures, underscoring her deep connection to the capital’s varied and vibrant communities. It also offers a snapshot of a celebrated media personality grounded in her environment, enjoying the city’s culture, neighbourhoods, and small businesses with genuine enthusiasm.

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  • [1] (Evening Standard) - Paragraphs 1-8
  • [2] (Evening Standard) - Paragraph 1, 2, 4, 6
  • [3] (Camden History Society) - Paragraph 1
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  • [5] (Evening Standard) - Paragraph 6
  • [6] (Evening Standard) - Paragraph 3, 5
  • [7] (Evening Standard) - Paragraph 3, 7

Source: Noah Wire Services