The Last… With Deborah Harvey

The Last…

Time you danced?
The Chemical Brothers with old friends. It was fun!

Thing you bought from an actual shop?
A keyring from a pop-up that Studio Bowe did. It matches the smiley faces I have tattooed on my feet.

Thing you brought online?
A patchwork skirt from the Sézane collaboration with Sea NY.

Person you spoke to?
My mum.

Podcast you listened to?
I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Day, but I was recommended Dolly Parton’s America, which I am loving.

New brand you discovered?
Souvenir Stand by the very talented Natasa Cagalj.

Film you watched at the cinema?
The Old Oak, Ken Loach’s new film.

TV series you watched at home?
The Morning Show.

Restaurant you ate at?
Café Cecilla.

Takeaway you ordered?
Dabba Drop. It’s a vegan curry that I get delivered by bicycle every fortnight.

Book you read?
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. Given to me by a very kind lady called Lynn Ruth Miller. She was the oldest working stand-up comedian, still doing burlesque and cabaret at 86. We both found ourselves in hospital at the same time. She saw I had nothing to read and asked her friend to bring this book for me the next day. Such a kind heart. She lit up the ward singing and dancing. Unfortunately, she passed only a few months later. But I smile when I think of her.

Magazine you flicked through?
Appartmento. I get completely immersed in other people’s stories and ways of living. So inspiring.

Country you visited?
Portugal (Lisbon) with the lovely Des Lewis, friends, and family. We rented an Air B&B in the countryside. Our friend Laura is an amazing cook. It was so lovely – like a big family.

Town you walked around? 
Marvila, just on the outskirts of Lisbon. Very cool neighbourhood.

Time you cried?
Taking my dog to the emergency vet.

Time you laughed until you cried?
With my team. They are extremely funny to be around. Most days we have a laughing session.

Thing you do at night before switching off the light? 
Kiss my dog. Then a new thing is breathwork or a meditation app. I’m leaning into slowing down after years of full steam ahead.

Meal you cooked?
Sage Eggs. Not as good as Lelia’s or Towpath Café… But still so good. The crispier the sage, the better; plus a bit of chilli.

Cocktail you drank?
Elderflower Tom Collins.

Play you saw?
Paul Mescal in Streetcar Named Desire.

Thing you baked?
Anna Jones Pistachio and raspberry brownies.

Thing you burnt?
Always toast isn’t it?

Time you said sorry?
Too often! Probably to my team for being late.

Website you bookmarked?
Soulcampers.com.pt – Campervan Rental in Portugal.

Song you added to a playlist?
Just Breathe by Willie Nelson (feat. Lukas Nelson)

Person you kissed?
Probably my dog, hoping that changes to a person very soon, ha ha.

Travelled by bus?
Most nights, from Liverpool Street to Hackney Wick.

Radio station you listened to?
I used to love Worldwide FM, so sad it went. Now I listen to Spotify more.

Time you swore?
Everyday. Bad habit.

Biscuit you ate?
Anzac cookie from Brunwick East, Hackney Downs Studios.

Item of clothing you wore two days running?
My black hoodie, I have had it since I was a teenager.

Thing you smelt?
Aesop hand cream, a birthday gift from some lovely friends.

Time you said I love you? 
To my mum on the phone every night. I’m lucky every time I can tell her.