Daniele Panzanaro
When someone has chosen to live in a city, they’re often more vocal about their love of it than someone who was born there. When you’ve actively chosen the place you live in, it’s because you truly feel at home. Daniele, our award winning mixologist at Good Godfreys, is originally from Italy but chose London as his home.
Where did you grow up?
Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy. While it is not typically visited by tourists, locals welcome visitors with open arms, with restaurants, shops and art. It also has lots of history; it is actually the birthplace of the Italian flag.
Why did you chose to live where you do?
London is like a separate little world, where there are a lot of opportunities. If you know what you looking for, London will give it to you.
What’s your favourite thing about the city?
It feels like there is an infinite number of cultures and different points of view. Generally, that’s very difficult to find. As a city, it is very open.
Where’s your favourite place to go out:
…with friends? Fox and Hounds pub, Clapham Junction – because it’s very cozy and it feels personal
…on a date? Camden Lock, because I had my first date there
…to celebrate? Definitely a nightclub
…to relax and unwind? Little Bird, Clapham Junction – because from the outside it looks like a little shop or a cute breakfast place, but inside it looks and feels like you are sitting in the jungle.
Where’s your favourite place to eat and why?
222 in West Kensington. It’s 100 per cent vegan and offers a wide range of options. It also has a great value all-you-can-eat lunchtime buffet. It’s great quality and really sophisticated. I just love the atmosphere.
What’s your favourite food or drink memory of London?
There is a little kiosk at Fulham Broadway market where they make a wonderful falafel – in fact, it’s the best I have ever tasted. It’s a fascinating part of the city and I really enjoy taking in the atmosphere. There’s lots of interesting shops and places to eat and drink, as well as market traders shouting out their prices. In many ways, it reminds me of the market back home in Italy.
If someone was visiting London, what’s the one place you think they should go to, that will make them fall in love with the area?
We have so many beautiful parks the in London, which is something you don’t necessarily associate with the city… If you think about it, there is a lot globalization but we still have a lot of greenery around in comparison with other world cities.
What food or drink captures London, and why?
London is amazing because you can find everything you want. I’m vegan, and I don’t think I know of another city with such easy access to vegan food. In terms of food and drink, London is so diverse.