Alexander Will | My West London Life

Alexander Will, co-founder of events listing website Spoonfed, on great exhibitions, restaurants and gigs

Posted on 07/07/10

Where do you live and why?

I live on a mews just south of Kensington Gardens – I love it because it is close to the park, beautiful and peaceful, and is also the polar opposite to where I spend my days at Spoonfed in Hoxton.

If you didn’t live in London, where would you live?

I would probably live in San Francisco as it's the hub of technology as well as having a fantastic climate; quick access to the beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter.

How did you meet your co-founder and what inspired you to start Spoonfed?

Henry and I met in an abstract maths class at the London School of Economics. We became friends and started Spoonfed in my basement, cooking meals for early volunteers.

What’s the concept behind it?

Spoonfed is all about making it quick, easy and fun to find out what’s on in London. All our writers and editors are passionate about the London entertainment scene so our users know they're receiving information they can trust.

What was the last exhibition you saw?

The last exhibition I saw was the Enchanted Palace at Kensington Gardens last weekend - breathtaking stuff.

What’s been your most memorable west London meal?

Every meal at Aphrodite Taverna [15 Hereford Road, W2] is quite special. It has got the best calamari in town.

Favourite London gig?

Prince at the O2 – absolutely incredible. After the concert we decided to sit tight and avoid the crowds heading for the exits. About 30 minutes later he came back on for those that had stayed. One of those special moments when you just can’t stop smiling.

What advice would you give a tourist in London?

If it’s summer and the sun is shining take a bus tour as it will give you your bearings pretty quickly.

What has been your worst London experience?

Being stuck on the tube for half an hour at the height of summer isn't very pleasant.

What’s in your secret address book?

Sevilla del Mia is a brilliant little Spanish basement bar in the West End. It looks a bit seedy from the outside but it's not at all. It's a bit tucked away, but there's no better after hours bar in the area.

What’s your philosophy on life?

Work/life balance is key. A job is more than about what you earn; the people you spend your day with and that experience is what matters.

What are you most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of starting Spoonfed and building the great team that we have; their individual passions and collective spirit make coming into work every day a real treat.

How would you spend an ideal Sunday?

An ideal Sunday would be spent waking up without a hangover, in spring, and would involve cooking breakfast and reading, followed by a walk in the park and then meeting friends for a late lunch somewhere in Notting Hill.

www.spoonfed.co.uk