Nick Valentine | My West London Life

Nick Valentine, co-founder of new pool bar, diner and live music saloon Miss Q’s, on celebrity exhibitionists, crap TV and his local café 

Posted on 20/10/09

Why did you choose Earl’s Court for your latest venture?

It's an ideal location because of its strong musical heritage and the site is right on the main drag.

What can we expect at Miss Q’s?

A one-stop shop where you can eat and drink great cocktails at pub prices, play pool on full-size American tables, catch established and up-and-coming acts in a stripped down semi-acoustic environment and a place to shake your thang to our resident DJs, A Boy Like Me and Daisy Heartbreaker.

What inspired Miss Q’s style direction?

American diners and funky dive bars

What kind of crowd are you expecting to attract?

Anyone who appreciates sex, rugs and rock ‘n’ roll.

What’s your top tip for a successful party?

A great mix of people, fantastic entertainment and plenty of booze.

What’s on your iPod?

Something for every mood, from musical theatre to death metal.

What’s on your west London cultural hit list?

Miss Q's Icon Gallery.

What’s on your bedside?

A lavender-scented black-out eye mask and a Colonel Tom Parker biography

What was the last show you saw in London?

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. I loved the movie, too.

What has been your most memorable west London meal?

My local café in Richmond, Dinos, does the best bubble and squeak in Christendom.

What’s the most outrageous thing that’s happened at one of your venues?

Having dinner at Cuckoo Club [Swallow Street, W1] with a Hollywood celeb who got rather wasted and dropped his wedding tackle on to my date's Beef Wellington!

What’s your philosophy on life?

I like the quote 'A life without mistakes means you're not taking enough risks'.

How would you spend a perfect Sunday?

A long lie-in, a Sunday roast at my local, followed by an evening of crap TV.

Miss Q’s, 180–184 Earl’s Court Road, SW5; 020 7370 5358