My London: The Branco Heist

Christan Slawinksi, Ross Hampton and Al McHardy make up London-based rock band The Branco Heist. Here they open up about Billy Breakfast’s, Kentish Town’s Bullet Bar and Bedknobs and Broomsticks…

Al: ‘Billy Breakfast’s awesome rehearsal studios in Clapham, where we are now, is London’s best secret. If you’re a band needing some space give it a Google and get in touch with him.’

Ross: ‘My perfect London day out would involve a stroll around town, maybe a bike ride and then a chilled Crabbies by the river.’

Christian: ‘London is the biggest collection of colours under one roof. You meet people from all over the world here and you can fall in love with someone different every day on the tube.’

Al: ‘Our first London gig was at Bullet Bar in Kentish Town, so we’d pop in there for a pint to revisit our past.’

Ross: ‘I’ve walked along the Thames but never been in it. I bet there are many stories to be told at the bottom of that river.’

Christian: ‘On the tube I feel most creative. For some reason it helps to be in motion when you’re trying to write. Most ideas come without our instruments to hand.’

Al: ‘My most vivid London memory is going on a school trip to the Natural History Museum and seeing that amazing dinosaur skeleton for the first time!’

Christian: ‘Most great Londoners came to the surface here but grew up outside.’

Al: ‘It’s impossible to encapsulate London in any way, but, er, Portobello Road from [the film] Bedknobs and Broomsticks does!’

Christian: ‘In London you can pretty much do whatever you want to, whenever you want and have everything at your convenience.’

Al: ‘No manners drive me mad – I’m getting on my high horse now, but people who don’t give up their seat for those that obviously need it on the tube!’

Ross: ‘I would recommend going a day without being angry. Enjoy living in one of the greatest cities in the world.’

Al: ‘Traveling round London on a bike is the best way to see the city, as long as it isn’t raining.’

Christian: ‘Happiness is the journey to where you want to get to. Once you’re there, it’s heaven.’

The Branco Heist release their new single ‘Brothers’ on May 28 and are playing a free gig at Café 1001, Brick Lane, on June 13.

For more information visit: www.thebrancoheist.com.