My Plate & Place with… Hannah Harley Young

For 12 years as a photographer, she captured some of the biggest celebrities at some of the most high-profile events. She has taken portraits of some of the greatest names including David Beckham, Rihanna and the Royal Family. Her inaugural photographic exhibition, ‘Out of the Shadows’, was held at The Hospital Club in 2017.

Hannah is the creator and host of the podcast, Crazy Sexy Food. The podcast – now in its eleventh series – explores the important role that food plays in our lives with a number of notable guest appearances including Marco Pierre White, Prue Leith and Grace Dent.

Hannah has also become a regular guest host and presenter at food events such as Taste of London, Pub In The Park and The Big Feastival, and has hosted live events at Soho House and AllBright, and features regularly on TV on Sunday with Michael Portillo and Times Radio.

Hannah resides in West London with her husband; producer, writer and actor Leo Hunter and their little boy, Alfie.

Describe your perfect day in London?

My day has to involve my favourite people, good food, a cheeky drink or two and somewhere fun. The weather would be warm and sunny, and I’d kick the day off with a coffee and walk with my son. I’d then meet up with all my favourite people for lunch somewhere delicious; preferably outside. I’d then need some alone time. It may come as a surprise to some, but I love being alone and in my own company, so I need a bit of that each day. I’d then slowly get ready for a proper night out! I love the process of getting ready – make up, hair, a drink in hand, music on. It must be the old party girl in me?! I’d head out with the same group for food and drinks and maybe somewhere I can have a dance. Whatever happens after that is a secret!!

Favourite restaurant?

This is such a difficult question; I’m going to have to give a few answers. Currently, I love Arlington, Jeremy King’s reincarnation of Le Caprice in its original site. I think Jeremy is the best restaurateur out there. From service to décor to food, I love the entire experience he creates. For Italian cuisine, I’ve never had a bad meal at Bocca di Lupo. The menu features seasonal dishes by region, which really appeals to me. Their punterelle salad with anchovy is one of my favourite salads. Once done there I always pop over the Gelupo for a couple of cheeky scoops. For local and delicious, The Anglesea Arms pub is consistently brilliant. Their head chef, Jasnobio Fardin, is originally from Brazil and really makes his mark on their menu. They also serve the best pork scratchings in London.

Best place for brunch?

I have to be honest in saying I’m not much of a breakfast person. I unintentionally intermittent fast so my first meal most days is lunchtime. Saying that, when I do fancy a proper brekkie or brunch situation, I love Honey & Co – their ‘Big Breakfast’ is the stuff of legend and they’re incredibly generous. You get a plethora of mezze to start – both savoury and sweet and then you choose a main; anything from Shakshuka to Sabich. I love Sarit and Itamar too and have had the pleasure of interviewing them at the very beginning of my career.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

Having had a baby 6 months ago, my cultural exploration of London has taken a bit of a hit of late. However, I love to keep it in the family and always try and pop into my dad’s photography gallery, the Richard Young Gallery, in Kensington, whenever I have a free moment. Not only does it mean I can quickly see my parents (my mum runs the business) but I get another glance of my dad’s incredible collection of photographs he’s taken over the past 50 years of some of the most famous people in the world. One of my favourite shots of his is a young Kate Moss and an unknown-at-the-time Johnny Depp walking out of a Paris nightclub with cigarettes in their mouths in the 90s!

Most relaxing place to unwind?

I love to walk. Some of my favourite spots to walk are through Holland Park, Regent’s Canal or even along the Thames. I find walking a great way to switch off, reset and just watch the world pass you by. Outside of London, one of my favourite places in Europe is Puglia in Italy. I’ve decided I want to retire there because 1) I feel completely at peace there 2) the food is PHENOMENAL!

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

If all my wishes came true, I’d go back to my childhood home, which was sold a couple years ago. Since my parents moved out, a little piece of my heart has gone. I’d start there, have a coffee in the garden then take a stroll up to Portobello to take in the atmosphere of where I grew up. I’d jump on the train to Brick Lane for a bagel at Beigel Bake with my dad and then meander back West again, through Hyde Park. I’d end up back at the old house where my mum would be cooking up a

Persian feast just like the old days. You’d know it was a good day when you could smell the Persian dried limes as you entered the front door. I’d spend the rest of the night with family around the table full of good food because that’s what life is all about.

What is your top London tip?

It’s OK to get lost sometimes and not rely on your device. It’s amazing where you might uncover in the midst of it all.

Everywhere in London takes an hour to get to. Get to know the shortcut to the westbound central line at Tottenham Court Road Station!!

Tell us what you are currently up to?

I’m in production for Season 11 of the Crazy Sexy Food podcast, which will be out at the end of this year. We’ve brought the series back to my house after a season filming at a hotel. It feels so good to be back in my space and inviting an incredible line-up of guests over for a chat. I’m also working on a very exciting project with a well-known TV show, which could possibly make some of my dreams come true! I have a couple presenting jobs coming up, interviewing some amazing people doing great things in the food industry. It’s going to be a busy end of the year for me!

Make sure to check out Hannah’s brilliant podcast, Crazy, Sexy Food.