My London: Damian Hurley

Actor, director and son of Elizabeth, Damian Hurley romances at the Electric Diner, fancies taking over the Japanese embassy and uses Boots as his calm space
Damian Hurley by Silvia Prada for ES Magazine
Silvia Prada

Home is…

A beautiful apartment in Chelsea, but during lockdown I moved back into my family home in the countryside. Since then, I’ve been working abroad non-stop.

Where do you stay in London?

Warner Music invited me to the Brits and booked a suite for me afterwards at the Nomad, which was exquisite.

What was your first job?

When I was 14, guest starring on a TV show called The Royals. I played the Crown Prince of Liechtenstein. Bizarrely I was sat next to the real Crown Prince of Lichtenstein at dinner last summer, who had seen the show!

Where would you recommend for a first date?

The Electric Diner in Notting Hill. It’s small, sexy and has a really sweet vibe.

Which shops do you rely on?

I swear to God, I’m my happiest in Waitrose. The same with Boots. If I’m ever stressed out I just go and stand in Boots for a few minutes and feel so calm. Diptyque in Covent Garden — after a short while inhaling the perfumes and candles I feel rejuvenated.

What’s the best meal you’ve had?

At café Colbert last week. I went for lunch with Georgia Lock, the star of my movie. We both demolished the croque monsieur.

If you could buy any London building and live there, which would it be?

The Japanese embassy is exquisite. And I wouldn’t mind Buckingham Palace either.

What makes someone a Londoner?

The ability to shamelessly haggle at Portobello Market.

Who is the most iconic Londoner?

My heavenly godfather, Sir Elton John. His Aids Foundation has changed millions of lives around the world.

Who do you call to have fun?

The list is endless; Iris Law, Talulah Riley, William Moseley… All my friends are a great influence on me when it comes to going out. Left to my own devices I’d stay at home with my dogs.

Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?

‘You look like a better-looking Damian Hurley.’

Have you ever had a run-in with a London police officer?

I mistook one for a uniformed stripper at my best friend’s bachelorette party. Not my finest moment.

What are you up to for work at the moment?

I’m about to fly to LA for post-production on my film, Strictly Confidential, which I wrote and directed in the Caribbean last year.

I mistook a policeman for a uniformed stripper at my best friend’s bachelorette party. Not my finest moment

Who is your hero?

My mother is my unequivocal hero. She set a perfect example my whole life about how to balance family, business and pleasure.

Favourite work of art in London?

The Titian painting Bacchus and Ariadne at the National Gallery, which I fell in love with while studying art history in sixth form.

What do you collect?

Old shooting scripts from my favourite movies. There’s one about to go up for auction from Some Like it Hot that I’m desperate to get my hands on.

What apps can you not live without?

I’m a Deliveroo addict. I order and devour a six-pack of Krispy Kreme doughnuts nearly every day. And my friends tease me mercilessly for Shazamming wherever we are.

What’s your London secret?

Everyone here is actually really sweet. Londoners can seem abrasive to an outsider but warm up once you dig a little deeper.

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