Iestyn Davies
York-born is one of the world’s leading countertenors, and is internationally acclaimed for both his performances and recordings. Iestyn lives in York with his wife Gemma Lawley.
What’s your first Yorkshire memory? It was a home birth for me, at Holly Terrace, very near to the river in York. As a toddler, I can remember a lot of looking at the Ouse as it flowed past and a great many weekend trips out to places like Beningbrough and Nunnington, which – then and now – are owned by the National Trust. Both places are remarkable in their own way.
What’s your favourite part of the county – and why? The City of York, where I was born, and where I moved back to over a decade ago. It’s unique, memorable in every way and a wonderful city to be in.
What’s your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire? We’ve just become the proud owners of a small river launch, which is moored at York Marina and I’m anticipating a good few outings. We also have some dear friends up at Scampston, and seeing them for lunch on a Sunday, and having a stroll around the Walled Garden, is always a treat.
Do you have a favourite walk, or view? It’s at the top of Sutton Bank, just stretched out on the grass, and watching the gliders whistling overhead. Then you sit up and look around you and, on a clear day, it’s just glorious. In York itself, I often stroll through Lady Peckett’s Yard, which is a little view into the past, and for me much better than The Shambles because hardly anyone else goes there.
Which Yorkshire sportsman, past or present, would you like to take for lunch? James Milner, who is Liverpool’s vice-captain, but who was born in Wortley, in Leeds. He’s a great player and I’m a big Liverpool fan.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner? Sir Michael Palin, because of all the Pythons he seems to have done the most – writer, comedian, traveller, presenter, commentator, a man with a keen eye for the unexpected, and someone who is genuinely funny (and sincere) just by being himself. That’s a rare commodity.
If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’, what would it be? Brimham Rocks, just north of Harrogate. I love the colour of the red sandstone and the fact that, with the right light, you could be standing in the Grand Canyon.
If you could choose somewhere, or some object, from or in Yorkshire to own for a day, what would it be? The National Railway Museum where I went as a lad, and to which I still regularly return – specifically, to stand in front of that astonishing Great Western Railway locomotive, King George V. It’s an amazing combination of style, design and engineering, and I love her lines.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity? It’s a bit like California – in that it has a bit of everything. Well, with the exception of somewhere to ski, I suppose.
Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what? Sorry, but my allegiances are on the other side of the
Pennines, as far as football is concerned. However, I suspect that I’ll be learning a lot from the dedicated rowers on the Ouse in future weeks and months.
Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub? The award-laden Skosh, on Micklegate – and I am not alone, because you have to book well in advance to be able to get a table. It’s so good and I am one of chef Neil Bentinck’s greatest admirers.
Do you have a favourite food shop? We love the local markets, and anywhere that goes the extra mile with fresh produce. They need all the support that we can give.