Ben & Marina Fogle
Rosie Paterson speaks to presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle and his wife, Marina, producer of podcast The Parent Hood, about parks and their new collection for Barbour
Some of our readers may be surprised to hear you live in London. Has the capital always been home for you?
Ben I have spent my whole life in the capital. It is the friendliest and greenest of cities. We have just bought a new house in the country, however—it’s in a beautiful, picturesque little village outside Henley, where Marina’s family has lived all her life. Three generations, and we will be the fourth.
You met in Hyde Park—is it your favourite green space in London?
Marina Yes, Hyde Park is definitely my favourite. I love watching the trees change as the year progresses and seeing the Household Cavalry, bedecked in their marvellous uniforms. I’ve had to catch a loose horse before, but I’ve never ridden in the park—it’s still something I would love to do.
How do you spend a free day in the city, as a family?
Ben A park walk is like a ritual. We live near Wormwood Scrubs. It’s not as pretty and slick as the Royal Parks, but it has a wild charm. We try and visit the museums and theatres, too. The Bridge Theatre is great— my mother recently performed there in Alan Bennett’s Allelujah!. We take the children to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre every year and I think that The Udderbelly, on South Bank, has great performers —Catch Me was unbelievable. I want my children to feel as at ease in the city as I did and do.
Do any of your favourite parks have a hidden secret that you can share?
Marina Not many people know this, but there is a huge population of green parakeets in Kensington Gardens. One rumour has it that a couple escaped from London Zoo. There’s one tree near the Serpentine where they all congregate and, if you bring some sunflower seeds (their favourite food), they will land on your hand and gobble them up. It’s an amazing experience.
When you’re not in one of the city’s parks, where can we find you?
Ben Myriad and Summerhill & Bishop, at Clarendon Cross, for antiques; the Cloth Shop on Portobello, for fabrics; or at the
Peacock Theatre—my friend Kate Prince recently staged her dance Some Like it Hip Hop there. A genius, she’s doing a Sting ballet in the New Year. Seeing the canal boats in Little Venice is always a pleasure.
How do you like to get around London? Ben We rarely use a car. We have an electric one for taking dogs and children out, but otherwise it’s bikes or walking. It’s a brilliant city to explore on foot.
You recently collaborated with Barbour on a collection of mens- and womenswear. It was obviously inspired by your love of the outdoors, but is there a place for the pieces in everyday London life? Marina A Barbour is one of the most practical jackets there is and I wear mine a lot in London—it’s often the best thing to put over a smarter outfit to stay dry. I’ve been living in the Bredon (a longer-length jacket with a hood), which I designed with the company.
Ben On a Sunday, we take a picnic and our Barbours to the park, where they double up as picnic rugs. Make sure you put the wax side face down on the ground!
The Wilderness Collection, curated by Ben and Marina Fogle, is available now (www.barbour.com)
‘I want my children to feel as at ease in the city as I did and do’