Agent Q&A: Viv Harris, Heathgate

Who are you?
Viv Harris, Managing Director, Heathgate, 105 Heath Street NW3 (020 7435 3344).

How long have you been in Hampstead?
I set up Heathgate 17 years ago and spent all my working life in the area.

How would you describe your area in three words?
Picturesque, interesting, beautiful.

Describe your working day…
Today I’ve been working with clients for whom we’re doing some project management on interiors. In the office we are a small team of eight, creating a friendly and fun environment.

Which are your favourite cafes and restaurants?
La Gaffe brasserie and restaurant next door – everyone is so friendly. Frascati (NW3) is another nice restaurant, as is Villa Bianca (NW3).

Which are your favourite shops?
Clothes shops! I like Linea, Jane & Dada and Cochinechine for unusual items that you won’t find elsewhere.

Where do you go for a drink?
Sometimes I’ll go to La Gaffe for a glass of wine, or Bar Room Bar on Rosslyn Hill.

How do you get about?
For appointments in the village I walk as it’s so pretty.

Tell us something about the area we might not know…
When I bought the premises, it had been used as a computer company, but it must be destined to be an estate agent’s office – a client recently told me that in 1946 it was an estate agents called Heathbrow!

Tell us something about your business we might not know…
I set up Heathgate in 1991, working from home for the first 18 months before opening up on the ground floor in Heath Street and taking over the whole building in 1994.