14 May 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Nadya Giffen, founder and owner of Nadya Giffen Therapies at The Quadrant in Marshalswick, a fully qualified gym instructor and poll dancing instructor.
Where do you go to listen to music?
I tend to go to London, I love going to Jazz After Dark in Soho. If I go out locally, I prefer The Beehive where they sometimes have DJs and play a good selection of funky house.
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
I make a double espresso, head back to bed and drink it while looking out of the window and listen to the birds. Life does not begin until I have had at least three espressos! True coffee lovers will understand this!
How often do you check your phone?
Not very often, I try and stay off it as much as possible. It usually takes me a couple of days to reply to text messages but I am happier as a result of not being on my phone.
What TV did you watch as a child?
I wasn’t allowed to watch much TV as a child, but when I was allowed, I watched The Moomins.
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
George, my cuddly toy monkey. I wouldn’t be without him, he travels everywhere with me including trips abroad!
Dogs or cats?
Dogs for sure! I grew up with dogs and cats but 100 per cent would have a dog or two!
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
Hatch in Christopher Place, their food is good quality and delicious.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
Rocket. This was owned by my best friend Annie Hunnisett. It was a super cool gift and clothing shop. The gifts were quirky and the vibe was awesome, I worked there for a while and had a lot of fun.
It was a huge loss to our city when Rocket closed, it is fondly remembered by many.
What was your best subject at school?
PE. I loved sports and took it as a subject for my GCSEs. Sport and fitness has been a lifelong passion of mine and when I left school I did my fitness instructor training and it still is a huge part of my life, not just for my own training but for work as well.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
Definitely my Mum. My Mum died very suddenly when I was 14 years old. Growing up without my Mum at such a young age was so hard. l would love to know what she thinks of me and what I have achieved in life along with many other questions.
