07 Aug 2023
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: owner of Leafy in Christopher Place, Oliver Zissman.
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
That’s normally my six year old coming in waking us up, so the first thing I do would be to tell him stop jumping on the bed!
Were you well behaved at school?
Only after the age of 15. Prior to that, I was a nightmare and surprised I survived without getting booted out. Then I hit 15/16 and turned in to an angel and have been so ever since! 😉
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
One of my favourite questions. Having been a risk taker all my life, I would advise myself to make sure to calculate risks a little more. I have always believed in taking risks and not to regret things you do, but rather things you don’t do.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
Would have to be Christopher Place Car Park. Conveniently located for Leafy and whilst it is a little more expensive than others, parking on a Sunday is still only £1 and it’s so centrally located.
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
Tough one, a close call between one of my hats and one of my pairs of shoes. But I would have to give it to my light blue, wide brim fedora (it works!).
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Classic question and one which I wish could come true. First would be Gene Wilder. I was very lucky to see him in the west end a few years ago and he performed the entire show in his underpants. He’s a comedy hero of mine, middle naming my son after him. Second would have to be Richard Pryor, not just because he is also a comedy great, but him and Gene would feel more comfortable having each other there. Finally, it would have to be Michael Jackson. Despite the chequered history, I am a super fan, always have been and always will be.
Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans?
Not being much of a coffee drinker, I don’t buy coffee too often. But would avoid like the plague, the big names. There are some amazing indie coffee shops, including Hatch and Charlies, but I’d have to shout out the coffee at Leafy. It’s sourced from an amazing roastery in Enfield called Kiss The Hippo, who win awards every year for their roasting as well as their carbon negativity as a business!
Do you speak any foreign languages?
I speak a few, however not all fluently. My wife is Swedish and having tried to learn on a number of occasions, I have temporarily given up as it’s a seriously challenging language to perfect. I am getting better though. French, Spanish and Hebrew are all borderline conversational.
When have you been most scared?
Thankfully I don’t scare too easily. I’ve had a few events in the past: Engine blowing up on a flight, nearly drowning and getting blown up in a bonfire. I’d say the last as I didn’t know how severe the burns were, but thankfully the doctors worked some miracles and came through virtually unscathed, but not the best at lighting bonfires anymore!
What was your first job?
McDonald’s. I worked there for four days. Was paid £3.15 an hour. I flipped burgers for the first two days, was moved to front of house on the third day and when the manager gave me a toothbrush to clean her office on the fourth day, I quit.
