As British Airways celebrates 100 years in the skies, the search was on for a pocket-rocket sensation who best embodied the British ideals of inclusivity and eccentricity. Step in, Paloma Faith, who’s lent her big voice and even bigger heart to the BA brand campaign. We sit down with the British pop icon for a chat about all things travel 

What has been your favourite travel experience?
Seeing the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan, when I was 18. My friend’s sister was teaching English out there, so we went to visit her. To this day I have never seen anything more beautiful.

Which country sticks out most in your memory?
Always southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast (pictured above). I had a holiday there as a child, and it’s the one memory I often find myself returning to.

Where is on your bucket list?
South America! I’d love to go there. I’m just waiting for my child to get a bit older and then we can go as a family.

Where are your favourite places in the UK?
London is my home city and so undiscovered in so many ways – no matter how long you’ve lived or stay there, there’s always something new to find. Then, if you need a break from the city, I love the beaches in Cornwall – just a sleeper train away from the capital.

Where is your favourite London hangout?
Dalston in Hackney. I’ve been living here since I was a child and now it’s full of ever-changing pop-ups and restaurants. North of Kingsland Road you’ll find one of my favourite vintage clothes shops, Beyond Retro, plus Ruby’s (pictured above) – a little sit-down cocktail bar with delicious drinks.

And for a spot of culture?
The Wellcome Collection in Euston is pretty amazing. It’s full of macabre exhibitions that are both totally remarkable and really strange. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. Or the Little Angel Theatre in Islington – an adorable puppet theatre that mesmerised me as a child.

Where should people stay in London?
Definitely the east. Book a room at The Curtain in Shoreditch (pictured above), then either head to Red Rooster, the fabulous restaurant downstairs, or to nearby Nobu, which is great for a Japanese dinner.

What does being British mean to you?
So much – multiculturalism, humour, creation, eccentricity, subcultures… Being British is about not taking yourself too seriously, making sure you have an umbrella, and always being ready to eat!

What was it like shooting the British Airways brand campaign? 
I feel honoured to be part of BA 100, because whenever I travel I usually go on British Airways flights and always feel very well looked after. I feel the people they’ve got together for this campaign really represent the Britain that I know and love.

To discover more, visit ba.com/100

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This article has been tagged BA, Culture