Blair's Best

Not Tony, but Lionel! Where does this tap-dancing performer with endless reams of energy like to stock up after a night entertaining audiences at the theatre? Well, he's a man of taste, so it will be The Ivy for starters, please.

Actor Lionel Blair's five favourite restaurants

The Ivy, 1 West Street WC2. Tel: 020 7836 4751. Tube: Leicester Square

I love it for its friendliness, its ambience and its steak tartare. I always book ahead, but I don't have much trouble - unless there's a premiere on and then it's busy. I never say: 'Do you know who this is?'

Brass Rail, Selfridges, Oxford Street W1. Tel: 020 7318 3115. Tube: Bond Street

You'll never guess this, but I love a salt beef sandwich. Selfridges do the best and at lunchtime that's where I'll go - on the ground floor near the men's department. They give you lashings of salt beef and slices of cucumber and a Coca-Cola and ah! It's wonderful.

Nobu, 19 Old Park Lane W1. Tel: 020 7447 4747. Tube: Hyde Park Corner

It's one of the most expensive restaurants in London, and I've got to say, I do love Japanese food and it is unbelievable. So delicious. When I win the lottery, this is where I'll eat.

Rules, 35 Maiden Lane WC2. Tel: 020 7836 5314. Tube: Covent Garden

I do love a buzzy restaurant, but there's one quiet one that I also love and that's Rules. They do traditional English food. I'd recommend the steak and kidney pie.

Tom Aikens, 43 Elystan Street SW3. Tel: 020 7584 2003. Tube: South Kensington

You can't describe the food and the service here, it's just wonderful. I like a cigarette between courses and they let you take your time here. I do love my food, but I have to say the best cooking is my wife's. I rarely leave anything for the poor. She does a great steak and kidney pudding. And she does spaghetti, cheese, spinach and an egg on it which is marvellous.