My London: Darcey Bussell

When ballerina Darcey Bussell isn't prancing around in a tutu she likes to admire London's artchitecture, have lunch at Buckingham Palace and spread out on a large bed. Alistair Duncan finds out what she loves and loathes about London town.

Where do you live and why? I live on the Chelsea borders. I have to: we often have late shows and I want to get home quickly.

How long have you lived there? Ten years. Before that I lived in Notting Hill, where I grew up. SW10 is very villagey - there's a post office, lots of local restaurants and it's near two Tube stops.

Where did you last go on holiday? I went to Spain, to Sotogrande near Gibraltar, with my husband Angus and my little girl Phoebe. I had never been to that part of the country before but I love Spain - I often go to Barcelona.

What is your earliest London memory? Holland Park in the autumn, with its beautiful trees and adventure playground. I remember being buried in leaves and loving it.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges? They are both quite different. Selfridges has improved so much, but Harvey Nicks is closer to where I live, so Harvey Nicks. The restaurant is fantastic, too.

What are your extravagances? A car (I drive an Audi Allroad Quattro), a cleaning lady, a nanny and a secretary once a week. As I have a baby and a job, it doesn't work any other way.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? Organise a week of evening fiestas, like they do in Spain where they open up their markets and have stalls everywhere.

What is your life philosophy? If you can't smile, change what you're doing. You've got the wrong lifestyle.

How do you get around town? In my car and on the Tube.

Do you have a favourite pub? Of course not. I don't go to the pub, I am a ballet dancer! But I do like a glass of champagne after a show.

What is in your spring wardrobe? My camel-coloured suede jacket which I got in Spain.

Who is in your secret address book? Christopher's off Portobello Road is a lovely deli, as is Pieman off Chelsea Green. I've been to the Electric Cinema since it's been converted and it's fab. I'm a big movie fan - it makes a nice change from stage productions.

What have been your most memorable London meals?I've been a bit spoilt. I've had lunch at Buckingham Palace after I received my OBE, and that was pretty major.

What was the last play you saw in London? I was meant to see
My Brilliant Divorce with Dawn French, but I couldn't make it - I've heard good reviews, though. It's a onewoman show - I'm a big fan of Dawn's.

What were the last books you bought? The Royal Opera House book. It has pictures of the Opera House since it reopened and it's great to see what we've done. I also bought London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd for my husband.

What perfume do you wear? Contradiction by Calvin Klein and Envy by Gucci - both are gorgeous.

What advice would you give to a tourist? Do your research, if you want to see the good sights. The London Eye is fabulous. Also do a tour of the Royal
Opera House and visit the Covent Garden piazza plus the Changing of the Guard. Living here, you think nothing of it but there are some excellent things to see.

What are your favourite home comforts? I'm a very homey person. A large bed is essential, as is entertainment space. And I love to have barbecues in the summer.

What was the last CD you bought? The Norah Jones album Come Away With Me. I really like it.

What do you miss most when you are out of London?I'm always desperate to go on holiday, but I love coming back. I miss the architecture, but I think that they should prevent any more high buildings appearing - like they do in Paris.

Darcey Bussell is appearing in the Nureyev Triple Bill from 5 April at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (box office: 020 7304 4000)