My London: David Bailey

Where do you live and why? King's Cross because it's convenient and near my studio. It's an all right area but I love living in London.

If money were no object, where would you live? King's Cross.

What is your idea of a perfect Friday night? Being with my wife [that's wife number four, Catherine - his other wives were Catherine Deneuve, Marie Helvin and a typist from Clapham called Rosemary Bramble]. We'd do anything she wanted.

Are you a member of any club? No, I've never thought about it. I'm not a clubby person.

Do you have a local restaurant? The Ivy. It's good to have a relationship with a restaurant as it's easier to get a table.

What is the most beautiful London landmark? The Thames. No particular part - I love all of it. It's a magical river.

And the ugliest? Dirty buses.

What is your favourite view? From the top of Primrose Hill because it encompasses the whole of London.

Where is the most intimidating place in London? The police stations. I try not to spend too much time in them.

What was the last book or CD you bought? The last CD was one by Sunhouse, a blues band. And the last book was Souls Grown Deep about African-American vernacular art of the Deep South, which is just the best.

What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it? That one with Jerry Hall - The Vagina something. I thought it was interesting.

What has been your most memorable night out? My daughter being born 17 years ago.

When and where did you last get drunk? It was 25 years ago so I can't remember. I gave up smoking because of asthma, and then gave up drinking because it made me want to smoke.

When did you last go to a nightclub? Absolutely no idea.

Where do you exercise? I play chess. I'm no good but my son Sascha is - he's eight and beats me already.

Which would you choose: Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath? Neither - Regent's Park because it has a Victorian elegance to it.

Selfridges or Harvey Nicks? Selfridges, but the staff could be more pleasant.

Where in London would you want to be taken on a date? Anywhere with my wife. It's the person you're with, not the place, that's important.

What don't you leave London without? A camera.

Admit to one thing you've done in London that you've never told anyone before. There's nothing, I'm pretty honest.

Who last saw you naked? My wife, poor thing.

What is the first piece of advice you'd give a London tourist? Don't listen to advice. Just use your own instincts.

What was the last conversation you had with a cabbie? At the moment, all my conversations with them are about Israel and Palestine. The government doesn't take advice from the right people; instead, they should be asking cabbies about how to govern the country. A cabbie's philosophy is spot-on.

What is your favourite bus route? I haven't taken a bus for 40 years.

If you were Mayor, what would you change? I'd ban chewing gum - and bicycle lanes because they're dangerous and no one ever uses them.

What is the most overrated thing in London? All the roads out of it.

Have you ever been a victim of crime in London? Not since I was growing up in the East End. There were always gang fights going on with razors and knuckle-dusters.

Which shop could you not live without? Process Supplies, a photographic suppliers in Farringdon, close to my studio.

What is the most expensive meal you've had in London and who were you with? It's every time I eat - eating out is expensive now.

What is your favourite meal to cook at home? Peeling a mango. I can't cook. Can I boil an egg? Well, I guess I could get my brain round it...

What last made you cry? Nothing. I don't think I've ever cried.

What would you put on the Trafalgar Square plinth? Mandela because he's a decent man.

What is your life philosophy? That's a tough one. I'd have to say, 'Live in the present.'

Where in London would you have your ashes scattered? Westminster Abbey - but I'm not sure they'd have me.

If your house were on fire, which three things would you rescue? My negatives, my camera and the fire. I'd take the fire with me; it would be like carrying a passion.

The Real Blow-Up is on BBC2 on 10 August, followed by the film Blow-Up