My London: Emma Bunton

Pop singer

How long have you lived there? Four years. Before that I was in Cockfosters - a different part of town, but still North.

Who's in your secret address book? There's a lovely restaurant near my house called Villa Bianca that does takeaway specially for me. And the O2 Centre on Finchley Road: it's like a Warner Village multiplex - loads of restaurants and cinema screens.

What have been your most memorable London meals? I'm a huge fan of Nobu but the last time I went my car was towed away. Now I just eat locally so I don't have to drive.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges? I'd say Harvey Nicks just has the edge. It's smaller, a bit more compact. I always get lost in Selfridges.

What do you miss most when you're out of London? Driving in London. I like the independence of it. I miss just getting in a car and driving to Covent Garden or over the river to see a friend. Driving along the river at night is particularly special.

What are your favourite home comforts? My bed, first and foremost. On tour with the Spice Girls, we were staying at a Four Seasons hotel. We all thought the beds there were fantastic so we found out what they were and we all got one.

What is your life philosophy? Have a laugh and go for it. I never take myself too seriously.

What was the last book you bought? Out of the Dark by Linda Caine and Robin Royston. It's a book about a woman who gets incredibly depressed and finds help by discovering her past lives. I'm very much into the spiritual thing. My mum does a lot of Reiki healing and reflexology.

What was the last CD you bought? The Best of George Benson. I'm really into soul and the whole Motown thing.

Do you have a favourite pub? The Orange Tree in Whetstone. It's a favourite of mine from when I was younger. It's lovely in the summer - it has a pond outside that you can sit by.

When is your new album out and how would you describe it? The album, called Simply Me, is out early next year. I'm really confident now - I've written all the lyrics and a lot of the melodies and it's a very strong album with a real Sixties feel to it. I wanted it to sound really live.

What advice would you give to a tourist? Try out the London Eye. I haven't actually been on it myself but my mum tells me it's great. Either that or come to my house if you want to get a good view: it's the best in London!

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? Make everyone have a street party. I remember the ones when Charles and Diana got married - all the sandwiches and cakes.

What is your earliest London memory? Walking past Selfridges at Christmas with my mum and seeing a huge King Kong on the side of the building. I gave out a huge scream. I've got this fear of big boats and other large things now. I'm sure it's from that.

What is in your autumn wardrobe? I love the freshness of autumn - it makes me dig out all my cream and red autumnal coats. I love Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana. And I've just got a lovely jumper-cum-coat from Frost French.

How do you get around town? I've got two cars: a blue Merc SLK and a navy blue Range Rover which I drive if I'm out with the girls.

Where were the last three places you went on holiday? Most recently, the South of France, near Nice. I went down with loads of girlfriends - there was lots of sunbathing, eating and playing silly games. It was great. Before that, it was Paris. But I also went quite recently to a health farm with my mum for the weekend.

What perfume do you wear? I like Eclat d'Arpège and Issey Miyake. It's nice to wear a different one each day.

What are your extravagances? My sofas, which are enormous - two people can lie on them end to end. And my candles - I like to have them throughout the house.

What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it? The Graduate with Jerry Hall. It was fantastic and Jerry was very good. I like to go out in the West End: I've seen Chicago five times. I'm also a big movie fan, but nothing has bowled me over recently. I enjoyed Moulin Rouge, though.

Emma's latest single, 'Maybe' is out now