My London: Hermionie Norris

Hermionie Norris, the

Where do you live, and why?
Notting Hill, because West is best! Everything's on your doorstep and I absolutely love it.

How long have you lived there?
I first lived here when I was at drama school, then I rented all over London. But when I bought my first flat eight years ago, I moved back here.

Who's in your secret address book?
There's the most brilliant greengrocers - Michanicou Brothers on Clarendon Road. I also like Mr Christian's deli on Elgin Crescent. The staff are always really helpful.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges?
I'm torn but I'd probably go for Selfridges because it has a greater range and I like the food hall. The personal shopping there is brilliant, too.

What do you miss most when you're out of London?
Everything! I really miss being able to get a quick, decent meal and a cappuccino. I work out of London a lot but I would never live anywhere else. What are your favourite home comforts?
My Gaggenau coffee machine and I also love my big, red, velvet Conran sofa.

What have been your most memorable London meals?
My husband and I had a nice meal at Orrery recently. It's his birthday soon so I'm taking him to Sketch.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I'd ban the congestion charge. It's an outrage. I'd also sort out the Tube. It's awful that people have to use it every day and it's not even safe.

What is your life philosophy?
Live and let live.

What was the last CD you bought?
Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head. I love their music: it was featured in the last series of Cold Feet.

What are your favourite shops?
Matches on Ledbury Road - lots of designers all in one shop - and Tom's on Westbourne Grove is the best deli in the world.

How do you get around town?
I drive or take cabs or the bus - I won't go on the Tube any more. I also walk quite a lot.

Do you have a favourite pub?
I'm not really a pub person but if I meet people for a drink I'll go to the Electric on Portobello Road.

What is in your summer wardrobe?
At the moment I'm six months pregnant and the only places that seem to do decent maternity clothes are Formes and Hennes.

Where were the last three places you went on holiday?
Thailand, Marrakech and Greece - a real contrast. Marrakech was definitely my favourite place. The souks are amazing because of all the smells and spices. You can also go trekking in the Atlas Mountains and go to the sea. In a short space of time you can do everything.

What is your earliest London memory?
I can remember seeing Guy the gorilla at London Zoo when I was still in my pram. He looked a bit sad. I'm not keen on zoos now.

What scent do you wear?
The only one I ever wear is Clarins Eau Dynamisante. I'm not into heavy scents - they make me feel sick.

What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it?
After Miss Julie at the Donmar, with my friend Helen Baxendale. I'm a big fan of the writer Patrick Marber and, of course, Helen was fantastic.

What were the last books you bought?
Ghostwritten by David Mitchell, which is fantastic. It's lots of short stories that are interwoven in an intricate way. It crosses loads of genres and is very clever. I've also just read a good thriller, No Second Chance by Harlan Coben.

What are your extravagances?
Unfortunately, I live quite near Diane von Furstenberg's shop on Westbourne Grove and that can be a financial disaster. She does really simple things that just seem to hang well.

What advice would you give to a tourist?
I would say definitely pay a visit to Portobello Road, especially all the smarter shops. Then head for the Tower of London, take a ride on the London Eye and go to the Houses of Parliament. Go for a walk along Embankment, too.

Hermione Norris is in BBC1's Wire in the Blood, with Robson Green, and in Julian Fellowes' film A Way Through the Woods, out next year.