My London: Jack Davenport

The suave actor counts his wife as his biggest extravagance, is a fan of his local bookshop and can’t get enough of The Ivy

Where do you live and why?

In the Battersea/Clapham area. I like South London and have lived there most of my life.

How long have you lived there?

We moved to South London when I was about seven. Before that my mother and I lived in Suffolk. I had quite an idyllic early childhood in the country. Eventually I’d like to move back but only if I could keep a bolt hole in London. It’s just too expensive to do both at the moment.

What is your earliest London memory?

Probably running around in Holland Park because I used to live really near there as a child.

What do you miss most when you’re out of London?

My home, I suppose. That’s a really dull answer, I know, but true.

What are your favourite home comforts?

My dog Sadie, a Staffordshire bull terrier/Labrador cross who I got from Battersea Dogs’ Home, my own bed and my cooker.

What are your extravagances?

My wife!

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

I would play with my newts. Ken Livingstone is Britain’s most famous newt-lover so that’s what I’d do if I were him. I think Ken’s great, actually.

What is your life philosophy?

Just try to be nice.

How do you get around town?

Public transport of all descriptions or I walk, cycle and take cabs.

Do you have a favourite pub? What’s so special about it?

The Eagle off Northcote Road. It’s a proper old pub and they let dogs in. There’s a really nice crowd in there and it’s not part of one of those huge chains which I hate.

What are your current projects?

I’ve just filmed The Libertine with Johnny Depp, I also did a romantic comedy called Something Borrowed with Debra Messing, and an independent film called Deadwood with Angus Deayton and David Soul, would you believe. I’m currently filming a Miss Marple drama for ITV. The fourth series of Coupling is on BBC2 on Mondays at 9pm

What were the last books you bought?

Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre and A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. Both were really excellent. I always shop at my local bookshop on Northcote Road - I’m a believer in supporting small bookshops.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

Go for a walk in Richmond Park and don’t buy a doner kebab from a van.

What aftershave do you wear?

Creed.

What was the last play you saw in London?

After Miss Julie at the Donmar Warehouse, starring my friend Richard Coyle and I thought it was fantastic.

What was the last CD you bought?

The new Keane album Hopes & Fears and it was really good. I have to confess I go to the big HMV and Virgin stores on Oxford Street. I love them and can be in there for hours browsing. I'm very sad like that.

What have been your most memorable London meals?

Every meal I've had at The Ivy, because I really do love that restaurant. I ate at Nobu once and it's as good as everyone says. Also La Pampa Grill near me is always fantastic.

Which shops do you rely on?

The vastly overpriced minimart at the end of my road, the very nice deli Hamish Johnston on Northcote Road, The Grape Shop for good wines, and Oliver Bonas for gifts and bits. You can get everything there.

What items are in your summer wardrobe?

The shirts I wore when it got hot last year and I've got some nice Ozwald Boateng suits but they are the only ludicrous extravagance. Normally I just buy things I've worn on TV programmes.