My London: Jodie Kidd

Where do you live and why? I live in a cottage in West Sussex with my boyfriend Tarquin and four horses. I live in the country because I love fresh air, pubs and the general way of life.

How long have you lived there? About a year.

What advice would you give to a tourist? Take some time out from shopping and tourist sights and chill out in the parks. London has some fantastic parks like Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. I like walking my little Jack Russell Inca in Battersea Park.

Who's in your secret address book? Charles Worthington in Percy Street - I go there for hair, facials and massages - they always make you feel like a princess for the day. Rellik in Golborne Road for vintage clothes. Como Lario, just off Sloane Street for a proper Italian meal - I go there to veg out and eat lovely pasta. Chutney Mary for a good Indian.

What have been your most memorable London meals? It was last month in Noble Rot when I took a big group of friends for a birthday party. We had a really good meal and then danced the night away.

What is your earliest London memory? Driving down Regent Street with my dad and sister Jemma, aged about four. We were hanging out the windows to look at the Christmas lights which had just been switched on.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges - and why? Harvey Nichols. I've grown up with it. I like it because you don't have the nightmare of going into the West End, but it still has everything from pillowcases to the latest MAC eyeliner.

What do you miss most when you're out of London? Jemma, friends, girlie lunches, shopping and that feeling of knowing something really well.

What are your favourite home comforts? A good bottle of Châšteau Giscours, a roast cooked in my Aga and good TV like Fame Academy or a Bond film.

What are your extravagances? Gucci, Prada - clothes or shoes with an expensive price tag. I'm a typical girl who likes ridiculously expensive accessories that cost about the same price as a kitchen.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? Abolish the congestion charge and make public transport free.

What is your life philosophy? Be happy and help other people to find happiness.

What was the last CD you bought? The new Coldplay album. I think the songs are really original and I love Chris Martin's voice.

What are your favourite shops? Apart from Harvey Nichols, Jo Malone on Sloane Square and Lush on the King's Road.

Do you have a favourite pub? I have a favourite pub in every county but in London it's got to be The Troubadour on the Old Brompton Road.

What do you want for Christmas? The Tank Divan watch by Cartier would be nice.

What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it?
Bombay Dreams in November. It was all right - it had catchy tunes but the second half dragged.

What is in your winter wardrobe? A sheepskin gilet by Sportmax, a cashmere scarf from Pringle and a new pair of jeans from Diesel.

What was the last book you bought? 1st to Die by James Patterson, my favourite author - a good book to read on an aeroplane.

What perfume do you wear? The new Gucci one - it's very unusual. People tend to love it or hate it.

How do you get around town? In my car - a Maserati Spider. It's the most beautiful car ever produced - I love it so much that I don't mind being stuck in a jam.

Where were the last three places you went on holiday? Barbados last Christmas with family and Tarquin. Provence this summer for a break with Tarquin. I'm about to go to Mauritius with my sister Jemma and Tarquin.