My London: Lionel Richie

Partying in hotels and hitting the tourist trail - this singer just can't slow down when he's in town

Where do you live and why

I live in California: I bought the Guggenheim residence there a few years back. But when I'm in London I tend to stay at one of three hotels: the Mandarin Oriental, which has amazing staff; the Conrad in Chelsea Harbour, which has superb balcony views (in fact, I wrote a lot of my latest album Encore there); and the Lanesborough - I've had a few late nights at the bar there.

Where were the last three places you went on holiday?

Jamaica which I love, St Barts in the Caribbean, and Hawaii. I like islands in hot climates: you pack less and enjoy more. My wife Dianne, however, is fond of skiing.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges?

Harvey Nicks. Since I often stay at the Mandarin Oriental, I call Harvey Nicks 'my living room'. I spend so much time in there checking out their socks, jackets and candles. It has everything imaginable. You know what they say: when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.

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

The people. I mean that sincerely. In the UK when people fall in love with you it's for the rest of your life. In America, you're only as good as your last gig. Also, the architecture - it's like nowhere else.

What are your favourite home comforts?

I like my candles and oils: and I like the aromas of rose and vanilla.

What are your extravagances?

That's very simple: travelling in comfort. I take a private plane where possible, otherwise I travel first class. And I like to travel with people I'm familiar with, that's also a comfort.

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

I would definitely take away some of that TV tax. And I'd build you guys some soccer fields with roofs. For a country that plays so much soccer and where it rains so much, it's unbelievable you don't have more covered soccer venues!

What is your life philosophy?

When it comes to people, treat someone with respect. What you'll get back is respect. I also always bear in mind my father's great expression, 'I will not criticise you until I have walked five miles in your shoes.'

What was the last CD you bought?

I like Norah Jones. She's just a vocalist with no gimmicks. Craig David is also fantastic. He's taken that whole American R&B thing and made it his own. New music is always a hybrid of old stuff.

What were the last books you bought?

I love self-help books. I love to re-read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho once in a while. Also The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle which is about how you look at life. I like any book that broadens my horizons.

What's in your secret address book?

The Library, a clothes shop on Brompton Road which specialises in designers who are off the beaten track, the ones not featured in Vogue. I like to find out about up-and-coming designers when I'm in London. It's much easier to find out where the edge is than in America.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

Go to the Palace. Deal with some of those myths: like whether the Queen's guards wear those furry hats. Check out Hyde Park and the King's Road.

How do you get around town?

A Mercedes S 55 AMG, a Chevy SUV and a Mercedes SL 500. I like to drive everywhere myself. In America, the car is your freedom.

What is your earliest London memory?

Ronnie Scott's, 1972. I was there with the Commodores. It was my 20th birthday, so we went there to celebrate.

What have been your most memorable London meals?

I've had a few memorable meals at Mimmo's on Elizabeth Street. It's all about their ribs. You know you're in trouble when they get you a bib! I'm also a fan of Nobu. They've got a great way of fixing yellowtail tuna. Also fabulous teriyaki chicken and rice.

What is in your spring wardrobe?

Because I live in California, it's all about sandals, jeans and T-shirts. I've got some great Buddhist Punk ones and some James Perse shirts. Also, a fantastic suit from Richard James.

What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it?

I snuck in and saw Nicole Kidman in The Blue Room a while back. It was great. The theatres in London are places of wonder for me. Broadway has one type of flair, but I love the tradition in London of really dressing up when you go to see a play.

Lionel Richie's latest album, Encore, is out now