My London: Patsy Kensit

Patsy Kensit loves Notting Hill, taking her children on holiday, indulging in plasma screens and a big shop at Selridges now and then. But while you won't catch her in a London pub, if you tune into Emmerdale tonight you'll see her in her latest role on TV.

Where do you live and why?

I live in Notting Hill. When I first left home at the age of 18 I bought a flat there and I lived in the area for about four or five years before moving to North London. After a few years there I decided I wanted to move back to the West. So I've been back for two years now in my house with my two kids and we love it.

Where were the last three places you went on holiday?

The most recent was Majorca - I take my children there every year on holiday. Before that it was Capri in Italy. And I took my children to Los Angeles for two months last summer. It was a working holiday for me but we did all the theme parks and it was fabulous. We had a great time.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges? Why?

Selfridges because I can park and I think they've got a great selection. But I love Harvey Nicks, too, so I really can't choose between them.

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

I love my house and where I live - it's very central and I love the area so that's what I miss the most.

What are your extravagances?

My plasma televisions - we've got a couple of them in the house and I suppose they are a bit of an extravagance really.

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

Well, I think they are talking about extending the congestion charge to cover the area in which I live so if the Mayor has any influence over that I would try to ensure it didn't happen.

What is your life philosophy?

To have a clear, healthy and happy mind.

How do you get around town?

In my BMW 4x4 or I take black cabs.

Do you have a favourite pub?

I don't drink, so I don't ever go to pubs.

What perfume do you wear?

Miller Harris - my own scent. You go there and identify which smells you like and they develop it especially for you.

What are your current projects?

Emmerdale. I have just joined - I'm playing Sadie King and will be on screen from Monday. I had wanted to do British television for a long time, so when Emmerdale came along it was just a great opportunity for me. I feel very lucky and am going to enjoy every minute.

What are your favourite home comforts?

Candles from Miller Harris. My fragrance is a mixture of tuberose and patchouli and it's great because it is done exclusively to suit the person.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

Go to E&O in Notting Hill for lunch or dinner. For shopping, get to Bond Street by about 10am during the week so that it's not too busy. The Embankment is lovely - get on a boat and go down the Thames. Also, pay a visit to Hampton Court.

What were the last books you bought?

I'm reading a biography of the music producer Phil Spector which I bought at Hatchards in Piccadilly. Biographies are always a good read.

What is your earliest London memory?

I remember going with Dad to the Savoy for tea while he met his 'business partners' then we'd go to Piccadilly where they showed cartoons.

What was the last CD you bought?

I recently bought one by a new band called The Delays. I have also just bought a Scissor Sisters CD, which my 11-year-old son has already stolen from me. I often go to HMV in Whiteleys shopping centre.

What was the last play you saw in London?

Dinner by Moira Buffini - it was great. A while back I promised myself I would go to the theatre more because I really enjoy it and it's important to me to support the West End.

Who is in your secret address book?

Fresh & Wild on Westbourne Grove for organic food. Sainsbury's for all the necessities for life in London. Jab's dry-cleaning on Finchley Road - he's brilliant. Marks & Spencer for the fab food. Finally, for clothes, Stella McCartney on Bruton Street.

What items are in your spring wardrobe?

A Marc Jacobs blue coat, which I am wearing today. I've just bought some new Frye boots, too - they are like the new Uggs and I love them.

What have been your most memorable London meals?

Anything at E&O in Notting Hill because the food is just so good. Also, J Sheekey is a favourite - the fish is amazing. And when Marco Pierre White had a restaurant called Harveys in Wandsworth, eating there was like tasting heaven.