My London: Tara P-T

She can survive the jungle but can't cope without black cabs, her home cinema or Ken Livingstone. Charlotte Williamson meets Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and finds out what makes London the 'It' place to be.

Where do you live and why? In Notting Hill because I like the area, the people and the general quirkiness.

How long have you lived there? I've been living around Notting Hill and Holland Park for three years. Before that I was based in Fulham. I'm originally from Dummer in Hampshire.

Where were the last places you went on holiday? I was skiing in Courchevel last week with a friend. Before that, I was in Mauritius for a GMTV travel thing. It was only for three days, though.

What advice would you give to a tourist? Always take black cabs otherwise you'll get ripped off.

Who's in your secret address book? First Tailoring on Sloane Street. They are brilliant at taking things up, down, in or out. If I can only buy something in a size 14, they'll take it down to an 8.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges? Selfridges has come on, but I prefer Harvey Nichols. It's more familiar territory.

What do you miss most when you're out of London? My friends and going out. I tend to go out locally; I like being able to walk somewhere.

What are your favourite home comforts? Thai fishermen's pants, which I bought when I was over there, are great for slobbing out in. And I have a home cinema which I just couldn't live without. But to really chill out I prefer television programmes like Friends or Footballers' Wives, because they're shorter.

What is your life philosophy? Carpe diem.

What are your favourite shops? Matches on Ledbury Road, The Cross in Holland Park, and The Store on Westbourne Park Road - it's my local deli.

Do you have a favourite pub? The Cow on Westbourne Park Road because it's small and quiet and full of good-looking men.

What is in your spring wardrobe? I really like all the Chloé collection - I've preordered most of it already. I'm also after some Helmut Lang and Fake London.

What scent do you wear? Jo Malone's Tuberose. It's very similar to Fracas by Robert Piguet, a perfume I used to like until they changed the formula.

What was the last CD you bought? Night Works by Layo & Bushwacka! It's very cool. I tend to buy about 300 CDs in one go.

What are your extravagances?I have many. Like all girls, I love shoes -especially Manolos or Gina - but I spend most of my money in Tower Records. Any tune that I like I just have to buy.

How do you get around town? I have a sporty MG although I don't drive it that often. It's silver at the moment - they keep sending me new ones.

What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it? Les Misérables with the producer of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! It wasn't too touristy, actually - I'd just got out of the jungle and loads of people recognised me, so they must have been English.

What have been your most memorable London meals? My birthdays at San Lorenzo, in particular the one for my first year of sobriety. Mara Berni [the co-owner] put on a lovely meal for me and my family. The best roast lunches are at the Windsor Castle pub in Campden Hill Road, Kensington, especially in summer when you can sit in the garden at the back. I also have fond memories of picnics in Hyde Park followed by boating on the Serpentine.

What was the last book you bought? My sister's new book, The Forget-Me-Not Sonata, because I left it in Mauritius. It really is good - I'm not just saying that. And no, I don't want to write one, too.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? Get rid of Ken Livingstone. He's just screwing up the traffic.

What is your earliest London memory? I've been coming to London ever since I can remember. One thing I always looked forward to was driving past Harrods with the lights on.