My London: Vittorio Radice

The retail guru who turned round Selfridges and is now at M&S says Belsize Park is a little like Italy...

Where do you live and why?

In Belsize Village with my wife Gemma and two sons, Tommaso and Nicola.

How long have you lived there?

Ten years. When I arrived here, some Italians told me that Hampstead was the nicest place to live, but it was a bit too posh and expensive. So we moved to Belsize Park, which reminds me a bit of Italy.

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

After Miss Julie at the Donmar Warehouse with Helen Baxendale. It was fantastic. I loved the simplicity of the story, of the theme and of the acting. I am more of a movie fan, though.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

Don't buy a map or guide. You should feel your way around. Take it easy. Do it as it comes.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges?

Selfridges. I enjoyed working there immensely. That monumental façade is such an icon of London and I feel that what we did inside replicated that powerful look internally. But all the big department stores in London are incredible. They are so much more than just shops.

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

The parks. Even on a cold day, just walking through them is so refreshing. I like Hampstead Heath the most - it's not as manicured as the others and after ten minutes you feel like you are in a forest in Italy.

What are your favourite home comforts?

My huge collection of DVDs. I generally like alternative movies or world cinema. I liked Lost in Translation. I love Japan and I have stayed at the Park Hyatt Tokyo where it is set.

What are your extravagances?

Travelling. I get impatient if I don't make it abroad at least once every two months. Next I hope to go to Marrakesh, Brazil and Estonia.

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

That's the last job I want! London can be improved but people always underestimate how good it is. I feel privileged to live here.

What is your life philosophy?

Carpe diem - live for the day. We'll talk about tomorrow tomorrow morning!

Do you have a favourite pub?

I never go to pubs, although my wife and I often entertain at home.

What are your current projects?

I am just about to open three Marks & Spencer homeware stores, called Marks & Spencer Lifestore. The idea behind them is that they will be a 'celebration of life rituals', giving people ideas to develop their own style.

Top tracks: What was the last CD you bought?

It was Moffou by Salif Keita, who is from Mali. I like world music - especially African and Brazilian.

Getting around: How do you get around town?

By car - a Maserati sports car. But I love walking around also.

Down memory lane: What is your earliest London memory?

Walking down Portobello Road when I was 16 or 17 years old. I picked up a top hat and my friend took a photograph of me in it. I still have the photo.

What items are in your spring wardrobe? Where did you get them?

A pair of brown suede boots by Tod's. I don't really have the time to go shopping for clothes.

What aftershave do you wear?

Caron. It's a French aftershave.

What were the last books you bought?

I recently bought The Way We Live by Stafford Cliff with photographs by Gilles de Chabaneix. It's a brilliant design book.

What have been your most memorable London meals?

I like Sketch and Momo. My wife and I recently took a friend who is a visiting American professor at Cambridge to Les Trois Garçons. It didn't disappoint.

Who is in your secret address book?

Egg on Kinnerton Street, SW1, for clothes. It sells an interesting mix of European contemporary designers. I love buying books on design and I get a lot of them from Shipley, on Charing Cross Road. I also love Giacobazzi's, an Italian deli in Hampstead.

Where were the last three places you went on holiday?

Cyprus, Goa (left) and Venice with my family. I try to get back to Italy four or five times a year. My wife has a house in Venice, so we often go there.