Chloë Sevigny's My London

Where do you call home?

New York. Currently, the East Village

Where do you stay in London?

Mostly the Covent Garden Hotel because it’s lively and close to Soho.

What advice would you give a tourist?

There’s elegance, beauty and so much history to be found at the big tourist attractions.

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive?

Soak in one of the huge tubs in Claridge’s, if I’m staying there. We don’t have tubs that size in American hotels.

What’s the most memorable meal you’ve had in London?

The other night I went to J Sheekey and had a bunch of oysters and some delicious seafood. I also love Scotts in Mayfair, and The Wolseley. When I come to Europe, I like to go to elegant places. Down-the-hole places are great, too, but it’s nice to have some glamour.

What’s the most romantic thing someone’s done for you in London?

Probably taking me out of London. I had a British romance years ago and we’d drive out to Bath or the Cotswolds and stay in little B&Bs.

What’s your earliest London memory?

I first came here in 1995 with the money I made from Kids. I stayed with an old high school boyfriend and when he was at art school every day I’d get on the Tube and go to all the museums. I was in awe of the beautiful architecture.

Which shops do you like?

I go to Fortnum & Mason to get tea tins– they make great gifts. I like Kokon To Zai on Greek Street, it has avant-garde designers you can’t find in New York. I bought my favourite pair of high-waisted leather shorts by Claude Montana from Rellik on Golborne Road. And I like going for tea at The Ritz.

What are your favourite London discoveries?

Columbia Road Flower Market. I like to walk around and listen to all the stall-holders screaming out the prices. It feels very old-world.

How would you like the opening line of your obituary to read?

‘A loving wife and mother.’ Not ‘indie actress’.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

Vintage clothing. When I see my year-end statements, it seems ridiculous that I’ve spent that much on clothes.

What was the last gig you went to here?

It’s been a really long time. I might have seen Placebo in 1997.

What would you do as Mayor for the day?

Ban cars and make everybody ride bikes.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

‘Run your own race,’ from my friend Jeanne Tripplehorn, who was in Big Love with me. We compare ourselves to others too much.

What’s your favourite London club?

Gossips on Dean Street was silly and kind of gothy and pretty hipster. Now it’s been turned into Dean Street Townhouse.

What was the last album you downloaded?

One by the folk singer Roy Harper. I listen to it all the time.

Which is your favourite street for shopping?

Portobello Road and the market. I’m often disappointed by Brick Lane because the vintage shops only seem to stock polyester clothes.