Liz Earle's My London

Home is…

I used to be a Londoner, but I moved to my organic farm in the West Country six years ago. I live there with my husband Patrick, five children, who range between three and 22, and three dogs.

Where do you stay in London?

The Berkeley, where I get a room overlooking St Paul’s Church. I was christened there so it always feels like coming home.

Best place for a first date?

The Chelsea Physic Garden where you can lose yourself, which is what you want from a date.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

My husband proposed 13 years ago on Albert Bridge. We were driving over it late one night and he stopped, got out and went down on one knee.

First thing you do when you come to London?

See my trainer in Pimlico, Michael Garry at the White Room. He is extremely tough and I go to get beaten up. He has taught me to enjoy running, which is no mean feat.

What would you do as Mayor for the day?

Reinstate bus conductors so women and children feel safer at night.

Building you’d like to live in?

Michelin House. I love the stained-glass windows and quirky architecture; it also has a great café and flower shop.

Favourite shops?

Liberty for its quintessentially British style; Browns because the buyers there are particularly on trend; Prestat, in Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, is the only place in London you can get proper old-fashioned coffee creams; La Fromagerie off Marylebone High Street if I’m planning a supper party; I love to cook and can while away hours in Divertimenti.

Earliest London memory?

I first came to London when I was 16 and I walked the length of Walton Street, from the small stucco houses on Draycott Avenue, up to Harrods. As a girl from the country I was struck by the fact that these houses just kept getting bigger and grander.

Who’s your hero?

I am an organic farmer, so I admire the people who are standing up for sustainable food, like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver.

Best place to let your hair down?

The Icebar on Heddon Street. It’s very cold, so you can’t stay there for long, which is probably a good thing.

Biggest extravagance?

A few years ago I bought myself a diamond pendant from Boodles.

Best meal you’ve had?

Without question, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. She is a working mum, so I feel sisterly towards her, and the food was so delicate; strongly flavoured, yet neat and perfect.