Lorraine Pascale's My London

Home is…

Fulham, where I’ve lived for ten years. I love West London for its parks, restaurants and people.

Last play you saw?

The musical Jersey Boys. It was lively and fun, and I loved its upbeat tone. I hadn’t realised there were so many songs by The Four Seasons that we all know and love.

Best meal you’ve had?

At Le Gavroche. I ate amazing bread, fish cooked to perfection and the best tarte Tatin in the world.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

Two years ago someone bought me 100 red roses on Valentine’s Day.

Best place for a first date?

The South Bank because you have entertainment, good food and the river all in one place.

Best thing a cabbie has said to you?

‘Are you that nurse on Casualty?’

First thing you do when you arrive back in London?

Make a cup of mint tea and catch up on EastEnders on iPlayer.

Best place for a nightcap?

The Hilton on Park Lane, for a mojito on the top floor. I love being up high to get the best view of sunrise and sunset.

Shops you rely on?

The Chelsea Fishmonger has the best fish in town; I go there a couple of times a week. Fortnum & Mason for fine food and great gifts; The Cupcake Bakehouse in Covent Garden for when I need a little cakey treat; and Bliss for all my spa treatment needs. If I need clothes, I go to Westfield, because it has all my favourite shops under one roof: Topshop, Zara, Primark and Miu Miu.

Earliest London memory?

I remember sitting by a piano on a very 1970s purple carpet playing with my black dolly, which had a curly afro and would wee when you squeezed her arm.

Building you’d like to live in?

The Gherkin, for its view.

Where do you go to let your hair down?

My bed. I’m not much of a party animal. I like to have a cup of tea and an early night.

Who’s your hero?

Oprah Winfrey. She has achieved so much from so little.

Best London pub?

A couple of times a week I like to go to some of the pubs along the riverbank at Hammersmith. I find them pure bliss because they are so quiet.

What would you do if you were Mayor?

Make driving cars or motorbikes illegal for a day.

Last album you bought?

Hits of the 80s. I heard it advertised and thought it sounded ace, but they’re clever because they only play the songs you know, and then you get it home and it’s full of ones you’ve never heard of, which is pretty annoying.

Ever had a run-in with a policeman?

Yes, when one accused me of going through a red light on my Vespa. All Vespa riders know this is something you would never do unless you want your day to end very badly. We had angry words and then I rode off to a yoga class.

Who do you call when you want to have fun?

My brother Jason, for a quiet chat over some food.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

Food: both buying expensive ingredients to cook at home and eating out, which I do about three times a week.

Building you’d like to be locked in overnight?

Harrods — not for the shop but for the tunnels underneath that go on for miles.

Animal you’d most like to be?

A cat, because they seem to be hopelessly happy.

What do you collect?

Flat shoes. Especially the ballerina shoes from New Look (below). They’re so comfortable, cost about £8 and come in every colour. I wear them because it’s too hard walking around in heels all day.