Luke Treadaway's My London

Home is…

I grew up in Devon in a village outside Crediton called Sandford. I try to go back as often as I can; it’s still my spiritual home.

Where do you live?

Highgate Village with my girlfriend Ruta [Gedmintas], twin Harry and our friend Johnny. It sounds crowded, but at least two of us are always away at any one time.

Best place for a first date?

Somewhere lively like The Boogaloo pub in Highgate, which has a good jukebox.

First thing you do when you arrive back in London?

If I’ve been away for a while, I go for a walk on Hampstead Heath.

Shops you rely on?

Beatroot on Berwick Street for food before I go on stage, and Metro Food & Wine by Archway Station for last-minute things on the way home. If I’m going to an event or a party, I always get suits from Burberry, but I’m not sure if that counts as shopping because they lend them to me. I just don’t ever shop.

Best meal you’ve had?

I always have a good time at The Wolseley. There’s a great atmosphere, and I love the mac and cheese and Welsh rarebit; it’s simple food done well.

Building you’d like to be locked in overnight?

I’d take some friends with me and we’d have a jam on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall.

What would you do as Mayor for the day?

Get a haircut. And give everyone the day off for a street party.

Who are your heroes?

My parents; they are brilliant people whom I have always admired and looked up to.

Favourite London pub?

St John’s Tavern in Tufnell Park for its amazing food.

Best London discovery?

I’ve been a vegetarian since I was five and a few years ago I discovered Mildreds, which is a great veggie restaurant on Lexington Street. I eat there a lot.

Building you’d like to live in?

Hampton Court would be a pretty good pad right on the river.

Where would you go for a nightcap?

Century is next door to the Apollo Theatre where I am appearing in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, so post-show I’ll go there for cocktails.

Best thing a cabbie has said to you?

‘Hop right in’ instead of the usual ‘Sorry, mate, not going that way’.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

Two years ago for my birthday my girlfriend organised a treasure hunt, guided by text message, which basically involved me getting more and more drunk around London. It started with a shot of tequila in the bar where we had our first date, and ended in a surprise party at my friend’s pub in Soho, The Sun & 13 Cantons.

Earliest London memory?

When I was five we did a house swap with a family in Greenwich. We went to see Starlight Express, and the moment I got home I bought some rollerskates and used to skate round the kitchen.

Biggest extravagance?

Eating out, which I do about five times a week, maybe more.

Who do you call when you want to have fun?

The three people I live with, or Matt Smith, who is a good friend.

Last play you saw?

I went to see Richard III at the Apollo Theatre so I could check out the space and see Mark Rylance being brilliant.

Animal you’d most like to be?

An eagle, so I could fly.

Best advice you’ve been given?

My old drama teacher, Phil Gasson, said, ‘It is what it is,’ meaning if you’re in a situation, just get on with it.