Mike Skinner's My London

Where do you live?
Hampstead Heath. It is a big blob of green on Google Maps’ satellite image, which is what drew me in.

What was the last play you saw?
The Misanthrope with Keira Knightley ages ago. We walked out at half-time but that’s because I’m terrible at sitting still.

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive back in London?
I walk through the Heath, up Primrose Hill, through Regent’s Park and into town. It’s green the whole way right up to Portland Place and Oxford Circus.

What’s your earliest London memory?
I was born in Barnet so my earliest memories are of the outer suburbs. I remember a lot of imitation KFC places such as Chicken Cottage.

Do you ever have a recurring dream?
Never. They are always fresh in their weirdness.

What’s your biggest extravagance?
An all-gold Rolex GMT [Master]. There’s no reason to have it in all-gold, unless you’re a rapper, which I kind of was.

If you could buy any building in London which would it be?
I’ve always wanted to own AIR Studios in Hampstead and live in the Shard.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would privatise all schools but tell them they had to charge the same money then give parents the equivalent money to spend at whatever school they chose.

What are you up to at the moment?
Recording with a band called Man Like Me. I’ve got a band that I set up with Rob Harvey called The D.O.T. We post videos at the-dot.net, which keeps me busy.

Which London shops do you rely on?

It used to be Foot Locker and now it’s Matches. Time and love change everything. I like Burlington Arcade because it has an amazing Rolex shop, Church’s shoes and at the end is the Royal Academy. If you want to take it further, you can cross Piccadilly and head to the lovely Leica camera dealer just behind Jermyn Street.

Which is your favourite London club and pub?
Fabric is a classic club. The Angel Inn in Highgate is a lovely pub with all sorts of people.