My London: Anjelica Houston

Home is…

A rented apartment on the Upper West Side in New York while I film Smash, but I’d call Ireland my spiritual home and London is always home because I went to school here [Holland Park].

Where do you stay in London?

My father [John] used to stay at Claridge’s and it’s still a great hotel. Otherwise I stay with my friends Barry Humphries and Lizzie Spender in North London. They have the best library so there are always books to read.

The last show you saw here?

Billy Elliot, I loved it! It was very clever with lovely music and a talented young actor as Billy.

Who do you call to have fun?

My friends Sabrina Guinness and Jerry Hall. And sometimes I call Francesco and Gael, who own Petersham Nurseries, and go there because I think what they’ve done with it is beautiful.

Best place for a first date?

The Theatre Royal Haymarket and dinner at The Ivy because it’s nicely crowded and one wouldn’t feel too embarrassed.

Biggest extravagances?

White truffles and caviar.

Best thing a cabbie has said to you?

One recited Wordsworth. A London cabbie’s range of knowledge is always surprising.

What’s the first thing you do when you come to London?

I go to San Lorenzo for dinner, and to see Lorenzo. I usually have the insalata Caprese or, if it’s November, white truffles.

Favourite shops?

Harrods is a no-brainer, the Food Hall is remarkable. I like Harvey Nichols, for obvious reasons, and Portobello Road for whimsical trinkets. I always find great presents and beautiful vintage clothes in Virginia on Clarendon Cross, and I like The Dispensary on Kensington Park Road.

Earliest memory?

Being six years old and getting a beautiful birthday cake at Claridge’s with iridescent pink bows, and a crate of mangoes from my father’s assistant. I loved mangoes when I was little.

Building you’d liked to be locked in overnight?

Buckingham Palace so I could snoop around. Also it would be warmer than The British Museum.

What would you do as Mayor?

Stop all the traffic and make everyone walk for at least a day.

Which is your favourite club?

Annabel’s, for the memories.

Favourite London discoveries?

Essenza, an Italian restaurant on Kensington Park Road. I always see someone I know there.

Best meal?

Sushi and cocktails at Hakkasan.

Who’s your hero?

William Shakespeare was the best writer who ever wrote, and Winston Churchill because he won the war.

Best piece of advice?

My father always used to say, ‘Remember, you can always put your hands in your pockets and walk away.’

The most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

A marriage proposal in Hyde Park many years ago. I didn’t say yes but it was romantic nonetheless.

Best place for a nightcap?

The Electric on Portobello Road.

Animal you’d most like to be?

My hairless dog Pootie because she’s beloved at all times.

At the moment you are…

Doing Smash, a musical drama series about Broadway, for NBC, and promoting Tinker Bell and The Secret of the Wings.