My London: Cathy Newman

Home is…

South-east London with my husband, John, and our two daughters, aged 13 and 9.

Where do you let your hair down?

Lucky Voice karaoke bar in Soho. I’ll happily croon the night away.

What’s the best meal you’ve had?

Probably last year, the first time John and I went to the just-opened Llewelyn’s brasserie (below) in Herne Hill. It wasn’t only that I was eating the best steak and kidney pie I’ve ever tasted, but the fact that it was in south London. It was almost overwhelming.

Which shops do you rely on?

My biggest treat is Paul Smith — a fixation of long standing because his clothes (above) suit women like me with hips and a bum. Also in Herne Hill there’s the children’s bookshop Tales on Moon Lane, with its intricate window displays and super-knowledgeable staff, and the ‘feminist’ butcher and deli, Dugard & Daughters.

The last play you saw?

Mary Stuart at the Duke of York’s starring Juliet Stevenson and Lia Williams. It was phenomenal, all the more so when you bear in mind they’d toss a coin each night to decide who played Mary and who Elizabeth I.

Bus, taxi or Tube?

Mostly walking — it’s quicker! I try to avoid taxis as I hate being driven in London. It just takes so long to get anywhere.

Where would you recommend for a first date?

I fell for John (literally) on a punt and that’s worked out okay, so I’d say somewhere on or near water — maybe rent a pedalo at the boating lake in Dulwich Park.