My London - Joe Wright

The director, 37, is dyslexic and left school with no GCSEs, but in 2006 he won a BAFTA for his film Pride & Prejudice

Home is
London. I live in Spitalfields, and my house was built in 1726 by the French. I live with my girlfriend and my little dog, Kansas Brown. She's a Morkie (half Maltese and half Yorkshire terrier).

Where did you grow up?
In Islington. Both my parents are originally from South Africa: my dad came over in 1933 and my mother in 1959. My great-grandfather was also from Islington.

What advice would you give a tourist?
Buy an Oyster card.

What was the last play you saw?
The last theatre I saw was part of a festival at Sadler's Wells called Svapnagata, which was a season of Indian music and dance. It was a collaboration between the choreographer Akram Khan and the composer Nitin Sawhney. It was absolutely beautiful. I like going to see dance, it's a good way to escape.

Which London shops do you rely on?
My local Sainsbury's for food, Kiehl's for toiletries, Margaret Howell for clothes, and I love Church Street in Marylebone. I always go to James Worrall Antiques and Alfies Antique Market for furniture.

What's the best meal you've had in London?
I'm a big fan of Moro on Exmouth Market, it's always a bit of a treat and I love the harissa chicken. I'm often at St John Bread & Wine on Commercial Street, too; this morning I had yoghurt with poached quince and toasted brioche for breakfast.

What's your earliest London memory?
I'd been to see some friends of my parents who were Irish republicans and they taught me a
phrase which I shouted over and over as I walked down Upper Street: Up the IRA.' When I got home my parents suggested that at the age of five it wasn't the best thing to be doing.

What would be on your tombstone?
'It's a rum thing.' It's what the artist Joseph Turner is claimed to have once said. I was named after him.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Pudding. Especially at The Wolseley.

What are you most afraid of?
Mental illness.

What would you do as Mayor for the day?
I would get rid of speed bumps. I don't drive, I get taxis everywhere, but when you're not feeling very well they make you feel even worse.

What's your life philosophy?
Do unto others as they would do unto you.

What animal would you most like to be?
My dog Kansas because it must be wonderful to
be loved like she is.

What was the last album you bought?
An album by the American band Beirut. My assistant recommended it and it's really good.