Stoppard’s Travesties, which I first saw as a teenager and didn’t understand, though I marvelled at John Wood’s pyrotechnics. Now that I understand the play, I find it too smart-alecky to warm to it, although Patrick Marber’s production (above) is beautifully paced and all the cast, especially Tom Hollander, are mesmerising.
Who’s your hero?
Bowie. He made me who I am.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
From my dad: ‘Always tip generously.’
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would ban all private cars, because of the fumes they spew out and the noise. Very sorry but all of you are going to have to learn to love the 88 bus as much as I do.
Favourite London club?
I joined The Groucho in 1985 when it opened. It was fun and slightly sleazy then, and is fun and slightly sleazy now. Which is obvs what I aspire to be.
What do you collect?
Theories about the economic and political crisis in the West.
If you could buy any building in London, which would it be?
Hornsey Town Hall. I love the art deco touches. And it would be great for parties.
Best nightcap?
Dry vodka Martini with a twist (right) at The Groucho.
First thing you do when you arrive back in London?
Go to the wonderful Workshop Coffee in Mortimer Street. Gawd I’ve become a pretentious git.
Where in London do you go to let you hair down?
I’ve discovered Spiritland (below) in King’s Cross. It’s the teenage bedroom every boy dreams of: best sound system on earth and a fully stocked bar.
Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?
My late wife, Siân, made me exquisite Valentine’s cards. They are among the most precious things I have.
Best meal you’ve had?
I come from a food-obsessed family. I have wonderful childhood memories of schnitzel at the legendary and late lamented Schmidt’s. These days I adore Quo Vadis, Honey & Co (above), The Wolseley, Kitty Fisher’s and Granger & Co in King’s Cross.
Which shops couldn’t you live without?
I’m a bit of a shoe nut. I adore Jeffery-West, the Northampton cobbler, which has a shop just off Piccadilly.
Robert Peston is Political Editor of ITV News and hosts Peston on Sunday each week at 10am on ITV.
