Stuart Broad's My London

Home is…

West Bridgford in Nottingham. I like that it’s quiet, and a nice place to come back to and unwind when I’ve been on the road for a long time.

Where do you stay in London?

When I’m by myself, at the Malmaison in Charterhouse Square, but with the team at the Langham Hotel. It’s got great restaurants nearby.

Where in London do you go to let your hair down?

Some of the guys are members of the Groucho and I also go to Aqua Nueva; the rooftop terrace on Argyll Street has become a bit of a regular with the team.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

It generally falls on my shoulders to be the romantic one, unfortunately.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

I really like watches and have about eight. I said that if we won this Ashes series, I would buy a rose gold Audemars Piguet, and it’s just arrived.

Best place for a first date?

Zuma — nice bar, amazing food and the atmosphere is quite chatty and upbeat.

First thing you do when you arrive in London?

Go shopping; Nottingham doesn’t have a Harvey Nichols.

Best meal you’ve had?

Roast chicken with gravy at Shoreditch House.

Building you’d like to be locked in overnight?

Lord’s Cricket Ground, because I know where the light switches are so I wouldn’t be too nervous.

What’s your earliest London memory?

When I was a youngster my grandparents took me sightseeing and we went on the London Eye.

Favourite shops?

Selfridges is ideal for the lazy shopper because everything is under one roof. I spend most of my time there, or drinking lattes in the Starbucks above it. I like Jeffery West for boots, and McCann Bespoke on the Strand for suits because being 6ft 6in means finding ‘regular’ suits isn’t easy.

Building you’d most like to live in?

Tower Bridge would make a cool house. I like the idea of living over the river.

What would you do as Mayor?

Make all cyclists wear helmets.

Favourite club?

If we win a game that finishes on a Sunday, then we go to Whisky Mist in Mayfair.

Best thing a London cabbie has said to you?

‘It’s on me, pal.’

Who do you call when you want to have fun in London?

A couple of school mates who have moved here who love a night out.

Which animal would you most like to be?

I’m not a lazy man, but I’d like to be one of those dogs who has a wander in the morning and then sits by the fire all day.

Last play you saw?

War Horse. I enjoyed the skill of how it was put together. I couldn’t stop laughing at the man playing the goose — the noises he was making gave me the giggles.

Best piece of advice?

‘Keep things simple,’ by my school cricket coaches Frank Hayes and David Steele.

Last album you bought?

Settle by Disclosure. It’s a bit dancey, a bit different and quirky. It’s good for the car.

What are you up to at the moment?

Staring at the garden out of my kitchen window. We’ve got a few days off so I’m having a bit of downtime.

Who’s your hero?

Martin Johnson. As captain of England’s rugby team and the Lions he led from the front and threw the first punch, which is the way I try to play my sport.

What do you collect?

I’ve always enjoyed wine, and with cricket we travel to some of the finest wine regions in the world, which has really built my interest. I always buy my godson a bottle for his birthday, so when he gets to 21 he’ll have a lovely bottle of wine from each year.