Tessa Jowell's My London

Home is…

Highgate, N6. I’ve always lived in Camden — a pledge to my family that they would not have to move home or schools if I became an MP. I am North/South London ambidextrous.

Last play you saw?

Othello at the National with Rory Kinnear and Adrian Lester. It was electric.

Building you’d most like to live in?

Duck Island Cottage in St James’s Park, which overlooks a perfect vegetable garden.

Best place for a first date?

Tate Modern. Cross the Thames via the Millennium Bridge to get there, then afterwards go to The Wolseley for lunch, tea or dinner.

First thing you do when you arrive back in London?

Buy flowers for my house and check for any delays on the Overground.

Favourite shops?

Gail’s Bakery in Dulwich Village in my constituency for chocolate brownies; Floral Hall on Norwood Road for flowers; Lakeland because I make jams and chutneys; and theoutnet.com for its extra 30 per cent off on Fridays.

Have you ever had a run-in with a policeman?

Best not to as an MP.

Best meal?

Roux at Parliament Square, after my investiture as a Dame of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace in January last year. I ate very little of the delicious crab ravioli, as I was so excited.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

Someone gave up their seat for me on the Northern Line, Morden via Bank, at around 8.15am.

What would you do as Mayor?

I’d make sure that outer London Crossrail stations are beautifully designed, and that I committed money to increase capacity and reduce fares on London’s transport network.

Best thing a cabbie has said to you?

‘Thanks for the Olympics, Tessa.’

Best place for a nightcap?

The Pugin Room, House of Commons. My nightcap would probably be a herbal tea or an occasional glass of wine. I don’t really like drinking during the week. The person I am having a nightcap with, usually another MP, is more important than what I drink.

Building you’d most like to be locked in overnight?

Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street. It’s the perfect size and has a great layout.

Earliest memory?

I was born in London. My dad was still in the RAF, my mother and I lived in Lancaster Gate and I remember her taking me to see the statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. I must have been about three.

Biggest extravagance?

Flowers and candles. I love seasonal smells, so I enjoy buying Jo Malone Pine & Eucalyptus for my friends at Christmas.

Favourite London discoveries?

Columbia Road Flower Market early on Sundays, where I get a cappuccino and a muffin from the tiny stall in the wall across from Carl’s flower stall, the best in the market.

Animal you’d most like to be?

Our adorable family springer, Bevo. He lives a life of walks, sleep, regular meals and endless love.