My London: Dom Joly

The comedian proposed in Bertorelli's and spots celebrities at The Cow pub

Where do you live and why?

In Gloucestershire - I've finally cut loose from London. I sold my place on All Saints Road in Notting Hill, where I'd lived for 12 years. I'm doing up a pied-à-terre I've bought in North Kensington.

How long have you lived there? I've lived in the country for three years now and it's almost starting to feel like home, although I need a regular drunken night in London to survive.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

Make a friend here - even the ugliest city is great if you know someone. Normally the 'sights' are the backdrop to a social experience. If I don't know anyone I go to the big open space, climb the big tall thing, see the very old building and then go to the cinema to pass time till my plane home.

What have been your most memorable London meals?

Bertorelli La Toscana on Notting Hill Gate is a little Italian trattoria. My parents decided to divorce in there; I first saw my wife in there; I had a meal there with her the night I asked her to marry me; and both our kids ate their first restaurant meal there. For really special occasions I love J Sheekey and for any time of night, however drunk, Maroush on Edgware Road.

What do you miss most when you're out of London?

The feeling that everything is going on around you and that everything is possible; only New York comes close for the buzz.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

Abolish the position so that Ken couldn't return, allow scooters in bus lanes and legalise the hunting and killing of clampers.

What is your life philosophy?

Ruin it for everyone.

What were the last books you bought?

Chain of Command by Seymour M Hersh - he's a fabulous journalist; Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire by Niall Ferguson, a great history book that helps to explain US foreign policy; Chronicles by Bob Dylan; Tender is the Night by F Scott Fitzgerald; and Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell - he's so current, this could have been written yesterday.

Who is in your secret address book?

Mr Christian's on Elgin Crescent - a fabulously expensive deli where just walking in makes you feel good. The Gate Cinema, Notting Hill: I've seen some of the best films here and you always bump into someone you know as you leave. Succession, in Pimlico, makes gorgeous, mostly leather, furniture. The Carhartt shop on Neal Street in Covent Garden - I'm addicted to Carhartt and wear little else. R Agius Scooters on Edgware Road. I've bought all my Vespas from here over the years.

What are your extravagances?

Going left on a plane, gambling in the Hard Rock in Vegas, caviar, crates of Gevry Chambertin, fast cars and hookers.

What are your home comforts?

Beautiful furniture from The Conran Shop, Ligne Roset and various antique auctions. I'm obsessed with furniture and have way too much.