Home is…
Los Angeles, with my boyfriend, [American artist] Eric White.
Where do you stay in London?
I always stay with friends when I’m here, either around Notting Hill, Knightsbridge or King’s Cross. I do love hotels, though — I would love to open my own one day.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
A pub. The first time I came to London, at 16, I had a pint of snakebite with blackcurrant at a pub and it was so much fun. Or visit Portobello Road and go shopping at the market, then find a cute café. If not, a walk along the canal in King’s Cross.
Which shops do you rely on?
When I was little I would love going to Hyper Hyper on Kensington High Street, which has now closed. I’d go for young designers and Vivienne Westwood, who is the ultimate Londoner. But I also love going to the tailors’ shops on Savile Row — the history of the garment industry is very rich here.
If you could buy any building and live there, which would it be?
The Houses of Parliament. I’d decorate it with old textiles and have so much fun.
Favourite pub or club?
Annabel’s is fun, but I am more self-conscious at posh and cool places — I feel more observed. I prefer to live my life like everyone else, somewhere more relaxed, where people don’t always know who I am. There isn’t that weird extra pressure of celebrity.
Where would you most like to be buried in London?
Underneath a playground. Kids would be running around me and playing all the time.
What makes someone a Londoner?
Their style. I’ve met some of the best dressed people in London. Whatever they wear, they do it so well. I think this is a great time for London, by the way — it feels very similar to the mid-Eighties, which was a very alive time.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would try on all the royal jewellery and then I’d give everyone free fish and chips. And a holiday.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
When I was 40 I bought a vintage Porsche. I was like, ‘What am I doing? This is like a classic midlife crisis!’ But I still drive it, 11 years later.
What are you up to at the moment?
I’m working on writing and preparing to direct something, as well as starring in The Act, which is very scary. It’s been very successful in America.
What’s the best meal you’ve had in the capital?
I wasn’t very impressed by the food when I first came here, other than Indian food and fish and chips. But now it’s really hard to have a bad meal in London. Coal Office in King’s Cross is unbelievable.
Who is the most iconic Londoner in history?
Your new Mayor — Patricia Arquette!
‘The Act’ is on StarzPlay from 14 June
