Patrick Dempsey is an actor, race car driver and TAGHeuer ambassador. After visiting London for the first time as a teenager, he tells of his favourite spots to visit when he’s spending time across the pond.
Where do you stay in London?
I came here for the first time as a tourist when I was 18, back in the 1980s. I found a little place called the Portobello Hotel, and I always stay there when I come to London. It’s so intimate, it’s like you’re in someone’s home. The first time I was there, I bounced around the hotel — I stayed for so long, I got a chance to check out all the rooms.
What was your first job here?
Bridget Jones’s Baby. I actually stayed in the Portobello Hotel for two months when I filmed that. I got to know everybody who worked there.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
A walk in Hyde Park.
Which shop do you rely on?
I always go to Lock & Co, which is a hat store, in St James’s Street. It’s always my pilgrimage to go and get a cap there.
What’s the best meal you’ve had in the capital?
All the Indian food here is amazing, but Chutney Mary in particular. It’s across the street from Lock & Co, and I always get a chicken tikka masala. I had one for lunch today.
What would you do if you were Mayor of London for the day?
I would make sure that all the cabs and bikes in the city were electric.
Who is the most iconic Londoner ?
It has to be Charles Dickens, really. If we talk about iconic, classic stories, it’s Dickens.
Who do you call here if you want to have fun?
The Franchitti brothers — the racing drivers — are usually the ones I’d call. I’m seeing Marino tomorrow.
Where do you go and what do you do to have fun?
I walk around and look at the architecture. I’m always blown away by how beautiful the city is.
Have you ever been recognised by a cab driver?
Sometimes. What they recognise me from depends on their generation. The older ones, it’s Can’t Buy Me Love. But now it’s usually, “Oh, my wife loves you in Grey’s Anatomy.”
Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?
No, but my driver right now is a retired detective, which is fascinating.
What’s your London secret?
Before he died, I went to Stirling Moss’s house in Mayfair. It was like a James Bond house, he built it in the 1960s. He, his wife and I had dinner together there, and it was very special. He had all his memorabilia as you came in, you could see all his trophies. And he was such a great storyteller, he’s one of my driving heroes. He had great stories about that period of motorsport history and throughout the years. And he kept racing up until the very end.
Who’s your hero?
I think David Beckham is remarkable. It’s nice to see how he’s brought football to the States and really changed the dynamic of football in America. I met the whole family in Vegas and I was impressed, not only because of what he’s achieved in his career, but what they’ve done with their children — how wonderful and kind they all were. They were very grounded and kind to everyone around them. Some children have a tremendous opportunity to do things that most people don’t, and they’re very privileged, so you want to try to keep them grounded. And I think I was more impressed by them as parents than anything else.
What do you collect?
Old vintage cars and watches. I’m very fortunate to be a TAG Heuer ambassador, and I have a particular fondness for the Monaco watch, which is the first one I received from them, when I was on the starting grid at Le Mans. As for vintage watches, there’s a Ronnie Peterson gold watch, which is my favourite.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
A watch I want to get tomorrow. I’m hoping Nicholas Biebuyck, the heritage director at TAG Heuer, comes through.
What podcast are you obsessed with?
The Daily Stoic with Ryan Holiday. Stoicism is a useful tool for everyone.
What’s your favourite London beauty spot?
I’m fortunate enough that my wife does all my beauty. So that’s my favourite spot.
As told to Maddy Mussen
