What time are you up? During the week I’m awake at 6.45am – there’s lots to prepare before going on air. But Sunday is a day of rest and relaxation. I get up at 8.30am, a much slower and more luxurious start to the day. It’s bliss not having to rush around, worrying about what I’ve achieved.
Favourite activity? Sometimes I’m invited to a children’s film premiere in Leicester Square, which my grandchildren adore. I used to take my daughters [Allegra, 36, and Saskia, 33] to those events – now it’s a whole other generation joining me. They call me their fairy grandmother. They imagine I can make very special things happen. Often, I absolutely can.
Eat in or dine out? I’m not the most reliable cook on earth – I doubt my grandchildren will remember me for my apple pie. I like Fischer’s on Marylebone High Street for Sunday brunch, and I think any of the London hotels are good fun.
Work out or feet up? I’m crazy about gardening and I do it all by myself – I find it very therapeutic. I garden in my dressing gown when I’ve just woken up, and when I come home in the evening still wearing a dress. I like my flowers bright red and bright blue and all together. I also talk to my plants, like King Charles does. They listen and it works. Flowers are very obedient – more obedient than children.
Last thing before bed? I usually read a novel, or occasionally a bit of poetry, to calm down. I’m not one for fancy skin care routines so I just use a makeup wipe. And I avoid screen time, so I can clear my head and heart for the week ahead. I didn’t own a smartphone until the pandemic hit, and prior to that I had an £8 Nokia – I’ve still never done online shopping or banking. I pay all my bills with an envelope and a stamp.
Drink alcohol or detox? I drink Bacardi and Diet Coke, and I’ll usually have two or three on a Sunday. People often tell me it’s a very old-fashioned, retro, dated and embarrassing drink that only old people have – I didn’t realise that. I’m not a fan of drinking on my own, so I’ll invite friends over to my house to hang out that evening.
Vanessa Feltz is working with plant-based food brand Gosh! For more information, visit goshfood.com
