Arthur Potts Dawson's London

Q: How long have you lived in London?

A: I'm a Londoner born and bred. I love it.

Q: Where do you live?

A: I grew up in Hampstead but I live in Highbury now. Trouble is, I'm a Spurs fan so it's a nightmare being in Arsenal territory.

Q: Where and when did you last eat out in London?

A: La Fromagerie on Moxon Street, Marylebone. They have the most fantastic food - wonderful bean salad, antipasti, frittata and charcuterie plats. I work with Patricia, the owner, and love eating her food.

Q: Best London breakfast?

A: Well, that's a tricky one. That's why I've started doing breakfast at Acorn House as it's not that easy to get great breakfast in the area. If I have to name one, I guess I would say the Electric in Portobello Road.

Q: Where do you go for the best London produce?

A: Probably Borough Market. I cycle down there with my son most Saturdays. You need to get there before 7.30am, though, to beat the crowds.  

Q: What's your favourite London icon?

A: The Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park.

Q: Best London view?

A: The top of Primrose Hill at sunset. The whole city glistens with a golden shimmer and the view of London has the sun right behind it.

Q: What's the most you have ever spent on a night out?

A: I'm not sure if I should tell you this! I spent about £5000 one night. Part of it was spent in the Voodoo Lounge which used to be in Leicester Square. I can't tell you where I ended up either or some people will be very embarrassed.

Q: What's the most recent gig you have been to that you recommend?

A:The Rolling Stones at The O2. It was the first time I've been there. It was a great show and we had seats right near the front.

Q: What do you miss most when you're away from London?

A: I miss the hum of London and the pavements I know so well. I've lived in New Zealand and Australia, but I always miss London when I'm away.

Q: If you were invisible for the day where would you go?

A: I would slip into Buckingham Palace and have a good nose around. See if the Royal Family are up to scratch.

Q: What's your favourite hidden gem?

A: Kew Gardens after hours when the sun is setting is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Q: Top tip for visitors?

A: See the Thames at night.

Q: Most romantic London spot?

A: Sunrise in the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.

Q: What's the strangest thing you have ever seen in London?

A: I once saw a fully studded man walking through Camden with nothing but a loincloth on. He even had piercings on his head, tongue, eyebrows and ears.

Q: What shop could you not live without?

A: Fresh and Wild [now Wholefoods Market] in Stoke Newington.

Q: What's your London motto?

A: London will only give back what you give to it. Give it love, it gives you love back; give it effort, it gives you effort back. But if you expect anything without giving first, it could chew you up and spit you out.