Tom Aikens' London

Q. Where do you like to eat out in London?

A. La Poule au Pot in Pimlico.

Q. What's the best show you've been to in London recently?

A. I went to The O2 and saw Beyonce. She was amazing. Very, very good. Unbelievable!

Q. What's your favourite shop in London?

A. Many of London's local food markets, like Pimlico Farmers' Market.

Q. Where do you think is the most romantic place in London?

A. I would say Box Hill and Surrey Hill [both in Surrey]. It’s a bit out of London. I go there on cycle rides. You can see the whole of London – a pretty cool view when we have good weather.

Q. What are your top tips for visitors?

A. In terms of sightseeing I would probably try and do it in the week rather than at the weekend. And travel over ground as opposed to underground.

Q. What's your favourite hidden gem in London?

A. I go past Chelsea Physic Garden every day. It's only open at certain times of year. I've only been there once and it's just beautiful.

Q. What's the strangest thing you've ever seen in London?

A. The worst thing was when they had the poll tax riots [in 1990] and I got caught up in it. I was in Leicester Square at the time. It was seven in the evening. I remember walking from Covent Garden towards the Square and there was just complete chaos everywhere.

Q. If you were Mayor for the day what would you do/change?

A. I would sort out public transport. Make public transport a lot cheaper. They've just started the biking initiative they have in Paris, so will be good to see how that does.

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

A. Just friends.