Hannah McHalick's London

Q: Where do you live in London?

A: Bethnal Green

Q: What's your favourite family-friendly restaurant in London?

A: All Star Lanes in Brick Lane. It's 50s themed so they do the best milkshakes and hot dogs which keep my kids super happy! And you can bowl there too.

Q: Where do you like to relax in London?

A: I stay local – Victoria Park or London Fields.

Q: What's your ideal family day out in London?

A: Get to London Fields Lido early on a Saturday and stay all day (they have a great café) then hang out at the kids' playground in London Fields. Wander home through Broadway Market and have a pizza and well-deserved glass of wine at the Globe Cafe in Columbia Road.

Q: What are your children's favourite London attractions?

A: Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood. It's really interactive and they've been going there since they were babies. And the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Q: What are your top tips for visitors with children?

A: Mix up the things that you want to do with the things that make your kids happy. Make the most of the green spaces where they can run around.

As an example I'd go to Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, followed by Brick Lane for a bagel (my kids love bagels), then Spitalfields Farm and the Spitalfields markets.

Also, if you go to the South Bank, take a change of clothes as the kids get soaked running around in the fountains!

Q: What's your favourite London icon?

A: The River cos wherever I go, it reminds me I'm in London and what a beautiful city it is.

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

A: Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury in Central London. It's a playground and a park. It's a lovely place – adults are only allowed in if they are accompanied by kids! And you can get a good coffee there.

Q:What's the best play, gig, comedy act you've been to in London recently?

A: Roxy Music at Lovebox in Victoria Park. I've had a crush on Bryan Ferry since I was 10!

Q: If you were Mayor for the day what would you do or change?

A: I think I'd need a whole term! But I'd improve safety for cyclists and make better cycle lanes. I'd get everyone using public transport too.

Q: If you could take one piece from a London museum or gallery, what would it be?

The RAF Jaguar by Fiona Banner at Tate Britain [no longer on display]. She's turned something really ugly into something really beautiful. Also, my son loves it. 

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

A: The anonymity, anything goes and that gives me a sense of freedom. Also I like that I can walk everywhere.