Denise Lewis's London

Q: Do you consider yourself a Londoner?

A: I guess I'm an adopted Londonder, I moved to Hampstead 10 years ago and I fell in love with the area. I love being close to the city while still having that village feel.

Q: Where did you last eat out in London?

A: I ate at Cocoon [now closed] last night. It's one of my favourite restaurants, serving good, healthy food. I really enjoy eating out, and we've got some fantastic restaurants in London. If I was to indulge in all my favourites, I'd be somewhat larger than I am now!

Q: Where do you think serves the best London breakfast?

A: The Wolseley is just heaven, best brunch in town! If I could wake up and have breakfast there every day, that would be great.

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

A: With young children I don't get out much in the evening, but a friend of mine is with the Royal Ballet, and I saw her performing in the Nutcracker just before Christmas. I'm also really looking forward to the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace.

Q: What's your favourite London icon (person, building, thing etc)?

A: I love crossing Westminster bridge on one of those fantastic London evenings, where the sun is painting the sky orange and you get a view of the London Eye, the south bank and Big Ben. It gives me a real sense of London and a real sense of pride, because it's like nowhere else in the world.

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

A: Primrose Hill, just above Regent's Park, is one of my favourite places in the capital

Q: What's your favourite shop in London?

A: Ooh, I love Harvey Nic's, in fact I love most London department stores, they have everything you want and need. Fortnum and Mason too; their new atrium is sensational.

Q: What are your top tips for visitors?

A: Make sure you wear comfortable shoes! And eat! Indulge yourself in the diversity of the city, there are so many different cultures, and so much different food try.

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

A: The Serpentine in Hyde Park is lovely, especially for kids. I also love Kenwood House, especially during their summer concert series.

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

A: I'd definitely get rid of the bendy buses, and perhaps the traffic lights could be green for a little longer.

Q: If you could go back to any period in London's history, when would it be?

A: Tudor times would be the most exciting. I love the clothes, and we had quite a roguish king at the time…

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

A: It's got to be some jewellery – the Crown jewels. I wouldn't want the crown because that looks quite heavy, but maybe the sceptre, or some of those pieces that the Queen has in storage…

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

A: I miss British culture, and that feeling you get when it's a great day in London and you're lounging around at an open air café with a cappuccino, just watching people.

Q: Where's the best place to watch sport in London?

A: When the Olympics come to London in 2012 there'll be plenty of live sites around the capital. Otherwise a good sports bars like the Sports Cafe near Piccadilly. I've been there a couple of times, seen a fair few Olympians there too.

Q: What do you think makes London such a good host city?

A: We have such a great tradition of hosting events, and not just sport, events like music festivals too. And we've got some fabulous venues – from Wimbledon, to the new Olympics sites, even places like Horse Guards Parade.