Sir Michael Caine's London

The son of a cook and a fish-market porter, Michael left school at 15, joined the army and served in the Korean War. On his return to London he got a job as an assistant stage manager and a career in theatre was born.

He has since starred in over 100 films, most memorably Zulu (1964), Alfie (1966) and The Italian Job (1969). He has won two Oscars – for Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and The Cider House Rules (1999).

Sir Michael was voted London's favourite Londoner at the 2008 Visit London Awards. We caught up with him after the awards ceremony to find out what he loves about London.

When did you last eat out, and where?

Yesterday at Scott's in Mount Street. Scott's is one of the greatest fish restaurants anywhere. And I like the atmosphere. And as a Duchess once said when a newspaper journalist said to her, "What's the best restaurant in London?", she said "Where you're known, dear."

What's your favourite London icon?

The London Eye. I like the London Eye. Because it does something. And I've been on it. Several times.

Where's the most romantic place in London?

My flat! (laughs) It's in Chelsea Harbour. In the block I'm in, each flat is one floor, so you've got a 360 [degree view]. Any room you go in, you're looking out somewhere else.

What's your favourite shop in London?

My favourite shop is Harrods. I spend more time in there than anywhere else. Because they have everything, and I've been going there for so long, I know where everything is.

What's your top tip for visitors?

You have to walk. Don't ride everywhere; don't get in a car. Walk. London is the greatest walking city.

What would you do if you were mayor for the day.

If I were the mayor for the day, I'd synchronize all the traffic lights. There's one just by the Albert Hall here, near the park, and the traffic light blocks the road. Because you get a green light to cross into the park, and then the traffic stops. And then no one can come by until the light in the park starts and you can turn right, or go along to Marble Arch. Everytime I go there, the people are waiting. 

If you could take something from a London museum or gallery, what would you steal?

The Koh-i-noor diamond! (laughs) [One of the crown jewels, the Koh-i-noor is now set in the crown of the late Queen Mother and it rested on top of her coffin in 2002 as she lay in state. You can see it, along with the rest of the crown jewels, on display at the Tower of London.]

What do you miss about London when you're away?

When I come back after being away, I really want to go out, go into the West End, and just walk. Especially in the West End. I love the West End. And I walk. But then I am a walker. I walk 3 or 4 miles a day wherever I am.