My London: Jamie Oliver

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Highgate - I used to be a Primrose Hill boy but now I’m growing up.

Ever had a run-in with a policeman?

Apparently I ran a red light on my scooter (I think it was amber). The policeman took my driving licence and I didn’t get it back for ages. Then one of my friends who’s a copper found it photocopied and enlarged in a police canteen.

Best place for a first date?

Something classic like Odette’s in Primrose Hill. It’s super romantic with really good food and a lovely yardy bit outside for summer. Of course it could all go pear-shaped…

What do you collect?

Vinyl. I’m retracing my youth. Lots of British indie, the whole Manchester scene, The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen. It’s a pain in the arse getting up to change it every five tracks but I like the analogue thing.

Favourite pub?

The Wenlock Arms in Shoreditch. It’s proper old school, loads of beers and ciders. A real old geezers’ pub — super legit.

Earliest memory?

When I lived in Camden in my 20s and worked in Covent Garden, the shock-horror of what I witnessed on the last train home. F*** me! It would always break down at Chalk Farm, with drunk people throwing up between their legs and fighting.

Last play you saw?

Matilda with the kids, for the second time. It’s brilliant. And I actually know all the words to the songs now.

Best thing a cabbie has said to you?

General banter around the old Mayor. If you ever wanted to get a cabbie on a rant, you just say: ‘What do you think of Boris Johnson, then?’

Biggest extravagance?

Good Scotch whisky — I have it on ice. I love a bit of Johnnie Walker gold top, or whatever the posh one is called. I’m a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, too.

What would you do as Mayor for the day?

I’d buy everyone a drink — a negroni — and wish them all the best. I’d probably have a long list of peculiar food requests and campaigns, too.

Which London building would you buy?

Bibendum, aka Michelin House. It’s beautiful and iconic. Terence Conran’s had it a long time; I think it’s time he passed it on.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

My nan used to say it’s better to travel hopefully than to arrive. And someone else said: ‘Never try to be the best — second-best is really good.’ I think they’re all from the same bouquet.

Best meal you’ve eaten recently?

Probably at the Marksman pub in Hackney. Jon Rotheram does amazing pies. And I know bigging up a J O place isn’t cool, but Robbin, the head chef at my restaurant Fifteen, is smashing it out of the ballpark. His short rib is fantastic.

Jamie Oliver’s new restaurant, Barbecoa Piccadilly, is now open (barbecoa.com)