My London: Tracey Emin

Home is …

A Georgian house in Spitalfields that was built in 1709. It’s not easy living inside an antique. I live with Docket my cat. He’s 18 and I can’t imagine life without him.

Favourite pub?

The Golden Heart in Spitalfields because Sandra Esquilant is the loveliest pub landlady in the world. I’ve been going there for 20 years but now it’s so popular I have to pick my quiet times.

Most iconic Londoner?

Queen Elizabeth II, without a doubt.

Where do you stay in London?

The Connaught and Claridge’s. Both are places I used to stay with my Mum.

Where do you work out in London?

I swim in my own pool in my studio. I’ve always exercised in water. It’s good for me spiritually and is a major part of my creative process.

What makes someone a Londoner?

Being able to walk anywhere in the West End intuitively, without looking.

Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?

‘Has anyone told you you are so much better looking in real life?’

Who is your hero?

I recently decided that Georg Baselitz is the greatest living painter but then a couple of weeks ago I had tea with David Hockney and decided that David Hockney is the greatest living artist. Life is complicated.

Where do you go to let your hair down?

I haven’t let my hair down since 1999 but I feel a revival coming on.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

Flying.

Last play you saw?

Ibsen’s The Master Builder at The Old Vic starring Linda Emond and Ralph Fiennes (right). It’s shameful that I don’t go to the theatre enough but I have this terrible habit of falling fast asleep during plays, at the cinema, the opera, the ballet, even during Royal Academy meetings.

What’s your London secret?

It’s much better to get the Circle Line to Great Portland Street and walk to Oxford Circus than get the Central Line during rush hour.

What do you collect?

Little figurines of animals — I have been doing this since I was a child. I have now branched out into small china cottages.

Most memorable meal?

My all-time favourite is Scott’s but I also love going to any of Mark Hix’s restaurants including Tramshed (below). I have the most fun at José Pizarro in Bermondsey near my gallery White Cube.

Who do you call when you want to have fun?

David Dawson because no matter how low or sad I may be feeling within five or ten minutes of seeing him he’s making me laugh. We’ve been friends since we were at the Royal College of Art together in 1987 — he is one of the most sensible and reliable friends I have.

Tracey Emin’s ‘I Want my Time with You’ is on view at St Pancras station