My London: Waris Ahluwalia

Home is…

New York City, in money-making Manhattan. I just moved into a new apartment on the Lower East Side. It’s much hipper than I’m comfortable with.

Which London building would you buy?

Something discreet like the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. While we’re buying property, we may as well buy the neighbouring Queen’s House. I would like to have a lot of kids one day soon, so I’m just planning ahead. Mind you, I still need to find someone to have them with.

Best meal you’ve had?

Dishoom: the only place in the world where I’d queue.

Favourite pub?

The Holly Bush in Hampstead. It’s perfect after a walk on the Heath. It’s cosy and feels hidden away. I plan my trips to London to make sure there’s a Sunday while I’m here so I can have a roast.

Where do you stay?

I err on the side of traditional. My favourite hotel is The Connaught. I love the spa and have spent/wasted many hours healing down there.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

A few years ago I was taken on a picnic in Hampstead Heath by a charming young lady. We ate cheeses, charcuterie, bread, the usual fruits and I know there was wine. I don’t actually drink but I encourage others to.

Best thing a cabbie has said to you?

‘Yep, I know where that is,’ and still it never ceases to amaze me that they know every street and ally, nook and cranny in all of London. There is no better taxi experience in the world.

Best place for a nightcap?

Chiltern Firehouse. You are guaranteed to run into a fellow troublemaker... I mean friend.

Favourite discovery?

Abney Park Cemetery, in Stoke Newington, is one of the most beautiful cemeteries I‘ve seen, but I plan to live forever. Obvi.

Biggest extravagance?

Travel. It makes me think of a quote from the naturalist John Muir: ‘The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.’

Favourite shops?

Daunt Books in Marylebone. Any time I can spend in an oak gallery hunting for books under a stained glass window, I’m all for. Dr Harris & Co has an Abyssinian and jojoba beard oil, which smells wonderful and comes in a beautiful green glass bottle (left). Fortnum & Mason for the Chocolossus biscuits, which come in a big tin with palm trees on it (bottom left).

What do you collect?

I try (try is the key word) to live by Buddhist principles and live free of attachments. Some things just find their way home but you’d be amazed how little you actually need.

Waris Ahluwalia is the muse and inspiration behind the The Kooples SS17 men’s collection (thekooples.co.uk)