My Seven Dials

What's your favourite place in Seven Dials to shop?

I am into all things holistic and health-orientated, so I was very pleased when Neal’s Yard Remedies opened in 1982 - I love all their relaxing potions, teas, and oils. On the same theme, I also love The Astrology Shop in Neal Street for lovely gifts such as chimes and crystals to keep me on the right path astrologically.

One of my favourite streets is Monmouth Street, and in my office I always have a bouquet of white roses from the flower stall on the corner of Monmouth and Earlham Street. I also like to start the morning with a healthy drink from the juice bar in the market on Earlham Street, topped up with a shot of wheatgrass.

What's your favourite eatery or watering hole in Seven Dials?

Years ago, the Ivy was always wonderful for après theatre dining - lots of red velvet everywhere. When Chris Corbin and Jeremy King took over, it quickly became my favourite restaurant in London. Nowadays I go to the Ivy Club, in West Street, which is the perfect venue for breakfast meetings, lunch, and dinner. The food is exquisite, and I love the roasts and pies. I'll often stop by for a nightcap in the piano bar, which has a stunning glass lift. This is really important to me, as my daughter Lara's disability means that she has used a wheelchair for several years. The piano bar’s accessibility means that it is the perfect watering hole for the two of us.

I love Food for Thought in Neal Street, as they serve fast food that's also delicious and very healthy! The menu is very popular with dancers at Pineapple, and I usually get a quick take away from there to have in the office. Plus, they were one of the first places in London to offer brown rice.

Another favourite for lunch is Mon Plaisir, in Monmouth Street, for steak and frites. I had many memorable lunches there with Wayne Sleep when he lived in Covent Garden. Also in Monmouth Street, you can't beat Monmouth Coffee Company for a great coffee - it's a very intimate space, and the staff really know their beans!

What makes Seven Dials so special for you?

Seven Dials and Covent Garden is so much a part of my life. In my modelling days in the '70's I worked with many photographers who had studios in the area, when it was still a bustling fruit and flower market and in 1978 I built Pineapple in a derelict pineapple warehouse in Langley Street. In those early days I used to hang out at restaurants such as McCready's, and Smiths which later turned into Belgo.

Now that we have opened the Pineapple flagship store in Shelton Street, in the old Urdang building we are officially part of Seven Dials! The area has such a great atmosphere, and you can find anything you could ever need or wish for. There is a great selection of shops, bars, restaurants, and so many historic theatres. Plus, in between all this, you can pop in for a lunch-time dance class, or after work, and pick up some great dancewear on the way at the new Pineapple store!