My London: Rose Ferguson

Home is…Just outside Burford in the Cotswolds. I’ve lived here for 15 years with my husband, two mini sausage dogs and two staffies. Our three daughters have moved out, so I have recently become an empty nester, which is weird but I quite like it. And yes girls, I love you very much.Where do you stay in London? I created an in-room dining menu for the Maybourne hotel group, where it is wonderful to stay. The Surrenne spa underneath the Emory is beyond fabulous. Where was your first flat? I rented a three-bedroom maisonette on Great Percy Street in Clerkenwell from an ad in the Standard while I was finishing school and moved in a month later with my boyfriend and his brother. We had such a great time, although it was rather damp.What was your first job? I did a modelling job when I was 15 for the Daily Mail, skipping school to go. I remember having very mottled legs, which they tried to calm by standing me in front of a gas heater, but it just made them red. It wasn’t me at all — at the time I was spending most weekends at raves in fields, so that was the first and last job I did, until I was 17.GettyWhich shops do you rely on? Daylesford is a solid food shopping choice, as is Natoora. And if I am in the area, I love popping into the Corner Shop at 180, too. Then, of course, Victoria Beckham on Dover Street for event dressing — everything dressing, really. What’s the best meal you’ve had? I had an incredible chicken pie at the Hero in Maida Vale the other day. I highly recommend it. I also love Toklas. The crudo is delicious.What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? I would make sure every school had its own kitchen, so they could cook proper, nutritious food and the children could learn a bit about food and how to cook.Who is the most iconic Londoner?That would have to be David Beckham. Read the foreword of my new book and you’ll know why...What do you do to have fun? I love dinner at J Sheekey — it is always a laugh. And an evening at the Groucho Club, too.J SheekeyPress handoutWhat’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you? A cabbie once told me, “Nobody’s actually late — they just left somewhere too comfortable.” I think about that every time I’m rushing.Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?Yes, a few times, but nothing serious. One incident in my twenties included an alleyway and being desperate for a wee. The policeman was not sympathetic at all. I’ll say no more.Where do you let your hair down? What’s your London secret? Running through Soho early in the morning. There is something magical about seeing the city as it gets going. Oh and Christ Church in Spitalfields, where we got married in 2004. Where do you exercise? If I could, I would go to Before The Lights in Fitzrovia every day. I’m also keen on Alex Eagle at 180 Health Club and Nobu Pilates; it is not an easy class, but you feel the benefits after. And if you want to sweat it out, nowhere beats the Tracy Anderson studio at Surrenne.Dave Benett/Getty Images for DiorWhat are you up to for work? My book, The Reset, has just come out — it’s a four-week plan designed to help your body recalibrate and thrive. I am really proud of it. My functional medicine clinic keeps me occupied too, as does my platform, R Health Club, which is a members’ area, full of great resources and with a brilliant community. I am thrilled to be working on the next Dior Wellness Retreat in Sicily too.What’s your favourite work of art? What’s your favourite London beauty spot? I have my hair cut by Mathew Soobroy and see Teresa Tarmey for brightening, sculpting and lifting facials — her technique is second-to-none. Then George Northwood for nourishing hair treatments, Bio Sculpture at Selfridges for the best manis and pedis and Anu Khapung at 180 Health Club for brows.