We moved to the Cotswolds three years ago, but I split my time between there and our flat in Notting Hill. It represents what London is all about: living face to face. I grew up in South East London, which was clearly out of date at the time.
If you could buy any building and live there, what would it be?
Apsley House on the corner of Hyde Park. A bit busy, a bit noisy but easy to get around from there. I’ve always been fascinated by those houses and the fact that you can have an address that is simply ‘No1 London’.
Apsley House
/ Alamy Foto de stock
What stores do you trust?
I like clothes very much. There is a fabulous tailor named Speciale in Portobello; ask for George. There is no St James’s in Stroud, and I especially miss New & Lingwood; I only wear mustard socks and they make a lovely pair. I also smoke cigars, so there is a place called The Kensington Cigar Shop on Kensington Church Street.
Kensington Cigar Store
/ Kensington Cigar Store
What is the best food you have ever eaten?
For me, the pinnacle of civilization is getting to The Ivy in a black cab. It has to be a black cab. I realize that it sounds great, but I always dress classy when I go there, it always feels like an event.
Where are you staying in London?
White City House is really good – affordable, rooms are small but comfortable, and it’s on the way to the west, which is great by me. I hate to say it, because it’s a fucking cliché, ‘the actor stays in a Soho House’, but I’m going to lean on him and live my truth.
Timothy Spall [his actor father]. Because it looks like London. He embodies it. And he has lived here his whole life.
Timothy Spall
/ WireImage
Where would you recommend for a first date?
A secret reserve in London is the stretch of river between Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bridge. If you had to save for 15 years, you could go to dinner at The River Café and then in the summer take a walk along the river at night past all those rowing clubs.
What’s your London secret?
Monument. It is the best view in London. You get a certificate when you get to the top because there are a lot of steps. If it fell sideways, it would land on the exact spot where the Great Fire of London started.
Where would you most like to be buried?
I would like to be buried in the center of the city. They’ll bury me in that funny little house in Soho Square.
The Gardeners’ Cabin in Soho Square
/ Alamy Foto de stock
What makes someone Londoner?
London does not welcome you with open arms, it is a tough city. If you can hack it, then it is yours.
Who is your professional hero?
Tony Hopkins. He is at the peak of his powers and his powers are substantial. As an acting nerd, the fact that he’s in his 80s and still does so in The Father and The Two Papas is amazing.
The most important thing you have learned during the running of the bulls?
The only things that really matter are people and connection.
Season 2 of ‘Trying’ premieres May 21 on Apple TV +
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