Rugby star Maro Itoje dines at Akara, loves all Soho Houses and relaxes in Regent's Park with a good book

Ian Wright is the most iconic Londoner for everything he's done for Arsenal

- As told to Rose Beer

Home is...

North-west London, in Barnet. I live there with my wife and we've been there for about six years. I was born in Royal Free Hospital, moved to Cricklewood, Edgware, lived in Mill Hill for a few years. So yeah, this is my neck of the woods.

Where do you stay in London?

We often stay at the Richmond Harbour Hotel with the team. Richmond is a beautiful part of town, and it’s got a boutique feel, great spa and is right next to the park.

Where would you recommend for a first date?

Borough Market, it’s really interactive and there's plenty to do. I like to see what entices the taste buds when I get there, then to mix and match. One of my friends has a business called Humble Crumble which we swing by.

What’s the best meal you've had?

At Akara, a West African restaurant in Borough Yards with three of my childhood friends that I grew up playing rugby alongside, and later started our professional careers together. It was amazing. Lots of the dishes are based around akara which is like a bean fritter. And they had their own twist on jollof rice. It was really nice.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?