My London: Vinnie Jones

Where’s home?

Well, I haven’t lived there for years, but I still think of Watford as home. It’s where I was born and bred. It’s changed a lot, but I still go to home games and see familiar faces.

You live in West Sussex now. Where do you stay in London?

I like the Goring, it’s so comfortable and I can get out and about. It’s really traditional and English and the service is superb. Harry Goring actually lives near me — on the Wiston Estate.

Emma Ford and Vinnie Jones attend the Netflix World Premiere of "The Gentleman" season 2 at Guildhall

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Have you ever lived in town?

I bought a flat when I played for Chelsea. It was round the back of the ground near where the old all-weather pitch used to be. I hardly stayed there. I bought it with another geezer, a rugby player, but I would usually go back to Watford to the pub.

Where do you like to go on dates?

I used to go to the Dover Street wine bar in Mayfair. Everybody must have thought I had shares in it; I was there so much. I felt really welcome. With bars and restaurants, I like it when I get to know people. That’s when I keep going back. I’m a creature of habit. When I get looked after, have a table and get to know the staff, it’s really important. I feel comfortable and so long as there’s good grub, I’m happy.

Any one restaurant you like?

We used to go to Langan’s. I went with Guy Ritchie and Matthew Vaughn. I’d usually be the one paying as I was still playing then and the only one with any money. The boys would come to games and then we’d all go out. Langan’s is different now, obviously. They were the glory days, back when Michael Caine was knocking around there. He gave me a big hug one night and congratulated me on Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. I’ll never forget that. He stopped by the table and said, “Vinnie, Vinnie, come here mate.” He told me I had terrific screen presence. Bob Hoskins said the same, funnily enough.

(Left to right) Vinnie Jones, Ray Winstone, Guy Ritchie and Kaya Scodelario attend the premiere for season two of The Gentlemen, at the Guildhall Art Gallery

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Where’s the best meal you’ve had?

I’d have to say Scalini. I’ve been going there for many years. A mate had his birthday there not so long ago, so we had about 10, 15 tables booked out. I’m a big lover of Italian food.

I would lift the speed limit. I’d abolish it

Food aside, what would you do if you were Mayor for a day?

I can’t say what I wanna say.

Go on…

No, I can’t. But the biggest policy change I’d make is I would lift the speed limit. I’d abolish it. And I’d get the current mayor, what’s his name, and I’d make him drive around for three days doing 10 miles per hour. Everybody would be whizzing past him.

Who’s the most iconic Londoner?

There are so many. I’m a massive Winston Churchill fan — I’ve got a huge tattoo of him on my back. And then I’d say the Kray twins and Michael Caine.

Giancarlo Esposito, Joely Richardson, Ray Winstone, Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Jasmine Blackborow and Vinnie Jones attend "The Gentlemen" Season Two World Premiere at The Guildhall

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Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?

I was with (former Chelsea footballer) David Speedie once. I had a white BMW 325 at the time, I must have been about 20. We were driving down the King’s Road and we hoiked him out on to the top and he was surfing on the car. And then the Old Bill pulled us over. They said, “Lads, you can’t be doing this.” But they saw the funny side. We were all laughing.

What’s the best thing a cabbie has said to you?

London cabbies always say fantastic things to me. I love getting in a cab. I always over-tip. One of the main things I look forward to when here is jumping in a cab and whizzing round.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

I just bought this old trailer from America and I’ve completely renovated it. It’s an Airstream, but one of the old ones, beautiful sleek metal. It’s like the Holy Grail. And I’ve done up my Land Rover. I just got balls deep in it. Twenty grand here, thirty grand there.

Do you collect anything?

Guns. Berettas mostly. I’ve got about 40. I do all kinds of shooting. Sometimes I go out and shoot a couple of clays.

If you ever fancy a night out, who do you call and where do you go?

The last time I went to Isabel Mayfair. Downstairs. I took Blondie (partner Emma Ford) and it was quite nice. It was quite low-key. I’m a bit more pipe and slippers these days. It used to be different.

Have you got a favourite piece of art?

I just bought a piece from Jake Wood, of EastEnders fame. He did me one of Churchill with a machine gun. He’s a good artist. Ronnie Wood gave me a piece years ago, too. But I mainly collect wildlife stuff. Pieces of the British countryside — often game birds and birds of prey.