HERMIONE’S favourite things

WHAT ARE YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES?

crisps. And watching Chocolate, cookery chips, programmes THE LAST BOOK like Barefoot YOU READ? Contessa. Circe by Madeline Miller. I binge read. There are periods when I don’t, then I’m completely consumed. THE LAST FILM THAT MADE YOU LAUGH? I really like The Heat. It’s old now but I really do enjoy watching Sandra Bullock and Melissa Mccarthy together. They are ace. THE LAST FILM THAT MADE YOU CRY? Molly’s Game, an Aaron Sorkin script. I cry at anything. Have a baby and then you never stop crying. YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? Roast chicken. With roast potatoes, bread sauce, little sausages and Brussels sprouts. Very comforting! FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? India. The Himalayas. I’ve only been once but I’ve carried it with me ever since. I absolutely loved it. You can hear deafening silence in the Himalayas. FAVOURITE UK HOTEL FOR A WEEKEND AWAY? My children really like Fowey Hall in Cornwall. I love nothing more than a Cornish pasty and cream tea! Jam first, then ladle cream on top otherwise you can’t get enough cream on!

FAVOURITE ALBUM? I listen to such an eclectic mix of music. Abba, Leonard Cohen, Benjamin Clementine and I love Nick Cave.

FAVOURITE SHOP? My favourite store is Liberty. The jewellery is really lovely. And its hand creams, clothes and shoes. THE WOMEN WHO INSPIRE YOU? Watching skilled, dedicated teachers with a really sound, genuine kindness and compassion and ability to draw things out of people. Other than that, Meryl Streep. I could watch her drink a cup of tea! And Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, Helen Mirren. All the Dames! They’re amazing. Anyone who is still out there doing their stuff. There’s a vitality and an interest, a childlike curiosity.