After Hours: Ian Reddington

Things have changed since EastEnders, sadly there's no such thing as a quiet drink anymore. I've never been a creature of habit so there's no place I can go where people just know me for who I am. As a result breakfast is my most important meal and my favourite place is the Apollo Cafe, Brixton Rd, London, SW9. It's run by three Turks and they're all Galatasaray supporters. Being a Sheffield Wednesday lad, that always makes me feel good.

My favourite proper restaurant is Poons, Leicester St, W1 (071-437 1528). They've tarted it up now, but the old Poons was incredible. I used to take people there and they wouldn't stay, the kitchen was right in your face and you always had to share a table. The food is still excellent, definitely the best Chinese in town. Gaby's, next to the Windmill Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, W1 (071-836 4233) is where I nip in for a quick bite. I've never been able to work out whether they're Israeli or Palestinian, anyway the food is Middle Eastern and delicious. When I'm feeling flash, not often, I like the Bombay Brasserie, Gloucester Rd, SW7 (071- 370 4040) especially if you sit in the conservatory, or The Cantina, Butlers Wharf, SE1 (071- 403 5403) - very smart. I've been to Quaglinos, 16 Bury St, SW1 (071-930 6767) once and loved it so if anyone wants to take me there again they're perfectly welcome.

I've saved the best 'til last and that's Rebatos, South Lambeth Rd, SW8 (071-735 6388). I've been going there for 12 years. It was the first tapas bar I ever went to. Now they are everywhere but it's still the best.

Ian Reddington played Richard Cole (Tricky Dicky) in 'EastEnders' and is now resting

(Photograph omitted)