Richard E Grant has appeared in more than 80 films and television programmes, famously starring in Withnail And I and, most recently, in Lena Dunham’s Girls. He has also ventured into the world of fragrance. His first, Jack, was the result of a collaboration with Anya Hindmarch and Lyn Harris of Miller-Harris perfumes. This year he releases his second perfume, Jack Covent Garden. He has been an Executive Club member for 20 years

Interview by Tamara Hinson

Favourite destination?
New York. I have good friends in the city, and there are endless things to do and see, along with great theatre and that déjà vu feeling you get from having seen New York in so many movies.

Which place do you keep returning to?
The south of France because I’ve had a holiday house in Provence for 26 years and the combination of the climate, food and brocantes (flea markets) is irresistible.

Nightspot of choice?
La Petite Maison in Nice off the Promenade des Anglais, for truffles with everything and for the cavalcade of people attracted to it.

Fondest memory from a work trip?
Filming the Hotel Secrets series and getting the chance to jump on all those five star beds, lick the plates and warm the presidential loo seat in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

The most extreme thing you’ve done on your travels?
I ate bull’s testicles as an initiation test set by a bunch of Israeli actors.

Have you ever had a holiday disaster?
Twenty five years ago I went to Eilat in Israel to go scuba diving. I took an internal flight from Tel Aviv, neglected to take a passport, and had the indignity of being strip-searched and accused of spying for Egypt.

Favourite UK holiday destination?
Herefordshire (above), for its picture-postcard landscape and knowing that Bruce Robinson (the writer and director of Withnail and I) and his wife Sophie are at the end of the long drive.

Favourite London spot?
I live in Richmond on the edge of London and frequently visit Petersham Nurseries for the plants, furniture and delicious food. It’s unique in that the restaurant is inside a greenhouse so it’s as if you’ve been transported to a rural idyll. It feels innately exotic.

Who’s your dream travel companion?
Anyone willing to travel with only hand luggage and a very large appetite!

What are your travel bag essentials?
All things Apple – iPad, iPhone, iPod - and a set of plugs to recharge.

What do you enjoy most about flying with BA?
The great service and the knowledge that they’ll always get me both away from and back home, safely.

Jack Covent Garden is available at selected department stores, including Selfridges and Brown Thomas, and from jackperfume.co.uk

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This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips