This place is quintessentially English - I'm not sure my mother would approve. My parents are Sri Lankan Tamil, and when I started getting roles in English-language films [The Darjeeling Limited, St Trinians], my mother would ask me why I didn't want to be a Bollywood actress. 'At least I could understand what you're saying,' she'd say.

So, growing up, we only ate Sri Lankan food, which involves a lot of rice, fish and vegetables. Everything came from these small independent shops. But obviously, growing up in London, I tried different foods. And I'm a big fan of Cannizaro's decent, British food.

I'm a social eater, I don't like eating on my own or on the hop. That's why I love it here - I've just rediscovered this place because I've been working away from home. I love the atmosphere, it's so eclectic, and perfect in the winter - just look at the fireplace! The grounds are something else and in the summer I'll sit outside with friends for coffee and a catch up. The little cakes and treats are divine. It's our secret place, so they're going to kill me for mentioning it.

I usually eat out but I can cook a little. When I was working in the City, before I went to drama school, we had lots of dinner parties. Dinner parties are such a powerful way of connecting with people. I'd love to host more but I just don't have the time. I could never seduce anyone with food though, I would be hopeless. I can't imagine sticking my finger in a pot of cream or sucking suggestively on a carrot. Maybe that's why I'm still single.

Eating on set has been a brilliant, bonding experience and we were truly spoiled on the set of St Trinians. We were filming around London so everything was available: lots of great big salads, meat and grilled fish. The Darjeeling Limited was the polar opposite because we were filming in and around Rajasthan. We were on a train, carefully designed to fit the film, and we'd head four hours into the desert and four hours back again filming en route. Naturally we had to eat on board. It was predominantly Indian food so that meant lots of rice and thick curries all cooked by an Indian chef. It's very hard to get fish out there and I love fish, so I suffered, but through the actor Jason Schwartzman I discovered quinoa, which is amazing. Jason made me realise that eating healthily helps you perform as an actor.

Since then, I've tried to eat more organically. I like Planet Organic for groceries and I adore Daylesford. The concept is brilliant - they grow food and prepare meat in such a responsible way. I'm addicted to their silver needle white tea. Alice Bamford introduced me to it. It's her mother's business and she produced The Darjeeling Limited

I've been touring the country with the RSC this past year. Theatre is tricky. You have to calibrate your performance while not being able to assess the audience's reaction. I found rehearsals exhausting and I nearly lost my way, artistically. I'd heard avoiding dairy and caffeine helps your voice and I also started breathing exercises but mainly I just tried to eat healthily without dieting. There's no time for routine at the RSC. I love eating well and, while I care about how I look, I have a healthy relationship with food.

• Amara Karan will be appearing in The Taming of the Shrew at London's Novello Theatre from 12 Feb

Cannizaro House, Wimbledon Common, London SW 19, 020 8879 1464

History

This Georgian mansion, 10 minutes walk from the Wimbledon tennis courts, opened as a hotel in 1987. The Common restaurant serves an impressive menu of entirely organic, seasonal and locally sourced British food.

Popular dishes

36-hour braised beef blade, confit chicken wing, bone marrow, sauce Bordelaise £23.95

Fillet of sea bass, lobster ravioli, cauliflower purée and watercress foam, £21.50

Earl Grey ice cream and Eccles cake, £7

Who eats there

Richard and Judy, Charles Kennedy, John McEnroe, Pat Cash, and all the tennis stars

Opening times

Mon - Sun:
7am - 10am
12pm - 2.30pm
7pm - 9.30pm