Dave Gorman's perfect weekend

Stafford-born comedian Dave Gorman cycled 1,563 miles on his last stand-up tour. Now he's back in his hometown for a book signing. He tells us why a lack of planning is the key to a good night out.]

It's Friday afternoon, what's on your mind?

Sadly, I'm thinking about Sunday morning. I'm at work on Sunday mornings, broadcasting a radio show for Absolute Radio. So by the time it gets to Friday afternoon, I'm normally making sure I've got everything done in time for Sunday's show.

Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekend?

My wife. And the listeners of Absolute Radio.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

I don't do big nights out anymore. The big night outs come and find you, you don't search for them. The best big nights are always the ones that are least expected.

What is your favourite dinner party outfit?

I'm always on the side of the casual.

You've just arrived at the bar. What's your first drink?

Rum and coke.

What is your favourite nightspot and why?

You know, I can't even think what's it called. It's a restaurant/bar about ten minutes from home, the atmosphere and food are great. It's also easy to get home from.

What tune always gets you on the dancefloor?

Come on Eileen, by Dexys Midnight Runners.

It's a sunny Saturday. What are you up to?

I'll be out on a bike ride. I've got into cycling in a big way in the past few years. I'll probably be exploring the canal towpaths of East London. We won't end up having a curry in Brick Lane, if you live around here, you know that there are lots of far better places to get a curry than in Brick Lane.

What's the recipe for a perfect night in?

Rum and coke. I think it would also involve the sofa, a movie and the missus. My favourite kind of thing would be a DVD like Sideways, we tend to watch things that are quirky and independent.

What's your most memorable weekend ever and why?

The weekend of my 30th birthday. I was at the Aspen Comedy Festival, I was turning 30 and I was being courted by a number of very aggressive American TV executives. One so wanted to win my favour that he gave me a ticket to see Steve Martin that night. I wondered how I'd found myself in that position. I just thought it was weird.

Favourite DVD? And what would you eat while watching it?

Arrested Development, the American TV sitcom. What to eat? Well, not popcorn, I hate popcorn. I'd eat a quiet snack, something that doesn't make too much noise.

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

I don't have time for breakfast on a Sunday because of the radio show, so I go out to eat after the broadcast.

Where and how do you like to relax?

I like to relax in the saddle of my bike. I use it as my main way of getting around town. It's much more relaxing than other forms of transport.

You've got a whole weekend off and a wad of money in your back pocket – which country or city would you head to?

New York and I would walk and eat and drink, then walk and eat and drink, then walk and eat and drink.

* Dave Gorman will be appearing at the Pie and Ale House, in Crabbery Street, Stafford, in association with Waterstones Stafford on Tuesday (June 7) to talk about his new book, Dave Gorman vs The Rest of the World. Tickets are £5 or £3 for Waterstones Loyalty Card holders and are available from the store. The talk starts at 7pm and Dave will also be signing copies of his new book.