What makes your summer sing Ali Jacobs?

Good book: It’s impossible to pick one book, but I am currently reading The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese.

Good programme: Happy Valley (TVNZ+) was the last programme I really enjoyed.

Good board game: I have recently been introduced to Dutch Blitz, not a board game, but a card game. Potentially addictive.

Good swimming spot: Puheke Beach on the Karikari Peninsula, Northland. We once caught a fish off the beach, wrapped it in newspaper and cooked it in a fire on the sand. Llew Summers, the sculptor, wandered along the beach around dusk, and we got talking with him and shared our dinner; he shared his bottle of whisky.

Good feed: French bread with cream cheese – mixed with gherkins, capers, lemon juice and horseradish – and smoked trout. Smoking trout on Christmas morning is a tradition.