14 NOVEMBER 1987, Page 55

Beryl Bainbridge ,

I EAT alone in bed because it is a disgusting habit and makes me feel deca- dent. In the middle of the night I favour fried peanut sandwiches, with a side help- ing of raw onions. In the afternoon I tend towards chip butties and pickles.

At other times I like to eat a solitary egg and chips in the Trattoria Lucca in Camden Town. One needs a copy of The Spectator to read, a corner table, and a generous helping of mint sauce.