Contemporary art gallery always showcasing interesting artists. Area is great and building is top

Lots of traditional charming country pubs around the area, but it can a bit hit and miss. A really friendly one with amazing food (and a unusually large veggie selection…) is the Beehive in Epping Green; close to the Great Wood. It's friendly enough you dare going there by yourself with the paper and are not at the mercy of local rubbernecks ("the rubberneck" = person who stares at strangers without any sign of guilt)

You could call me biased, given this is the 3rd Highbury restaurant in my list, but if you're doing so then you've clearly never tried the Biang Biang Noodles at this unassuming little BYOB gem

The many book stores dotted along this strip can provide hours of inspiration. Aside from those selling new books, several specialise in second-hand and antiquarian books.

Creative space that is full of life and has been a great spot for various creative shoots Place image not by me