The V and A houses a public collection of prints and drawings of every kind imagineable from old master drawings to photographs, playing cards, fashion plates and wallpapers. You have to select what you want to see from the collection http://collections.vam.ac.uk/and book in advance. The behind-the-scenes route up to the study room of v and a is a treat alone (pictured)

A green oasis in Hackney, offering affordable, beautiful plants. A jungle full of inspiration. (Pic from meltingbutter.com)

If they only could mend me like they mend my shoes. A three generation family business with its origin on Cyprus via Fifth Avenue, New York. They can do magic. I have been going there since I moved to London 12 years ago. One day soon I am going to have them make me a brand new pair of brogues. I will design the holes.

In between soho and covent garden. There ares lots of great independent shops on this street. Dover bookshop, magma, super superficial and Mint to name a few. Also if you want a cheap lunch on your work break Cafe No.1 is amazing. £2.50 jacket potatoes with cheese and beans.

The warehouse in Stockwell has an extensive range of papers and boards, the perfect place to source the ideal surface for drawing or printing. Knowledgeable and helpful staff make John Purcell’s the best place to stock up on art papers in London.