The oldest public art gallery in London also is my local gallery in my neighbourhood. Opposite to the Dulwich Park where I walked with my puppy regularly. They have great collections of Dutch paintings as well. My husband found the original Dutch painting of the print at his home he was growing up with.

I couldn't decide which coffee shop to feature so here's the first, Store Street Espresso. It's right round the corner from work and a great place to chill out at lunch time and get that kick for the afternoon. Compared with the other independent coffee shops in the area (Wild & Wood/Lantana/Tapped & Packed) the interior's minimal and light which is great. Anyway coffee's really good and so is the food.

A beautiful old school bookshop, floor to ceiling photo books. Heaven.

I’ve always been very fond of the ICA and its maverick spirit, less so in the latter part of this decade. These days the place is magnetic. To feel this incredible and unique place for arts and expression, breathing, breathing invigoratively, is rewarding to a London dweller or/and visitor. Its incredible transformation, revived from near death by Stefan Kalmár, is felt as soon as you enter the space, it feels open and alive, with vibrant and human energy in staff and visitors; risky, independent, engaging, resounding, and topical to our times programming, which is focused on breaking barriers in imagination an intellect rather than visitor record numbers. It is a breath of fresh air and an example what London art institutions are capable of if they open themselves to welcoming in an outsider and their passionate vision. And they have the best membership in town!   

Everyone should visit this absurd restaurant once in their lifetime. Its over-priced, mediocre food but the decor and ambiance is like nothing else in theatrics and campery. You are met on arrival by a white velour 'napkin' artfully screwed up on your diner plate. Absorbent, not? Fabulously awful, yes.