THE place for birthday presents and bookcases (mine was 50p).

This is an amazing place for the summer when the water gets pretty warm or the winter if you are very brave. The only downside is that it can get very crowded in the Mixed pool but the men’s pool is normally quiet and it has a diving board.

A station, a stop or two away from London sits a shop that is only open once or twice a year – its specialty are books but it also sells things.

I worked at the Barbican for several years and during that time became very fond of its architecture. One of my favourite spaces within the centre is the conservatory, a giant tropical garden in the middle of a concrete city.

A charming family-run restaurant offering a great selection of freshly made hand-rolled pasta. Delicious:p