The Princess Louise, was a Victorian Gin Palace, with mirror and tiles galore, segregated seating and extraordinary urinals. With pints of beer just over £2 you're laughing. It gets packed so we come for a lunchtime pint.

Great night walks.

You would have seen the Brutalist towers and curves from afar. Upon entering the estate where the cultural centre is, you quickly realise the scale, the beauty and charm of this labyrinthine project. Barbican Centre's programming is top of the league across art, theatre, dance and music, both contemporary and classical, art forms. This place is an architectural and cultural institution boldly redefining the UK's cultural landscape.

Incredible building centred in the heart of London. Great for exhibitions, David Hockney is currently showing here.

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)