The best live jazz band I ever heard was at a packed out night in Brilliant Corners. I was happy to be squashed.

Great cosy place for anyone in need of cakes and pampering!

One of London's best kept secrets, Spiritual Bar is a small and super welcoming live music bar on a side road near Chalk Farm station. Always somehow busy but not too packed, they play host to most of London's best emerging blues, rock and folk musicians, and owner Raf is the nicest dude you could meet. And makes a serious mojito

Teeny, French cafe with amazing pastries, great coffee and incredible croque-monsieur. Long table in the front and small garden in the back or take away and head to Highbury Fields, which is only a couple of minutes away.  

A taste of Portuguese cafe culture on Golborne Road.