Get on the list for tickets and surprise someone who will appreciate the 'village of books' upstairs in particular.

An obvious choice but no 'best of London' list is complete without the Barbican

Melrose and Morgan is a grocery shop and kitchen providing freshly prepared food and artisan products in the heart of Primrose Hill and Hampstead Village.

Truly independent and informed programming twinned with a beautiful Art Deco façade makes the Rio a genuinely unique and unpretentious cinema. A stalwart of Kingsland High Street the Rio’s single screen shows new releases, classic and quirky Sunday double bills and hosts special events and film festivals.

I love how much you are aware of the changing seasons out of the city; there are numerous beautiful forests around Hertfordshire to go for a run, a walk or have a picnic. One of the best destinations for a day out from London might be Northaw Great Wood. The main entrance is located on the Ridgeway, the B157 from Cuffley to Brookman's Park.