Every year I take my 25 year old mini on the London to Brighton run. The views from the start line are always worth the 4AM wake-up.

A beautifully curated mix of plants from mature palms to microscopic succulents. It is impossible to leave empty-handed.

Being an East London boy at heart I am partial to an occasional fix of café culture. Pellici's has been running since the start of the last century, to which me, my father and my father's fathers have all enjoyed its mix of tasty Italian/London grub and energetic atmosphere. If you're visiting, make sure you drop by, as it will provide a valuable, forever-depleting education into what East London is really all about.

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.

Nice place for a cake and coffee.