I am definitely not precious about the materials I use to make my work, but every so often I find myself in need of something more specialised. L.Cornelissen & Son is a beautiful and well stocked art supply shop with extremely knowledgable staff.
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
Not the most exciting place inside, but a lovely rooftop area which not all that many people seem to know about, 2 mins walk from Old St station. If it's packed then The Red Lion is just up the road.