I love the architecture of the Barbican - it is so important to its historical context, at a time when London was being shaped for modernity after the war - they also aspired to make it a bold art centre. We need bold, always. 

This is my favourite place to have a morning coffee in London. Its real chilled and the music is always perfectly set to welcome the day in, its usually something I have never heard before too. The coffee is good and the tip jar they have is the best tip jar in the world so make sure you bring a bag of pennies. Sit with your sketch book and have a lil think.

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

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This is a great, free and lesser known spot in London. A glass lift takes you up the side of st.Paul's cathedral right out onto the roof terrace of this shopping centre. A great view over London.