It's a members-only library but you might be granted access with a research request. The writer's room is great but there's a few special, hidden corners among the bookshelves to tuck yourself away in.

The Party Superstore was/is my absolute favourite London shop until it was bizarrely attacked and gutted during the summer London riots. They have been since adopted as a concession by the local Debenhams but you can still savour the full delights of the products and nonsense on line.

Leila McAlister's grocery shop and café off Arnold Circus, Shoreditch. You can find the best of everything, from jars of horseradish to eggs and croissants.

A brilliant little hidden gem of a place to relax and look at some interesting rare / Out of print books and Magazine. Their evening art events are also very special. Great atmosphere and great people.

Silo is UK's first zero-waste restaurant where everything has been designed with sustainability in mind.  Silo's approach is woven throughout the restaurant and its supply chain; from trading directly with farmers to composting any leftover scraps into compost.