This is one of my favourite places in the whole of London.
Cernamic, run by Nam and Susi, they offer some fantastic workshops and at a very affordable price. They have really cultivated a welcoming environment, full of lovely people and a place to share and recieve knowledge.
'The People's Supermarket' offers an alternative to the conventional supermarket chains and focuses on community and local farming. Offering high quality, healthy food at reasonable prices and providing British produce where possible 'The People's Supermarket' highlights the possibilities of consumer power. Become a member and you will be entitled to an ownership stake in the store, which means you have a say in what they do. Membership also entitles you to a 10% discount on all purchases in the shop.
The Thames is not traditionally the prettiest river but it has its moments. Here it is turning pink in a sunset this summer. Its the reason the city is here and I like how in moments of real importance it rises to the occasion. For the golden Jubilee the queen floated down it with hundreds of boats, it was an amazing sight, like vikings setting out for battle. Good river spots - North Bank Savoy Gardens, Royal Festival Hall.
I grew up in Brighton which is full of cheesy bars like this. If you can handle being surrounded by multiple screens playing Kylie at full volume, its pretty much the cheapest bar in central london. The cliental is so varied its great for people watching and completely un pretentious.