The Barbican has so much to offer! From beautiful architecture, to a conservatory, amazing art, films, music and performances. It is such an exciting and relaxing place to hang out. Even if you don't have a purpose for visiting the Barbican, it's good for just having a tea with a friend. 

There are very few better places to be on a summer's day than the massive beer garden at People’s Park Tavern on Victoria Park

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

Lots of traditional charming country pubs around the area, but it can a bit hit and miss. A really friendly one with amazing food (and a unusually large veggie selection…) is the Beehive in Epping Green; close to the Great Wood. It's friendly enough you dare going there by yourself with the paper and are not at the mercy of local rubbernecks ("the rubberneck" = person who stares at strangers without any sign of guilt)

I love living in cities with a river and the Thames is so wide! It is one of my favorite things about London.