The closest you can get to Little Italy in the east. The owners are amazing, the atmosphere is relaxed, the lunches are abundant and homemade. The cakes are amazing, try Torta Clara (pear and chocolate) for the ultimate bliss.

A place that really grows on you, with each visit the Barbican reveals more of itself to you and your bond is tightened. The Barbican Kitchen is great for coffee or lunch, summer hangouts by the ponds, cinema in winter, the amazing Barbican Hall for live music, and don't miss the conservatory.

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. 

One of my favourite places to snoop around is the food market open on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It's always bustling with crowds so great for people watching. You can get the best of anything here which is why it's hard to resist spending a small fortune.

The most beautiful contemporary gallery in London aptly named White Cube, the space is an artwork in itself. Its portfolio of artists and exhibition programme is top of the league, always presented as with style and grace as the space itself. Photograph by Paul Riddle