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

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.

A beautiful, neon-fronted, old school, single-screen cinema on Upper St. That anyone would choose to go to the Vue just up the road is baffling

A special place, a shop which is like a museum, worth popping in to feel the humanness and heritage of London. And if you are looking for rope, compass or any sailing supplies, this is the place. There is no shop like it.