My favourite local beer garden.

The majority of the shows I tend to go to are in East London so it was refreshing to be invited to a show opening at a gallery in the centre of London and I have to say the caliber of the work is astounding. I don’t think I’ve been to a single on of their shows without being inspired in someway, definitely worth checking out.

I’ve always been very fond of the ICA and its maverick spirit, less so in the latter part of this decade. These days the place is magnetic. To feel this incredible and unique place for arts and expression, breathing, breathing invigoratively, is rewarding to a London dweller or/and visitor. Its incredible transformation, revived from near death by Stefan Kalmár, is felt as soon as you enter the space, it feels open and alive, with vibrant and human energy in staff and visitors; risky, independent, engaging, resounding, and topical to our times programming, which is focused on breaking barriers in imagination an intellect rather than visitor record numbers. It is a breath of fresh air and an example what London art institutions are capable of if they open themselves to welcoming in an outsider and their passionate vision. And they have the best membership in town!   

A gift from Kyoto - a beautiful hidden Japanese garden in Holland Park 

My favourite record shop in London. Old-school record store stocks eclectic blues, dance, soul, reggae and global music on vinyl and CD.