I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.

Love to visit this place at least once every couple of months, can't afford most of the stuff but at least I can take a picture of myself wearing just for a few seconds this beautiful Comme des Garçons Mickey Mouse Hat!

I worked at the Barbican for several years and during that time became very fond of its architecture. One of my favourite spaces within the centre is the conservatory, a giant tropical garden in the middle of a concrete city.

Biblioteka is a library that collects and makes publicly available artists' books, photography books, zines, ephemera and publications on architecture and design. They operate as an experimental library space exploring what a library could be. After running 3 spaces in Kyiv, Ukraine their collection is now based in London, UK.

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.