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.

The second coffee shop has to be Kaffeine. Having only recently come across this one, I was certainly impressed and they may even have the best coffee I've had, since a short stay in Portland, Oregon.

This is an amazing place for the summer when the water gets pretty warm or the winter if you are very brave. The only downside is that it can get very crowded in the Mixed pool but the men’s pool is normally quiet and it has a diving board.

Get on the list for tickets and surprise someone who will appreciate the 'village of books' upstairs in particular.

The Party Superstore was/is my absolute favourite London shop until it was bizarrely attacked and gutted during the summer London riots. They have been since adopted as a concession by the local Debenhams but you can still savour the full delights of the products and nonsense on line.