I couldn't decide which coffee shop to feature so here's the first, Store Street Espresso. It's right round the corner from work and a great place to chill out at lunch time and get that kick for the afternoon. Compared with the other independent coffee shops in the area (Wild & Wood/Lantana/Tapped & Packed) the interior's minimal and light which is great. Anyway coffee's really good and so is the food.

Quick, easy, cheap thai food. It's fairly new to me, but easily makes this list.

An intimate live music venue in Dalston with lots of underground and experimental music you won't find anywhere else in London.

It's a members-only library but you might be granted access with a research request. The writer's room is great but there's a few special, hidden corners among the bookshelves to tuck yourself away in.

My favourite park in town. They have a small Japanese garden and areas marked off for joggers. Well organised space.