One of the best places in the world to see left field, experimental and creative new music which sits outside the realm of the mainstream. It should be cherished. I wish i went more often...Some highlights of mine include Midori Takada and Acid Mothers Temple.

 Great sourdough bread, beautiful pastries and Roman-style pizza slices. 

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.

The Thai food scene in London is in an incredible place right now, with the likes of The Smoking Goat, Som Saa, The Begging Bowl and Farang all offering an experimental and delicious take on the cuisine. I'm focusing on the later a) because it's my local and b) because it's helmed by Seb Holmes, who's also cheffed at those others mentioned, and has managed to bring the best of all of them to Farang. Oh and c) the Gai Prik is probably the tastiest dish in London

If you are lucky enough to get a table at this tiny 6 table only Café you are in for a real treat. The coffee is great, the cakes are delicious and the staff is friendly in this traditional wifi free (meaning no wifi here) Café. On a quiet day this is the best place to delve into your favourite novel while being caressed by the easy listening aural pleasure of Classic FM. But the real reason I come here is to overhear the conversations of the other customers. More than once did I have to put my book aside to pay closer attention to the charming, wonderful and often nuts conversations going on around me. I've overheard all sorts of discussions varying from 'Psychoanalysis' to 'Proustian ideas', 'Science Fiction' to 'Greek Mythology' and 'African Studies' to 'the takeover of DC Comics'.