A short walk from Oxford Circus tube station, Kaffeine is easily one of the best coffee houses in London. Whenever I'm working in the area I pop in beforehand to kick start my day with a well-made cappuccino.
The AA is Britain's oldest school of architecture, but anyone can take advangte of the great work going on there. You can catch really interesting public lectures and free exhibitions throughout the year. There are also occasional installations and event launches, a bijoux cafe and brilliant bookshop. A great place to hang out with the builders of the future.
A non-profit organisation, Raven Row focuses on developing an engaging and intelligent contemporary art programme outside of the highly commercial London art scene. The gallery exhibits established international artists alongside those whose work is often overlooked by the mainstream venues.
The Hayward Gallery in Southbank center has held my favourite exhibitions in London and each time they are extremely well curated. Definitely a place to visit !