Epping Forest is a 2,400 hectares area of ancient woodland between Epping in the north and Wanstead in the south, straddling the border between Greater London and Essex. I tend to get off at Loughton Tube Station (Central Line), which is about 10–12min walk to the forest.

SOAS university has a small gallery space dedicated to exhibitions about Asia, Africa and the Middle East. There's a small but beautiful Japanese zen garden on the rooftop (currently closed for refurbishment)

There's something about this street, probably the fact that it's pedestrianised, that makes it feel like holidays. It also has a solid range of bars (Cafe Kick), restaurants (Berber & Q) and cafes (Brill) so is a good option for all times of the day. They have a quality variety of street food vendors operatin during the day, and fairy lights help it to come alive at night

The Princess Louise, was a Victorian Gin Palace, with mirror and tiles galore, segregated seating and extraordinary urinals. With pints of beer just over £2 you're laughing. It gets packed so we come for a lunchtime pint.

Cosy little restaurant with a giant kitchen island unit in the centre which doubles as a display and seating area. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on fermenting.