Even if you have seen it hundreds of times it will still stop you in your tracks. A great piece of architecture and apparently the largest brick structure in Europe.

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)

Biblioteka is a library that collects and makes publicly available artists' books, photography books, zines, ephemera and publications on architecture and design. They operate as an experimental library space exploring what a library could be. After running 3 spaces in Kyiv, Ukraine their collection is now based in London, UK.

Classic, wood-panelled boozer with banquettes and bar stools, plus a pool table. Situated close to Goldsmiths, University of London. Vibe: Art School meets Football Fan meets Mark E Smith.

An obvious choice but no 'best of London' list is complete without the Barbican