There are very few better places to be on a summer's day than the massive beer garden at People’s Park Tavern on Victoria Park

Great little neighbourhood hangout. Delicious food, good coffee and open evenings Thursday-Saturday. Next to the Sylvanian Family shop! 

Lots of traditional charming country pubs around the area, but it can a bit hit and miss. A really friendly one with amazing food (and a unusually large veggie selection…) is the Beehive in Epping Green; close to the Great Wood. It's friendly enough you dare going there by yourself with the paper and are not at the mercy of local rubbernecks ("the rubberneck" = person who stares at strangers without any sign of guilt)

Hotter than hell, but always a good night had. It can be whatever you want it to be - restaurant, pub, or club, has good outside space and rentable rooms, and plays an interesting mix of music to an interesting mix of people. The building is actually kinda beautiful too.

Get on the list for tickets and surprise someone who will appreciate the 'village of books' upstairs in particular.