Apart from the fact that its building is worth a visit by itself as it's the only purpose-built stable that functioned as a horse hospital within Central London that is still intact, it also offers some of the best underground and avant-garde culture in London. Aside from exhibitions, film screenings and music events it also houses 'The Contemporary Wardrobe Collection' which features vintage street fashion, couture items and accessories to the Film, TV and Fashion industries.

Fantastic selection of magazines ! 

The best live jazz band I ever heard was at a packed out night in Brilliant Corners. I was happy to be squashed.

It's a members-only library but you might be granted access with a research request. The writer's room is great but there's a few special, hidden corners among the bookshelves to tuck yourself away in.

The Barbican is worth visiting for it's brutalist architecture alone. The concert programming is really diverse; it's home to the BBC Syphony Orchestra, but you'll also find bands like the Dirty Projectors and the National amongst the classical and contemporary composer line up. Plenty of art, dance and theatre too, however, the Conservatory is the real gem that's not to be missed.