The nicest little shop for ceramics and glassware. The selection is lovingly curated by the shop's owner Momoko Mizutani who has impeccable taste.

The best magazine store in London! MagCulture stocks around 600 independent magazines from all over the world. They always have the latest issue of everything and you will ALWAYS find something you've never heard of before. Make sure you visit on PAY-DAY, as there is a good chance you'll walk away with a delicious new publication. 

Hidden away in the backstreets of Finsbury Park, I used to share a house opposite this pub, where it assumed the role as our second living room. A real north London gem, I still go there these days for the tree-house-like, leafy terraced beer garden, which is perfect for summer evenings.

Getting lost is an age old suggestion but a good one. Put away your cell phone or your A-Z and just wander around. I still do this regularly even though Ive lived here for nearly 10 years. London is a big city and it drip feeds you its secrets sometimes. You will come across things you wouldn't usually, in amongst the Starbucks and pret a mange there are some amazing sights. Just 'being' somewhere is a great experience and one no guide book can help you find.

Maybe an obvious choice, but the Barbican is always good. My favourite space in there is the curve gallery, last time I went was for Cory Arcangel's 'Beat the Champ'. I love the architecture, although not many people do. I think it was voted 'London's ugliest building' in 2003.