The best thing about any charity shop is that you never know what you are going to find. I have a well tested route around London that includes all of my favourite charity shops. This Oxfam has a great selection of books and often turns up some interesting clothes too.

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.

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

Having spent many years studying there, I have a soft spot for Central Saint Martins, which finally closed in September 2011 when the college relocated to Kings Cross. Despite being such a dive, the old building had such history and character and I grew very fond of its tatty charms. As plans for its take over by Foyles bookshop go ahead, I look forward to having a coffee in the new building's cafe when it re-opens.

In 1936 Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists attempted to march through East London in what was an attempt at an intimidating show of strength. Like today, this area was home to a large number of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Jews. 300,000 people came out to oppose the march and blocked the route. The battle that followed was actually between the protesters and the police who tried to clear the route so that the march could take place. Seeing that they faced a losing battle and possibly a riot Mosley called off the march. The artist Dave Binnington began this mural in 1976 to commemorate that day, and it was eventually finished in 1982. The mural and the battle of Cable Street are both perfect examples of Britain at its very best.