Epping Forest is a 2,400 hectares area of ancient woodland between Epping in the north and Wanstead in the south, straddling the border between Greater London and Essex. I tend to get off at Loughton Tube Station (Central Line), which is about 10–12min walk to the forest.

A peaceful park in Kingston Upon Thames. You can see lovely houses and gardens across the river. It's a wonderful place where you can take a rest with your family or friends. I recommend you to take a walk after having lunch or dinner in riverside restaurants near to the park. It's not big, however, very enough to feel the beauty of nature. I've done some location drawings here which was quite exciting. Just seat on a bench and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere. 

Every year I take my 25 year old mini on the London to Brighton run. The views from the start line are always worth the 4AM wake-up.

Westerns Laundry is a restaurant and wine bar (natural wine) in a converted laundrette that does brilliant small plates (focus on seafood).

The closest you can get to Little Italy in the east. The owners are amazing, the atmosphere is relaxed, the lunches are abundant and homemade. The cakes are amazing, try Torta Clara (pear and chocolate) for the ultimate bliss.