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)

A charming family-run restaurant offering a great selection of freshly made hand-rolled pasta. Delicious:p

South London is largely underrated considering at times it's a treasure chest of gems; Battersea Park is one of those big sparkly ones. An interesting mix of faultlessly pruned gardens, displaced architecture, shape, form and colour generate a delightfully influential weekend stroll. With views of the almighty Battersea Power Station and the river dividing you from the Chelsea Embankment.

Beautiful gallery just off Bermondsey St, I've never been disappointed by what I've seen at White Cube

Specialising in photography & fashion books and magazines, this independent shop can be a goldmine for rare and out of print books. Also if you’re lucky you’ll meet Otis, the lovely pug-cross resident.