Although my skating days are now over, Stockwell Skatepark located just behind Brixton Academy is one of the reasons I moved to Brixton. It’s an excellent place, lumpy and hectic but totally friendly with decent Portuguese coffee and cakes just next door.

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)

Classic independent cinema in the heart of Dalston. Good vibes and films. Support your local cinema!

You could call me biased, given this is the 3rd Highbury restaurant in my list, but if you're doing so then you've clearly never tried the Biang Biang Noodles at this unassuming little BYOB gem

A slice of Scandi in the heart of London. Great for lunch, with all the meatballs, salads and classic Scandi foods you could want, along with a great little deli shop too.