Warm summer nights should be spent in the high grass in Hampstead Heath above the ponds. For midsummer bring herring, snaps and songs and stay until sunrise!

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.

I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.

An intimate live music venue in Dalston with lots of underground and experimental music you won't find anywhere else in London.

The small East London bakery that made Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cake.