On a hot day there is nothing better to do in London then go for a swim in the Heath ponds. You get completely transported you out of the city as Hampstead feels like being in the countryside except you're in central London?!

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)

At first a memory of an old relationship, it quickly became my favourite market. Major highlight for the gin tasting with rosemary on a sunny Sunday afternoon. 

A gallery with a great program of young emerging artists

Just down the road from where I live is this Art Deco cinema where mainly locals go. Watching films and sitting in this old theatre really adds another level to the experience.