Leila McAlister's grocery shop and café off Arnold Circus, Shoreditch. You can find the best of everything, from jars of horseradish to eggs and croissants.

My favourite library when I was a student, I still love to wander and look up to its Renaissance sculptures. 

Best spot for breakfast, lunch and people watching on Regent's Canal in East London.

The AA is Britain's oldest school of architecture, but anyone can take advangte of the great work going on there. You can catch really interesting public lectures and free exhibitions throughout the year. There are also occasional installations and event launches, a bijoux cafe and brilliant bookshop. A great place to hang out with the builders of the future.

Arguably the best café in London – or at least East London – with an incredibly welcoming atmosphere, delicious array of food and drinks, and hypnotising views to Broadway Market. Visit early in the mornings, for a roque-monsieur at lunch, or to get lost in their cheese selection at the market stalls on Saturday. Warning: addiction likely to occur.