Freelance photographer Liz Johnson Arthur has worked for everyone from Sunday Times, Observer magazine, ID, Dazed & Confused, the Face, Fader magazine. Toured with M.I.A, Blur, Seun Kuti and Lady Gaga to name a few, and during all this time her Black Balloon Archive has been growing and growing - with no end in sight.
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.
I can't pass without dropping in, Orcs Nest is a small independent boardgame, D&D etc store that's been around forever(1987)... and has the best logo. Good selection of games for younger kids too.
Love to visit this place at least once every couple of months, can't afford most of the stuff but at least I can take a picture of myself wearing just for a few seconds this beautiful Comme des Garçons Mickey Mouse Hat!
In between soho and covent garden. There ares lots of great independent shops on this street. Dover bookshop, magma, super superficial and Mint to name a few. Also if you want a cheap lunch on your work break Cafe No.1 is amazing. £2.50 jacket potatoes with cheese and beans.
Eccentric and surprising house and museum of architect Sir John Soane. Mostly unchanged since his death over 180 years ago, it is full of atmosphere. Also have spotlit, late night openings.