An obvious choice but no 'best of London' list is complete without the Barbican

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)

Not been in many years, but spent a large part of my childhood watching people row and sail back and forth. It freezes over in winter and in February 1893, Jack Selby drove a coach and four horses across the reservoir.

London has great green spaces. There are large royal parks and small public gardens, hidden allotments and roof terraces. Each one has its own identity and characteristics and everyone has their favourite. In summer they become extensions of people homes, you see girls sunbathing from 9 am and the endless picnics mean you can eat 3 meals a day in the park. My favourites - St James Piccadilly Gardens, Hyde Park, Barbican Conservatory.

A station, a stop or two away from London sits a shop that is only open once or twice a year – its specialty are books but it also sells things.