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)

A great walk down an old abandoned rail way from Finsbury Park to Highgate. Most of the original platforms are sill remaining so its an interesting place to explore...

Get on the list for tickets and surprise someone who will appreciate the 'village of books' upstairs in particular.

Favourite walk at night, especially in the summer.  Quite dramatic, very romantic. 

I love living in cities with a river and the Thames is so wide! It is one of my favorite things about London.