This is the stuff nightmares are made of. Good nightmares. A perverse Aladdin's cave of treasure and artefacts.

Hidden away in the backstreets of Finsbury Park, I used to share a house opposite this pub, where it assumed the role as our second living room. A real north London gem, I still go there these days for the tree-house-like, leafy terraced beer garden, which is perfect for summer evenings.

I probably spend too much time here but I love it for the atmosphere. During the day it’s quite empty. The proprietor is often dozing in the back corner and you can read for hours with just one cup of tea without anyone bothering you. It picks up in the evenings as all the regulars pile in with pre-bought bottles of wine.

A residential estate that once housed 40,000 people which has now become an abandoned ghost town. Minutes away from Elephant & Castle, is an unexpected dystopian treat.

Travelling on these uncrowded river buses is such a relaxing way to see the city's landmarks from the Thames. A really quick and lesser-known way to travel from central London to Greenwich, especially on a sunny weekend.