Apart from the fact that its building is worth a visit by itself as it's the only purpose-built stable that functioned as a horse hospital within Central London that is still intact, it also offers some of the best underground and avant-garde culture in London. Aside from exhibitions, film screenings and music events it also houses 'The Contemporary Wardrobe Collection' which features vintage street fashion, couture items and accessories to the Film, TV and Fashion industries.

I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.

There are very few better places to be on a summer's day than the massive beer garden at People’s Park Tavern on Victoria Park

Raisin bread and sausage rolls; plus madeleines, palmiers, financiers, croissants, and cinnamon buns for breakfast with a Parisian jazz soundtrack

Every year I take my 25 year old mini on the London to Brighton run. The views from the start line are always worth the 4AM wake-up.