I worked at the Barbican for several years and during that time became very fond of its architecture. One of my favourite spaces within the centre is the conservatory, a giant tropical garden in the middle of a concrete city.

A walled secret garden, the Physic Garden is like a time capsule, founded in 1673 to allow apprentices of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London to study the healing properties of plants, it is now a living museum. Tours are offered by volunteers with immense knowledge of botany and the cultural history of the garden or visitors can wander the grounds alone and spot odd and fascinating plants such as the mystical Mandrake.

This is a very quiet Polish Club, which acts in sharp contrast with busy Exhibition Road.

This is the place where ghost pirates roam in times forgotten. Where great poems were once written. Everything has happened here. A few abandoned boats and much stillness. And an island in the middle. Most curious. Not much choice but to explore as far as your nerves will take you. Watch out for Zorro the dog.

A great club to see amazing performance from the funniest drag queens in the city. I have so much laugh and fun every time I am going.