The Thames is not traditionally the prettiest river but it has its moments. Here it is turning pink in a sunset this summer. Its the reason the city is here and I like how in moments of real importance it rises to the occasion. For the golden Jubilee the queen floated down it with hundreds of boats, it was an amazing sight, like vikings setting out for battle. Good river spots - North Bank Savoy Gardens, Royal Festival Hall.

Sometimes when I wake up it feels like I am at sea watching a big ocean liner pass by. It is the view from my home in one of the two stepped concrete apartment blocks that make up the Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury. When you visit skip the chain stores of the shopping centre below (except for the excellent Renoir Cinema) and instead get an invitation to one of the small but gorgeous flats with their winter gardens or just wander through the spectacular concrete A frames and across the vast sun drenched terraces on podium level.

Colourful, crowded and charmingly bonkers café-cum-deli proudly located in Peckham. This little café inside Peckham’s Persian delicatessen, Persepolis, is a fun place serving fun food. Not many table to sit down so I would definitely recommend reserving a table a head.

Located in Camberwell College of Arts University. The etching room is spacious and has excellent natural light, perfect for fully engaging in this historically rich process. With knowledgeable technicians that show a clear understanding of their craft, this criminally under used workspace is a gem of South London.

Turkish food meets Heavy Metal. Lee Tiernan's (ex St John Bread & Wine Head Chef) experimental take on Turkish cuisine. Flatbreads, offal, squid ink, cod roe & foie gras doughnuts. Expect the unexpected.