Some places are better to be left a secret. This one e.g.

If you like some nice cool beer, portuguese sweets (the once with yellow custard inside) tasty and affordable sandwiches, good strong coffee and football, at all hours. Max Snack Bar is worth checking out.

A very charming little shop with an amazing selection of spices, herbs and grains all stored in glass jars NO PLASTIC! :) You can also buy just the jars if you want to, they are really nice too. Finally a zero waste grocery store in the area. Thank you Charles!!

London has great green spaces. There are large royal parks and small public gardens, hidden allotments and roof terraces. Each one has its own identity and characteristics and everyone has their favourite. In summer they become extensions of people homes, you see girls sunbathing from 9 am and the endless picnics mean you can eat 3 meals a day in the park. My favourites - St James Piccadilly Gardens, Hyde Park, Barbican Conservatory.

I love swimming and I love being outside. London is great if your into both these things. I swim at London Fields Lido which is heated all year round. Its best in the winter when the steam rises from the water and if your lucky its snowing a little on your head. If your brave you can also go for the unheated option of the Serpentine or Hampstead Ponds.