An obvious choice but no 'best of London' list is complete without the Barbican

There's something so quintessentially London about this hill. The network of paths and lines of lampposts leading you up to a view of the city that's at your fingertips.

The Roundhouse was built as a steam-engine repair shed in 1846, and then became a warehouse before falling into disuse for 25 years and reopening as a performing arts venue in 1964 hosting acts like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and Pink Floyd. It was redeveloped between 2004-2006 and is one of my favourite music venues in London; it’s a beautiful building, has a great sound and isn’t too huge so feels fairly intimate. Some highlights for me this year were The Flaming Lips, David Byrne & St.Vincent and the Timepiece installation by Conrad Shawcross.

I've been photographing the chefs of London's Chinatown for the past three years – both in the kitchen and in their breaks, smoking a quick cigarette. Most people come here for the many Chinese restaurants, but it's really the hub for the vibrant Chinese community in London.

The majority of the shows I tend to go to are in East London so it was refreshing to be invited to a show opening at a gallery in the centre of London and I have to say the caliber of the work is astounding. I don’t think I’ve been to a single on of their shows without being inspired in someway, definitely worth checking out.