Quiet outdoor garden with bar and pizza meters away from the busy and vibrant Dalston main roads.

THE place for birthday presents and bookcases (mine was 50p).

Heaven in the heart of ugly Vauxhall. This peaceful and enchanting spot used to be squatted and has a very bohemian feel to it. Don't miss the secret garden with mosaics made of cups and plates. The food in the Italian deli is delish, a guy called Richard cooks it.

Lovely Japanese restaurant, secluded spot next to the canals. Amazing on sunny day

I love the architecture of the Barbican - it is so important to its historical context, at a time when London was being shaped for modernity after the war - they also aspired to make it a bold art centre. We need bold, always.