There are libraries full of screaming children and strip lighting, and then there are libraries like The London Library. Whenever I’m there it’s hard to believe I’m not caught inside a wonderful dream, because everything about this place is so perfect as to be almost unreal.

It paces a Londoner's life. When the tide is low I like wandering on the "beach" and discovering tunnels that take me to the centre of the Earth.

Sit. Drink coffee. Buy Leica. Leave penniless.

East London shop where you can find nice pieces from independent artists, nice presents or home decoration.

Key community arts centre, near to Shoreditch High St station. The cinema is handy and the music programming is solid, but they also host a variety of other interesting nights, most notably Jawdance, London’s (arguably) best spoken word night