Get on the list for tickets and surprise someone who will appreciate the 'village of books' upstairs in particular.

Free natural ponds, open all year round (check online for varying opening hours according to seasons). Get an absolute get away feeling right in the heart of London, a treat if you enjoy swimming with ducks. Amazing park to enjoy a few games of cards and a walk around afterward too...

My favourite no-frills Malaysian restaurant and takeaway hidden away in a basement. Expect to queues for up to 30–40min, but well worth the wait.

Sager & Wilde is a small wine bar on Hackney Road, close to many other amazing places on Hackney and Columbia Road. The perfect place for an aperitif or a nightcap.

I couldn't decide which coffee shop to feature so here's the first, Store Street Espresso. It's right round the corner from work and a great place to chill out at lunch time and get that kick for the afternoon. Compared with the other independent coffee shops in the area (Wild & Wood/Lantana/Tapped & Packed) the interior's minimal and light which is great. Anyway coffee's really good and so is the food.