Brilliant Corners...Great sound system, vinyl only, dancing, left field, fourth world, jazz, afro, and some refreshing cocktails to help with all the sweating. Probably the only place i will actually dance in. They also do amazing Japanese food earlier in the evening.

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

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.

Its been my high street for the last 20years. On a sunny day its full of colors, lots of soul and plenty of bargains. Don't go by what you hear, come and check it out for yourself.

Being an East London boy at heart I am partial to an occasional fix of café culture. Pellici's has been running since the start of the last century, to which me, my father and my father's fathers have all enjoyed its mix of tasty Italian/London grub and energetic atmosphere. If you're visiting, make sure you drop by, as it will provide a valuable, forever-depleting education into what East London is really all about.