Whipps Cross flats next to Hollow Pond boating lake is where I run. A perfect antidote to the chaos in the city.

Probably my favourite building in the city, and right in the heart of it. There are always interesting events happening here, across art and music, and you can drink in the courtyard during summer

Best spot for breakfast, lunch and people watching on Regent's Canal in East London.

I love this building and always visit if I’m in the area to look at their great window displays, travel up in the beautiful wood paneled lift and wander down the creaky oak staircase. The exterior and interior woodwork is from two old Men-of-War ships, the flooring made from their deck timbers. I normally head straight to the fabric department to see what new seasonal prints they have in, though only buy a metre’s worth so not quite sure what I’ll ever make from them. My most treasured prints are those designed by Grayson Perry of polluted factories, teddy bears, knuckle-dusters and hand grenades. They also sell oversized gift coins produced by the Royal Mint and packaged beautifully in a velvet pouch, which appeal to my love of all things out-sized.

Great little independent bookshop in central London run by Tamsin Clark. Weird and wonderful selection of photo books, magazines, artist books, poetry and more.