Stationery, homewares and a few clothes. All simple classics.

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

Relaxed with character. Tiny garden at the back overlooked by Waterloo train station. Not sure if mother cat still lives there. Nice to go with friends or alone. Books. Good for a coffee and cake or a bottle of beer. Spiral staircase down to basement. One loo serves the place - tip - lock the door, don't just rely on the curtain and save an awkward encounter.  Photo credit: http://www.appletoothpaste.co.uk/2017/05/coffee-scooter-caffe-london.html

Teeny, French cafe with amazing pastries, great coffee and incredible croque-monsieur. Long table in the front and small garden in the back or take away and head to Highbury Fields, which is only a couple of minutes away.  

It's a members-only library but you might be granted access with a research request. The writer's room is great but there's a few special, hidden corners among the bookshelves to tuck yourself away in.