I didn’t know it existed until I moved to Brixton. Brockwell Park has been a revelation to me, it’s beautiful with many secrets. Check out the outdoor theatre in the summer up by the old house - Midsummer Night’s Dream last year on a midsummer’s night was astoundingly good.
There are many quirky book stores in London, but I really love the selection that Daunt Books have, they often have bespoke editions which you won't find in other book stores. Also, the people that work there are so helpful and knowledgable. I can never stop myself from walking in!
This is a completely unexpected scenario in the heart of Shoreditch. The entrance is seamless, a standard corner-shop-type with a narrow door, leading downstairs to a peculiar setting in the basement. The drinks are carefully selected and mixed. There is always something to experiment that doesn’t disappoint.
Lots of traditional charming country pubs around the area, but it can a bit hit and miss. A really friendly one with amazing food (and a unusually large veggie selection…) is the Beehive in Epping Green; close to the Great Wood. It's friendly enough you dare going there by yourself with the paper and are not at the mercy of local rubbernecks ("the rubberneck" = person who stares at strangers without any sign of guilt)
My friend Guillaume opened the swankiest rooftop in London that still feels like a house party. Louie is a French-Creole restaurant, live jazz music venue and oyster bar too.