Heaven in the heart of ugly Vauxhall. This peaceful and enchanting spot used to be squatted and has a very bohemian feel to it. Don't miss the secret garden with mosaics made of cups and plates. The food in the Italian deli is delish, a guy called Richard cooks it.

A traditional English pub with a great atmosphere and friendly staff, this is the perfect place to start or end your night. The pub is full of character and very intimate, whether you want to drink with your friends on own your own, you are bound to talk with some of the friendly locals and I’ve never had a bad night there.

I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.

The most special and charming cinema (probably most deprived too) in London. A place to catch a classic or a new release. You can get a lifetime membership for £50, weekly £1 member screenings. A place where staff are as passionate about pictures as its visitors. A must visit for movie buffs.

Founded in 1828 the museum houses around 67,000 specimens many of which are now extinct or endangered. My favorite is the skull of a Bottlenose Whale from 1860.