Epping Forest is a 2,400 hectares area of ancient woodland between Epping in the north and Wanstead in the south, straddling the border between Greater London and Essex. I tend to get off at Loughton Tube Station (Central Line), which is about 10–12min walk to the forest.

A beautifully curated mix of plants from mature palms to microscopic succulents. It is impossible to leave empty-handed.

My favourite library when I was a student, I still love to wander and look up to its Renaissance sculptures. 

Audiophile paradise. Boasting one of the coolest looking and beautifully crafted sound-systems I've ever seen. More listening bar than club, it has a low key vibe with a diverse roaster of talented DJ's spinning an eclectic mix of tunes and full albums.

The second coffee shop has to be Kaffeine. Having only recently come across this one, I was certainly impressed and they may even have the best coffee I've had, since a short stay in Portland, Oregon.