A station, a stop or two away from London sits a shop that is only open once or twice a year – its specialty are books but it also sells things.

Tucked away down a cobbled alley behind Russell Square Station, The Horse Hospital, a converted stable, is a unique and totally independent arts space specialising in underground and experimental media. The gallery space itself (known as The Chamber of Pop Culture) houses unusual exhibitions, film screenings and other events.

A slice of Scandi in the heart of London. Great for lunch, with all the meatballs, salads and classic Scandi foods you could want, along with a great little deli shop too.

I rediscovered this place recently having not been for years and now I keep returning. The geological galleries are my favourites.

The thing I love most about London is the juxtaposition of urban and rural, and nowhere is this better illustrated than in Lea Valley Park. A genuine wilderness where I’ve seen everything from ponies, to a rogue Costco outlet, and all less than 20 minutes from my front door.