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.

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.

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.

If they only could mend me like they mend my shoes. A three generation family business with its origin on Cyprus via Fifth Avenue, New York. They can do magic. I have been going there since I moved to London 12 years ago. One day soon I am going to have them make me a brand new pair of brogues. I will design the holes.

Open until late night.  Make sure to sit down for the best hand pulled noodles