Whipps Cross flats next to Hollow Pond boating lake is where I run. A perfect antidote to the chaos in the city.

You could call me biased, given this is the 3rd Highbury restaurant in my list, but if you're doing so then you've clearly never tried the Biang Biang Noodles at this unassuming little BYOB gem

One of the few newsagents in London with the widest selection of specialist international fashion, media, art and design magazines. Just off Portobello Road.

J+A is a hidden and unpretentious café/ bar just off busy Clerkenwell Road - with outdoor seating!

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.