The Barbican is worth visiting for it's brutalist architecture alone. The concert programming is really diverse; it's home to the BBC Syphony Orchestra, but you'll also find bands like the Dirty Projectors and the National amongst the classical and contemporary composer line up. Plenty of art, dance and theatre too, however, the Conservatory is the real gem that's not to be missed.

Behind Markfield Beam Engine is the River Lee which travels from the Chiltern Hills all the way to the Thames via Tottenham Hale. There is a special light along this stretch of the river possibly due to there being about 10 massive reservoirs behind the levee on the other side of the river, offering an amazing sense of space. A great place to walk, cycle and feed the ducks, swans, geese and coots.

It has such a special vibe, it is very near Columbia Road and Broadway Market It is surprising to find a farm in the middle of the city! Very recommended having English Breakfast there :)

The Nightingale is the antithesis of the hundreds of soulless gastropubs that a lot of decent pubs have recently become and remains everything a proper pub should be. Britain's pubs haven't had it easy lately. The smoking ban and the general effects of the recession have hammered the industry hard. The Nightingale continues to be what it has always been, a proper pub at the heart of the local community. Its annual charity walk has raised nearly £500,000 for good causes in over 30 years and it seems determined to do the things a pub should do and do them properly. Once inside you feel like you could be in a country pub instead of in the middle of South London. There's no jukebox and the TV is hardly ever on, but there’s a great atmosphere with a good set of locals and good drink and food. Bliss.

Natural wine bar and shop in east London with communal table and standing space.