An obvious choice but no 'best of London' list is complete without the Barbican

THE place for birthday presents and bookcases (mine was 50p).

Great beer selection, good food, and the big screen in their beer garden makes the Abbey Tavern my favourite place in London to watch sport

The AA is Britain's oldest school of architecture, but anyone can take advangte of the great work going on there. You can catch really interesting public lectures and free exhibitions throughout the year. There are also occasional installations and event launches, a bijoux cafe and brilliant bookshop. A great place to hang out with the builders of the future.

Quick, easy, cheap thai food. It's fairly new to me, but easily makes this list.