The best live jazz band I ever heard was at a packed out night in Brilliant Corners. I was happy to be squashed.

Getting lost is an age old suggestion but a good one. Put away your cell phone or your A-Z and just wander around. I still do this regularly even though Ive lived here for nearly 10 years. London is a big city and it drip feeds you its secrets sometimes. You will come across things you wouldn't usually, in amongst the Starbucks and pret a mange there are some amazing sights. Just 'being' somewhere is a great experience and one no guide book can help you find.

It paces a Londoner's life. When the tide is low I like wandering on the "beach" and discovering tunnels that take me to the centre of the Earth.

Best Udon in London, with an exceptional specials board. The head chef Shuko Oda opened the first restaurant in Soho 11 years ago, and they now have restaurants in the City and on Broadway market. Great for kids, our son loves the Mackerel udon.

Favorite pub in East London. The food is good, as well. Nice to go in the evening after a stroll through London fields or the Broadway market shops