A short walk from Oxford Circus tube station, Kaffeine is easily one of the best coffee houses in London. Whenever I'm working in the area I pop in beforehand to kick start my day with a well-made cappuccino.

Kind of secret, dark, intimate cocktail bar in Soho. Really easy to cozy up on a couch and stay there all night.

A great place to wander get lost and and escape the city.

The Thames is not traditionally the prettiest river but it has its moments. Here it is turning pink in a sunset this summer. Its the reason the city is here and I like how in moments of real importance it rises to the occasion. For the golden Jubilee the queen floated down it with hundreds of boats, it was an amazing sight, like vikings setting out for battle. Good river spots - North Bank Savoy Gardens, Royal Festival Hall.

Nice old trees, lots of space, good for walking, running, hanging out with your kids and most of all, the perfect place to lie in the grass and chill out.