Great beer and whisky selection, a friendly crowd, and top quality music programming upstairs, you can't go wrong with The Lexington

I worked at the Barbican for several years and during that time became very fond of its architecture. One of my favourite spaces within the centre is the conservatory, a giant tropical garden in the middle of a concrete city.

Everyone who works at Daunt Books seems to have the answer to any question you might have, watching my large dog carefully navigate their narrow aisles is always fun too.

Just above the Dorfman Theatre lobby at the National Theatre, is the entrance to the high-level walkway, a public walkway that overlooks the National Theatre props and scenic workshop. It's free and is a unique chance to get a glimpse of what happens backstage. I love popping in when I'm on the south bank, as you get a completely different sight each time, depending on which production the workshops are working on at the time.

Walthamstow Wetlands are London's largest urban wetland nature reserve, home to many wildlife species. Only 15min from central London. The cafe is open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.