The Hayward Gallery in Southbank center has held my favourite exhibitions in London and each time they are extremely well curated. Definitely a place to visit !

My favourite no-frills Malaysian restaurant and takeaway hidden away in a basement. Expect to queues for up to 30–40min, but well worth the wait.

The Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library, mostly dealing with medecine and social history. The exhibitions are unusual and engaging, and the permanent collection includes bizarre items such as medieval masks and human remains.

This is my new local cafe. Healthy food, lovely people and great atmosphere. My favourites are the kyuri cleanse juice, the Avodon and the Joy's salad. Great place for meetings too.

Lots of traditional charming country pubs around the area, but it can a bit hit and miss. A really friendly one with amazing food (and a unusually large veggie selection…) is the Beehive in Epping Green; close to the Great Wood. It's friendly enough you dare going there by yourself with the paper and are not at the mercy of local rubbernecks ("the rubberneck" = person who stares at strangers without any sign of guilt)