Whipps Cross boating lake is a true hidden East end gem. Located on Whipps Cross flats midway between Walthamstow and Wanstead.

It is one of the most important business centres in London. Crowded of suits at daytime, perfectly deserted at night. It is so striking relaxing to walk in there enjoying the silence and the lights! It makes you feel pleasantly far from reality.

SOAS university has a small gallery space dedicated to exhibitions about Asia, Africa and the Middle East. There's a small but beautiful Japanese zen garden on the rooftop (currently closed for refurbishment)

One of my favourite places to snoop around is the food market open on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It's always bustling with crowds so great for people watching. You can get the best of anything here which is why it's hard to resist spending a small fortune.

Turkish food meets Heavy Metal. Lee Tiernan's (ex St John Bread & Wine Head Chef) experimental take on Turkish cuisine. Flatbreads, offal, squid ink, cod roe & foie gras doughnuts. Expect the unexpected.