The best place for a glass of wine*. It's the perfect balance – not too formal, not too informal either. Food is consistently good. Lamb's Conduit Street is a little oasis in the midst of Bloomsbury. (*slightly overpriced)

Looking for books on Sound Art, Photography, Art or Cultural Theory? Then Conor Donlon's bookshop is the place to go. Supplying printed matter for a variety of tastes this delightful shop has a lot to offer. Ranging from fanzines and fashion magazines to books on underground culture, artists writings and sheer bizarre booklets on uncommon sexual practices, this engaging shop has something for everyone. Conor also deals in rare and out of print books and John Waters is a frequent customer. If you come soon you might just be in time to pick up one of John Waters signed copies of: 'Role Models'.

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)

A multi-disciplinary art and project space in White City. Designed by architects Liddicoat and Goldhill, Elephant West is a new venture from Elephant Magazine - an online and print art publication

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.