The warehouse in Stockwell has an extensive range of papers and boards, the perfect place to source the ideal surface for drawing or printing. Knowledgeable and helpful staff make John Purcell’s the best place to stock up on art papers in London.

Full of fine books, nice owner and his beautiful mellow dog. If you like digging for books on most subjects you can strike lucky here.

Inspired by Dave Eggers’ projects in the USA such as the Pirate Store in San Francisco and Superhero store in Brooklyn, The Monster Supplies Store in Hoxton is home to the Ministry of Stories: A volunteer run organization, founded by Nick Hornby, to help young people with creative writing of all kinds through workshops and free mentoring sessions. The store is the “Purveyor of quality goods for monsters of every kind” with fascinating bottles and tins containing everything from eyeballs to Zadie Smith’s short story Mortal Terror.

One of the few remaining bastions of alternative Soho, The Crobar is a metal bar which attracts a friendly crowd and serves a top selection of beer and whisky

A contemporary café, great for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, on the top floor of Dover Street Market, just of Picadilly Circus.