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.

A new farmers market for Golborne Road and Ladbroke Grove. With up to 30 stalls, there is everything from fish, meat, fruit, veg and bread, and plenty of lunch options too. Opens every Saturday from 9am to 2pm.

I love swimming and I love being outside. London is great if your into both these things. I swim at London Fields Lido which is heated all year round. Its best in the winter when the steam rises from the water and if your lucky its snowing a little on your head. If your brave you can also go for the unheated option of the Serpentine or Hampstead Ponds.

Excellent gallery. It has big rooms which often feature large pieces and admission is free.

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.