It's always been magical to press the discreet buzzer and walk into the quiet brick-walled garden of Rochelle Canteen, leaving gritty East London behind.

In an area full of chains, visit the family-run Crown Café. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches & their pastel de nata and they make a great cup of tea.

They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.

Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.

The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.

The Nickel Cinema is a 37-seat gem that revives NYC grindhouse spirit with little-known films and a vintage-filled bar. Unmissable for true film lovers!

A beloved East London classic, E Pellici offers hearty Italian–English food, strong coffee, and warm family-run charm to a lively mix of locals and visitors.

The seats are comfortable, the lighting dark & despite its clear disinterest in hyper-trendiness, after dark The Derby manifests a brilliant dive bar vibe.

With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.

"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...

"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!

"Richmond Hill" is my sunset-gazing of preference in London. The 20-minute train ride from Waterloo station is worth it for the view alone...