Representing names such as Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei and Anish Kapoor, Lisson is up there with the most influential of London’s commercial galleries. Split over two sites in Marylebone, it’s slightly cut off from the Mayfair scene but true art enthusiasts are happy to travel for its always thought-provoking shows. Entry to the gallery for exhibitions is free.

It might take you a minute or two to find Dinings, but the little hunt makes the experience of...ahem...dining at Dinings all the more delicious. They have a tight menu of delicate Japanese sharing plates and creative sushi that's sure to delight.

Head out of the back of Paddington Station and you’ll emerge into the network on canals that leads to the charming neighbourhood of Little Venice, just to the north. Right opposite the steps find Darcie and May Green, two converted double decker barges brightly decorated by artist Peter Blake. Darcie is home to the kitchen offering a menu of classic Aussie-style brunch and diner classics through the day, May is the cute bar with full selection of classic and funked up cocktails. Both have an extensive list of Australasian wines by the glass or bottle. A table on the open top deck in the summer is a rare treat to watch the ducks and commuters pass by. As you’d expect from an Aussie outpost, the coffee is excellent, the wines big and the welcome warm. 

This converted barge on the Regent’s Canal just behind Paddington is on a mission to share the best in British cheese, pairing a thoughtfully curated array of the best artisanal cheese from around the country with beautifully made condiments, pickles and fancies and a European wine menu to match. Thursday evening from November to March are set menu cheese fondue nights, English cheese’s answer to the Alpine goo, with pickles, cauliflower and truffled mushrooms for dipping.