Petersham Nurseries Cafe is an idyllic spot tucked within the main restaurant at the Nurseries. After brunch, go for a stroll in nearby Richmond Park. Ah, England!

Richmond isn’t exactly a part of London we go to every single day, but there are some things (say, Richmond Park!) that make it well worth the trek no matter where you’re coming from in the city. Kiss the Hippo is one of those places. It’s a fab neighbourhood spot & a true coffee lovers’ destination all rolled into one. 

One of London’s smallest theatres may be out on its own in the south-west but its fierce commitment to new writing means that it is adored by locals and deemed worth travelling to within thespian circles. The intimate stage is surrounded by seating on all sides and famous runs have included Alistair McDowall’s whacky dystopian Pomona, which transferred to the National Theatre. Grab a drink at The Cricketers on Richmond Green and stroll over. A super-civilised ticket to book.

Beautiful Barnes, with its big houses, has never really been a destination for food. So the arrival of this spruced-up pub from burger king, Patty & Bun founder Joe Grossmann, was an instant hit with locals. In the kitchen is a former Camberwell Arms head chef, so it’s no surprise that the confit chicken legs and braised beef-shin hotpots are top-notch. Even better, it’s one of the few pubs where the burger stands up to those in dedicated joints. Book for lunch on the upstairs terrace for river views.