Imogen Kwok

This Greek spot has a bit more of a party vibe than Mazi, thanks to a late-night bar downstairs. Here, the Greek salad features great slabs of barrel-aged feta sitting on top of skinned tomatoes, while piles of soutzoukakia meatballs are warmly spiced. There are also dishes that owe almost nothing to Greece such as truffle chips and yellowtail served with dashi, but we love it regardless. A chic space with agave cocktails in the basement that will guarantee a good night.

Run, don't walk to Layla Bakery. From their seasonal specials - including a blood orange pistachio danish, or an earl grey meyer lemon - to the classics, Layla Bakery is the neighborhood spot of Ladbroke Grove. Sit on the patio on a sunny day and watch the people go by. 

Perilla's interiors have us hooked, but it's not until we have the first mouthful of the panisse with roast garlic yogurt and salsa verde that we truly understand why this spot in Newington Green has become the neighbourhood buzz. Expect a warm welcome, a fabulously cool vibe, great food and some stellar wines.

Blue Mountain School is very much an interdisciplinary space. Perhaps at first glance almost impossible to narrow down what exactly this six floor, vast silver block designed by architects Christie Fels and James Brown is. Truth is, it's a little bit of everything. Find great exhibitions, fashion and design stores, and plenty of spots for a delicious lunch or dinner. 

Walk by for a spontaneous lunch, or head for a weekend rendezvous with friends and family; Sông Quê Café always has a buzz. Offering some of the finest vietnamese cuisine one can find in the streets of Shoreditch, this place has us hooked. 

Inside a former Victorian warehouse in Bloomsbury is a non-profit gallery from young art lover Alex Petalas, which aims to showcase contemporary artists at pivotal moments in their career. Previous solo exhibitors have included Carmen Herrera and Sarah Lucas. A little less known and all the better for it, this is one of the few galleries on our list you need to book.

Find them in Athens, and Londoners rejoice as Hot Wheels has made it to the artistic centre of London! Within one of Bloomsbury's old town houses find exceptional curations of contemporary works from a gallery that is paving the way. 

Phillida Reid exhibits interdisciplinary works (from canvas, photography, to video) which represent 13 international artists. If you're looking for a creative space which is continually testing and experimenting with boundaries, then this is the spot for you. 

If you want the vision of Hugh Grant strolling through the market stalls, greeting all of the locals, picking up his mid-morning caffeine fix to become a reality, head to Notting Hill Farmers' Market. Find everything from wild mushrooms, fresh pastas, chutneys, cheeses, local honey, bouquets to fresh fruit and veg.

Founded in 1850 by Charles Lidgate, it's safe to say this butcher shop is as steeped in history as it gets. Committed to providing only the finest, ethically-sourced, wholly organic meats, expect only the best at this iconic spot. One tip: try a pie.