The Tate Britain on Millbank houses the world’s greatest collection of Turners – probably the UK’s best-loved artist. It’s also home to the annual Turner Prize. Prepare to spend a few hours gawking at all its treasures.

Sally Abé is iconic for many reasons, one of which is for creating this iconic spot. The Pem is a fine dining extravaganza though also instrumental in pioneering the movement to have more female chefs. 

Nicknamed London’s local theatre, this Waterloo not-for-profit is probably the most accessible arts space in London. The audience is 60 per cent first-time visitors but that doesn’t mean the plays aren’t hard-hitting. This is where Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and Maggie Smith first made their names. Laurence Olivier led the original National Theatre Company here and there is still a brilliantly academic team in charge of the programming – a show at The Old Vic is often deeply moving.

Formative founder Ian Kissick moved to London to study computer science but quickly found his calling in coffee. While he’s objectively one of the best in the business (in 2023 he was crowned UK Barista Champion), he does everything he can to keep his craft simple for his customers. There’s a choice of just two coffees: A (medium to high bitterness, ideal with milk) or B (a sweeter option suited to espressos). A great address to know if you’re looking for a good coffee around Victoria.