This is one of the only platforms on the London Underground that is not bombarded with billboard advertising. It's a reminder to myself of how an uncluttered environment can give you so much more room to think.

Half a mile from Markfield Park down the River Lee is Springfield Park. The park rises steeply up from the river and has an amazing array of tree species making it beautiful in all seasons. At the brim of the hill there is a line of park benches each one surrounded by box hedge offering a private view across the Lee Valley, Walthamstow and beyond. The park warden was nice enough to give me a chestnut log a couple of years ago from which I carved a bench and two stools.

One of the few newsagents in London with the widest selection of specialist international fashion, media, art and design magazines. Just off Portobello Road.

All Espai Joliu-lovers rejoice! Very recently a second location called Orval has opened, and it’s only 10 minutes away from its big sister. Just above Ciutadella park, just like its predecessor does. It has plenty of natural light that comes in through the large windows. Another added benefit with the new location is that it consists of two floors instead of just one as in Espai Joliu. Both cafes have their unique charm: Espai Joliu has that rugged, Berlin-inspired atmosphere, and Orval an added modern touch. The concept of plants and coffee remains consistent here, with a similar drink menu (with many options, and great specialty coffee) and beautiful plants for sale. You will also find an array of magazines and guidebooks. The staff deserves an added mention, such a friendly bunch!

Everything you expect from a neighbourhood café and more.

Petra “Petee” Paradez’s pies don’t just taste amazing—they’re made with amazing ingredients, like seasonal local produce, organic flour, grass-fed butter, and natural fair-trade sweeteners.

Beautiful museum freshly renovated full of local artists

Mussels, french fries and gin & tonics... need I say more?

POOL is an emergent platform for curatorial and artistic production, experimentation and research, working with artists to support and commission new work situated in the area of New Doornfontein, which is also home to a few artists studios.  Emerging from a joint investigation into the role, form, and organising systems of art institutions in South Africa, POOL considers from a curatorial and artistic perspective, the question of what it means to institute and how to institute in a South African (and specifically Johannesburg) context. POOL is organised as an experiment in alternative instituent forms and as a site through which to stretch curatorial methodology and artistic practice through the frames of self-organising and self-instituting. They often have very interesting projects on exhibit and workshops taking place - best check their facebook page for this - https://www.facebook.com/poolspace/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel. While you're in the area you could also have lunch at the Troyville Hotel up the road. 

A Mesa is an art gallery, founded by four women, who define it as a resistant space. It is located in the colorful Morro da Conceição, in front of a small square where talks and events are held in parallel with exhibitions, gathering local inhabitants and visitors.

The Christmas light House in the Bronx is a neighborhood fixture that is hard to miss. It is decorated year round with life size statues and is painted  bright pink. Though it draws most of its audience during the holidays it is an anomaly throughout the seasons. Such a bizarre place with such exuberant colors and vibrancy attracts an artists eye and will draw you in.

Best art book shop in town with a great selection! It is run by graphic designer Jurgen Maelfeyt and has a little gallery where there have interesting shows.