Traditionally, watching a performance of ‘dance' at the theatre involves an hour or so of one type – just flamenco, just modern or just jazz; you get the gist. Sampled is different because in one evening if offers a ‘sample’ of different varieties – and from the very greatest performers.

Brixton’s iconic Picture House cinema was restored in 1911. Set back from road at the point where the road splits, dividing Brixton and Herne Hill. Comfortable seats, laid-back feel and generous glasses of wine that never fail to disappoint – even if you make a rubbish film choice.

There are dozens of restaurants and food stalls to try in Brixton Village but Santafereño is one of the best. Its pièce de résistance – the Paisa Tray – combines the best of things on the menu: pork belly, chorizo, steak, beans and plantain. Washed down with a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice, it is the perfect way to acquaint yourself with Colombian cuisine.

Non-fancy menu made up of food waste in response to the frightening statistic that a third of food grown in the UK is thrown out. Potato skins and beetroot tips are whizzed up to create things such as trout pie and parsley sauce, or plum and almond tart. Nice idea to come from such a posh place. The menu changes daily.

Stockwell is brimming with Portuguese restaurants. If you are seeking some bacalao, merluza or salmon, this is the place. Go in the summer, when the locals overflow onto the pavement, drink cerveza and chatter loudly. Entire families go out to dine.

With over 100 year’s experience, H. Crowther Ltd undertakes the restoration of ornamental leadwork, from simple, small repairs to full restorations. Established in Chiswick as a working Studio in 1908, where it remains unchanged to this day.

If you enjoy dining at altitude, this is the place for you. On the fortieth floor of 110 Bishopsgate, Duck and Waffle offers spectacular views of London, along with deliciously odd food pairings: including an ox-cheek doughnut dusted with paprika sugar and served with apricot jam, and the eponymous duck and waffle itself. Quite odd but quite delicious.

Based in “Little Syria’ in Shepherds Bush, these are two my favourite Middle Eastern shop. Nutcase is nut heaven, and Naama sell bargain-priced olives, amazing falafels and do excellent party catering.

There are 78 paintings by the man himself, and nothing else. Only the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris can beat this for numbers. The show is a joy. Go and see it, and, since it will surely pull in the crowds, take advantage of any National Gallery Member’s privileges, any early openings or late closings that you can.

Charmed Lives in Ancient Greece is an absolute cracker of a show: the pictures of John Craxton and Nikos Ghika, and the words of Patrick Leigh Fermor. You’re whisked straight to the sunburnt south.

I stroll along the canal to Little Venice almost every day. The towpaths are lined with narrowboats; speculate on the lives going on inside them. The canals can offer a sort of freedom to bohemian types who are not attracted by a life of wage slavery. Great way to escape urban claustrophobia.

Ornate mosaics dazzle underfoot, 16th-century painted Islamic tiles line the walls and a golden dome glitters overhead in this amazing mansion. There are plenty of interesting art exhibitions. An amazing look into the former home of the President of the Royal Academy.

If you love the idea of gipsy-flavoured jazz performed ‘live’ in a Parisian-style bistro, then south London’s Le Quecumbar is your dream come true. It features great bands six nights a week, Wednesday to Monday; and every Tuesday it hosts a jam session which is just as hot. It’s a short walk from Battersea Square but feels as if it’s on the Left Bank.

A place claiming to be one of the historic area's ‘oldest’ eating establishments. The converted warehouse was once a corset factory. Now, it is a delightful and traditionally French bistro with bare brick walls, wooden flooring, candles and starched white table cloths. 

Brunswick, Ropewalk and at the Three Pigeons – 'England's Prime Resource for Architectural Antiques, Salvage and Curiosities.' Dine and then buy reclaimed  cast iron radiators, ship and yacht fittings, works of art and natural history at one of the three spectacular sites.

David Calder, Ben Whishaw and David Morrissey star in the Bridge Theatre’s production, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Prepare to block your ears, as the evening begins with a loud rock concert, part of a pro-Caesar rally. Terrific performances from the cast make for a memorable evening.

Based by The Oldie on Mortimer Street is a very old and appealing shop that was founded by a French military bandsman in 1863. The shop window displays string instruments, lined up little to large, viola to cello, beneath a wooden, golden-lettered sign. Looks grand and crafty.

A registered charity and gallery based in the beautiful old factory buildings of Granary Square, King’s Cross. The House of Illustration founded by Sir Quentin Blake, of Roald Dahl acclaim, is well worth a visit. 

Herne Hill Velodrome is an outdoor 450-metre cycle track and 1948 Olympic cycling venue. It provides a vital grassroots facility to the local community and cycling clubs. It’s also where Bradley Wiggins trained in the early days. Located at 104 Burbage Road, London SE24 9HE.

Thirty-three metres beneath Clapham High Street, in tunnels originally built as Second World War air-raid shelters, an agricultural revolution is underway. An assembly of greens – wild rocket, red mustard, pea shoots – are sprouting in a controlled environment reaping multiple benefits. 

Not very far from Oldie HQ is the Greyhound Café. It’s taken over from Black & Blue (the steak joint) but is evidently, far superior – at least aesthetically. What started as a Bangkok fashion house is now a restaurant.

Soho’s best pub, I’d say. Which is quite a weighty statement, given the number of good pubs there. It’s aching with history. Actors, writers and wits have rubbed shoulders here with royalty, bohemians and the film world. They only serve pints in halves – as they've done since before time.

Founded by famously-fuchsia-haired British designer Zandra Rhodes, and located in an unmistakable pink and orange building in Bermondlsey, this museum's temporary exhibitions never fail to inspire both fashion students and enthusiasts.

On the busy South Lambeth Road, this unassuming pub is a joyful spot – and has been since Victorian times. It’s filled with interesting-looking south Londoners, young and old, and local resident Joanna Lumley says it’s her favourite pub. It’s located right behind Albert Square, one of London’s great garden squares.