Slate-top tabled, concrete-walled, shabby-chic gem of a bar, always filled with Londoners after a day's slog at work. Hard to find (probably why there's never any tourists), it's underground below a sailing shop on Shaftesbury avenue just past Neil St. Great for a post-shopping bevvie, or just to people-watch and soak up the chilled but funky atmosphere. A London must.

Nearest tube - Covent Garden, walk to the top of Neil St then turn right onto Shaftsbury Ave. It's downstairs about five doors down.

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Wow. For the definitive view of London, reserve a place at Vertigo 42, the champagne bar at the top of Tower 42. The bar is located on the 42nd floor and gives great views over the city.

Remember to book upfront, the bar does not accept walk-ins. Also remember to dress smartly, there’s lots of city folk in suits. Over 18s only.

Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HQ; Nearest tube: Bank; www.vertigo42.co.uk

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Underneath Waterloo Bridge on Southbank, directly in front of the NFT, there is a daily sale of second-hand books, at great prices.

The selection is infinitely varied, and it's very easy to find some little gems in amongst the randomness. Be prepared to search though, there's no genre (etc) organisation!

Tube: Waterloo

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Cheap foodie delicacies can be snapped up at Borough Market at 3pm, an hour before closing.

Southwark Street, SE1; Tube: London Bridge; www.boroughmarket.org.uk/

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I ended up at one of these parties a while ago, led by rascally young friend of mine from Brixton. It's an all night party over three rooms with secret line-ups, a secret location and two of the UK's best labels (Matthew Herbert's Accidental Records, and Brixton's Werk Discs). Four Tet, Anthony 'Shake' Shakir and Herbert himself have all played there. Sniff out the next one on December 3rd. I'll definitely be there.

@ a secret location in south London
Contact: 07990 970 267
soundslike_werk@bigfoot.com

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