(88 Wardour Street, W1. Tel. 020 7734 1311) Your favourite lunchtime snack just got substantial, not to mention sensational. Wander into Hummus Bros for a healthy dollop of the chickpea stuff, made from scratch every day. Cheerful atmosphere, innovative idea. Fresh, healthy fast food: choose from delicious toppings, including fava beans, chunky beef or chicken, and superb side dishes like tabouleh and smoky barbecued aubergine. Voted number 12 in Time Out London’s fabulous 50 restaurants.

  (162 London Wall, EC2. Tel. 020 7256 5506) This healthy stop is a refreshing change from the standard sandwich chains that line the City's streets. Just a short walk from Liverpool Street and Bank Tube stations, you can choose from a number of energy-boosting light snacks. Lunches feature a selection of 'superfood' salads, granary bread sandwiches and hot pastas.

  (2 Crispin Place, Spitalfields, E1. Tel. 0845 686 1122) Deep in the heart of Spitalfields, one of London’s quirkiest and most visited markets, Canteen offers great food at affordable prices. This modern venue serves up home-made meals, including breakfast, all day long. Fish and chips, meat pies and salads form the diverse menu that is sure to please all who sit down for a bite.

  (2nd Floor, Oxo Tower Wharf, SE1. Tel. 020 7803 0858) With stunning views out across the Thames (particularly as the evening descends) from its unrivalled position in the Oxo Tower, and with a brand-new takeaway menu, this informal and stylish restaurant offers traditional Japanese food. Bincho is a type of high-grade charcoal, on which the chefs prepare a dazzling array of meat, fish and vegetarian skewers (yakitori and kushiyaki). Order as many as you like tapas-style, while sampling the finest sake. The mehikari (fried white fish in five spices) is particularly tasty.

  (Arlington House, Arlington Street, SW1. Tel. 020 7629 2239) In cohorts with heavy hitters such as The Ivy and J Sheekey, Le Caprice regularly pulls in a crowd of A listers (including Paul McCartney) and a selection of well-groomed foodies, some 25 years since it first opened. Next to the Ritz Hotel and a stone's throw from Green Park tube, this is a well-established haunt. The food is exquisite, although—like The Ivy—you wouldn't call it innovative.

  (10 Thornhill Road, N1. Tel. 020 7607 7450) A very pleasant pub nestled in a leafy residential area of Islington. Beautifully updated with pastel-green walls, heavy oak furniture and vast sofas, perfect for falling into with a pint of beer. A comfortable spot, even more pleasing on a sunny day when you can sit at one of the benches outside.

  (22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton, SW2. Tel. 020 8671 0700) This backstreet bar in Brixton consistently attracts some of the best new names in British music. Previous performers have included Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Hard-Fi and The Enemy. Stellar music, cheap drinks and the intimate atmosphere makes The Windmill a popular haunt. If the music gets too much, simply saunter out to the beer garden and enjoy a drink.

  (1A Dean Street, W1. Tel. 020 7287 9608) Sleek, stylish and dripping with the city's most beautiful people. Combined with fantastic music and exquisite drinks, why wouldn't you want to go to Maya? Once past the velvet rope, experience the sensational atmosphere, hit the dance floor and groove to cutting-edge tunes spun by celebrity DJs and sip Champagne till the early hours.

The Laden Showroom is a veritable magnet for keen-eyed fashionistas. Showcasing exquisite and unusual fashion from independent designers for 10 years, this store is a style secret for a number of celebrities, including icon Sienna Miller. A host of fashion finds for men and women (103 Brick Lane, E1. Tel. 020 7247 2431).

Wicked is a superbly polished musical adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name. The tale is a quirky twist on The Wizard of Oz, with Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West as protaganist. This fantastic musical adaptation has wowed audiences across the globe, so don't miss out (Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road. www.wickedthemusical.co.uk).

Camden is one of the most popular areas of London, famous for its alternative vibe and fantastic sprawling market. On a sunny day, wander around and along the canal towards Kings Cross and enjoy a drink in one of the many pubs. Catch a gig at The Roundhouse or Koko, or stop for dinner at one of the multicultural restaurants along Camden High Street.

Breakin' Convention is the fifth international festival of hip-hop dance theatre, with some of the most talented contemporary dancers from across the globe. Hip-hop fans in the know will flock to Sadler's Wells to see a selection of exuberant and energetic moves to thumping tunes (3-5 May. www.breakinconvention.com).

 – With its dominating castle and statuesque cathedral, Arundel is a picturesque market town on the River Arun, at the foot of the South Downs. The castle, perched on a hill above the town, is about 1,000 years old and boasts a beautifully manicured garden, keep and gatehouse. The town is full of quaint tearooms, old pubs and high-quality restaurants on its cobbled streets. Only an hour and 20 minutes from London by train.

Starting in 1936, writer and artist Phyllis Pearsall created the London A-Z by working 18-hour days and walking 3,000 miles to map the 23,000 streets of the city. She had just one assistant, draughtsman James Duncan.

Starting in 1936, writers and artist Phyllis Pearsall created the London A-Z almost single handedly by working 18-hour days and walking 3,000 miles to map the 23,000 streets of the city. She had just one colleague, draughtsman James Duncan.

Starting in 1936, writers and artist Phyllis Pearsall created the London A-Z almost single handedly by working 18-hour days and walking 3,000 miles to map the 23,000 streets of the city. She had just one colleague, draughtsman James Duncan.

Starting in 1936, writers and artist Phyllis Pearsall created the London A-Z almost single handedly by working 18-hour days and walking 3,000 miles to map the 23,000 streets of the city. She had just one colleague, draughtsman James Duncan.

Starting in 1936, writers and artist Phyllis Pearsall created the London A-Z almost single handedly by working 18-hour days and walking 3,000 miles to map the 23,000 streets of the city. She had just one colleague, draughtsman James Duncan.

Starting in 1936, writers and artist Phyllis Pearsall created the London A-Z almost single handedly by working 18-hour days and walking 3,000 miles to map the 23,000 streets of the city. She had just one colleague, draughtsman James Duncan.