Citadel Festival, Victoria Park

On Sunday I went along to Citadel, a new one day festival in Victoria Park, east London.

The site follows the same layout as Lovebox, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed, with vintage stalls, gypsy jewellery stands and indie music.

My favourites for the day had to be Bombay Bicycle Club, who had not one, but three surprises for the audience, showering us and themselves with streamers and glitter.

Bear's Den were amazing too, though the hot weather had me melting while I tried to watch them, at least until I had some delicious bubble tea!

Rawduck, Hackney

Quite obviously (with me being vegetarian), this isn't a post about eating uncooked birds. It is in fact, about a lovely brunch place in Hackney. Granted, there are many places that'll serve you the local standard, poached eggs, kale, avocado, but Rawduck, situated on the edge of London Fields serves it up in the freshest form with beautiful presentation.

The staff are friendly, the room is light and airy and the coffee is some of the best to be found (quite a claim, I know). There's a relaxed atmosphere, to the point where you wonder who are the servers, before releasing that the person chatting with you is also bringing your drinks. Definitely the place to go on a late summer morning.

Plonk Golf, Dalston

If crazy golf takes your fancy, I'm sure there's plenty of places in London to meet your needs, but none as unique as Dalston's own Plonk Golf. Set in an old snooker pub (with snooker tables included), you can work your way around the cleverly designed course, drink in hand.

It's a great date location, as the bar is quiet enough to chat, and there's some comfy sofas if you want to get cosy. Some of the holes are quite a challenge though, so expect to rack up a high score on your card!

Find it at: Efes, 17B Stoke Newington Rd,N16 8BH

Fika, Brick Lane

Brick Lane may be famed for its Beigal stores, Indian restaurants and Turkish food, but there's a tiny corner that's bringing the Scandinavian cool, thanks to Fika bar and kitchen.

Named after the Swedish term for coffee break, by day it serves up strong coffees and cinnamon rolls, while by night it attracts a mixture of diners and young professionals looking for a peaceful alternative to the raring hipster bars.

The restaurant serves a mixture of nordic dishes, including Elk burgers and the classic Swedish meatballs, plus (surprisingly good!) vegetarian options. There's a good cocktail menu as well, with themed drink names and a unique presentation. All served on a wooden log platter, of course.

Find it at: 161 Brick Lane, E1 6SB

Yoga at Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium

Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium opened in London last year, to the joy of cat lovers citywide (especially those who's tenancy contracts don't allow pets!). There's a long waiting list for bookings though, as the cafe has strict short opening times to avoid overwhelming the furry felines.

As it's now open on Wednesday evenings for yoga classes, at 7 and 8pm, run by an experienced teacher from Stretch, I decided to go along and see the place for myself.

I've been doing yoga for over a year now, so it was a pleasant surprise to find the class a real challenge (it's quite energetic and you'll want a good sense of balance). It's suitable for beginners too though, and the teacher is very supportive if you're struggling. There was an exciting moment about halfway through as a cat tried to climb me during a pose!

After the class had finished, we were treated to a delicious afternoon tea, with scones, cupcakes and the nicest tea I've ever tasted.

The cats are free to roam about through the cafe, so we had some entertainment too. It's amazing how relaxed they seem, even around such a large group of visitors. Mostly they just liked to loll about, watching us eating, or run around the wheel. It's clear the staff care deeply about their happiness and do their best to accommodate them in the cafe space.

Top tip: there's only one bathroom to change in, so best to change at home first

Find it at:152-154 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG

Strongroom, Shoreditch

With the weather being so nice, I've been spending my evenings with friends at pub gardens around East London. 

One of my favourites has to be Strongroom, in the heart of Shoreditch. It draws a good crowd on weekday evenings from the startup offices of Silicon Roundabout (that's Old Street, by the way), but hover in the courtyard for long enough and you should be able to grab a couple of seats, if not a space at a canopied table. 

The drinks might be on the expensive side, if you're not used to London prices (over £5 for a bottle of Kopparberg), but there's a buzzing atmosphere to make up for that, and plenty of space indoors if you're getting chilly. 

On the weekends, the outside bar opens and the courtyard is packed. Expect a queue to enter and tight security. Head over early though, for a quiet drink before a gig at one of Shoreditch's many music venues. 

Find it at: 120 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3SQ

Ridley Road Market Bar, Dalston

A tropical themed bar in the heart of Dalston, you say? Yes, Ridley Road Market Bar may be a short walk from the concrete blocks of Kingsland Road, but it's fluorescent lighting, flamingo decorations and palm trees would have you believe you've been transported to the Bahamas. 

The bar plays everything from the cheesiest pop and serving up a selection of cocktails including delicious frozen piña coladas. On a weeknight it may be quiet, but this place packs out on weekends, with swarms of east London girls and boys partying away on the dance floor til the small hours. 

Nearest Tube: Dalston Kingsland 

On the headphones: Port Isla

The weather might have turned grey and rainy again, but that doesn't mean the summer hasn't started to creep into my veins. I've been listening to a lot of Norwich's finest exports, Port Isla.

Drawing on country and folk influences, with a catchy core rock sound, the four-piece have been touring up and down the country with everyone from James Bay to Kodaline.

Catch them live: Oslo, Hackney on March 5th.

Broadway Market, Haggerston

There are so many delicious food markets around London, but one of my favourite places to visit on a Saturday is Broadway Market. With a range of food to suit any taste, from gluten free and organic, to meat on a spit and tempting cakes, it's the perfect place to stock up on a sunny day, then head to nearby London Fields to enjoy.

 Aside from the food stalls, the market offers a selection of vinyl records to please even the most eclectic tastes, plus vintage clothing, fair trade jewellery and a range of locally sourced produce. 

Nearest tubes: Haggerston, Hackney Central

Champs - Rough Trade East, Brick Lane

Part of the Old Truman Brewery buildings, Rough Trade East, a mecca for vinyl fans sits right at the heart of Brick Lane. Although it may have branched out into selling books and coffee to the (mostly bearded) customers, the staff are true music lovers themselves and are always on the lookout for the next breakthrough act. You'll see posters for the most obscure releases lining the walls, alongside all the indie label favourites.

Tonight's special performance was from Isle of Wight brothers, Champs, performing tracks from their new record Vamala. The pair's music sways gracefully from soft country ballads, to synthy 80s inspired indie pop.