Pick Me Up, Somerset House

A festival of graphic design, Pick Me Up is a great chance to check out some of the upcoming talent, as well as known artists.

Downstairs is a gallery of hand picked artists' work, while upstairs hosts stalls from designers and collectives (including my favourites, the adorably cute Ohh Deer). Some even have tables where you can draw, colour or even scratch your own art, based on their designs.

This year's focus is on screen printing, with a stall showing you the process. It's worth a look, just to see the machine in action. 

Nearest tube: Embankment 

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

Escaping from the city: Epping Forest

I love the city as much as anyone who lives here, the frequent surprises, the bright lights and the constant rushing that becomes a kind of rhythm that you move to. It's nice to have a break though, especially on a sunny day when you start to wonder where the sky is behind all those tall skyscrapers!

London is really spoilt for nearby places with a little more greenery, and getting there is much easier than you would think. I went to visit Epping forest, which is barely 20 minutes away by train, then a short walk until you reach the woods.

Although you are never quite that far from the sounds of traffic, it's a beautiful place to explore, with ponds (with lots of ducks!) and stretching fields to make you believe you are miles from the concrete streets.

Nearest stations: Theydon Bois, Loughton, Epping

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.

Peckhamplex Cinema, South London

Barely five minutes walk from Peckham Rye overground, Peckhamplex (or Peckham Multiplex, if you want to be specific) is one of the cheapest cinemas in London. Tickets are just £4.99 standard, or £5.99 3-D. Don't be put off though, it might not be the plushest cinema you've ever been to, but it's not a budget one either. The screens are a decent size, and there's plenty of films on to choose from.

Quick tip: there's some great local pubs, including The Montpelier for a quick pint before / after

Find it at: 95a Rye Lane, London, SE15 4ST

On the headphones: Wolf Alice - Giant Peach

Surprisingly, it's not raining too much today so I've been taking a stroll around Brick Lane, popping into a few vintage shops for a look around and trying to resist the delicious cupcakes for sale in Spitalfields market.

The soundtrack to today has definitely been Wolf Alice, with their grungy, 90s-esque rock. Their songs range from beautifully soft, pop melodies to heavy, angst fuelled screaming, perfectly summarising the diversity of London itself. The four piece will be releasing their debut album 'My Love Is Cool' on June 22nd.

Chinese New Year, Soho

One of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia, the festivities in London's west end run over four days, spreading across Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue, with a main stage in Trafalgar Square.

Even in the pouring rain on Sunday the streets were blocked with crowds, watching dancing lions (not dragons!), moving from restaurant to restaurant in the heart of Soho. The weekend ended with fireworks in Trafalgar Square, after martial arts performances and dance routines.