Steele Road, Stratford, E11

Funky vibe, Shoreditch-y look with in house tuk tuk. Serves excellent soft shell crab and the noodles are fabulous.

This music venue hosts live music nights on two levels. Love the summer with the doors open, view of the church and gorgeous live jazz. Also they do rock and blues, and open mic nights. But for me, to have a cracking jazz venue minutes from my front door is the best.

Amazing cakes and pastries, lovely atmosphere. Best place to catch up with other Mums.

My absolute fave hang out is this uber cool independent bookshop, café and bar run by a lovely Danish pair in Bushwood, Leytonstone. They hold great Scratch Nights for up and coming artists. Real unique personality to it - comedy, magic, music gigs and book launches. Fab cocktails and coffee too. In the daytime, it's the perfect place to buy or just chill with a book.

Their weekly wine tasting evenings - really relaxed, social events and so informative. Great craft beers too.

Excellent Mediterranean Restaurant right near Leytonstone tube station in Bushwood Area. Atmos and cuisine every bit as fine as Upper Street at much better prices. Top haunt.

The best oven-fired pizzas. My partner lives for the Iskender from the Turkish section of the menu.

Le Petit Corner is my absolute fave café in the Bushwood end of Leytonstone. It's Bugaboo central, but the kids can play downstairs, so upstairs is chilled and they have a secluded garden. Top toasties and apple tart and just started doing select gourmet food evenings, perfect for date night!

Great cosy atmosphere, superb coffee and cocktails, second hand books and records!

Amazing Sunday Roasts. Cool pub based on Alfred Hitchcock - Leytonstone's most famous son. Set right in heart of Bushwood Area. Great crowd.