Guide to the Jubilee line

You're not exactly spoiled for nightlife at the top of the Jubilee line, but The Hive is an oddly fun option. Catch a Barnet FC match or one of the women's games and you'll get that classic lower-league buzz – a mix of diehards, families, and a few people who just wandered in for a pint. There's a proper local feel, some craft beer on tap, and usually a curry van parked outside for post-match sustenance.

This spot gets busy fast, and for good reason. It's basically a massive hangout space built out of shipping containers, full of indie food traders, screens showing live football, and pop-up DJ sets that sometimes spiral into proper parties. It's a bit chaotic, sure, but in a good way. If you want something calmer, wander round to Masalchi by Atul Kochhar – a sit-down spot doing proper Indian street food without the stadium noise.

Near Neasden station there’s a unique London site - BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. This traditional and ornate Hindu temple is carved entirely from stone. It’s a working temple with daily services but visitors are welcome to explore the building and grounds. You can join a guided tour if you want to learn more.

Sanzio is a low-key neighbourhood Italian that doesn't make a fuss about anything, which is probably why locals like it so much. It's cosy, a bit worn in, and always humming with quiet chatter. The menu's classic and unfussy – the tagliatelle's the one to go for. If you're not quite done after dinner, The Queensbury nearby does decent cocktails and keeps things easy.

There aren't many proper Irish pubs left that feel this alive. The Sir Colin Campbell has Guinness that actually tastes right, folk music most weekends, and a crowd that ranges from old locals to post-gig musicians spilling in from the Kiln Theatre. It's a bit rough round the edges but all heart.

Part bar, part neighbourhood hangout, The Gallery somehow manages to stay low-key even when it's packed. They do good cocktails without making a big deal about it, and the food's better than you'd expect – proper sharing plates, no frills. Pop in early for a negroni, then move down the road to Heads + Tails if you want something slicker later.

Camden Arts Centre (not actually in Camden, but we'll let that slide) is a small, contemporary gallery that punches well above its weight. It's calm, beautifully designed, and always has at least one exhibition that makes you stop and think for a bit. There's also a lovely café tucked out the back, with leafy outdoor seating that feels like it shouldn't exist this close to Finchley Road traffic.

Every Wednesday the square outside the library fills with stalls selling fresh pasta, organic veg, and proper bread that costs slightly too much but smells incredible. It's a genuine local scene – people chatting, dogs everywhere, and everyone pretending they're only buying “a few bits.” Swing by Ye Olde Swiss Cottage after for a pint; it's a big old pub but still manages to feel cosy when it's raining outside.

Yes, it's the Beatles crossing, the one from the 'Abbey Road' album cover, and it still draws a steady stream of people trying to recreate that walk. The crossing sits just outside Abbey Road Studios, where the band recorded most of their best-known tracks in the late '60s. It's a small, unremarkable bit of road, but standing there feels oddly historic, like a reminder of how much of London's musical story hides in plain sight.

There's nowhere in London quite like Sketch. It's part gallery, part restaurant, part surreal fever dream – from the pink tea room to the famous egg-shaped loos. Yes, it's pricey, but the afternoon tea's actually good, and the people-watching is worth the bill alone.

The Wolseley's one of those places that feels permanently set in London's DNA. All marble floors, mirrored walls, and a low murmur that never really stops. You can drop in for coffee, a late lunch, or something stronger and it always feels right. Service is brisk but unfussy, and if you sit by the window you'll get a front-row view of the city doing its thing outside.

The UK's most famous war memorial is The Cenotaph in Whitehall. This is where the annual National Service of Remembrance takes place. You can visit this imposing monument at any time. Originally a temporary structure, it was so popular when it was unveiled in 1919 a permanent version was erected a year later.

See work by world-renowned artists like Louise Bourgeois and Yayoi Kusama at Hayward Gallery. This Brutalist building next to the Thames is part of the Southbank Centre and hosts blockbuster exhibitions all year round. If you’re a fan of ambitious contemporary art you won’t want to miss out on this place.

Since 1987, Meson Don Felipe has been serving authentic tapas and Spanish wine. It's a warm and cosy spot with vibrant red walls and the atmosphere is completed with live Spanish guitar music every night. The menu includes 40 different tapas to suit all tastes and there's a collection of sherries available too.

Tucked under a row of railway arches, Maltby Street Market is packed with small, independent food stalls – think raclette melting over potatoes, fresh doughnuts, and glasses of natural wine from someone who'll insist you try a taste first. It's lively but not chaotic, and it always feels a bit less touristy than Borough Market up the road.

Near Bermondsey station you'll find Pedro's, a wine bar that focuses on Portuguese varieties. Set in a railway arch, the bar has weathered walls and an industrial look. Drop by for a few drinks, buy your favourite bottle to take home, or join a wine tasting. Nibbles like charcuterie are served too.

Right by the waterfront at Canada Water, Leadbelly's feels less like a chain and more like a favourite local when you want good food, relaxed drinks, and some views. The menu leans casual, featuring burgers, wings, sharers. On warm evenings you can sit outside and watch boats on the dock, and there's often a sports screen or two so it never feels too quiet.

Up near the top of the Novotel, this rooftop bar blends high-up views with comfy lighting and decent cocktails. It's not trying to be stuffy, you'll find people grabbing an after-work drink, couples up for date night, and a vibe that shifts nicely from sunset to after-dark lounge.

Escape the hectic pace of the city by visiting Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park. This riverside conservation area covers four acres of freshwater habitat. It’s a haven for birds, frogs, and insects, and you’ll also see wetland plants like ragged robins and flag iris. You can also get involved as a volunteer.

Canning Town is home to Yapix. High quality coffee and wine are the focus here, with sustainably-sourced wines from around the world available. Food like sandwiches and sharing boards are also served, inspired by the Italian region of Puglia. The space is contemporary and full of light, and there are also outdoor tables.