B&B Belgravia

OK, so I've been recommending this place to everyone for about a million years and have been known to escape there myself when I can't take the heat any more. It's great, despite the fact I could never afford the shops round there (nor would I particularly want to) - huge rooms, good showers, delicious sheets, great breakfasts and - hurrah hurrah - all that for under 100 quid.

Daily Encounters

I always find that there's something whimsical about photojournalism exhibitions and this one looks cool. Lots of images from newspaper photographers spanning most of the 20th century. On at the NPG until Oct 25th (nb open till 8.50pm on thursdays and fridays)

The good thing about liking photography exhibitions is that there are some real gems of galleries to hang out in around London. Just don't forget your SLR. Like Photofusion on Electric Lane in Brixton (best accompanied by a post-exhibition bowl of spicy noodle soup at Fujiyama), or the Photographers' Gallery on Gt Newport Street, which has the best shop for DVDs and big books - and wrapping paper - ever. And the Southbank usually has some photos somewhere - currently it is hosting the World Press Photo Exhibition till Sept 9th.

Global Cities

Don't have much time left for this exhibition at the Tate Modern - it finishes on 27th August - but I'm really going to try and make it as it looks fantastic. I like the fact they've themed it around things like space, diversity and speed - reflecting how we actually experience living in a city. All very Jane Jacobs.

Kensington Roof Gardens

I remember going to this building when it was a big, hot goth's dream. How different it is now... there's the Whole Foods supermarket with canteen (well, next door anyway) and this roof garden which sounds genuinely excellent - and it's a huge 1.5 acres big... Friday and Saturday nights involve Tudor barbeques (??) and a club.

Elling

This is playing until October 6th at the Trafalgar Studios, that slightly random theatre at the top of Whitehall. Suitably Norwegian for my tastes. And apparently John Simm is quite hot.

Actually, more reasons to go to Hammersmith

As I was writing about the Lyric, I kept on thinking of other things that are good about Hammersmith. So before I write the whole place off, other things I like about the place:

Riverside Studios. Great double bills on sundays. nice bar overlooking the river, that is much less crowded than some of the manky, chip-stinking, toff-stuffed pubs further down. I've always wanted to live near somewhere like this - art, film, music, good coffee - mmm yes please

The walk from Hammersmith Bridge (which actually I really like too, nice and green) down towards Barnes. Pretty pretty.

The Polish Cultural Centre. Great food, a lot of vodka and tends to stay open pretty late. bring it on.

The vintage fashion fairs put on at the bunker-like town hall every now and then. I fantasise about being one of those people who know what to buy at these things; sadly, I just tend to wander around paralysed by the fear of wanting everything and knowing nothing.

So - more reasons to hang out in Hammersmith than Bromley then. Hardly a ringing endorsement but not bad, given I'm generally a bit allergic to west London...

Lyric Hammersmith - a reason to venture west

It's easy to think there's not much more to Hammersmith than the flyover, and the Apollo which you stare at for hours as you sit in traffic jams on said flyover. It's true that it's a bit short of good restaurants and bars (unless you want to pay over the odds for what is admittedly fantastic pasta at the River Cafe) but there's one reason alone that gives it a fond place in my heart (well, maybe two but that's another story) - the Lyric Theatre on King Street.

It is a beautiful old theatre - red plush seats, incredible cornicing and the rest... surrounded by a really impressive refurb that has opened out bars, terraces and cafes. Lovely. Best of all is the crazy stuff they decide to programme. Latest show, which I'm off to see in September, is The Bacchae, an exploration of female sexuality. If the last thing I went to is anything to go by (it involved simulated sex between someone with cerebral palsy and their carer) this won't be something for kids...

I love the Lyric for all this, but also because it has introduced me to some great stuff. Kneehigh Theatre from Cornwall, and Frantic Assembly are up there with Punchdrunk for physical theatre. They have some great soundtracks too - it was there that I first heard Lamb's stuff.

Films to see before August is out

Well, it's been a while since I've been about town. Dunno where I've been really, but it's about time I reaffirmed my urban existence. In that spirit, here are all the films I want to see before miserable September comes round. So much to do, so little time...

12:08 East of Bucharest - v excited that this is the first of the Romanian films that are coming out this autumn

The Bourne Ultimatum - ok so not my usual kind of film, and I missed the second one, but I still remember the car chase from the first one

Eagle vs Shark - hmm, perhaps one to keep to myself on an early morning trip - Time Out call it a 'socially clumsy romance'

Sparkle - modern day rake's progress

Atonement - not out officially till sept but Vue cinemas are kindly putting on a preview with free popcorn and everything on 23rd August