As central London’s largest rooftop bar, if you’re for looking for somewhere a bit special  – perhaps for a date or celebration –  just take the lift up to the sixth floor and stop by for a drink. Fitting in with the impressive surroundings is a drinks menu which of course features champagne and cocktails (though the usual bar drinks are all available). My favourite was the Gin Mary, a Bloody Mary given an update with bacon (!) infused gin.  It gives it an extra kick that somehow works and makes you wonder why more drinks don’t have bacon added to them.

It’s certainly not the cheapest bar in the capital but considering the location it is the perfect place if you’re looking for something special and areas can be hired making it great for a birthday celebration. As for  food, the menu is a relaxed mix of nibbly bits, salads and snacks perfect for picking and even includes caviar if you really want to go all out.

Despite  the chilly winter months ahead,  Vista plans to cover the roof and put on extra heating for comfort, so it’ll be worth the visit – just note  it gets busy and is often used for private events – plus there’s a £5 entry charge after 4pm, though they do donate a £1 to charity.  (Words: Lucy Palmer) 

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The area in London I call home is… I live in Greenwich, but I always think of home as Brixton. It’s where I was raised and made so many crucial memories. But it’s been almost 10 years since I last lived there. I’ve also lived in Wembley for a couple of years. It was different to Brixton, but not so much where I felt out of place. It was still a bit naughty and I liked that. But eventually I had to return to south, as that’s where my heart is.

I’ve got to have a meal at …  St. John in Smithfield. It’s nose to tail eating, which makes it ethical because they use every part of the animal that usually gets thrown away. If you do pop in, I’d recommend trying the Grouse, it’s very tasty. To drink, I like to visit a secret absinthe bar on Chamberlayne Rod in Kensal Rise (The Broken Down Doll Bar and Boutique). From the outside it looks derelict with a window full of weird deflated green balloons. To get in you need to bring something green.

I get my threads from… mainly the high street – American Apparel for T-shirts and Uniqlo for jeans. But when I want to treat myself, I head to Comme des Garcon and Yohji Yamamoto for shirts and tailoring and Zadig & Voltaire for knitwear. For men when it comes to style, I feel they should keep it fairly simple and classic.

To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… head to east London. It’s full of energy, inspiration and interesting people. There’s so much going on there. You can bar and club hop all night and you’d barely scratch the surface.

If I were mayor… I would live in the new flats that have recently been built by Tate Modern.

My favourite spot to check out art is… either Lazarides or Elms Lester.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to… take the time to look at the top of buildings. This city has a rich history in architecture. The tops of buildings in London, for the majority, are incredible and go unnoticed everyday.

The things I miss when I leave London are… not one thing in particular but, as a whole, what London represents to me. Its differences, opportunities and options, that’s what I would miss.

My soundtrack to London would be… I Luv U from Dizzee Rascal’s Boy In Da Corner album and Has it Come To This? from the Original Pirate Material album by The Streets. Growing up as a teenager in London these two albums were the first albums I felt represented our generations London. I felt finally our generation had a voice in music; both hugely important albums to me.

Visit Rowan’s website at www.rowannewton.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @RowanNewton

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The area in London I call home is… E4 bang bang, aka Chingford. I’ve lived here all of my life apart for three years at university.  I wouldn’t class it as “proper” London as it’s on the borders of the capital and Essex so it’s a bit of an odd suburb.

I’ve got to have a meal at… The Table Café, 83 Southwark Street, SE1 0HX. Table effortlessly pull off the relaxed café come restaurant look and vibe. The food is always great whether it be breakfast, brunch. lunch or dinner! The staff are friendly, the price is reasonable and the background music is always great – they were playing GangStarr, Nina Simone and Sly & the Family Stone last time I ate dinner there!

I tend to get my threads from… Most recently I picked up a few items from Albam. They’ve got a few stores around town. They have a good variety of clothes that can be worn as either smart or casual which is always useful. Tapered chinos and stuff like that I guess…

To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… I prefer bars over clubs and where ever I go I always seem to end up at Dragon Bar on Shoreditch High Street. I think this is because when it was near Old Street roundabout, it was a bit like Cheers in there.  I recently went to Nightjar on City Road and I highly recommend anybody who likes cocktails, jazz or both. I can’t remember the name of it but they have a cocktail that combines red wine and dark chocolate. It goes down a treat with some live music. Just make sure you book in advance.

If I was mayor, I would… Fast track the proposal to put in a shopping lane and a walking lane for pedestrians on Oxford Street. I work near by and won’t feel guilty bashing tourists out of the way if they’re stood in the walking lane.

My favourite spot to check out art is… The Design Museum. I am more into design than art so it’s much more likely I would be paying a visit to their exhibitions that any of the other galleries. Plus, the last time I went I got to oggle at Joe Lewis’s 220ft yacht that was docked right outside on the Thames.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to… either eat at Table after traipsing round the Tate or visit Lounge Bohemia on Great Eastern Street for a quirky bar with good cocktails and free hit or miss canapés. Make sure you book in advance though as they have been known to turn people away even if they’re nearly empty?!

The things I miss when I leave London are… The hustle. I strangely enjoy being in the city and fending for space. I like to rush around, skipping past dawdling tourists and generally getting to where I need to be without any hassle. I don’t have much patience for slow people on pavements. I also massively miss the Monmouth Coffee shop when I’m out of town. They have two shops and a roasters. I love filter coffees (bit of a coffee geek) and Monmouth are by far the best in my opinion.

My soundtrack to London would be…

Nightmares on Wax ft. LSK, Rodney P & Roots Manuva: 70’s 80’s Child (Upbringing Mix) – I’m a 80’s 90’s child but a lot of the lyrics in this song remind me of my childhood growing up in London. There’s a good few mentions of the recession too – funny how history repeats itself.

London Possé: How’s Life in London – Early Rodney P…need I say more? This came out a little after rappers in London realised they didn’t have to put on American accents to make a good hip-hop track. The line “A yank said I sound Australian” always cracks me up because that happened to me once. After just listening to this I wonder if people from outside the UK can even decipher half the stuff they’re rapping about.

Lovin’ Spoonful:  Summer in the City – When I’m riding in a sweaty, packed tube carriage and this starts playing on my iPod it always brings a smile to my face. However hot and stuffy London gets with its lack of air con anywhere the evenings are always great in the summer.

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The area in London I call home is… Charlton. I’ve moved to the Southeast in the last 6 months and being next to Greenwich is pretty cool. Whenever, I leave the area for a while, it’s like fresh air when I come back.

I’ve got to have a meal at… Taste of Raj. It’s a really nice Indian restaurant in Blackheath.

I tend to get my threads from… Jaeger, Aquascutum and Cos. I like quirky T-shirts. I once had a nice blue t-shirt that had the logo, “Make us a brew”.

To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… try Matsuri in St James, a yummy Japanese restaurant. Working in the City, I would often go to local bars, but they’re  not the greatest – I’d rather dine out than drink out.

If I was mayor, I would… also allow cars  in bus lanes during the day and have them out of the bus lanes during the peak time times when folks are going home from work.

My favourite spot to check out art is… Saville Row. I like the concepts that visual merchandisers come up with when they design their windows. I like that kind of art and think it’s pretty cool.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to… keep the noise down on public transport; it’s bad enough not understanding the language but when it’s louder than everyone else’s, not cool.

The thing I miss when I leave London is… the pace! In London, there is always somewhere to go, something to do! So I am on the move even when window browsing.

My soundtrack to London would be:

Bongo Jam  by Crazy Cousinz – Having your headphones on with this song in the morning will get you to work in no time.

Thank God it’s Friday by R.Kelly -We all love the Friday, when we can dress down to go to work and then chill out when we finish work.

It’s a London thing by Scott Garcia – Reminds me of the pace of London. We like to be on the move.

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The area in London I call home is… North London. Enfield, if I’m being specific. Somewhere people only seem to know about now because of the riots. Is it ironic that that’s where I feel safest? Who knows. My friends love to make jibes about how ‘technically’ I’m not a Londoner because the closest Underground station from EN1 is a bit of a bus ride away. It’s a red double decker bus, and I have an 0208 phone number, so in my eyes I make the cut.

I’ve got to have a meal at… Caribbean Scene. It’s a lovely Caribbean Restaurant that boasts a serious vegetarian menu, not that they don’t serve meat, they do, but being a vegetarian my eyes tend to only read things with a green (v) next to it. There are a few in London but I like the one by the Royal Victoria Dock because I have a thing for water. The ambience at the spot is amazing, definitely worth a Google if you won’t take my word for it. A Google, then a visit.

I tend to get my threads from… the High Street. I have a bit of a laissez-faire approach when it comes to my wardrobe. Unless I have a show and I have to leave the house on a specific mission to buy a specific type of outfit, I’ll usually be gallivanting about somewhere, as one does, spot something in a display window, investigate and end up blowing a week’s pay. On a day to day basis, the ensembles I leave my house in are usually unintentional, be that in brilliance or faux pas.

To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… definitely have an online presence. They are so many things going on in London, it can get hard to keep track. This is especially the case when it comes to niche kinda events. Websites like the Cultural Exposé amongst others, are pretty handy when you’re looking for a different kind of night out. Tip 2: Plan your route home ahead of time. Nothing as joy killing as watching your last bus pull away from the station after a good night out, or maybe that’s just for Enfieldians.

If I was mayor, I would… shut down all the shops on Saturday. Hidden Adventist Agenda?  No, but really, as much as I love the hustle and bustle of London, I do think it’d be lovely if the city was to ‘pause’ once in a while, so its workaholic citizens could enjoy the beauty of the city’s natural spots and have un-timed conversation with the city’s mixed multitude.

My favourite spot to check out art is… London’s walls, stalls, floors, trains even. I really like graffiti. It serves as the unadulterated voice of the masses, (till the council clean it up). My favourite piece is a pseudo Andy Warhol pop up piece of a girl in Tottenham. Because of where it is, it can only be seen from the upper deck of a bus. There’s a little voice in my head that shouts ‘exclusive’ every time I do get to see it.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to… keep their receipts so they can claim tax back at the airport when they are leaving.  Nothing finishes a holiday like payment on exit. That, and keep to the left when walking, and, right on the escalators if they are standing. Been said before but, some people are repeat offenders.

The things I miss when I leave London are… my mommy. . . like for real. TFL (my missing it being the love part of the love/hate feelings I have towards it), the variety of food available, delivery and in store, the spoken word poetry scene, oh and black hair shops. Really and truly someone should start delivering black hair products etc. to those outside major cities. Something for the people.

My soundtrack to London would be…

Tinashe – Mr Presumption: I really like this song and think it has a particularly English feel to it. A Zimbabwean Londoner, kinda like me. :) The beauties of globalisation.

Calvin Harris – Flashback: An oldy but a goody. There’s almost a dichotomy between the deep lyrics of the song and the monotony of the house beat.

Dean Atta’s – Revolution Awaiting Warriors: It’s not actually a song but if I were to make a soundtrack to London it’d definitely be on it. The piece speaks for itself in its brilliance and beauty. It’s one of if not thee most inspiring poem I can ever recall hearing.

Labrinth – Earthquake: It has a really refreshed old school sound to it, methinks. I’m forever rewinding the bit with the trumpets at Buckingham Palace. Cheesy but I love it.

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The area in London I call home is… Clerkenwell. It’s all about EC1! I live right on Exmouth Market and being foodie I’m well situated. Also, I ride everywhere so being central for me is a bit of a life hack to keep travel simple.

I tend to get my threads from… ASOS as they really are the leader in terms of range, price, and best online shopping experience.

To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… try the cocktails at 69 Colebrooke Row.

If I was mayor, I would… install cycle helmet vending machines in locations around the city and make helmets compulsory!

My favourite spot to check out art is… Wellcome Collection. The last thing I saw was ‘High Society’ earlier this year. There was this fantastic photo exhibition there that told the story of a chamber maid hooked on Laudanum by her domineering mistress in the 19th century.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to… go to Borough Market for mid-morning breakfast (to avoid the tourists), check out the free museums for the day and then head to Gordon’s Wine Bar in the evening.

The things I miss when I leave London are… London cafes and British food. I always judge a city by the quality of its restaurants and cafés. Due to the great British food revival British food rocks and (let’s face it!) thanks in part to us antipodeans, London cafes rock too

My soundtrack to London would be…

Fault Line by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – epitomizes how I felt when I arrived in London, kind of lonely…But I’m finding my way!

Reach a Bit Further – Wild Beasts – This song just makes me think, I love it. Wild Beasts are a very original band. They’re amazing live.

Bon Iver’s Perth – This song surprises me every time I listen to it. To me, it captures my home town (Perth) perfectly.

(Research: Tosin Omilaju)

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The area in London I call home is… Hackney. After few years in Camden we found our home in East. Got a large space full of little swings and things n hula hoops just off Kingsland road overlooking the canal. Our lovely large windows guarantee that we will need lots of hot chocolate to survive over the winter. I feel like I’m at home when I’m walking down the streets and get a chance to catch few familiar smiles and heys on my way. I love the spontaneous coffee catch ups and surprise long night outings after exhibition openings. My ‘home area’ seems to be within walking (cycling) distance. I rarely need to travel further than that to find the action.

I’ve got to have a meal at… The Breakfast Club. You can’t go wrong with the number 3 wrap. Sometimes during the week I gotta grab the tastiest street food from the Whitecross Street Market. In the evenings the pop up restaurants got something new to offer and of course the there is all these Vietnamese places on Kingsland road.

I tend to get my threads (clothes) from… here and there. Yesterday I did some great fabric founds from the Cloth House in Soho. I love to check the treats of Dover Street Market and always pop into the Start in Shoreditch just cause they simply got the loveliest staff there. Sample sales and short trips abroad always rule and friends wardrobes are great too! Just gotta keep your ears and eyes open.

To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… keep your ears and eyes open (again). Be with great company, look for the gallery openings and exhibitions and let the night lead your way. House parties is the way…. to keep going til the next day ;)

If I was mayor, I would… make the streets more cyclist friendly and fix the pot holes on the roads.

My favourite spot to check out art is… isn’t art everywhere? That’s why London’s so great, there’s always something going on for everyone. It’s all out there, you just gotta go and get yours. When it comes to performing arts, War Horse at the New London Theatre is one not to miss!

I’d kindly tell a tourist to… keep on running.

The things I miss when I leave London are… friends and the chances the city gives to you. The action. Surprises around the corner.

My soundtrack to London would be (name roughly 3 songs and what makes them so interesting) 

Tanlines – Real Life – RAD TIMES! this video says it all!

Cerebral Ballzy – Standing Tall – You sometimes gotta feel like 15 forever and let go. Influences everywhere, just remember to stand tall.

Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation – Gotta love the old skool tunes! People of the world unite, London, you gotta have the rhythm.

Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere – Because I’ve met some of the most amazing people in London.

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The area in London I call home is… right on the river in Battersea, which is awesome. I haven’t been here that long but have recently stumbled on lots of little thrift shops and quirky places off the beaten track. My favorite spot to pass the time is Battersea Village Square; it’s a micro hub of world cuisine with Italian, Indian, Thai, Lebanese and seafood restaurants. There is always something going on there, whether is be a wacky jazz trio playing or an outdoor zumba class – it’s all going down in the square! I grew up on a farm but I was never terribly keen on overdosing on fresh air and frankly I find wellington boots ugly and incredibly uncomfortable, so like dear Dick Wittington (and many others before me) I packed my bags and journeyed to the Big Smoke to seek my fortune. Whilst on arrival I was initially disappointed to find the streets were not all paved with gold, I have found that there are more valuable hidden treasures around the city!

I’ve got to have a meal at… Borough Market. It is certainly up there – although I am not sure you would call it a ‘meal’ more of a graze / gorge of all the amazing artesian foods they have. Places with offers on are also a winner for me for a couple of reasons – firstly they get you out of the rut of going to the same places so it’s a bit of a journey of discovery, and secondly I unashamedly love the smug feeling of getting a good deal!

I tend to get my threads (clothes) from… shops. Especially ones that sell very beautiful and incredibly uncomfortable shoes, sadly I’m drawn to them like a moth to a flame… Will I ever learn?

To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… expect the unexpected! I always go out with an open mind and try to find out what’s going on before hand. I am really lucky in my line of work that I get to hear about, and photograph, lots of really cool things that happen around London. My main tip is to choose an area and stick with it. It’s a belief shared by Londoners that everywhere is an hour away – whether you are going a couple of stops on the bus or tubing across the zones it always takes an hour!

If I was mayor, I would… crack the whip and get my fellow cyclists fully clad in neon and helmets and supply lots of flashing lights. I love, love, love my trusty stead and couldn’t be in London without it – it’s pretty much the only way I get around. But I have been knocked off a couple of times, it’s not fun…

My favourite spot to check out art is… always changing. But ultimately it’s actually my flat as it’s covered in art I adore, and lots of my own photos – it’s like a private gallery! Having worked in the art world and a keen interest in photography and beautiful things, I’m signed up to various galleries so often visit new shows and pop up exhibitions whether they be on Cork Street or private homes. I am lucky enough to photograph for the Tate Museums so I never miss their exhibitions. I get a real rush from going to auctions and love seeing what the trends are and who is buying.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to… Get out of Leicester Square and Covent Garden and try something new, there is a lot more to London then chain restaurants and people handing out flyers, I promise! Also the number 11 bus is a really good route – you get to see a lot of the sights.

The things I miss when I leave London are… hmm… it’s far easier to talk about the things I would NOT miss about London. One is the dodgy paving stones that when trodden on in the rain submerges your feet in water to your ankles. Another is the bus drivers who see you running and waving frantically but then pull away at the last second leaving you in a puff of bus smoke.

My soundtrack to London would be: 

Airborne Toxic – “Sometime Around Midnight” During the day the city is so hectic you barely have time to think, I find my quiet times are always at night. To me this song expresses that as it’s all about switching off and reassessing your feelings and thoughts without the white noise.

The XX – “Intro” A dear friend of mine got married in a photographic studio in east London and this is what accompanied her entrance. When the music started the atmosphere was electric everyone had goosebumps. The song wasn’t out there in the mainstream at that point and the words I would use describe to London also apply to this beautiful piece of music. Epic, urban, hypnotic, fresh and most of all… Love.

Cash Machine – “Hard Fi” This was released around the time I moved to London and I listened to it over and over and over again, it was kind of an anthem for me at that time and has a great beat for stomping around getting to know the city.

Check out Charlotte’s photography at: www.charlottefieldingphotography.com

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The area in London I call home is… East London. I’ve also happily lived West and Walthamstow, but East London wins.

I’ve got to have a meal at…Addis at Kings Cross. I am a sucker for injera (traditional Ethiopian bread). If anyone knows of better Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants, holler at your girl.

I tend to get my threads from…Charity shops, festivals, clothing exchanges, sample sales, friends, the street. I used to work at Buffalo Exchange in New York and tend to stock up whenever I go back. I also love Laura Dawson, a London-based American designer with admirable eco-values and great easy-wearin’ pieces.

To enjoy London’s nightlife,  you should…Stay local so you can stay out as late as you’d like–or arrange a crashpad in your going-out area of choice. Nurse a bottle as you stroll to your destination. Avoid standing in line. Seek live music (Songkick is rad for this). Make new friends. Also, throw your own parties. Invite me–I’ll DJ.

If I were mayor, I would...Support more free summer events. That's the biggest thing New York has over London--I miss the great (and gratis) concerts, festivals, films, theater. It's a wonderful way for public and private sectors to engage with citizens. Additionally, I'd work to make the 25 bus somewhat bearable--it'd be a tough fight, but I'd be ready to battle.

My favourite spot to check out art is…Whitechapel Art Gallery. It’s around the corner from my house, and I never risk “museum fatigue” in going to such a tiny space. I also have a great fondness for the Salvador Dalí Universe. I love that dude.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to…Eat at St. Johns Bread and Wine. It will change any negative perceptions of British cuisine.

The things I miss when I leave London are…Amazing gigs aplenty, hundreds of ales, American expats (the cream of the crop fly the coop).

My soundtrack to London would include…

This is my QUESTION! The Note Well publishes six-track playlists every now and again. For some reason, they are always monosyllabic in name. Here’s my playlist for LONDON MUSIC:

“Sun” by Caribou. Good for when it’s raining, great for when it’s bright. Also, Caribou Dan and guitarist Ryan live in London–again, go local when possible. And the Kidstreet remix of this song is great for keeping cool on a crowded and insane 25 bus.

“Dodfucksupanescorttune” by Drums of Death. It’s my UK mobile ringtone, so if you hear a tinny, lo-fi version pop up randomly around town, it means I’m around, and I’m blowin’ up.

“Super Inuit (live)” by Holy Fuck. For walking somewhere super fast. If you underestimate your distance to be traveled (as I often do), the rest of the album will power you through.

“Fire Dream” by Patten. For if you need something fresh. Damien (the man behind the band) is a wonderful human being, and he gigs in London quite often. GO.

“White Sails” by Marques Toliver. For when you feel lost in the world. Marques lives locally (though he’s from Florida, like me) and has a habit of busking all around.

“Lost in the World” by Kanye West (feat. everyone) – For when it feels great to be alive in one of the greatest cities ever.

And Owen Pallett/Final Fantasy for all other times,  always.

To find out more about The Notewell, visit: www.thenotewell.com

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 The area in London I call home is…Brixton. It’s got its own O2, okay? I lived on Lambeth Palace Road for the longest time and apart from having Big Ben in my backyard, it was a quiet area with good access to a midnight meal which can be quite a trouble in this city. London has been incredible so far – it’s got art galleries, it’s a creative powerhouse and attracts the best talent from all over the world. What’s not to love?

 I’ve got to have a meal at… Moolis on Frith Street in Soho. These guys make up for the lack of good street food in London, while of course ensuring that I don’t forget what Goan pork tastes like.

 I tend to get my threads from… Pop Boutique. No one does retro clothing better than them. It’s right next to Forbidden Planet, but that’s besides the point. I also pick up stuff from Topshop and Uniqlo, because being a tiny thing limits the number of stores you can go to.

 To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… take a walk across Camden, settle in for a few drinks at Proud and then walk all over the city looking for a hot meal. OR go to Walkabout near Embankment where pints go cheaper than most places following which you can take a stroll around the Thames. Nothing like those things to really see a mix of university students, couples, people with odd shoes, and lack of food, all in one place.

 If I was mayor, I would… make telephonic conversations on buses a strictly emergency-led affair for commuters.

 My favourite spot to check out art is… apart from Tate Modern, you mean? All those tiny gorgeous galleries in Shoreditch or even Graffik Gallery, Portobello Road.

 I’d kindly tell a tourist to…keep the camera off my face. And spend an entire day at  ScooterCaffè (Lower Marsh). There really is nothing like that place. And tell the tourists to not leave London until they’ve tried everything at Borough Market.

 The things I miss when I leave London are… reading/writing at ScooterCaffè, hiding my face from the tourist cameras while walking down Southbank.

 My soundtrack to London would include…

 Sisters of Mercy by Leonard Cohen – Because the writing on this song describes the love affair a person has with London. Off and on, there are moments of all kinds. The people one meets and sees everyday, the stories, everything.

England by The National – “Famous angels never come through England/ England gets the ones you never need/ You must be somewhere in London/ You must be loving your life in the rain” Enough said!

Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles – Essentially because the infrequent, twelve minutes of sunshine (okay, fourteen minutes at times) deserve a celebration.

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