Lycée Emile Jacqmain, Rue Béliard, Brussels

Housed in the former Institute of Physiology,  a beautiful building, Lycée Emile Jacqmain is enviably situated on the edge of Leopold Park in Brussels' European district. Its pupils can be seen running around this hilly green space.  In 1927, the building hosted the fifth Solvay Conference, which brought together Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Marie Curie and more than a dozen other Nobel prize winners to discuss Quantum Theory. 

Edificio - Bibliothèque Solvay, Parc Léopold, Brussels

The stunning interior of this 114-year old building is something of a shock after the fairly restrained stone exterior. Reopened in 1994, after extensive and painstaking restoration work, the centrepiece is a magnificent lecture hall lined with wood panelling, leather bound books, lead-paned windows and intricate wrought iron work, and sheltered by a soaring arched ceiling. Built as the Institute of Sociology and bathed in natural light, the Edificio - Bibliothèque Solvay is a sublime work of art in its own right.

South Dock, Canary Wharf, south London

A newly-built twisted skyscraper with 45 stories, Baltimore Tower is designed to be a green apartment block with solar panels and a brasserie-bar at the top

The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping Wall, East London

A historic riverside tavern, the Prospect of Whitby has a stone floor dating from the original inn built in 1520. Rebuilt in the early nineteenth century after a fire, today's hostelry retains its period charm despite some garish touches in the downstairs bar. Decorated in a nautical theme and with black and white prints of twentieth century celebrities, the upstairs rooms are particularly atmospheric and have far-reaching views across the Thames. 

Norwood Park, South London

Blanketed across a steep slope, Norwood Park affords far-reaching views of the city skyline

Texture, Portman Street, central London

Pollock with chorizo, tomatoes and avocado

A Michelin-starred restaurant with an Icelandic chef, Texture serves imaginative and exquisitely-presented food. Smart, but not stuffy, the stylish dining room has very high ceilings, plenty of natural light and a view of the prep area in front of the kitchens. The quirky crockery and modernist lighting add to the ambiance. The good value set lunch (three courses for £33.50 or two courses for £29) has a choice of two starters, two mains and two deserts, but you'll also be treated to several little tasters, such as an edgy gazpacho, mini poppadoms and chocolate truffles with your bill. To start, the yellow fin tuna tartare, served with ginger, coriander and bonito, is very fresh, but the flavours are pretty subtle. For a main, the precisely-cooked pollock, served with avocado, tomatoes and chorizo on a small bed of creamy mash potato, has more punch and is delicious. The dishes contain very little carbs, but the accompanying basket of warm sourdough and rustic brown bread, accompanied by a fine olive oil and rock salt, is a real treat in itself. For desert,  the Icelandic skyr (a kind of sweet, rich yoghurt) with blueberries and breadcrumbs, really hits the spot. The table service is a bit random, but the Slovenian maitre d' has charm and charisma. As you would expect, Texture's wine list is impressive, extensive and pricey, and you will certainly find something to your taste. Both the Saumur L’Insolite Thierry Germain and the M3 Chardonnay Shaw + Smith (a tenner a glass) are clean, crisp and go well with the seafood. A meal at Texture is a visual and a culinary treat. 8/10

Period Living, Highgate Village, North London

Highgate Village can have a rural air reminiscent of Wind in the Willows

Middle Temple Lane, central London

A rather grandiose gateway marks the southern entrance to Middle Temple - one of the four Inns of Court in London.