Overlooking a picturesque lake, Pavilion café in the centre of East London’s Victoria Park is the perfect pit stop while out on a stroll. Their delicious pancakes, topped with fruit and drowned in maple syrup are simply divine. Afterwards, you definitely feel the need to walk off the pancakes and there couldn’t be a more lovely place to stroll.

It really is a beautiful park with something for everyone. There’s a canal running down one side with gorgeous barges and narrow boats moored along it. There’s also a fantastic new adventure park for the little ones, all part of the makeover the park has received in preparation for the Olympics.

On the edge of the park you’ll find Victoria Park Village, a breath of fresh air sandwiched between Hackney, Bethnal Green and Mile End. There’s a lovely village feel with lots of great independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. My personal recommendation is the fantastic Fish House on Lauriston Road. It has the most varied seafood menu, the chips are fab and there’s not a battered sausage in sight!

We are so lucky to have this big, green space in the middle of such an urban area, and to have it so well maintained. It’s the centre of our local community and I hope more people from further afield will want to share it with us. Take a picnic and make a day of It. I will be!

Photo courtesy of Gui Seiz on Flickr