Charlie Gilkes, Urbanologist and nightlife entrepreneur shares with U the best of London....

How do you start your day?
I read all the email reports from our Inception Group venues from the night before over a coffee and then take my dog Bertie for a 40 minute walk round Battersea Park.

Leisurely lunch go to?
Our new healthy hangout, Squirrel in South Kensington. It serves a range of fully customisable salads and warm grain bowls.

Favourite way to pass the time in London?
Living right next to Battersea Park, I spend a lot of time there. I also love visiting food markets whether in Borough, Spitalfields or Northcote Road and discovering new bars and restaurants.

Favourite London landmark, and why?
The Royal Albert Hall is the most spectacular London Landmark. It is also the greatest live entertainment venue in the world and has hosted some of the most amazing live performances I have ever been lucky enough to see.

Tipple of choice and favourite cocktail hangout?
When not in our own places, I really enjoy Bar Termini in Soho which serves the best bottled Negronis in stunning glasses.

Favourite dining destinations, and why?
I love the setting of Petersham Nurseries in Richmond- there is nowhere nicer for a Summer's lunch. Sweetings in the City is a brilliant fish restaurant that never seems to change. I also love the Shed restaurant in Notting Hill which serves seasonal British food. For a real treat, The River Cafe remains a favourite for its uncomplicated, yet delicious food.

Final stop for a nightcap, and why?
We have a great Gin Parlour above Mr. Fogg's Tavern in Covent Garden, which has over 350 Gins and 25 tonics and there's nothing better than a gin cocktail sat up there at the end of an evening looking over on to the Noel Coward Theatre.

Best hangover remedy?
Swimming in the sea beats them all but failing that then there's always a cold shower.

Where next on your travels?
Back to Puglia in Southern Italy where my wife Annie and I got engaged three years ago and married two years ago. It's very special to us.

Charlie Gilkes is a nightlife entrepreneur and co-founder (along with Duncan Stirling) of Inception Group, which operates a group of unique bar, restaurant and club concepts in South West and central London, such as Mr Fogg’s, Bunga Bunga, Maggies, Bart's and most recently, Squirrel. A new Bunga Bunga is set to open in Covent Garden this October.