Where to recharge

Sometimes pounding the pavements can just get too much after an hour or two. If you're laden down with too many pretty bags and shiny new products these cafes and bars are great to sit back and regroup - before you head out for another shopping session.

1. Del Aziz, 11 Bermondsey Square SE1 3UN

This Easterrn Mediterranean haven has cakes and Sunday newspapers around one entrance and a full-on Moroccan dinner experience with cocktails, low cushions and shisha in the other half. Live jazz is on Wednesdays with belly dancing on Fridays.

Try: The smoothies are the perfect, refreshing pick me up.

DETAILS:

Near: Borough Market, the South Bank - with branches in Bankside, Fulham, Swiss Cottage, Westfield

More info: http://www.delaziz.co.uk/locations.php

2. Cafe 1001, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL

This cafe/ bar has a really boho atmosphere while serving up good coffee, fresh wraps at the food bar outside and live music and drinks in the moody rooms upstairs.

Try: Pile on the salad and other fresh ingredients at the food bar, plus there's cakes inside for anyone with a sweet tooth.

DETAILS:

Near: Brick Lane, Shoreditch

More info: http://cafe1001.co.uk/

3. Leon, 275 Regent Street W1B 2HB

This is a fairly new chain but it has won legions of devotees with its healthy menu, quirky décor and fast service. They're expanding their menu all the time and the owner has even brought out a Leon cookbook.

Try: Step away from Mcdonalds and try the Leon fish finger sandwich.

DETAILS:

Near: Oxford Street with other cafes near Marylebone, the Strand and Southwark Street

More info: http://www.leonrestaurants.co.uk/

4. Revolution bar, 2 St Annes Court W1F 0AZ

A large bar is a rarity in Soho but this one has plenty of comfy sofas and space to breathe. The staff are fun and you can get refreshing mojitos or just a snack between shops. Pick up a loyalty card for £4 and a few rounds later you will have made your money back.

Try: Good pizzas, burgers and potato wedges in between fruity cocktails.

DETAILS:

Near: Soho, Covent Garden, Leicester Square

More info: http://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/soho

5. Brick Lane Beigel Bakery, 159 Brick Lane E1 6SB

This is a legendary 24 hour pit-stop for tired out vintage hunters in East London that some say does the best bagels in town. It'll be packed in the early hours of the morning too, if you happen to be in the area at that time.

Try: Your favourite bagel combination - to go, or the homemade Minestrone soup.

DETAILS:

Near: Brick Lane, Shoreditch

6. Rosie's Deli Cafe, 14e Market Row, Brixton Market SW9 8LD

Another cookbook owner, Rosie Lovell wrote 'Spooning with Rosie' and runs this quirky cafe in Brixton, South London which now holds tapas nights on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Try: The Feta and Soft Pepper Tomato salad.

DETAILS:

Near: Brixton

More info:http://rosiesdelicafe.blogspot.com/

7. Falafel King, Camden Road, Camden Town, NW1 0AU

A cheap and cheerful fast food takeaway shop in the heart of Camden, this offers much better value for money than lots of other similar places in the area.

Try: It's got to be the falafel wrap - a bargain at £3.50 plus you can sit outside on the metal chairs.

DETAILS:

Near: Camden Market, Chalk Farm, Camden High Street

8. Arancina, 19 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill, W11 3HG - also Westbourne Grove

Nestled in between costume jewellery shops and boutiques, this cafe, specialising in Sicilian food, does take-out downstairs or hop upstairs and you'd think you're in the lounge of an old British country home.

Try: The lasagne is a good bet but everything here is very reasonably priced.

DETAILS:

Near: Portobello Road, Westfield Shepherds Bush

More info: http://www.arancina.co.uk/home.html

9. Le Rif, 172 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, N7 7PX

Moroccan décor and criminally cheap prices make this cafe-restaurant a North London hidden gem. Rest up for an hour or so with some speciality teas served in beautiful North African teapots but avoid sitting outside as it's not the nicest view.

Try: We're a fan of both the lentil dishes and the tagines.

DETAILS:

Near: Islington, Finsbury Park

10.  Wax Jambu, 144-145 Upper Street, Islington N1 1QY

If you like your cocktail bars with a touch of class, Wax Jambu is for you. Low, bohemian seating and the doors flung open onto Upper Street in the summer you can get two bottles for the price of one during Happy Hour plus they have their own Rum Cove.

Try: The Fig Flower Mojito, made with Beefeater Gin.

DETAILS:

Near: Islington, Camden Passage, Angel, King's Cross