The Underground, rising rent prices, heartless street crime… it’s easy to be gloomy in London, which is why we love the totally inspirational The Happiness Project London blog, subtitled ‘a journey to the smiley side of London life’. We caught up with Sasha to talk pork belly, yoga and the Costa del Brixton. I don’t know about you, but I want to visit.

Why did you call your blog The Happiness Project London?
It’s my personal project to make the most of London and discover what makes me happy. After a year and a half, this appears to revolve around food and wine quite a lot, but I also love cycling and yoga, gardening, theatre and music and, most of all, being surrounded by people I love. Since starting the blog, I’ve gained 5 pounds (which I’m currently losing thanks to cycling to work), made new friends and become more content.

The name wasn’t well researched as there are hundreds of other Happiness Projects out there – including a bestselling US book – but I like to think I’m just part of the zeitgeist and a growing community of happiness-seekers who realise there’s more to life than a fat paycheck and a nice handbag!

What’s your idea of happiness?
Two things: feeling part of a community; and acceptance of your life for what it is, and others for theirs.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you because of the blog?
Apart from invites to great restaurants and interesting nights out (special mention to Naked Girls Reading and an Indonesian percussion class), I’ve met some brilliant bloggers on Twitter who I have lots in common with, and my boyfriend is also a blogger – we bonded through a love of words and pork belly.

So do you write for your day job? How do you juggle working and blogging?
I do something entirely different in my day job so the blog is a great way to escape and express myself. I blog in the evenings and weekends and I enjoy the process of writing as much as the fun things I get to try out. At the moment, I’m writing less because I only want to write when I’m in the mood and enjoy doing it. The day I find it a chore, I’ll stop.

Where do you live in London and why?
Brixton. It stole my heart four years ago and I’m yet to get it back. I love the mix of cultures, the sound of reggae and steel drums and Bible enthusiasts, the smells from the market and the incense stalls. I love Windrush Square and its pavement cafes spilling out from the Ritzy cinema. I love the great music venues and coffee shops and the market and jerk chicken. Most Brixtonites seem to love living there which makes for a great atmosphere – I’ve found the same in places in Crouch End or Brighton or San Francisco (although the similarities probably end there). The fact that we recently got an H&M clinched it for me – I ain’t going anywhere.

Can you share your five favourite places in London?

Brockwell Park (see below) and Hampstead Heath (so typical but you can’t beat that view). Eating outside on Dean Street in Soho for making me feel part of this fun, crazy city and for the people-watching.

Late summer nights at the V & A and the summer exhibition at the Royal Academy. South Bank for its romantic views of the Thames, great cultural venues and wonderful restaurants like Skylon and the Blueprint Cafe above the Design Museum. Finally, Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market – amazing history and architecture, great shopping and markets, and a vibrant bar and restaurant scene.

And which essential place should a visitor to your ‘hood check out?

Brockwell Park. It’s elevated and has a great view of the City, the London Eye and Canary Wharf, so it makes London feel more compact and open than normal. As well as tennis courts, BMX bike track, lawn bowling, duck ponds, Georgian house cafe, children’s playground and a miniature steam train, it also has a gorgeous lido. The pool opens soon for six months (it’s free to swim this weekend) and it’s in a quirky 1930s Art Deco building which turns into Costa del Brixton in the sun. You can also eat a great burger with a glass of rose next to the pool at the Lido Cafe. I feel like I’m on holiday every time I’m there and I’m quite smug that us Brixtonites have this secret little playground to enjoy.

Do you have a blog we’d love, or would you love to share your favourite places here? Just contact the team – sarahdrinkwater, janeB, eamon and alexsheppard!