How to Make the Most of Lunchtimes in London

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London: synonymous with pace, speed and rapidity is not the first city that comes to mind when you consider indulging in a lunchtime hobby.

Most of us cram sandwiches into our mouths, hell bent on instant carbohydrate loading whilst crouched over our crumb-covered computer keyboard. That's fine. But sometimes it isn't. Very occasionally, the sky transforms itself into a watery blue and the gusty wind stops for enough time for you to leap up and consider leaving the building, rather than sheltering miserably inside waiting for summer.

1. Learn about Art: The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, both in the centre of London next to Trafalgar Square offer talks and opportunities to sketch. Some of us aren't lucky enough to get a full hour for lunch, and for us unfortunate people, the National Gallery has kindly laid on several 10 minute talks including a discussion of Ruysch's 'Flowers in a vase'. Others last 30 minutes and include discussions of paintings by Vermeer and Barocci, which is a great introduction to some of the less well-known pieces of art-work on display here .

2. Challenge yourself: to find something worth getting bragging rights for. Got 30 minutes? Find the most comfortable park bench, set up your newspaper and a takeaway coffee and relax in the haze of satisfaction that can only come with finding a hidden suntrap. Got 45 minutes or longer? Locate the best coffee in your neighbourhood. Not only will this guarantee a constant state of alertness during the afternoon, but it means you can be that smug colleague who puts down their paper mug of organically sourced Monmouth coffee on the meeting table and judge those with Costa's and Starbucks around you. And you have a tasty beverage, so double win.

3. Get classical: There are lots of classical music recitals on offer in the centre of London at lunchtime. From the famous and free (St Martins in the Fields) to the student recitals (Royal College of Music), music lovers will find a style, a venue or a composer that will appeal to them. Nothing can beat leaning your head back against your seat and in the crypt of St Martin in the Fields and letting the strains of Bach wash over you while you smile to yourself as you remember your previous hellish lunchtime experiences.

4. Pick up a language: Sitting behind me in Pret right now sit two women. One of them is clearly Spanish and the other is struggling with her reflexives. Private tutors can offer up their services for a quick half hour of tuition, which gives you time to grab a bite to eat and start your inroads into learning Mandarin .

5. UCL lunchtime lecture series are well attended and popular for those working in the centre of London. Recent lectures include tours on slavery at the Museum of London and others on the London. For those who can't get to the venues, UCL have handily put all their lectures online, so it's now possible to catch up on missed lectures, or learn from the comfort of your desk. Topics include 'Scandinavian crime fiction', 'Genomics and healthcare' and 'by the donerzly light - when our ears play tricks on us'. Find out more at this website .

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