Why: New York has become very predictable, and to find neighbourhoods that still feel like a neighbourhood is unusual. There are off beat shops plus one-off family restaurants which are disappearing everywhere else. It's all brownstone low-level - not yet very touristy. It 's just south of Chelsea heading towards Wall Street.

What's the best thing: Annie's Kitchen for breakfast on Spring Street. It serves amazing blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. Have a side-order of cinnamon and walnut cream-cheese on a toasted bagel. Serves all-day food.

My advice: Get there before it is discovered.

How do I get there? Plane to New York. It's on the E line subway.

• Branding Yourself: How to look, sound and behave your way to success by Mary Spillane ,image consultant and performance coach, is published by Pan on September 22, £12.99.