One of the most unusual things to do in London, established in 2008 by Britain’s favourite pop philosopher Alain de Botton, its winning formula is equally focused on fun and thought. Sunday sermons (£12.50) see the ‘congregation’ stand to sing themed hymns (The Man in the Mirror for Ruby Wax’s talk on ego, for example); its conversation dinners are held at the kind of restaurants you’ve always meant to go to (Providores, Konstam; £55), and its excellent classes (£30) bring intellectual insights to everyday issues – How to be Cool, for example, points students to the black power struggle.