From a very young age, the beautiful half Greek, half French gallerist, Virginia Damtsa, has been submerged in the world of art. Buying her first pieces - Picasso and Hirst - when still only a teenager, Damtsa is one of the art world's new pioneers. Having finished 2 MA's at both the University of the Arts and the Sotheby's Institute in 2000, Virginia Damtsa now has her own gallery Riflemaker with co-partner, Tot Taylor, on Beak Street in London's Soho. Having a keen interest in the music industry as well as art, Virginia has recently been working with The Vinyl Factory gallery, fusing together unusual collaborations between artists and musicians.

Being in the art business involves a lot of footwork. It always has: from artist’s studios in out-of-the-way locations; to clients’ and collectors’ homes; storerooms, and framers. You can easily get through several miles in a day. On top of the walking, there is the socialising and dancing come the evenings as well. To save myself carrying around a change of shoe, it’s best to start off comfortable – as a trained dancer, I know that comfort is important. At my Soho gallery, Riflemaker , we work in an historic building dating back to the early 1700’s. The creaky, near ancient floors are quite demanding on heels – hence why I’m usually seen in a great pair of wedges.

It’s from these wedge-clad feet that I recommend some of my favourite London haunts – restaurants and markets, galleries and cinemas, London’s versatility suits my lifestyle and I perfectly.

Firstly, you must visit Riflemaker and experience our current three exhibitions (on our three shoe-unfriendly floors), www.riflemaker.org. Follow this with lunch next door at the Venetian tapas restaurant, Polpo, www.polpo.co.uk, which never fails to be bustling and fun. Finish with coffee at the fabulous Fernandez & Wells – also on Beak Street.

New gallery space, The Vinyl Factory (www.thevinylfactory.com) on Walton Street, Chelsea, is unique in bringing together the art and music worlds. On a street filled with boutiques, bars and beautiful people, I love to do a little bit of people watching from Jak’s (www.jakswaltonstreet.com) – when I have the time!

Without fail, I visit Portobello Road on a Friday morning. It’s inspiring and much less hectic than the weekends. The plethora of stalls feature wares of clothes and food, paintings and furniture. The Electric Cinema at the end of the street is my favourite cinema in London. I love booking one of the beds to watch the latest flick on offer – time to really escape. The newly re-vamped restaurant at The Electric is great (but members only). Further west onto Golborne Road you’ll find lots more interesting furniture stalls and can end up at the new Pizza East (West) – another interesting restaurant-bar from Soho House Founder, Nick Jones (www.pizzaeast.com).

Virginia Damtsa, Gallerist and Walker.... www.virginiadamtsa.com