Coupling and coherent control of single photons and atoms are the key to quantum information physics, with atoms and photons acting as information carriers in scalable quantum networks. To reach this degree of control, we follow several routes. We will manipulate individual atoms in free space using an array of optical tweezers, and couple these atoms to nano-structured cavities, like photonic crystals. Furthermore, we will explore single-photon quantum memories, using either electromagnetically induced transparency to store a photon in an atomic ensemble, or a single atom coupled to an optical cavity to realise an atom-photon quantum interface.