Three Hidden Gems In London Town
As the capital of the UK, London is a fantastic place to visit and boasts a wealth of things to see and do. No matter what interests or tastes you have, London has something for everyone. Some of the top attractions in the city include Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery – and rightly so – but there are some hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered. Here are our recommendations for things to see and do which will give you an alternative tourist perspective on this wonderful city:
The Hawley Arms, North-West London
The Hawley Arms pub in Camden gained interest after it was revealed to be singer Amy Winehouse’s local. The music spans a range of indie music to pop-rock classics while the clientele are typically “Camden”. In spite of being crammed full of locals and visitors, The Hawley Arms is well worth a visit for a taste of the area. Camden has a huge range of eateries, bars, clubs and music venues, and of course, Camden Market, open at the weekends for everything you didn’t know you wanted!
Barbican Art Gallery, Central London
A little something to wet your cultural palette; the Barbican Art Gallery is located in the Barbican Centre and features exhibits that focus on architecture, design and fashion. It is considered to be one of the best galleries in the capital with major artists and designers showcasing their work – the size of the Barbican allows for major exhibits – no small scale stuff here! The Barbican Centre also has an arts cinema, reading rooms, fabulous book shops and a beautiful theatre where a wide range of events are on offer. Best of all is the Barbican covered Roof Garden, where you can wander amongst the greenery. After taking a gander at the artwork, stop off at the Barbican Riverside Café which has views of the square ponds, and the ducks who live there on a permanent basis. For something more formal, you might want to try out the Restaurant again, overlooking the water.
Bricklane, East London
A visit to Brick Lane gives a great insight into edgy East London that was once the scene of the Jack the Ripper murders and now a hotbed for the artistic and bohemian scene. You’ll find The Brick Lane Bagel Bake, which makes and serves proper kosher filled bagels 24 hours a day! Columbia Road Flower Market is great for Sunday mornings – but you have to get up early and drink in the heady scent of thousands of freshly cut flowers.
There’s also the magnificent Old Truman Brewery Building. It doesn’t produce beer anymore, but has all night bars, music events, places to eat and designer shops. For those who like to deviate from high-street fashion, there are some fantastic vintage shops and chic boutiques to be explored. As you approach the end of your visit, treat yourself to a meal at one of the many Bangladeshi restaurants in the area – they have a great reputation and are very reasonably priced.