Inspiration • July 2015
London: five secret places to escape the crowds
The British capital comes into its own in the summertime with parks in bloom, outdoor swimming pools and festivals aplenty. But city funtime draws in the hordes. content editor of The Club Hannah Hudson suggests escaping the madness by heading instead to some of these hidden corners
Park life
While Hampstead Heath is well known for its green spaces, picnic spots and bathing pools, head slightly further north to the Pergola and Hill Gardens overlooking the West Heath area and you leave the masses behind. The Arts and Crafts garden was created for soap baron Lord Leverhulme in the Edwardian era and offers fantastic views over London. Postman’s Park, just round the corner from St Paul’s cathedral, makes a lovely place to eat lunch, while for the more adventurous Kew Gardens’ Treetop Walkway (above) winds through the branches 18m above the ground.
Thirst quencher
Above the bustle of London’s China Town is a late-night drinking den, cocktail bar and dim sum restaurant decked out like turn-of-the-century China called Opium (above). It isn’t signposted, so you’ll have to look for the green door on Gerrard Street. For brunchtime drinks, try Blixen and ask for a table in the ‘garden’. This covered area juts out into the bustling Spitalfields Market, but feels like your own private oasis.
London after hours
The Ceremony of the Keys at The Tower of London is a 700-year-old tradition that takes place every night. Visitors can join the wardens as they take a 30-minute tour through the tower locking all the doors. Tickets are free but there is a waiting list. For a different view of history, visit Dennis Severs House (above) near Liverpool Street. Created by artist Severs as an ‘historical reimagining’, the building interior is decked out as if an imaginary family of Huguenot silk weavers has only recently left each room.
Quiet bite
Eating in anonymity doesn’t have to be a soulless affair. The Disappearing Dining Club is well known for throwing dinner parties in unusual and unexpected locations all over London. Their 28-seat dining room, Back in 5 Minutes is hidden inside a clothes shop on Brick Lane. Menus change daily and draw upon Head Chef Fred Bolin’s Swedish roots. Dishes include seared scallops with white chocolate, as well as poached chicken breast, Earl Grey and truffle broth.
Shop in peace
Don’t be deceived by the dull exterior, LN-CC (above) is a store like few others. Located underneath a nondescript office block in Dalston, the shop design incorporates tunnels and tree houses, and features an avant-garde, exclusive range of labels (from Dries van Noten to Balenciaga). Visits are by appointment only. For old-school retail glamour, swap bustling Burlington Arcade for nearby Princes Arcade, a short walk from both Green Park and Piccadilly Circus. Pick up waistcoats and cufflinks from Andy and Tuly, shoes from Loake, or a smart men’s hat from Bates. Meanwhile, book-lovers looking for a quiet browse should head to the small, but charming, London Review Bookshop next to the British Museum.
This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips