In a new interactive exhibition at the Museum of London, this is a question at the centre of it all. Originally created by the Cité des Sciences et de L’Industrie in Paris, this exhibition explores the challenges of urbanisation and how cities around the world have sought to challenge them.
With Father’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start planning a great day out to celebrate! As always with London, there’s a wide array of things to do and see, and Father’s Day is no different. These are some of our favourite ideas of ways to celebrate that special relationship in the capital.
Britain is known for its pubs, and there are over 7000 pubs in London alone. However, these public houses have a wide history, and they are museums in their own right. here are 5 examples of some of the most amazing stories behind London’s pubs.
This pub is tucked away on the backstreets in Covent Garden, and its location attracted a slightly rougher than usual crowd, and it used to host bare-knuckle prize fights. Also, earlier in 1679, poet John Dryden took a beating by thugs hired by a rival poet John Wilmot down this back alley. That’s one way to resolve your issues.
The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is a pub that was often frequented by sailors (and pirates!). There is a replica gallows hanging outside the front, a reference to the revolution-suppressing ‘Hanging’ Judge Jeffreys who was a patron to this place. Unfortunately, the only thing that’s the same from when it was originally built is the flagstone floor inside.
One of the oldest pubs in London is The Spaniards Inn on a hilltop by Hampstead Heath. Having been there since 1585, it has a wide visitor’s list including Byron, Keats, and Dickens. It is even mentioned in Bram Stoker’s version of Dracula
The Ten Bells is a regular pit stop on a Jack The Ripper tour, as this pub was a regular haunt for Victorian prostitutes which became the victims of Jack the Riper. The faded interior and candlelit lighting adds to the ambience of the pub.
The French as it is often referred to is located in the bohemian area of London’s Soho. Lucian Freud, Sylvia Plath, and Dylan Thomas are just a few names of previous patrons of this pub. During World War 2, Charles De Gaulle used to use this pub as their base, and an interesting fact: they only serve half pints in this pub!
Image sourced from TimeOut London.
In London, May means it is time to venture into the great outdoor activities and fun in the city, as well as start soaking up everything that it has to offer. You will never run out of something to do or somewhere to go in May in London, whether it is just visiting a city farm, going to a rooftop bar or strolling around the best parks in the city.
If you are new and don’t know exactly where to go or what activity to involve in, here are some of the most amazing events in London in May you should never miss.
London is one of the great destinations for several reasons. From quality museums to vibrant nightlife, there’s so many things to enjoy and take advantage of in this beautiful city. One of the most important things that every traveler should know about is that the weather in London can drastically change all over the day. That can make your packing different and a bit difficult than other travel destinations.
Your visit to London can go more smoothly, especially if you take some time to carefully plan the things that you need to pack when travelling. There’s nothing more important than to be more prepared and pack your things correctly. Are you wondering what things you must pack going to London? No worries on that, as here are the list of the most important things that you need to bring.
There are constantly being renovations in the city to help develop and improve, and the latest is the development of Central Cross – a 48,000 square foot retail and food development planning to be launched later this spring.
The Central Cross will feature seven new restaurants keeping with the theme of the area, serving new Chinese and East Asian cuisine. They will also have outdoor seating, and there are plans to pedestrianise Newport Place.
We’ll keep you updated with more information as we find out.
Image sourced from TimeOut London
Brunch is an all-time staple for anyone who’s a food fan. Whether you go early in the morning or late, you’re bound to find something that’ll get you up and ready for the rest of the day. These are some of our favourite finds from around the capital.
With the coming of Spring, people take to the outdoors, and that in turn means that there are more and more events in London! These are some of our favourite events that are coming up in London this spring that we wanted to share with you.
In the 2017 edition of this festival there will be great discussions and debates about female achievements and obstacles, with great performances celebrating women of the world. Famous women such as Gillian Anderson, Angela Davis, Sandi Toksvig will be present for the show to take place in the discussions and presentations.
Visit the WOW mini-site to see the full programme of events and for tickets.
With the improvement in weather, Shakespeare’s Globe’s outdoor theatre once again begins its display of outdoor theatre. One of the hot shows for this spring will be Romeo and Juliet, and with a new boss at the head of the theatre, there is plenty of high energy and excitement ready for this year.
This show is a dedication to the work of 1960s ‘pop’ stars who took hold of printmaking as a medium of great excitement. This show tells the story of America’s post-war boom and the evolution of it until the present day. Prepare for bombardment of colour, strong visuals, and lots of prints!
The exhibition will be held at the British Museum until June 18.
The London Marathon is an annual event of great feat. Covering 26.2 miles, the run takes over the city for a weekend in April, and is well celebrated and accepted by the local community. This year the marathon takes place on April 23.
Want to see one of these crazy spaceship houses from the late 60s? These houses were a big craze and can be found all across the world. If you would like to take a tour inside this house, you can book a tour with Central St Martins.
sourced from TimeOut
The Head of the River Race (HORR) is an against the clock race held annually on the River Thames.
Similar to the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, the difference is that the Head of the River Race goes in the opposite direction.
The race was founded in 1925 by Steve Fairbairn, a rower of great influence who transformed the sport into longer distances, and the creation of the lengthier slides for stronger racing shell propulsion.
Put together a packed lunch and arrive at least 45 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. Plenty of people will be coming out to view the race.
See the crews off from Chiswick Bridge, or cheer them on from Barnes Bridge as they pick up the pace, or watch them approach from the Hammersmith Bridge.
You can see the course here to find the best spot for you: http://www.horr.co.uk/wordpress/race-course/
With plenty of markets across the city at different times and places, it is hard to know which ones you should visit. We thought to put together the major ones, including street food collectives and food markets to make sure you are getting what you want, and going to the right places.
This market has been around in Soho since the 18th Century, with traders selling flowers, fruit and vegetables, and street food. Getting busy around lunch-time, their food stalls include Souvlaki, burritos, Jerusalem Falafel and Savage Salads.
Open Monday through Saturday, 8am – 6pm
Known for its curry houses, Brick Lane is one of the growing parts of London. However, there is a great market to be found here where a selection of street food traders set up everyday, right around the corner from Boxpark. They have the now-famous Rib Man with his spicy baps, and also fresh produce that you can buy.
Around the corner you will also find the Upmarket on Sundays, where people are selling a variety of clothing, toys, antiques, jewellery and more. All in all, this area is bustling at all times, and well worth a visit.
Open Saturday (11am – 6pm), and Sunday (10am – 5pm)
London’s oldest food market, this is where you will find not only a selection of fast food and takeaway options, but a lot of fresh produce, fish, and meat stalls where many of London’s restauranteurs will even shop.
The stall owners are also very knowledgeable on their produce and are happy to share the story of where their foods come from, and offer you advice with cooking and finding the best produce as well.
Open Monday-Thursday (10am – 5pm), Friday (10am – 6pm), and Saturday (8am – 5pm)
If you’re in the Waterloo area, this is by far the best for lunch options in the area. Open Monday through Friday, this is one of London’s oldest street food markets and plays host to some amazing food such as Cuban sandwiches, great cakes, and a healthy salad option.
If you visit the market on Saturdays, it is more like a flea and produce market.