Quirky London!

Jun 6, 2020
3 min read

The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you going to meet if you turn this corner?

Virginia Woolf

I came across a fabulous little book the other day that’s a real inspiration. The London Guide for Instagrammers is not only a great little coffee table book, full of fabulous pictures, it’s a really good resource for anyone wanting to visit the city who doesn’t really want to do, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, etc. Even for people like me that thought I knew some pretty good little gems it was a real revelation!

London is full of quirky, (and if you follow this blog you’ll know I love a bit or quirky!), little alleys and bizarre little cottages shoved in between modern high-rise office blocks and beautiful, hidden, walled gardens, this little book is a treasure trove of hidden gems and I have to say, the quality of the pictures and the accompanying descriptions is fabulous. In addition to the weird and wonderful, it does reference some well-known landmarks however, the imagery displays them in a whole new light, here’s a few examples;

Neal’s Yard

Neal's Yard is a small alley in London's Covent Garden between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street which opens into a courtyard. It is named after the 17th century developer, Thomas Neale. There’s no mistaking Neal’s Yard, where a cacophony of different colours splashed over windowpanes and walls, parasols and plinths, give this corner of the capital an appealing, bohemian feel. The playful hues are matched by an equally lively offering at street level, with open-air seating wrapped around oil drum planters, characterful cafes spilling onto the pavements and, of course, Neal’s Yard Remedies too.

Annabel’s

Annabel’s is a members’ club situated on beautiful Berkley Square in a stately Georgian Townhouse. Whilst the distinctive and opulent interior designed by Martin Brudnizki can only usually be viewed by members, they have a public event on Sunday open to anyone and everyone! the external facade is often dramatically wrapped in vibrant flowers.

The Staircase at Heal’s

Designed by architect Cecil Brewer in 1916 and refurbished in 2013, the spiral staircase at Heal’s (the British furniture store on Tottenham Court Road) is a dramatic, sweeping staircase composed of concrete and wood, which takes customers up to the Mansard Gallery. An impressive Bocci chandelier cascades through the centre column of this impressive and highly photogenic staircase.

Pollock’s Toy Museum

Pollock’s Toy Museum is a museum and small toy shop housed in two atmospheric historic buildings in London’s Fitzrovia. The old-fashioned facade takes you back in time to Victorian London. The collection is mainly of Victorian toys which are on display in six small rooms and winding staircases. Everything from dolls and teddy bears to folk toys and toy theatres can be seen here.

Colville place

Colville Place, tucked away close to Charlotte Street, is a pretty pedestrianised street embellished with foliage. Almost every front door has plants and trees spilling out from pots which create a sense of calm and tranquillity right in the middle of the city.

Charlotte Street Hotel

Charlotte Street Hotel is situated close to the theatre district. Designer Kit Kemp used the “Bloomsbury Group” theme throughout the hotel which features original art from the period and a mural in the brasserie which serves fresh, seasonal cuisine. Its elegant frontage with its patriotic Union Jack and striped awnings creates a grand entrance.

Princess of Prussia

A perfect throwback to Victorian London, the Princess of Prussia in Whitechapel exudes traditional charm and authentic atmosphere. Close to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London the pub has been recently restored bringing the original facade of ornate ceramic mouldings, cornices and fascia tiles back to life.

That’s just a few to whet your appetite. Incidentally, so as not to spoil the imagery in the book, (and infringe any copyright!), I’ve used my own images in this post. So, if you’re out of town, or indeed living in London and as we emerge from lock-down you’re looking for something a little different, get this fabulous book, it’s full of inspiration!

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