Best gallery settings
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| Fine specimens on show at the Horniman |
Horniman Museum
Bringing the world to Forest Hill was the original and rather ambitious aim of its founder, nineteenth-century tea trader Frederick Horniman. But apart from wanting to view the eccentric and idiosyncratic natural history specimens, superb music gallery and fantastic new aquarium, south Londoners come in droves to walk around the pretty hillside gardens.
Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 (020 8699 1872/www.horniman.ac.uk) Forest Hill rail.
Kenwood House
Set on top of a hill at the edge of Hampstead Heath, there are few more spectacular settings than Kenwood. Now that the outdoor concerts appear to have been scrapped, head indoors for the visual feasts of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Reynolds.
Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, NW3 (020 8348 1286/www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwoodhouse) Archway tube then 210 bus.
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Orleans House Gallery
Break up your riverside walk from Richmond to Ham House by stopping at this distinctive building with an octagonal baroque room and stables converted into galleries. Or you could park your yacht out front.
Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham (020 8831 6000/www.richmond.gov.uk/home/leisure_and_culture/arts/orleans_house_gallery.htm) Richmond tube/rail.
Pump House Gallery
One of London’s quirkiest art spaces is by the lake in Battersea Park. Originally a Victorian pumping station, it now houses temporary shows and hosts a residency programme for artists who want to get away from it all and feed the ducks.
Pump House Gallery, Battersea Park, SW11, (020 7350 0523/www.wandsworth.gov.uk/gallery) Battersea Park or Queenstown Rd rail.
Serpentine Gallery
The best of contemporary art is only ever a short stroll away from the Serpentine lake in Kensington Gardens. After its restoration a decade ago, the former teahouse now benefits from an annual temporary summer pavilion designed by a famous architect, hosting 24-hour talks and late-night parties.
Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 (020 7402 6075/www.serpentinegallery.org) Knightsbridge or Lancaster Gate or South Kensington tube.
Tate Modern
The top-level restaurant has some of the best views over the Thames and the Millennium (formerly known as ‘wobbly’) Bridge that you could wish for. Oh, don’t forget the six floors of world-class cubism, surrealism, abstract expressionism and minimalism underneath you.
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 (020 7402 6075/www.tate.org.uk/modern) Blackfriars tube/rail or Southwark tube.
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6 comments
what about pall mall barbers,27 whitcomb st
www.pallmallbarbers.com
Best bookshops eh? I feel Biblion, the Antiquarian bookshop at Grays Antique Market should of been included! Its a treasure trove. Truly helpful staff, amazing diversity of books and in an Antiques Market! Its full of character and in a great location!
What about
Best Sunday Afternoons in spring/ summer/ autumn/ winter
once again - using the 'print' feature of this feature results in text obliterated by fotos in the layout.......
I would add St. John's Bread & Wine (in Commercial St.) to 'Best Breakfasts'. Brioche, porridge with prunes, delicious fresh rhubarb - it's all amazing. In fact, I think I'm gonna go tomorrow...!
Best barbers? Ya... They are also for women? (!!??) Please, let me know about the best hairdresser! I'm new in town (I'm portuguese), and really dont know where to cut my hair. With style, of course!