Places in London… South Kensington

Matilda — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:00:58 +0000

In a nutshell: If there’s one term that could sum up South Kensington, it’d probably be “stush”( aka posh aka bougie-bougie), but in this case, that’s not a bad thing. It’s no doubt a tourist destination, with a exotic mix of French, Italian and Spanish residents representing for the area as well as loads of hotels and things to do. But unlike other tacky locales (SOHO), you’ll feel you’ve got your money’s worth and your, ahem, wallet still in tact (although the only pickpockets here are probably the owners of the Food and Wine newsagents…*see DON’T EVEN below…*)

If you’ve got a couple of hours: Head to the museums, obviously. There’s the Science, Natural History and theV&A (currently showing an exhibition dedicated to Grace Kelly’s wardrobe for all you fashionistas) , or you could visit The Royal Albert Hall, not so much for the classical gigs (unless that’s your thing, not mine), but for the front of house and backstage tours (£8-£12) or the FREE photography exhibitions. There’s also the Serpentine Gallery, which, if you choose to chill in Kensington Gardens, is located smack-bam in the middle, and it’s another freebie.

Foodwise, I’ve heard good things about 1880 at The Bentley Hotel (the Thrifty be warned; 5 Star!), The Bombay Brasserie (Indian) and Bumpkin (English). And it’d be silly to not mention the Hummingbird Bakery and their FANTASTICAL cupcakes. Red Velvet y’all!

Don’t Even: BUY ANYTHING FROM FOOD & WINE. I’m not trying to run peeps out of business, but to try to sell me a 500ml bottle of water for one-pound and change is NOT THE ONE. In fact, it’s is quintessential FOOLISNESS. Please, take yourself to 297 Brompton Road; they call it TESCO METRO….

Further info: www.south-kensington.com

Do you live/work/play in South Kensington and have any area recommendations? Leave your tips below in the comments section!

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Places in London… Russell Square / Bloomsbury

Matilda — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:00:34 +0000

In a nutshell: Set within Bloomsbury (sounds as posh as crumpet, doesn’t it?), this area is basically overpopulated with students from SOAS and other schools within the University of London, many of whom I doubt know how lucky they are to reside in one of the most historic and tourist-savvy areas in the city; there are hotels everywhere! I also got a sneaking suspicion that the many terrace houses which surround the square are owned by MPs who claimed them on expenses…

If you’ve got a couple of hours: Chill in the square and visit its cafe – there’s something quaint about it – and you might even be entertained by a classically-trained busker. Or you could pop into the British Museum which is nearby and check out the Kingdom of Ife: Sculptures of West Africa exhibition which has been extended until July 4th (£8 or free for members). Shoppers should head to The Brunswick Shopping Centre which makes retail therapy feel ridiculously elite (Waitrose, French Connection, Space NK you get me?); that’s until you notice it’s balanced off with Superdrug, Specsavers and Nandos. Phew. Foodies will appreciate Carluccios with does great Italian, and those with sweet tooths should probably make a beeline for Patisserie Valerie. There’s also the Renoir Cinema in the mall which is totally art-house and shows some of the best indie films.

Don’t even: Take a picture in one of the few remaining red telephone boxes that are littered around here. Don’t do it, for the love of GOD! (But, if you must – I hope you take down the porn flyers first and try not to step in the wee, urrrrgh!)

Further info: Bloomsbury on Wikipedia

Do you live/work/play in Russell Square / Bloomsbury and have any area recommendations? Leave your tips below in the comments section!

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Places in London… South Kensington

Places in London… Russell Square / Bloomsbury