The London neighbourhood of Chiswick may be known for displaying many British middle-class features: Fairtrade coffee cafes, vegetarian restaurants and plenty of families with large prams taking up the entire pavement. What may surprise visitors is the neo-Palladian villa of Chiswick House. Visitors may think they have stumbled into the tranquil Italian countryside (until the heavy English rain makes them realise they are still in London).
The house itself is impressive. It's cared for by English Heritage and an army of passionate volunteers and caretakers. Fans of Palladio will adore wandering the home both inside and out. Entry into the house is closed until spring of 2017, but the gardens are open all-day everyday and are free of charge.
It is in the gardens themselves where you'll see many Chiswick residents going about their daily business - jogging around the greenery, walking their dogs and sharing tea and cakes in the Chiswick House cafe. Taking the classic architecture in stride shows how readily the residents have adopted this seemingly out-of-place Italian villa into their daily London lives.
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Loafing Cafe is a combination of bakery, with excellent sourdough, a cafe and creperie with a garden. Enjoy the comfortable seating and the warmth of the team!
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Anyone you take here (including yourself) will love you for it. Spring is a rare thing in London: grand, but calm, luxurious but simple, fancy but very friendly.
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Bard is a bookshop & cafe with an amazing selection of books, addictive coffee and pastry. Don't miss the calendar of readings, events, book clubs, and quizzes.
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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It's always been magical to press the discreet buzzer and walk into the quiet brick-walled garden of Rochelle Canteen, leaving gritty East London behind.
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In an area full of chains, visit the family-run Crown Café. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches & their pastel de nata and they make a great cup of tea.
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They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
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Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
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The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
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The Nickel Cinema is a 37-seat gem that revives NYC grindhouse spirit with little-known films and a vintage-filled bar. Unmissable for true film lovers!
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A beloved East London classic, E Pellici offers hearty Italian–English food, strong coffee, and warm family-run charm to a lively mix of locals and visitors.
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