In the middle of the Thames at Twickenham lies Eel Pie Island. It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue that attracted the likes of Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones. Now, it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony, accessible only by boat or footbridge.
Here, anything goes: mannequins dressed in hi-vis jackets, benches made from salvaged junkyard items, craftsman-style cottages with kitsch sculptures emerging from their roofs… Mud trails guide the way, culminating in an idyllic outdoor dining area decked with candlesticks and swinging chandeliers.
But there’s a catch! The island is only open to the public three times a year when the Eel Pie artists organize open studio weekends. These usually take place twice in July and once in December, with dates published on their website well in advance and no bookings required. The rest of the time, it’s shrouded in mystery: an escapist’s paradise just beyond reach.
The dates for this summer are the 15-16th and the 22-23rd of July, from 11 am to 6 pm!
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
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The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
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Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
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Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
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The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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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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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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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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