In the middle of Fitzrovia’s Pearson Square stands a curious red-brick building. Walking past, you might notice its incongruity with the surrounding modern apartment blocks, but you’d probably not deem it worthy of closer inspection. Worthy it is, however: one of London’s finest architectural gems, hidden in plain sight!
Fitzrovia Chapel was built in 1891-2 as a place of worship for staff and patients at Middlesex Hospital. Look out for plaques (on the left as you enter) commemorating some of the institution’s notable figures: Diana Beck, for example, who practised here and was England’s first female neurosurgeon. The hospital closed in 2005 and was subsequently demolished, but the chapel – by then a Grade II Listed building – was saved and restored. Today, it is a coveted venue for weddings, concerts, and exhibitions, and it is open three times a week to members of the public.
Aside from its compelling history, what really sets Fitzrovia Chapel apart is its extraordinary gold mosaic ceiling. This part of the chapel took so long to build – the project was both incredibly demanding and severely underfunded – that the original architect, John Loughborough Pearson, didn’t survive to see the end result. It feels even more of a privilege to stand surrounded by candlelit columns and gaze up at this star-studded wonder, seen through to completion by his son Frank.
Find your way with 246 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Three Falcons serves some of London’s best Indian food, with hearty curries, cheesy naan and a warm atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
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Twice a week, all the tables are pushed to one side, and the bookshop is transformed into an intimate venue for author talks, film screenings and debates.
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Walpole spent most of his life transforming the building into his own ‘little Gothic castle’, with battlements, arched doorways and stained glass windows.
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What really sets Book 28 apart, is their commitment to sourcing intersectional literature that would be unlikely to appear in your average public library.
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Designed in 1822 by Thomas Cubitt (the architect behind large parts of Belgravia & Pimlico), Woburn Walk retains many of its original Georgian shopfronts.
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Savour your food, indulge in good conversation and when you’ve scraped your plate clean, go out onto the patio for a long, drawn-out coffee in the sun.
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Everything I’ve tried in this restaurant is delicious and plentiful. I love the bread, the dips and I can guarantee that their saffron rice is to die for!
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I immediately fell in love with Redemption Roasters for their strong mission, big social impact, and great coffee of course. Plus an excellent brunch menu!
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At the ground level - a quirky interior, cosy seating areas, and a great selection of drinks and food! But if you go upstairs though you will discover...
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An a family-owned independent cheese shop that opened in 1994 and has been going strong since then. Their selection of cheeses is outstanding and varied.
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Barnsbury Wood is enjoyed by Londoners all year round, but it is at its most glorious in the summer months when the trees are drenched in golden sunlight.
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The gardens and pergola are open to the public and are a great spot for a walk or a peaceful afternoon with a good book in hand while lying on the grass.
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