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 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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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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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With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
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"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
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"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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