Located just minutes from the UK Houses of Parliament (where the cacophony of MPs barking at one another fill the Westminster air), the wonderful St. John's Smith Square provides discerning classical music fans with a chance to feast their ears on a wide programme of concerts, festivals and recitals.
Built in the early 18th century, St. John's Smith Square is an example of English Baroque architecture. But the real joy of the building is the acoustics that makes a building of its size seem so intimate. The building even appears in the film 'An Education', where Carey Mulligan's character heads there to see a classical concert.
The types of concerts range from lunchtime concerts, chamber orchestras and Christmas carols performed by both seasoned veterans and young classical stars of the future. A night of classical music does not have to be expensive; it's quite easy to get tickets for about £ 10. That's less than 10% of what Royal Opera House tickets could cost!
The Smith Square restaurant downstairs also provides quick meals before the concert and some wine and snacks during the interval (I can highly recommend the chocolate cakes).
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.
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.
By
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.
By
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.
By
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.
By
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.
By
"Hackney Wick Canal" in London once a quasi-industrial wasteland, now a prime hipster hangout... I like sitting at the canal side with a beer.
By
"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
By
"The Thames Clipper" is an efficient machine, designed for London commuters. It's the perfect way to get on a boat on the Thames on a sunny evening!
By
"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
By
"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
By
"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...
By
0 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!
✓ 0 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!