Situated just minutes from the hectic shopping hordes of Oxford Street, the serene atmosphere of the Wallace Collection in Hertford House offers a gentle breather from the overstimulation of last-minute sales.
The art collection itself covers such a wide range that most visitors will find something to please them. Art from Turner, Canaletto, Rubens and Van Dyck will capture the interests of fans of paintings, while the large collections of porcelain will entertain ceramics connoisseurs.
Although the art pieces are a joy to behold, I think it's the rooms themselves that are the big draw to the museum - each room gives a taste of Versailles: sumptuous, decadent and occasionally over-the-top. Often I find I stare as much at the richly decorated wallpaper and delicately crafted fireplaces as much as the art on the walls. For those who love the French bling, the new exhibition on replicating French furniture will please your inner-Marie Antoinette.
The room I find I spend the most time is on the ground floor just beyond the gift shop. The European and Oriental Armoury collection includes every shape of sword and every size of armour. The real draw is the equestrian armour displayed in the centre of the room. Spending a few minutes here will tap into the inner-knight in all of us.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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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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"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...
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"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...
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"Mondo Brewery" in London is a meeting point for me and other appreciators of hoppy liquid gold. Plenty to love, but no other taproom has free popcorn!
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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