London's Vauxhall is proud to be "different", a statement that adorns the tunnels and signage around this misunderstood part of town. One of London's main LGBTQ+ districts, it is a place where expression is encouraged and everyone is welcome.
At the heart of it all is Vauxhall Pleasure Garden, a green centre point amongst the noise and bustle of this crucial interchange. In the shadow of MI6 and Vauxhall's ever-changing (and ever taller) skyline, the pleasure garden offers a beautifully maintained and ever-peaceful moment to breathe while keeping the excitement of the city in a clear, tantalising view.
Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow. Around the edges of the park bars like Mother Kelly's, the Black Dog and the famous Vauxhall Tavern cabaret provide an atmosphere of a summertime square, the clink of glasses and gentle chatter unmissable on a Friday night.
At its centre sits the Tea House Theater, a former gentlemen's club turned laid-back spot for a nice bite to eat and a refreshment, alcoholic or otherwise.
Take a trip, have a lie in the sun, and live life as the locals do.
Arch 70 Albert Embankment
£
free
Find your way with 289 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Loafing Cafe is a combination of bakery, with excellent sourdough, a cafe and creperie with a garden. Enjoy the comfortable seating and the warmth of the team!
by
Anyone you take here (including yourself) will love you for it. Spring is a rare thing in London: grand, but calm, luxurious but simple, fancy but very friendly.
by
Bard is a bookshop & cafe with an amazing selection of books, addictive coffee and pastry. Don't miss the calendar of readings, events, book clubs, and quizzes.
by
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
It's always been magical to press the discreet buzzer and walk into the quiet brick-walled garden of Rochelle Canteen, leaving gritty East London behind.
by
In an area full of chains, visit the family-run Crown Café. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches & their pastel de nata and they make a great cup of tea.
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
The Nickel Cinema is a 37-seat gem that revives NYC grindhouse spirit with little-known films and a vintage-filled bar. Unmissable for true film lovers!
by
A beloved East London classic, E Pellici offers hearty Italian–English food, strong coffee, and warm family-run charm to a lively mix of locals and visitors.
by
289 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 289 Insider Tips