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 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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
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
"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
"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
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips