London Is An Open Book

Posted by Coralie on Mar 23, 2011 in News | 0 comments

Whether you are new to London or have been living there for years, the city keeps proving full of surprises. It is a veritable hotbed of possibility, whether you are a foodie, a museum fan, a nature lover, a stroller mum, a romantic couple… The one downside is – with so many options, where do you start?

Well, if you are a book lover, leaf through these:

1000 Things To Do in London is the best one to start with. Mine is now covered in notes, cornered, anything tried and tested highlighted – it’s a wonder it still holds together! The pages are full of precious addresses and experiences from visiting the gorgeous Masonic headquarters to finding a floating church via learning to make your own shoes or sabre fighting.

If you are looking for the funny side of the City, try Eccentric London (Amazon link): a fabulous source of anecdotes. You will learn all about amazing Londoners, like this Chinese restaurateur who loves to dress up as Elvis in his restaurant… Or even discover a whole list of ceremonies taking place on a yearly basis. Did you know there is one for hot cross buns? That you can join a beat the tube race? That red roses have been left on Anne Boleyn’s grave for the last 160 years?

There’s nothing more fascinating than small hidden places. London is full of museums that you have never heard of and which can be visited on request only. It is in Secret London (Amazon Link) that I learnt of the Thames River Police Museum with its range of uniforms, lanterns, handcuffs… Another amazing place in their listings is the Clown’s Gallery Museum which you will find… in a church!

Nostalgic of the London of yesterday? Revisit it through London Through A Lens and its beautiful black and white pictures… The London Museum also proposes a street photography show at the moment, well worth a visit!

Another simple step is to look out for traditional boutiques. I always take visiting friends to Jermyn Street, behind Fortnum & Mason, to glimpse at the barber shops with wooden counters and collection of shaving brushes. Or step in James Smith & Sons (more than 140 years old) to discover hundreds of umbrellas! Mary Poppins would love it. Still Open (Amazon link) lists formidable ones. By visiting them, you help keep them alive…

In the daily rush, it is easy to forget how green and soothing this city can be. I rediscovered the village atmosphere of the different neighbourhoods in the Lost in London Magazine. I am now planning to visit orchards and look for mushrooms in the woods… The spring issue is out – give it a try!

Often have an awkward hour to kill? The worst is being stuck after all the shops and museums close. 24 Hours London (Amazon link) lives in my handbag. It will tell you the best time to see the pelicans in St James park, where to get fabulous Dulce de leche ice cream till 02.00 am…direct you to a club that doubles with a swimming pool… Round the clock fun!

Alternatively, go and have a pint with friends! London’s Best Pubs is a real treasure and lists the most atmospheric ones, mentioning the origin of the name, its evolution through years (or centuries!). You will even find advice on the best beers to order and where to find micro-breweries. Look out for the Fleet street chapter – my favourite there is the Old Bank of England, situated in its former law court’s branch… The sumptuous decoration, the richness of the place, the high ceiling offer a real wow effect.

Give historical novels or London based a try: you will be amazed at how many details you can learn. The Uncommon Reader is a great read for public transports: it will give you a glimpse of the royal life in Buckingham palace and put a smile on your face… Tracy Chevalier’s Burning Bright (Amazon link) takes you for a walk in Lambeth in Georgian times… Or why not discover the story behind the iconic A to Z with Mrs P’s Journey?