The coolest places in London (you didn’t know existed)
This week gents, forget about the tourist traps and local pubs and head instead to one of these coolest places in London that you might just not have known existed…
TRAILER HAPPINESS
This Polynesian cocktail bar is one of our favourite (not particularly well kept) secrets in London, with a mouthwatering menu of Caribbean-style snack food set within the dark and seductive lounge bar and den on Portobello Road.
177, Portobello Road, London, W11 2DY – trailerhappiness.com
PAINSHILL PARK
A breath of fresh air from the chaos of central London, Painshill Park (technically in Surrey) is a little known, but beautiful and magical park built in the 18th century. Spend a day exploring the grottos and follies.
Portsmouth Rd, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE – painshill.co.uk
“BEFORE I DIE..” BOARD
Started by artist Candy Chang on an abandoned house in New Orleans after she lost someone she loved, the Before I Die board in London is part of a global art project that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in public space.
Camden Lock Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8AF
GET STUFFED
This may not be for everyone, but we’re massive fans of the bizarre and curious Get Stuffed, a labyrinth of old taxidermy to buy or simply marvel at.
105 Essex Road, Islington, London, N1 2SL –thegetstuffed.co.uk
THE LITTLE YELLOW DOOR
The Little Yellow Door, set behind – yup you guessed it – a little yellow door in Notting Hill Gate, will transport you into a bohemian living room of the best kind. Sip on cocktails, eat delicious food and mingle with the other guests.
68 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3HT – thelittleyellowdoor.co.uk
WILTON’S MUSIC HALL
The oldest surviving music hall in the world, Wilton’s still has its original cast iron pillars, balcony and decor. The stunning building now stages an eclectic event programme supporting the performing arts.
1 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB – wiltons.org.uk
THE ROLLING BRIDGE
Every Friday at midday, the unique rolling bridge designed by Thomas Heatherwick unwinds. This little known London landmark is always worth a visit for tourists and Londoners alike. When not in use, the simple footbridge transforms itself, snake like, into a perfect octagon.
S Wharf Rd, London W2
THE WALKWAYS UNDER THE THAMES
Opened in 1902 and still fully functioning today, the Greenwich walkway beneath the River Thames in East London links Greenwich in the south with the Isle of Dogs to the north.
THE MAYOR OF SCAREDY CAT TOWN
Although London, particularly the East, is full of secretive little bars, there are few we like more than The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. Enter through a fridge door into the dimly lit cocktail bar for the perfect Narnia-like experience.
12-16 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LS – themayorofscaredycattown.com
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Further reading
Wilderness festival preview: The highlight of the Great British Summer returns
Bond on Bond Street: Sir Roger Moore’s personal collection is going under the hammer
