We all need a break from London life from time to time, but finding the money or time to go abroad isn’t easy. Luckily, when London takes with one hand it gives with the other. London is filled with cultural hotspots that bring the outside world to us. Felix runs down a few places that offer a bit of a break from London drudgery, all without leaving the M25.
Japan – Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park
Japan is renowned for ‘zen’ and this little piece of Kyoto in Holland Park offers just that. Where Tokyo and Osaka offer bright lights and big crowds, Kyoto’s understated old world chic is the very essence of calm.
It’s exactly what you need after a busy week working your socks off. Pick up a green tea on your way to Holland Park and enjoy this little pocket of peace. Gifted to Great Britain by the city itself, this garden has little waterfalls, stone lanterns and of course, koi carp.
A great place to practice mindfulness and imagine yourself thousands of miles away.
Australia – Walkabout
About as far as you can get from zen gardens is Walkabout. This infamous Aussie bar has long been a part of London nightlife, so chances are you’ve been here and perhaps felt less than Stella…
It seems far from a holiday, but head there during a match day when Australia is playing and you’ll swiftly be transported to the Antipodes. Beer, chants and heaps of fun with the best of fans, you can’t help but forget your city woes and get involved.
If you’re feeling particularly brave, go for an Australia vs. England match and see who comes out winning.Then you will know what Cultural Hotspots really are.
India – Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
We’d advise looking it up beforehand, because it’s not easy to ask for directions with a name that long. This beautiful Sikh temple, thankfully abbreviated to SGSS, is the largest in London.
The size hits you right away and is a statement to the ever-growing Sikh population in Southall. Built in 2003, it’s it’s a huge part of the community, but welcomes anyone and everyone. You can take a seat and experience the daily ceremony, before heading to the dining hall for lunch. The kitchen is run by worshippers, and treats everyone the same from banker to baker.
The idea is to provide free food to all, and the meal is as fab as the thought behind it. Make sure to dress respectfully and don’t treat it like a restaurant. If you don’t have a headscarf, they provide some at the door. Go to experience a small slice of Sikhism and get a humbling lesson in sharing.
France – Bute Street
The number of French people settling in South Ken means it’s become known as Petit Paris. For Bute Street the nickname is a little less neighbourly – ‘Frog Alley’. We’ll be sticking to Bute.
You can quite easily imagine you’ve hopped on the wrong train and ended up in Paris. Cafes with grande cremes and buttery croissants, boulangeries piled high with baguettes, a bistro, a bookshop and the much loved chicken from Rotisserie Jules.
There’s also a cultural institute and a cinema where you can get your art house fill. Go find your joie de vivre in London’s French frontier.
Portugal – Little Portugal
You’d be forgiven for not immediately thinking ‘Stockwell’ when you hear ‘Portugal’. However, it’s home to over 25000 Portuguese people and they’ve brought some beauties from back home with them.
A quick walk down Wandsworth Road and South Lambeth Road will show you just how wonderfully important food is to Portugal. For every emotion, event or evening there’s a different food. We recommend O Moinho for some traditional treats, and don’t forget the custard tarts at Lisboa Bakery. Delish!
Earlier this year, London’s first Portuguese Street Market opened here, which they hope will become a monthly event. With such great gastronomy on offer, we hope London’s Lisbon sticks around.
Poland – POSK
POSK is the Polish Social & Cultural Association, which brings Eastern Europe to your front door. It’s a country in a single campus, with polish food shops, cafes, restaurants, clubs and galleries.
There’s lots to experience here, so check out the jazz club or enjoy pierogi (polish parcels of mouthwatering delight) at the Lowiczanka restaurant. Their gallery houses some brilliant Polish artwork and they have regular events for Polish and non-Polish speakers. There’s also a library if your Polish is up to it…
Hop on the tube to Hammersmith to feel a little closer to Krakow.
Ghana – Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen
You know a pop-up is good when it becomes permanent by popular demand, and Ghanaian chef Zoe Adjonyoh is as full of flavour as her food. Zoe learned her part-time trade (she’s also an MA student) from her father, with added twists from her Irish mum.
ZGK is about the whole experience – home cooked food with a look and feel in the restaurant that’s all Ghana. At Zoe’s, you can guarantee a sizzling taste of Africa, hidden away in a Brixton shipping container.
As they say at ZGK, it’s Ghana be tasty.
Enjoy Cultural Hotspots
The post Experience London’s Cultural Hotspots appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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