The history, the culture and the fashion, not to mention the
instantly recognisable sights; it’s hard not to think about London without getting
a little bit romantic about it. From the Victorian London of Dickens to the
Swinging London of the sixties, the city has seen it all and yet never fails to
surprise.
Yet, as big as the sights are, and as fantastic as the
museums and the galleries are, it’s the small delights that make it for me. The
city is brimming with hidden gems channelling the various eras it has
witnessed. London’s past is never far away so it’s no surprise that some call
it the vintage capital of the world. Vintage cafés and retro boutiques adorn
most corners of the city, filling in the gaps between established flagship
stores and long-standing culinary institutions; both of which make the most
perfect way to take a moment to soak up London’s vintage side.
Shopper’s Paradise
Style-wise, London has seen it all and been at the centre of
it all: flappers, mods, the austere chic of the forties, fifties pin-up, cool
Britannia in the nineties to name just a handful. Needless to say it doesn’t
disappoint.
Photo credit: HoV, Telegraph
Flagship must: Established in 1879, Oxford Street’s House of
Fraser has been there since Queen Victoria ruled the throne. Now a British
staple, the Oxford Street store houses exclusive collaborations and myriad concessions
such as Links of London and the re-launched iconic brand Biba.
Hidden gem: Vintage shops of all sizes and descriptions can
be found all across London, but for a more curated offering head to House of
Vintage. Found just
off Brick Lane, their collection ranges from the 20s to the 80s with
top-quality vintage pieces from YSL, Givenchy and Burberry amongst others.
Top tip: Eschew the tacky souvenir shops in favour of a more
timeless memento.
Afternoon tea
Photo credit: Natalie Clince
Not
just a London tradition, but quintessentially English, afternoon tea has been a
ritual since the 1840s. Originating from the need to bridge the gap between
breakfast and dinner back when two meals was the norm, it is the perfect way to
take some time out mid-afternoon. Afternoon tea isn’t just about tea of course
– expect freshly baked scones with clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches and scrumptious cakes. For the
more extravagant, many places have the option of an accompanying glass of prosecco
or champagne.
Flagship must: The Athenaeum Hotel in Mayfair has won awards
for its afternoon tea, including the prestigious Tea Guild Award which is the
equivalent of an ‘Oscar’ for tea!
Hidden gem: The Soho Secret Tearoom is indeed quite hidden.
Occupying the space above a pub, this is a truly vintage experience with music
provided by a gramophone and delicate chinaware.
Top tip: A full afternoon tea is serious business and it’s
usually required that you book in advance.
A stroll in the park
Photo credit: Natalie Clince
Flagship must: Hyde Park is probably London’s most famous
park for a reason. Open to the public since 1637 and spanning three-hundred and
fifty acres, it has monuments, a lake, an ornamental garden and all kinds of
activities from horse riding to swimming. Surely the greatest form of
entertainment here though is soaking up the atmosphere and indulging in some
people watching.
Hidden gem: Tucked away amongst the Georgian terraces of
Greenwich, Greenwich Park Orchard is certainly a hidden treasure. Bearded keystone
figures hug the surrounding walls of a park rich with wildlife and features
that date back to the 18th century.
Top tip: Hyde Park and many others often host events, both
big and small, so it’s always worth checking if anything is going on.
