Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
London

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

London hidden gems, any you’d care to share.

186 replies

LucyTamedOgres · 29/08/2020 14:40

I’ve just found out about The Mayor of Scaredy Cat town, a bar that you enter via The Breakfast Club which I would have LOVED to explore and will do one day when child free (over 18’s only Sad)

This then got me thinking of any hidden gems you’ve discovered and stumbled upon? Any you can recommend which would be good for a teenager too.

As we might be heading over there while it’s quiet (ish) thought it might be the prime time to explore the lesser known places, secret places, as we’ve visited many of the usual tourist attractions.

OP posts:
AuntieMarys · 31/08/2020 09:50

I love the Ten Bells and the whole Spitalfields area. There's a great Rough Trade vinyl shop nearby

HildaTablet · 31/08/2020 10:32

Yes, you can, @LucyTamedOgres - having said that, I haven't been there in Covid times but you certainly could! It was always open to all and in fact homeless people were allowed to come in during the day to sleep, so you often hear gentle snoring as you wander round....

According to their website it opens for private prayer at 11 today and they have Mass daily at noon (I'm not a churchgoer but I do like a good church interior).

Original poster
LucyTamedOgres · 31/08/2020 10:46

@HildaTablet same here, love the beauty of some church interiors but don’t attend church to worship. Thanks for the info Smile

OP posts:
Blibbyblobby · 31/08/2020 17:43

A different take on hidden gems (for kids and child at heart adults...)

There’s a series of books called Stoneheart where London statues come to life. There’s a lot of scene setting of their locations as well. I reckon reading the books then going to London to find some of the main characters’ statues would be a nice way to structure a London visit.

The Blackfriars pub mentioned up thread is home to some memorable characters in the series...

Blibbyblobby · 31/08/2020 17:46

Churches... a lot of central and city churches have free music recitals at lunchtime. Maybe not now with Covid, but for future reference.

There’s a fantastic view of St Paul’s from the viewing area on top of One New Change shopping centre.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 31/08/2020 17:52

If you like churches check out the London Oratory (aka the Brompton Oratory) it’s close to the South Ken Museums.

haveagoodyear · 31/08/2020 18:03

Place marking

BlameItOnTheBogey · 31/08/2020 18:13

Years ago, someone on here tipped me off to the weekly news revue at the canal theatre. It's closed at the moment due to Covid but that truly is a hidden gem that has provided us with hours of entertainment. Hope it opens up again soon.

Trufflepuffpuff · 31/08/2020 18:22

The Museum or Novelty Automation in Holborn is great fun, I hope it survives this crisis.

The Denis Severs and John Soanes museums as mentioned are well worth a visit.

Also the Isokon Gallery and Willow Walk houses in Belsize Park/Hampstead. There are some nice pubs around there too - the Spaniards and the Holly Bush are lovely.

Davros · 01/09/2020 09:00

Angels in Hendon is amazing. It's certainly off the beaten track! You have to book. angels.uk.com/tours

foobio · 01/09/2020 09:58

The Sky Garden is a FREE viewpoint from the top of the walkie talkie building (Fenchurch street), with a lovely indoor garden too.

(Sorry if it's already been mentioned as I haven't RTFT)

WendyHoused · 01/09/2020 10:10

@Blibbyblobby

A different take on hidden gems (for kids and child at heart adults...)

There’s a series of books called Stoneheart where London statues come to life. There’s a lot of scene setting of their locations as well. I reckon reading the books then going to London to find some of the main characters’ statues would be a nice way to structure a London visit.

The Blackfriars pub mentioned up thread is home to some memorable characters in the series...

We’ve done this! A series of trips to meet as many of the statues as we could, following the maps in the books. We got about 25 photos of them.

Such a wonderful series.

viques · 01/09/2020 12:34

Quick heads up. Had an email today, Open House for London is happening later his month, lots of it online but also walks and some places open for visits. Worth a look if only to find hidden gems that haven't been mentioned on here.

Eg I remembered 2 Temple Place almost as I saw it on open house Grin

I am also unduly intrigued by the Bread Board Museum.

Arealnumber · 01/09/2020 14:09

Such a great thread!

RiseAgain · 01/09/2020 14:19

What a great thread - marking my place so that I can access later Smile

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 01/09/2020 14:32

Soho Whisky Club.

Very cool-you enter a normal looking off licence and go in a nondescript door and up some stairs to the club. DH was given a tasting as a birthday present and immediately joined! A hidden gem

www.sohowhisky.club

EmpressJKRowlingSpartacus · 01/09/2020 14:36

Eg I remembered 2 Temple Place almost as I saw it on open house

2 Temple Place is a must.

30daysoflight · 01/09/2020 14:40

Il Fornello on Southampton Row just down from Russell Square. If it's still there fabulous Italian restaurant.

monkeyonthetable · 01/09/2020 14:40

Postal Museum with its mini underground railway ride which used to transfer mail around the city.

Mithras temple which is an underground Roman temple, now recreated using mist and light - free entry - somewhere in the city.
there are other sky gardens too in the city - prettier than the original

Street art walks in Spitalfields - incredible tours showing mini sculptures, graffiti and other gems of art.

viques · 01/09/2020 15:14

@30daysoflight

Il Fornello on Southampton Row just down from Russell Square. If it's still there fabulous Italian restaurant.
Talking of which if you are ever walking down Bethnal Green Road, maybe on your way to the flower market, then pop into E Pellicci for a gawp at their Art Deco loveliness , a coffee and a bacon sandwich. I used to work near there, funnily enough it was exactly the distance it took to eat a bacon sandwich. I missed that place when I changed jobs.
viques · 01/09/2020 15:25

The Army Museum on Royal Hospital Road often has very interesting exhibitions and are child friendly, with free trails etc. They also have a really really good cafe , which is vastly superior to the awful food they now serve at the Chelsea Physic Gardens ( CPG used to have excellent caterers, but the ones they have currently are dire) . I now always eat at the Army Museum when I go to the Gardens. Fresh food, very reasonably priced , amazing cakes.

Fightthebear · 01/09/2020 15:25

We went to the Postal museum recently, kids were really interested.

Dafspunk · 01/09/2020 16:29

Yep Lucy, the Bells’ walls are all the original Victorian tiling.

BikeRunSki · 01/09/2020 16:32

@viques

The Army Museum on Royal Hospital Road often has very interesting exhibitions and are child friendly, with free trails etc. They also have a really really good cafe , which is vastly superior to the awful food they now serve at the Chelsea Physic Gardens ( CPG used to have excellent caterers, but the ones they have currently are dire) . I now always eat at the Army Museum when I go to the Gardens. Fresh food, very reasonably priced , amazing cakes.
I went here loads as a child. I grew up nearby and DDad loved military history. He died a long time ago now, and I’ve lived in the north of England for 25 years, but your post has made me all smiley and nostalgic.
nitgel · 01/09/2020 16:38

The camden river bus to little venice is lovely.