Exploring London

Seven Secret Attractions You Can’t Afford To Miss . If you scratch the surface of contemporary London you’ll soon discover some of the secret locations that are familiar only to Londoners. These are the places that real Londoners enjoy and are the most interesting destinations in the capital.

1. Shepherd Market (W1)

Close to Green Park tube, behind the stately Park Lane hotels lies Shepherd Market, which even the locals call ‘The Heart of Mayfair.’

Designer jewellery shops nestle next to wonderful restaurants including the unique, L’Autre, a Polish Mexican Bistro. Mick Jagger and Kate Moss come clubbing here, as do many of the local residents.

2. Charles Dickens Museum (WC1)

This wonderful museum is the actual Holborn townhouse where Dickens lived from 1837 to 1839. The museum contains many personal mementos of the great writer as well as a research library.

The cosy feel of the building creates an intimate atmosphere and takes the visitor straight back to the 19^th century.

3. John Adam Street (WC2)

If you’re staying at The Savoy, one of the many luxury hotels in London, then there are several wonderful examples of neo classical architecture just a short walk away. The best time to wander around here is on a quiet Sunday morning as you’ll have the streets to yourself.

4. The Mitre Pub (EC1)

This pub is difficult to find. You’ll have to look out for an alley off Hatton Garden or find the entrance in Ely Court. The pub is tiny and patrons include local businessmen and the odd visitor who seek a serene atmosphere without music, fruit machines or any type of artificial cacophony.

5. Leighton’s House Museum (W14)

You enter into a world of Byzantine beauty once you go through the portals of this wonderful museum. Frederick Leighton was a Victorian painter and collector and the house contains many important examples of 19^th century art, but it’s the mosaics and exotic tiles that will really take your breath away.

6. Bermondsey Market (SE1)

In years gone by, this market was also called The Thieves Market as it was believed that much of the merchandise on sale came from the robberies of great homes and other burglaries.

Today, this weekly market is the place to go for anyone who is looking for a souvenir with a difference. It’s worthwhile talking to the stallholders to try and haggle, also poke around in some of the dusty junk boxes – you never know what you’ll find!

7. Patisserie Valerie (W1)

This wonderful patisserie has been supplying the most frivolous confections to Londoners since 1926. The cakes are moderately priced and if you’re tired and feel like some pure self-indulgence, this is the place for you.

Research:

http://shepherdmarket.co.uk/history.htm

http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/museums/leightonhousemuseum1.aspx

http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=165

http://www.urbanpath.com/london/cafes/patisserie-valerie.htm