Inspiring places: Carsten Höller at Hayward Gallery

Hello All,

Last weekend I visited an amazing exhibition at the Hayward Gallery called Decision by Carsten Höller.

It was a fantastic sensory experience exploring people’s perception and decision making. Visitors are faced with many choices like choosing an entrance (oh, it was dark) and an exit (the slide was so much fun) or taking an unknown pill.

Also, the artist is giving the public an opportunity to see the world upside-down (this freaked me out).

The exhibition is fully immersive and will certainly leave you inspired.

When you there, make sure you’ll check out Phlegm’s Southbank mural.

I love the area. There are so many places to eat and have a drink. Check what else is happening at the Southbank Centre.

Let me know your thoughts about the exhibition. I’d love to know.

It closes on the 6th of September, so you still have time to visit.

Inspiring places: The Orange Tree, Richmond, London

A few weeks ago we had a pleasure to attend an amazing wedding in Richmond, London.

We stayed in a boutique hotel, just above The Orange Tree pub.

I was impressed with attention to detail the owners invested in designing this place. The colours they’ve used, the fabrics they’ve selected are reflection of the hotel’s location, right in the centre of Richmond and not far from the Kew Gardens.

Also, downstairs has been successfully redecorated creating a welcoming and cozy space.

I was especially interested in the ceiling lights they’ve used; a mix of industrial and eclectic style.

The motive of flowers and plants is present everywhere.

Have you been to Richmond before? Have you ever visited the Orange Tree?

Merge Festival and The Melting House

When in Southwark, London, don’t miss seeing The Melting House by Alex Chinneck.

This project is part of Bankside Transformed and celebrates the history of an old candle making factory which was based in Bankside a couple of centuries ago.

Hurry up before it melts. You’ve got four days to visit this surreal piece of modern art.

Have a nice weekend.

 

Inspiring places: Tate Modern

Since my new job is 2 minutes away from Tate Modern, this stupendous, modern art gallery needs to feature in Inspiring places.

Since I came to London for good, over 12 years ago, it’s been a major inspiration to me. What I love about this enormous art centre is not only architecture, but the fact you can wonder in at any time and admire free collections of art, sculptures and visual installations.

That’s what caught my eye last time when I went there at lunchtime with my friend Foz.

I would encourage everyone who comes to London to put Tate Modern on their list of places to visit.

If the weather is nice, you can have lunch outside with pretty amazing view of St Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames.

There’s plenty to see in the next few months or so. Check the website for more detail.

What’s your view of Tate Modern?

Inspiring places: CitizenM hotel, London Bankside

In Inspiring places, another great hotel find in London. Thank you to my team who willingly went there for a drink with me.

CitizenM hotel is designed for a mobile citizen of the world. According to their website, the hotel accommodates all different types from explorers through professionals to fashion shoppers.

The lobby is a showcase of what they mean by affordable luxury for people. It’s modern, inviting and deluxe at the same time.

A collection of innovative concepts, citizenM is a hotel driven by one desire: to create affordable luxury for the people. I love the space outside; purely charming.

Great place for lunch or afterwork drink. Imagine working from there:))

Everyone was perplexed by the loo. Just for your record…

It would be great to see the rooms inside. Perhaps next time.

Have you been to any CitizenM hotels?

Have a nice weekend.

Inspiring places: Urban tourist in London

Hi All,

I know, I know, I’ve been very quiet for a while, but you can imagine that I’ve been pretty busy with all the job hunting etc. . The good news is I’m employed again and working for one of the best media companies in London, very much into interior design and fashion. Dream job for me!

However, during the bad times, I was trying to keep myself sane by becoming an urban tourist in London. Thank you to all who joined me on my city adventures.

Just wanted to share with you a few images I took over the past 2 months in one of the most amazing cities in the world.

If you ever feel down, go outside and explore. Sundays are especially great to do it.

What are you favourite places in London? Any secret places worth discovering for yourself?

Have a lovely weekend all.

Inspiring places: Evans&Peel Detective Agency, West London

Hello Everyone,

Are you in the Festive mood yet? I’m slowly getting there.

If you are looking for a place to have Christmas drinks, I would highly recommend Evans&Peel Detective Agency based in Earl’s Court, West London. It’s a Prohibition style bar full of character and quirky furniture and accessories.

Make sure, you’ve got their address handy as the entrance is not easy to find as you would expect from a speakeasy…you had to be in the know. We absolutely loved the hidden door to the bar…

The whole bar area is reflecting the era. I just wish we had worn some fancy dress outfits to fit into the place (thank you to my team for posing).

If you are into golden era of the 20s and 30s, LA Confidential and Boardwalk Empire, this bar is a must.

Enjoy! And Merry Christmas!

 

Inspiring places: Wigwambam, Queen of Hoxton

Hello Dear Readers,

If you are in London and looking for an unusual place to have a Christmas drink, or two, please consider Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop bar.

It’s been transformed into a Nordic settlement thanks to a high tipi where WigWamBam bar is located. It’s a lovely and cosy space with wood logs to sit on, beautiful lanterns, and the charming central open grill fire.

Also, outside has been converted into a relaxing heaven; the lights are gorgeous and the firepits will keep you warm…mulled wine will help as well.

Where are you having your Christmas drinks and parties this year? Not long to go now.

Have a lovely week.

 

 

Inspiring places: Camden Town to Granary Square

Hello All,

An August Bank holiday is coming soon, and if you don’t have any plans yet, I would highly recommend a stroll from Camden to King’s Cross Granary Square.

Camden area is well-known for its markets, including Camden Lock market and Stables market. Head there if you are looking for unusual or alternative fashion, books, antiques and home accessories. You won’t leave hungry either.

It’s great to rediscover this area. It’s normally swamped with tourists, so avoid going there on Saturday if you can. If you feel overwhelmed, escape to Regent’s canal.

That’s what we did few weeks ago, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. A mix of industrial and futuristic looking building, street art and greenery makes a perfect place for a long walk. If you do not feel like walking, just jump on a Borys bike, and pedal away until you reach Granary Square.

I didn’t even know it’s there. It’s London’s newest square and urban regeneration project. A former Victorian warehouse is now home to the University of the Arts as well as a range of restaurants including Caravan and Grain Store.

On a sunny day, you can just relax outside admiring over 1,000 choreographed fountains. Highly recommend!

Have you walked down the Regent’s Canal before? Have you been to Granary Square?

Happy Tuesday!

Inspiring places: The Bell Pub, E1

It’s Tuesday, so time for another inspiring place.

Last Friday after work I met with my two good friends for a drink (we all needed one after a tough week). Despite the rainy London weather (what a surprise), we ventured slightly outside the Spitafields’ area, and we came across this extraordinary Victorian pub called The Bell.

The décor is nothing I’ve seen recently. Eclectic, stylish, but a bit spooky at the same time. Apparently, it’s haunted…haha…perhaps it’s because all the taxidermy displayed above the bar.

But seriously, definitely worth exploring, even if it’s for just one drink.

Have you ever been there? Do you like the look of it?