London: the land of books, museums, and well-designed objects
Top five places to visit
Gid and I were in London last July, only for a few days, and we were b-e-a-t from travel already, so instead of painting the town red, we opted for more of a gentle blush. Or perhaps a dusty rose. Either way, I loved it more than ever and can’t wait to return.
In honor of a friend heading there this week, here are my top five things (in no particular order) you absolutely must do (plus some bonuses) when visiting the ole London towne.
Artswords Bookshop.
A deeply impressive curation of books and magazines on contemporary visual culture. Located on Broadway Market in Hackney, an adorable street in an adorable borough with loads to see.
Leroy Bistro.
Simple, thoughtful food. Excellent wine list. Go for the pink neon signage. Stay for the vinyl tunes and shoestring fries. Located in Shoreditch.
Tate Modern.
It’s probably already on your list, but I’m doubling down right, now. Tate Modern is the most joyful and well-run museum I’ve ever visited, and if I lived there, I would visit every possible day. *Bonus: swing by Origin coffee first for some caffeine and a v memorable roasted tomato pastry.
Jasper Morrison Shop.
Ok, maybe I’m a bit of a Jasper Morrison groupie. And maybe the shop is actually quite slim. And maybe it’s a tad inaccessible being that you have to ring the buzzer to get through the gate. And maybe whoever answers might seem a little perturbed they have to let you in. But it’s also their office, so I guess it makes sense. In any case, go, embrace the world of JM, and bring home a few of best everyday-wine-glasses around.
Museum of the Home.
Dream come true? Yes. Yes it is. It’s a small, strange, and wonderful museum dedicated to all things domestic. Is it trying too hard to incorporate to much? Yes. Will your head be spinning when you leave? Maybe. But go with time to kill and a small bottle of disinfectant so you can sit in the fake living room a la 1992 and play Super Mario Kart, and I think you’ll find it was delightful.
Bonus!
Places I Didn’t Go But Really Really Wanted To…
BDDW Showroom (the first London outpost of the awe-inspiring Tyler Hays), and Straw London - a mecca for fellow basket lovers.