Hidden London

Secret London Addresses

Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel’s Deputy Head Concierge, Ashley Harman, was named ‘Concierge of the Year – London’ at the Morris Golden Keys Concierge awards on 13 October 2008 - and is the first to ever receive the accolade.  Please find some of his favourite secret suggestions for visitors to London, who are keen to explore some of London’s not so well known places:

Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
The Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park was built for the 1991 festival of Japan and refurbished ten years later in 2001 by a specialist team that was flown over from Japan. It becomes even more authentically Japanese as time goes by and the plants mature.  This garden offers a tranquil environment in which to relax and take time away from the vibrancy of London.  Nearest Tube:  Holland Park or High Street Kensington

London Wetland Centre
Right under the Heathrow flight-path, visiting species of birds from all over the world touch down, to join many of Britain's native birds. The 42 hectare site is the best urban site in Europe to watch wildlife and is an international award winning visitor attraction.  Nearest Tube: Barnes Railway Station or Hammersmith Tube

Notting Hill Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, this hidden gem of a market is one of London's largest farmers markets. Strict rules ensure that everything is sold by the farmer who actually grows it and there is also plenty of organic produce on offer.  Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate

Dover Street Market
Set over six floors in a warehouse next door to Brown’s Hotel, Dover Street Market contains the most up to date fashion in an atmosphere described by its founder Rei Kawakubu as "beautiful chaos". Dover Street Market was launched as a tribute to the original Kensington Market and is a great place to spend "a small fortune" on men's and women's clothing. Designers range from John Galliano to Pierre Hardy, Junya Watanabe to Ann Demeulemeester.  Nearest Tube:  Green Park

Wellington Arch or Constitution Arch
The enormous bronze Quadriga on top of the Wellington Arch was erected in 1912 and is the largest bronze in Europe.  Before it was installed Adrian Jones, the designer, held a party in which eight guests were seated for dinner in the hollow body of one of the horses!  It depicts the angel of peace descending on the chariot of war and the face of the Charioteer was based on Lord Mitchelham (who funded the sculpture), 11 year old son. The arch is hollow inside and until 1992 it was home to London’s second smallest police station - you can now actually tour the arch.  Nearest Tube: Marble Arch

Museum of Freemasonry
Take a tour of one of the most remarkable buildings in London - it is a tribute to the builder’s art. The museum contains an extensive collection of objects with Masonic decoration including items from two of its most famous members - Winston Churchill and Edward VII. Visiting the museum gives you an opportunity to find out about this formerly very secret society, now famous for its charity work.  Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

The Horse Hospital
Built in 1797, the Horse Hospital is a unique arts venue in the heart of Bloomsbury, which has been providing a space for underground and avant-garde media since 1993.  This building also retains original features such as a horse ramp entrance, tethering rings and cobbled floors.  Nearest Tube:  Russell Square
  
Hoxton Square
Hoxton Square is fast becoming (if not already) a "very trendy place" to be, with its vast numbers of cafes, restaurants and galleries, including the famous White Cube Gallery - so if you have ever fancied yourself as an amateur art critic make your way there!  Whilst there, you should take time out to visit the gardens at the Geffrye Museum - this museum charts the ever changing style of British domestic interiors dating from 1600 right through to the modern day. If you fancy something a little less strenuous then stop at one of the many restaurants and cafes and "watch the world go by".  Nearest Tube: Old Street