Monday, June 01, 2009
Posted By:
Justine Forrest
Photo:
Justine Forrest
Victoria Embankment Gardens
I would like to think of Victoria Embankment Gardens as my own special place, somewhere that nobody else knows about. But clearly that isn't the case, as plenty of other people have discovered this modest little park, tucked away near Embankment station.
The park has beautiful lawns and flowers, and plenty of history, making it a great place for a lunchtime stroll, but the absolute high point of it for me are the concerts. In the summer months, hundreds of striped deckchairs are laid out around a stage that plays host to bands playing classical, traditional and jazz music. Some of my happiest hours have been spent lounging here in a deckchair, reading a book with the sounds of Gershwin drifting through the air. It is spoilt only by the fact that I must return the office when my hour is over.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Posted By:
Anne Seymour
Photo:
Anne Seymour
Gordon's Wine Bar
You just wouldn't expect it. A piece of
utter drinking perfection, right under the tourists' noses. Tourists give it a
wide berth because outside it has the dog-eared appearance which threatens only
asbestos poisoning. But step inside and Gordon's will give you such a romantically,
timelessly, enchantingly, cosily, captivatingly gorgeous evening that you’ll
become one of the now far too many who call it their favourite bar in London.
Lovingly preserved for almost 120 years, its entirely candlelit atmosphere is thick
with character and history and the sweet nothings of its loved-up patrons. For
drinks it sells only wine--indeed it's London’s
oldest wine bar (as well as a former home of plague-dodger Samuel Pepys and
everybody’s favourite colonialist Rudyard Kipling)--but you can choose, or be
expertly helped to choose, from their enormous wine list. They also serve
exquisite cheeses, olives and salmon (and pork pies, if you must) to complement
your wine. The only downside of being such a perfect bar is that you'll be far
from alone in trying to get a seat...
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