BERMONDSEY PLAYGROUND
This is your view from both bedrooms in Flat One (left picture). This very pleasant little park has a children's play area and four newly resurfaced tennis courts which are free to use. Popular with locals to eat their lunch in the warmer days, and also where I walk my dog. The neighbourhood also has several more charming "green oasis" to discover. Click on the following link for more info about London’s fabulous Parks.
THE GARRISON
By far my favourite place to eat on "our" street. This renowned gastro-pub never disappoints. Funky crowd, but can be really noisy when the bar is in full swing. The staff are always friendly and helpful. Open for breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner. Highly recommended.
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OTHER PUBS AND RESTAURANTS ON BERMONDSEY STREET
Among others: ‘Delfina’ (acclaimed eatery serving stylish, inventive modern cuisine in a gallery-like space) to “The Bermondsey Kitchen”(modern/eclectic food) or the ‘Shipwright arms’ (a “traditional” Pub) but also Fish and Chips, the great British classic. Watch out for two more restaurants opening this year.
FASHION & TEXTILE MUSEUM
Just across the street. The first exhibition space in London solely dedicated to celebrating contemporary fashion and textile design. The FTM uses the best of established and new British and international talent. The museum was founded by fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. It’s striking orange and pink colour makes it somewhat of a landmark in the area.
IGLOO
A modern florist on Bermondsey Street. Flowers displayed with flair and imagination. A wide range of flowers, plants, gifts and other delights. Friendly service from Steven and Simon, and willingness to please whatever your need might be.
ST MARY MAGDALEN CHURCH / SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
For the believer. St Magdalen church is on Bermondsey Street and Southwark Cathedral near London Bridge Station. The latter is almost London’s oldest Gothic building with a fascinating architectural history. Often rebuilt and repaired, it is the finest Gothic building in London after Westminster Abbey.
COCKFIGHTER OF BERMONDSEY
Trendy clothes designers on Bermondsey Street. The Company currently produces a range of branded t-shirts, denim and casual wear emblazoned with the distinctive Cockfighter logo, and the company’s success has recently seen it explode.
BERMONDSEY ANTIQUES MARKET
At one end of Bermondsey Street lies London's largest antiques market. The market was once famous for being the only place where thieves could sell their goods with impunity (a royal licence meant that stolen goods bought here did not have to be returned). It opens very early on Friday mornings when antiques dealers from all over Europe arrive to find treasures. You can browse further through the any antiques warehouses and workshops in the nearby streets. Serious collectors come here!
MORE LONDON
At the other end of Bermondsey Street next to the river, “More London” is a a brand new High tech development of offices, shops, cafes, hotels, theatre and over 20 restaurants, etc.. A nice (and car free) walk along the river.
THE LONDON BRIDGE TOWER (commonly known as ’THE SHARD’)
Directly above London Bridge Station. Sky-scrapper to be completed in 2011. It will become Europe’s tallest building! 1016 feet (310 metres) tall and over 66 floors. This new addition to London’s skyline will include shops, offices and flats as well as high level viewing galleries, a museum and a public piazza.
THE LONDON GLASS BLOWING WORKSHOP AND ART GALLERY
Artistic activity is big in Southwark, this being a good example. Peter Layton's London Glassblowing is a hot glass studio focused on the creation and display of contemporary glass art. The studio has a reputation as one of Europe's leading glassmaking workshops with a particular flair for the use of colour, form and texture.
THAMES RIVER BOATS
Fast service operates all day from London Bridge City Pier to Big Ben and Westminster (in 11 minutes), Savoy Hotel, Chelsea Harbour, Greenwich, and many other places of interest. Also multilingual leisurely cruises with or without meals and shows.
CITY HALL
The headquarters for the Mayor and the London Assembly is a new glass-clad building that overlooks the Thames. It has an unusual round shape and has no obvious front or back. The building is open to the public on weekdays and occasional weekends.
HAY’S GALLERIA
Across the road from London Bridge Tube station: A covered area providing a stunning riverside setting for eating, shopping and relaxing with plenty of eating areas to enjoy a picnic lunch.
UNICORN CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Britain's first purpose built children's theatre opened in London in January 2006. The Unicorn Theatre, on Tooley Street, near London Bridge, hosts a series of imaginative, colourful and fun plays aimed at inspiring children.
HMS BELFAST
The largest Royal Navy battleship built during the Second World War. In 1971, after travelling half a million miles, the warship was retired and moved to the Thames to become a floating naval museum and a permanent visitor attraction. Great fun for children of all ages!
BRITAIN AT WAR MUSEUM
Get the closest possible insight into what life was really like during the blitz of World War II. See how people coped with rationing and share the excitement and anxiety of the evacuees as they wait to be transported to new homes. Gas masks, ration books. It’s all here factually presented, realistically portrayed.
TOWER BRIDGE
The number one London Landmark. Instantly recognisable worldwide. Fully working, claims to being the world’s most photographed and painted bridge. The middle of the bridge can be raised to permit large vessels to pass the Tower Bridge. The bridge is 60 meters (197 ft) long and its towers rise to a height of 43 meters. From the top of the towers, you have a great view on the center of London. You can also visit the inside of the tower, where you can observe the original mechanism used to raise the bridge.
TOPNOTCH GYM
This is the nearest one (less than 5 minutes walk). The one I know best too as I myself am a member. It is a fantastic gym with a great pool. Facilities also include: Jacuzzi, cardio theatre, Iron Works, Power zone, Massage salon, Planet Spin, Sauna's, Knockout zone, luxury changing facilities,
THE TOWER OF LONDON
Built by William The Conqueror, the over 900 year year old tower has been used as an arsenal, a fortress, a palace, a prison, and a place of execution, and it remains home to the Crown Jewels. It is guarded by the famous “Beefeaters”… and six ravens. It is here that you will be able to learn about London’s history. Attracts over 2 million visitors each year. A treasure house of English history.
GOLDEN HINDE GALLEON
An accurate full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th century Tudor Galleon. The ship operates as a living history museum, running a full time schedule of educational programmes. These include guided tours, workshops and the opportunity for both school and family groups to spend a night on board ship on an imaginary voyage. The ship is also open to the public for self guided tours.
ST KATHERINE’S DOCK
Just across the river. Dates back to 1824, and In its heyday a working dock, this was where luxury goods such as ivory, spices and cigars were delivered. Recently redeveloped into a mixture of leisure, residential and recreational areas. Historic structures have been restored; a complex of shopping arcades and cobbled walks centre the 200 yacht Haven.
BRAMAH TEA & COFFEE MUSEUM
A collection of artefacts and artwork relating to our favourite drinks are found in this, the world’s first museum devoted entirely to the history of tea and coffee. Next to an authentic tea room for Afternoon Tea: Cucumber sandwiches, hot crumpets, tea crates and of course, a steaming cup of authentic leaf-based goodness.
BOROUGH FOOD MARKET
Near London Bridge station, established in 1756 and allegedly the best food market in the country. Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh produce to the market, including; fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries. Other stalls specialise in produce imported from abroad.
KONDITOR & COOK
Award winning bakery. Freshly made cakes, pastries and biscuits. Specialises in the creation of amazingly tasty cakes, which they also sell on to some of the finest restaurants in the city. This store (with adjoining café) is one of two outlets in where you can sample their delicious confections at their freshest.
VINOPOLIS
Museum dedicated to the wonderful world of wine. Also a restaurant offering fine cuisine complemented by a vintage glass or two. Vinopolis City of Wine, is for anyone and everyone who enjoys wine. The attractions include an interactive tour of wine cultures from around the world, restaurant, wine bar, art gallery, wine store, wine club and courses.
...a bit further (a nice, car free, walk along the Thames River)
SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE
This working reconstruction of the original playhouse used by Shakespeare four hundred years ago was built using Tudor techniques. The theatre performs open-air plays during the summer and runs exhibitions and tours throughout the year. Attracts tourists and fans of Shakespeare. Both the quality and variety of performances is excellent.
TATE MODERN MUSEUM
This massive building was built as a power station, made of four million bricks. It was converted to an amazing art gallery in the late 1990’s. The new ‘light beam’ roof was added to fit the fifteen, sometimes controversial exhibits shown here.
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
This architectural masterpiece was built after the Great Fire of 1666. This well-know landmark dominates the skyline north of the Thames. Its massive dome is even taller than the Tate Modern Chimney. Access by the stunning (pedestrian) ‘Millennium’ Bridge.
ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
This concert Hall was built in 1951. It is part of the South Bank Centre which puts on a variety of shows and concerts. Rated as one of the world’s leading concert venues. The Hayward Gallery, the Museum of moving Image and the Royal National Theatre are also part of the South Bank Arts Centre.
THE LONDON EYE
Situated opposite the Houses of Parliament, This 450ft observation wheel (the world’s highest) provides a fantastic birds-eye view of London. Its 32 enclosed capsules each hold 25 people and provide total visibility in all directions. The capsules take 30 minutes to go round and from the top, on a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles (40 Kms).
and finally...
WESTMINSTER ABBEY / BIG BEN / HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
Big Ben; after Tower Bridge, probably the most recognisable buildings in London. Attend services at 10.00, Sunday mornings, at Westminster Abbey. Walk from there to view the Houses of Parliament.
WHAT ELSE TO DO NEARBY?
Buy the excellent weekly ‘Time Out’ magazine from newsagents. You will find up to date
info about museums, attractions, arts, cinemas, theatres, children activities, music, nightlife, etc…
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