The Garden is nestled behind walls and positioned close to the River Thames in Chelsea. The Thames location is no accident as back in 1673 the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries chose their Chelsea village site for its proximity to the river to make the most of its warm air currents. It also gave them a base to moor their barge, allowing them to conduct plant finding expeditions in surrounding areas and to teach their apprentices to identify plants.
You would have seen the Brutalist towers and curves from afar. Upon entering the estate where the cultural centre is, you quickly realise the scale, the beauty and charm of this labyrinthine project. Barbican Centre's programming is top of the league across art, theatre, dance and music, both contemporary and classical, art forms. This place is an architectural and cultural institution boldly redefining the UK's cultural landscape.
SOAS university has a small gallery space dedicated to exhibitions about Asia, Africa and the Middle East. There's a small but beautiful Japanese zen garden on the rooftop (currently closed for refurbishment)
My friend Guillaume opened the swankiest rooftop in London that still feels like a house party. Louie is a French-Creole restaurant, live jazz music venue and oyster bar too.