Tucked away down a cobbled alley behind Russell Square Station, The Horse Hospital, a converted stable, is a unique and totally independent arts space specialising in underground and experimental media. The gallery space itself (known as The Chamber of Pop Culture) houses unusual exhibitions, film screenings and other events.
This is over the road from my house and kind of feels like being transported back in time to the goth night I used to go to when I was 15. But much much bigger with much more entertaining outfits, cages, lasers and… BBQ.
Not long in the custody of the National Trust, designed by Philip Webb and commissioned by William Morris, in 1859. Tucked away in Beckenham. William and Jane Morris only lived here for five years; not a happy time of their marriage. But there is humility, authority and even bite, in the domestic scale. The rigorous, holistic design-hand at work belies any sense of souvenir shop Morris-lite. The vegetable garden in late Summer is the place to be.
I grew up in Brighton which is full of cheesy bars like this. If you can handle being surrounded by multiple screens playing Kylie at full volume, its pretty much the cheapest bar in central london. The cliental is so varied its great for people watching and completely un pretentious.
Situated on Lewisham Way Meze Mangal cooks up the best Turkish cuisine in South London with its massive charcoal grill situated for all to see, the smells and atmosphere are great. Always busy so make sure to book in advance.