Best Arts and Culture Places in Paynes Hall

"The country's largest museum and one of the oldest and finest in the world, this famous museum opened in 1759 and boasts vast Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, Roman, European and Middle Eastern galleries, among others. It's London’s most visited attraction, drawing 5.9 million people annually. Don't miss the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics; the controversial Parthenon sculptures, taken from Athens' Acropolis by Lord Elgin (British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time); and the large collection of Egyptian mummies."

"Today we are going to explore even more of London’s central highlights, including the British Museum, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Today all of the attractions are within walking distance but you may want to use public transit to reach some of them. It may also be a good day to use a hop-on hop-off bus if you have a free ticket with the London Pass as the bus routes go to or near all the attractions on today’s route."

"Founded in 1753, The British Museum is the largest museum in London and was the first national museum in the world to cover all fields of human knowledge. The impressive museum now has a collection of over eight million artefacts which span two million years of human history, art and culture. And if the museum’s substantial free collections aren’t enough to draw you in, then its architecture certainly will."

"Tate Modern’s collection of international modern and contemporary art attracts millions of visitors every year eager to discover art movements and artistic practices documented by the permanent collection. This collection includes Pablo Picasso’s vividly powerful Weeping Woman, Salvador Dalí’s brilliantly surreal Lobster Telephone and Mark Rothko’s Seagram murals presented in a specially lit room. Since opening, the expansive Turbine Hall has showcased some major artist commissions, including Olafur Eliasson’s mesmerising The Weather Project and Ai Weiwei’s epic Sunflower Seeds."

"Now you can cross the Millennium Bridge, a popular pedestrian bridge, to reach the Tate Modern, the largest international modern art gallery in the UK. The museum’s location is unusual as it is based in a former power station building. The museum displays both a permanent collection as well as several temporary exhibitions throughout the year."

"As entwined with the art world as paint, no list of London galleries would be complete without one incarnation of the Tate. Without a doubt the art giant of London, the Tate Modern is home to all things contemporary and unique and always worth a visit. “When my daughter Coco was born, we visited Tate Modern 11 times in her first 6 months!"

"The National Gallery is one of the UK’s most important art museums which contains over 2,300 works dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. With many famous works by artists including Michelangelo, Velázquez, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh and others housed inside a Grade I listed Neoclassical building on the northern edge of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is certainly one of the most impressive free galleries London has to offer. Nearest tube station: Charing Cross."

"Trafalgar Square is home to the National Gallery, an art museum that opened in 1824 and currently has over 2,000 paintings hanging on the walls. The National Gallery was visited by 5.2 million people in 2017, taking in paintings from well-known artists including Cezanne, Michelangelo and Van Gogh. Housing priceless works such as these, it is one of the busiest museums in the world, alongside the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art."

"Anyone with even a passing interest in art will want to put this near the top of their to-do lists while visiting London, for it is truly…"

"What better way to explore London, than in this fantastic museum, devoted to the history of one of the greatest cities in the world. The exhibits span the city’s long and illustrious past from 450,000 BC (when there weren’t so many coffee shops as there are now) right up to the present day. Along the way you can experience what it was like when the city of Londinium came to life during Roman times, the turbulent Medieval era in the city, the 17th century’s war, fire and plague…"

"Off the radar to most visitors, yet one of the city's great attractions, the Museum of London provides a walk through London's various incarnations – from the geological history of the Thames Valley to the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants to modern-day bankers."

"An Alternative or additional stop in the area may be the Museum of London, which is a great free museum dedicated to the history of London."

"Home to over 11,000 portraits, this delightful art gallery focusses on famous British people through the ages and is located not too far from Trafalgar Square. A remarkable place to wander around, portraits, photos, sculptures and drawings of some of the country’s most influential and well-known figures gaze upon you as you make your way through the galleries. While its most famous portrait is undoubtedly the painting of William Shakespeare, more contemporary pieces do not look out of place alongside artworks that date back hundreds of years."

"What makes the National Portrait Gallery so compelling is its familiarity; in many cases, you’ll have heard of the subject (royals, scientists, politicians, celebrities) or the artist (Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz, Lucian Freud) but not necessarily recognise the face. Highlights include the famous ‘Chandos portrait’, thought to be of William Shakespeare (room 4), the first artwork the gallery acquired (in 1856), and a touching sketch of novelist Jane Austen by her sister (room 18)."

"Established in 2000, Domobaal specialises in contemporary painting and sculpture. It’s in an old Georgian townhouse that was once a law firm. In Lothar Götz’ exhibition the walls are a kooky consortium of colour, and the juxtaposition of diplomatic office space and edgy ebullience is spectacular."

"This museum is one of the most atmospheric and fascinating in London. The Georgian building was the beautiful, bewitching home of architect Sir John Soane (1753–1837), which he bequeathed to the nation through an Act of Parliament on condition that it remain untouched after his death and free to visit. It's brimming with Soane's vast collection of art and archaeological purchases, as well as intriguing personal effects and curiosities. The house-museum represents his exquisite and eccentric tastes, persuasions and proclivities."

"Sir John (1753–1837), architect of the Bank of England, bequeathed his eccentric house to the nation on one condition: that nothing…"

"Housed in the old Hampstead Central Library on Finchley Road, Camden Arts Centre began life as a local initiative, providing art classes for the community. Now, it is a powerhouse of contemporary art showing ambitious exhibitions by well-known British and international artists such as Kara Walker, Rose English, Ben Rivers and Jennifer Tee. The bookshop stocks a range of artist’s editions, and the garden is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon."

"In 1965 a former library was converted into a gallery to promote contemporary art. The exhibitions feature emerging artists, international artists debuting in London, significant historic figures who have inspired contemporary practice, and group shows relevant to current debate. Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG Free entrycamdenartscentre.org"

"Alight at Angel tube station and follow the faint scent of hops towards this hidden gem of a brewery pub. Offering up a relaxed atmosphere and a delicious spread of fresh food, the Brewhouse is probably best known for its extensive array of beer. Settle in, grab a bite to eat and plot a way through an international menu that won't fail to impress."

"Found in the heart of East London's Blackhorse Beer Mile, Signature Brew Blackhorse Road is a sleek and modern brewery, fronting 12 lines of carefully crafted beer. Expect food courtesy of burger and wing gurus We Serve Humans as well as live music on the weekends. Alternatively, check out its Haggerston taproom, housed inside a former archway."

"In response to the second lockdown Le Comptoir Robuchon began delivering its signature high-end food for lucky Londoners. The restaurant endorses the legacy of chef Joël Robuchon – who held the accolade of the most Michelin starred chef in the world at one point. Menu highlights include ‘Le Thon’, a smoked tuna tart with avocado guacamole and citrus dressing, ‘Le Poireau’, a smoked leek dish with mimosa eggs and Shitake mushroom and ‘Le Burger’, which combines beef with foie gras and peppers."

"In a nutshell: Paris burger chain returns to London Where is it?. 39 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, SW7 2HP Why should you care?. After an initial attempt at cracking the London market in 2015, French burger chain Big Fernand is back, attempting to woo Francophiles in South Kensington and hoping to replicate their successful business in France and also the UAE."

"A stylish restaurant with a distinctly modern approach to French cooking. L’Atelier exudes charm and elegance, which explains why it’s the only Michelin star restaurant in Covent Garden. Tackle the eight-course tasting menu if you’ve got the time (and funds)."

"Having turned vegan in 2016, French chef Alexis Gauthier will make the food at his Soho restaurant, housed in a converted Georgian townhouse, entirely plant-based upon reopening following lockdown. His vegan ‘Les Plantes’ menu includes a jar of ‘faux gras’ made from lentils, mushrooms and walnuts."

"Whilst French restaurants are often known for meat and cheese, Gauthier does things differently. There are two entirely vegan menus to choose from, including a seven-course vegan tasting menu for £65. Featured image: @bonvivantrestaurant"

"When it comes to fine dining in London, Gauthier is the place to be. And not just any fine dining: Michelin-star fine dining, at that. What makes their vegan à la carte menu so special, we hear you ask?"

"The array of brightly flavoured dishes at these Middle Eastern-influenced restaurants – one in Soho and one up north in Stoke Newington – are sure to spark up a morning. The offering includes pita and challah for dipping in labneh, butterbean hummus and more. Unsurprisingly, eggs are also a major player: you'll find shakshuka with za'atar sourdough, and an egg and cheese bagel with chilli, chive and smoked cheddar."

"Breakfast lovers get excited as The Good Egg has landed in Kingly Court and will be serving up their Jewish influenced menu day-to-night."

"Established in 1917 as an unlicensed Italian café, The Ivy expanded into its current site in 1923, quickly becoming an institution for the highbrow theatre set, including regulars Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward. Having passed through many hands — Corbin and King bought it in the late 80s, Richard Caring has been the owner since 2005 — The Ivy experienced a decline in favour, before benefitting from a makeover in 2015. It didn’t just get a rather impressive art deco bar, but a new menu too — with Asian-influenced dishes rubbing shoulders with the classics (shepherd’s pie, sausage and mash) for which it is so loved."

"This famous Covent Garden restaurant is all about style and glamour, with stained glass windows and contemporary art fixtures. It’s an A-list favourite too – everyone from Kate Moss and the Beckhams, to Elton John and even the Royal Family. So if you fancy some star spotting, this is the place to be."

"Restaurants Crêperies Southwark. Minimalist and airy (with an outdoor terrace), this independent little pancake spot in Flat Iron Square does one thing: pancakes. But boy, does it do them well."

"For every kind of pancake you could possibly imagine What to eat?. A ‘Dutch Baby’ (read on below to find out more … ). A London pancake restaurant that does what it says on the tin."