Mentioned by New York Times' 36 hours column
36 Hours in Southeast London
"Towering over diminutive Ludgate Hill in a superb position that's been a place of Christian worship for over 1400 years (and pagan before that), St Paul’s is one of London’s most magnificent buildings. For Londoners, the vast dome is a symbol of resilience and pride, standing tall for more than 300 years. Viewing Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece from the inside and climbing to the top for sweeping views of the capital is a celestial experience."
"Year Built: 675 CE Location: Byward Street, City of London Purpose: Church (Current Denomination – Church of England) Still Standing: Yes. photo source: Wikimedia Commons. Although St. Bride’s Church is considered older, All Hallows by the Tower often cites itself as the oldest church in the City of London – unlike other early churches, All Hallows has a definitive founding date backed up by well-kept records."
"The Church of England church All Hallows by the Tower is so-called as the land it stands on was granted to Barking Abbey in 675 by Erkenwald, Bishop of London. Nearly a thousand years later, Samuel Pepys climbed the church tower to watch the progress of the Great Fire of London. ” … and there saw the saddest sight of desolation that I ever saw."
"All Hallows Church London sits across the square from the Tower of London. It’s one of the oldest Christian churches in London, dating back possibly to the 7th century AD. It famously survived the Great Fire of London because surrounding buildings were burned to create a firebreak."
"Temple Church in Central London is the physical embodiment of the Knights Templar, a religious order that also trained as warrior monks. This is history that is strong on narrative and bursting with battles and blood-lust. Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar, the order of crusading monks who sought to protect pilgrims on their journeys to Jerusalem in the 12th century."
"This church belongs to the Inner and Middle Temple, two of England’s ancient societies of lawyers. Located in the heart of the city between River Thames and Flee Street, the Temple Church’s origin dates back to 12th century. Built by Knights Templar, this church showcases a typical round structure."
"There was a church on this site during the time of the Romans.Some believe that St Bridget, an Irish saint, established the first Christian church on the site in the 6th century. During the Great Plague of 1665, a plague pit was dug within the churchyard. Pepys mentions having to bribe the gravedigger in order to find room to bury his brother."
"He is thought to have been inspired by illustrations of the Tower of the Winds in Vitruvius. However, it is best known for its lasting influence on weddings. This originated when a Mr Rich, an 18th-century pastrycook of Fleet Street, modelled his famous wedding cakes on the spire."
"A post shared by Himanshu Sharma (@the.mockturtle) on Apr 25, 2017 at 11:17am PDT. Created by architect William Butterfield, the All Saints Margaret Street church boasts a stunningly ornate High Gothic Revival design. Take a moment to admire the striking exterior made using a mixture of red and black brick; but it is the inside of this London church that makes it worth a visit."
"Of course, it’s famous for the Canterbury Tales, being the headquarters of the Church of England and it’s largely still intact architecture. It’s not too far from the city of London, roughly an hour and a half if you plan on taking the trains."
"All Saints’ was built in the 1850s as an early example of Victorian Gothic. It has the second-highest church spire in the whole of London"
"St Paul’s Church Covent Garden was the first new church in London to be built since the Reformation almost a century before. It was designed and built by Inigo Jones, the architect also responsible for other famous London buildings at Banqueting House, Whitehall and Queens House, Greenwich. It was built between 1631 and 1633 along with the new Covent Garden Piazza, the first formal square in England."
"Not to be confused with St Paul's Cathedral (a big attraction that comes with a ticket price), this church on the western flank of Covent Garden Piazza is also known as the Actor’s Church. The first Punch and Judy show took place here in 1662, and there are memorials to Charlie Chaplin and Vivien Leigh."
"Not to be confused with St Paul's Cathedral (a big attraction that comes with a ticket price), this church on the western flank of Covent Garden Piazza is also known as the Actor’s Church. The first Punch and Judy show took place here in 1662, and there are memorials to Charlie Chaplin and Vivien Leigh."
"The saying goes that to be a true cockney you have to be within earshot of the famous Bow bells. This church is a pivotal landmark in the middle of Cheapside, London near the Bank underground station which is situated on the Northern, Central and Waterloo lines. Another result of the famous Christopher Wrens creations following the Great Fire of 1666, St Mary Le Bow Church is a fully functioning Christian place of worship and this Norman crypt is the oldest parochial chapel still in use in London."
"St Mary le Bow was historically one of the most important City of London churches, and was one of the first to be rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire. It’s another beautiful Baroque church with an elegant tower which houses the famous Bow Bells. According to London tradition, a true Cockney can only be born within earshot of these bells, which are a 200-metre walk around the corner from St Paul’s Cathedral on Cheapside."
"Perhaps one of the best-known City of London churches, St Mary-le-Bow is found on Cheapside within the Square Mile. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who also lays claim to nearby St Paul’s Cathedral), it’s full of bold baroque-style features including Corinthian columns and a bright blue and gold ceiling. Tradition states that you can only call yourself a true Cockney if you were born within earshot of the church’s famous Bow Bells."
"This farm is little further out of London, but a whole day of adventure and fun can be enjoyed here, thanks to a huge array of facilities, besides the friendly animals. There’s indoor soft play at the Bundle Barn, an alpine toboggan run, Dino Dig and Splash play area and an adventure playground. Unlike most of the other city farms in London listed, there is a small entry price for this one (£10) but this includes entry to all indoor and outdoor play areas, activities, animals, bird shows and a tractor ride to the dairy farm."
"A post shared by Georgiebd (@georgie.bd) on May 26, 2018 at 10:23am PDT. Cycle along the paths or take a stroll at Lee Valley Regional Park. Stretching 42km (26 miles) along the river Lee, past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and up to Ware in Hertfordshire, there is plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, relax or play."
"When Santo Mare opened in spring of 2019 in Marylebone, it was quickly recognized as one of the best new restaurants in London for seafood. Following the concept of the original re..."
"It’s international status as a pillar of British cooking may be slightly overblown, but fish and chips is still a longstanding Friday night favourite. Poppies’s founder Pops has been honouring it for quite some time: he’s been working in the chippie business since 1952. The rockabilly-themed restaurants get their chunky fish fillets daily from a third-generation Billingsgate fishmonger, fry them until the batter is crunchy but yielding, and serve them with fabulously fluffy proper chips."
"Open since 1945, award-winning Poppies is one of the tastiest cheap eats in London. Costing from as little as £5.95, Poppies’ menu which is full of secret family recipes, fresh fish, scrumptious savouries, and golden chips will keep you coming back for more. Located in Spitalfields and Camden, Poppies’ will transport you back in time with their newspaper-wrapped takeaways, 1940’s decor and even live music at their Camden fish bar."
"Recognised as one of the best independent fish and chips shops in the UK, Poppies Covent Garden offers a large selection of outdoor terraces across its three locations. Enjoy locally sourced fish wrapped up in recyclable newspaper al fresco in the sunshine."
"What: Uncomplicated, simple serves are the order of the day at The Oystermen, which started life as a pop up. The small kitchen at the Covent Garden restaurant produces delightful treats such as anchovies on toast, smoked cod roe with lavash bread, and, of course, oysters. However, it’s not just about the small plates here; more substantial fish dishes such as Scottish cod with chestnut purée also come expertly cooked.Where: 32 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8NA"
"There is a tiny red alarm button in our brain labelled ‘BOUGIE FUN’ that we mentally hit every single time we have oysters. As all seafood fans know, oysters, octopus, and clams, are all dishes that taste exponentially better when you eat them outside in the sunshine. We have no idea why, it’s just a fact."
"Rainforest Cafe has been among London families’s favourite child friendly restaurants because it is centrally located nearby Piccadilly Circus and close to London theatres. The food might not be the best in town but the decor and animation inside the restaurant will make your kids jaw dropping as soon as they enter the venue. And let’s not forget the shop where your children will beg for bring back home a snake or a monkey."
"Your kids will never forgive you if you don't take them for a meal at the Rainforest Cafe in central London. A joy to behold, with an American menu that has something for everyone."