We’re back from our recent trip to London for LDF 2021 with heads full of inspiration, and a score of where to go's, what to sees and of course: what to eats - because who doesn’t love the variety of London cuisine?
Although the festival is now behind us, and no doubt you’ll be looking ahead to next year’s activities, we have lots of great spots to share for any upcoming visits to the big smoke you might have planned – festival, or not.
First up, food. As any seasoned London goer will know, Kings Cross (where we planted ourselves for the recent, ahem, Planted show) is renowned for its food.
Overlooking Planted (we could see our Smile Plastics’ totems from our table), is the vibey Indian restaurant Dishoom. Alive with 1920s’ industrial architecture – the kind that makes you want to run to an awaiting steam train adorning brogues and a trench coat – it’s a design lovers’ dream.
More of a sweet tooth? Fancy somewhere the energetic pastel ambience serves as a visual depiction of the delectable items on the menu? Try Crome London, the French toast restaurant you’ve been looking for. Complementing their sweet and savoury culinary talents is a custom Smile Plastics counter, and matching tabletops – all in a sugary sweet palette. We recommend it for all the reasons above, with the double whammy of gorgeous food and gram-able aesthetics.
Keen for a constitutional after all that delicious food? Why not head for a stroll around Victoria Park? Take 5 on a curvaceous pew, Pavilion coffee in hand and ingest some autumnal leafy glory.
If it’s too far into Autumn shower season, then fear not. Barkney Wick have you, your children and pups covered. The eco-friendly, low waste dog cafe and bar have all the essentials when the light begins to fade, plus some extras. Dog-friendly cocktails, anyone?
To dos & sees that made us smile
Rejoice, Late At The V&A is finally back. On our visit, we took in all-sorts, from the grandeur of the Medusa installation to the practicalities of pocket making. Dipping toes in the water of the floating Between Forest and Skies. And spotting one of our very own Smile Plastics’ archive pieces in the Design 19000 -Now Exhibition. It’s a must-visit.
Colour is embedded into London’s DNA. Outside of Ganni, Floral Street lives up to its name with painted bollards, along with Yinka Ilori’s recreation of Tottenham Road’s colourful crossings, plus the Time to Rests installation extending the last glimmers of the autumnal sun.
Not to be outdone, however, is Liz West’s Hundreds and Thousands. A vibrant breath of sea salt and shafts of childlike joy raised skyward amidst the Thames in the stunning new Design District.
Sounds that made us smile:
Now that eyes and stomach have had their fill, let Design District’s creative talk series filter through ears and mind. Set in the Bureau auditorium, guests are invited to sit on our rolling Grey Mist seating, presented in a soft palette to complement the thought-filled interiors by Roz Barr.
Now to end the tour with some jazz in the Night Jar, encased in soothing lighting, delectable drinks and some great live music. Because who doesn't want to be in a bar where hospitality is an art form?
Have any must do's in London? Let us know!
