What’s New On London’s Southbank

Caroline Roddis — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:00:33 +0000

To those unfamiliar with London it might sound like a cliché, but there really is always something going on at the Southbank. Not only are there some amazing festivals taking place here this summer, but there have also been several new developments that might make your next visit even more pleasurable.

The Shard
You can’t really miss London’s lankiest building, which was officially completed on 5 July. Nor is it just another pretty face on London’s skyline: from next year you’ll be able to ascend to the top and marvel at the undoubtedly spectacular views.

Blackfriars Station
The long-awaited refurbishment means that you can now access the District Line or mainline rail services by entering this shiny new station from the south side of Blackfriars bridge. Incidentally, this is the first time passengers have been able to access transport from here since Blackfriars Bridge station closed to the public in 1885.

The Cube by Electrolux
More “up” than most pop-ups, this luxury restaurant is temporarily perched on top of the Royal Festival Hall. Its glass walls afford diners an excellent view of the Thames, which might offer at least momentary distraction from the venue’s fantastic food, created by top UK chefs. This intimate venue, which seats just 18 people at a time, is open for unforgettable lunches and dinners until 30 September.

Bt ArtBoxes
There are around half a dozen of these funky replica phoneboxes dotted around the Southbank. The boxes have been imaginatively decorated by a variety of artists, and will later be auctioned off to raise money for ChildLine. See how many you can spot!

Gillrays
Not that the Southbank was short of good restaurants, but this new steakhouse looks to be a good destination for those craving a large chunk of cow. Set in the distinctive County Hall, it also has cocktails and riverside views to keep the vegetarians happy!

Priceless London Wonderground
In the shadow of the London Eye you’ll find the Spiegeltent, a new temporary venue hosting an acclaimed festival of cabaret, circus and sideshow.

Citizen M
The first of the Holland chain’s design hotels to come to London, Citizen M Bankside offers a homely yet efficient base for travellers. Although it’s compact and stacked with the latest gadgets (you can even check yourself in and out), the hotel also has a relaxed, fun feel to it that will undoubtedly attract repeat visitors.

Tate Modern – Oil Tanks
One of the Southbank’s biggest changes has been happening under everyone’s noses – the three giant oil tanks that used to fuel the power station (which is now the Tate Modern) have been successfully transformed into a vast underground exhibition space. Opening on 18 July, they are the first galleries to ever be dedicated to live art and will host a 15-week line-up of artists that’s sure to be a highlight of the summer.

What’s your favourite thing about the Southbank? Let us know in the comments below.

What’s Your Favourite Eccentric London Event?

Rebecca — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:56:42 +0000

This year’s Enjoy England Awards for Excellence are asking for your favourite quirky event that’s unique to England.

The winner will be announced in a ceremony on St George’s Day (24 April).

Visit London will shortly be submitting some of our favourite quirky London experiences in a bid to claim the top “Where Else but England” prize for the capital!

Here are some of our favourite unconventional London traditions:

The Christmas Day Peter Pan Swim in the Serpentine: brave members of the Serpentine Swimming Club take to near-freezing waters for this annual event in Hyde Park.

The IWA Canalway Cavalcade: hundreds of narrowboats fill the waters of Little Venice with colour, character and quintessential English on May bank holiday

The MP vs Media Parliamentary Pancake Race gives the two opposing teams the opportunity to battle it out in Victoria Tower Gardens carrying frying pans and pancakes

Horseman’s Sunday: the vicar of St. John’s Church in Hyde Park leads more than 100 horses and riders to the church in a celebration of horse riding in the capital.

A much-loved cockney tradition, Pearly Kings & Queens: dating from the 19th century when a young boy covered a suit with shiny buttons to attract attention in an effort to raise money for the poor. The tradition thrives to this day; particularly at the annual festival at St Martin-in-the Fields.

Twelfth Night: mixing ancient midwinter traditions with contemporary festivity, the Twelfth Night celebration on Bankside includes the extraordinary, pagan Holly Man, who, decked in evergreen foliage, appears from the Thames…

Do you have your own favourite quirky London event? Add your suggestions to the comments below for other top contenders!

Visit London Blog » bankside

What’s New On London’s Southbank

What’s Your Favourite Eccentric London Event?