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Culture and history

a whole world of culture and history just waiting to be discovered

With a whole world of culture and history just waiting to be discovered right here in London, now’s the time to come and experience one of Europe’s most exciting capitals for yourself.

Join us as we explore the hidden treasures and much-loved places and events that mark London as a true city of the world.

Kyoto Garden

With its rippling waterfall and lake full of gleaming coy carp, it’s hard to believe that this peaceful spot is in London at all.

With its rippling waterfall and lake full of gleaming coy carp, it’s hard to believe that this peaceful spot is in London at all. In fact, this Japanese waterfall garden is part of Holland Park in Kensington and was donated by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce back in 1991 to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK.

Kyoto Garden is a perfect place to wander all year round when visiting London, with Japanese topiary, stone lanterns and other delights at every turn. You can even enjoy one of the most quintessentially Japanese experiences every spring when the cherry trees blossom. A visit in autumn to witness the maples turn burnished red and gold is not to be missed either.

Kyoto Garden is found in Holland Park W8 6LU, London. The nearest underground stations are Holland Park and Kensington High Street.

Japan House

an immersive space where you can enjoy exhibitions, talks and workshops for free.

Japan House lets you get hands-on with Japanese culture. Located on Kensington High Street, it’s an immersive space where you can enjoy exhibitions, talks and workshops for free. Exhibitions and displays are constantly changing, with previous topics spanning history, technology, traditional craft and anime. Japan house was founded by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign affairs so you can be sure you’re getting accurate information - it doesn’t get much more authentic than that!

Once you’ve finished strolling the current exhibition, you can browse their library for a while. Even the gift shop is a place to be informed as they provide fascinating insights on how the various treasures were created.

You can find Japan House at W8 5SA. The nearest underground station is Kensington High Street

Katsute 100

This charming tearoom blends the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony with British flourishes for a truly relaxing

If tea is your thing, head to Katsute 100 in Islington. This charming tearoom blends the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony with British flourishes for a truly relaxing experience. Sit inside and enjoy the antiques and soft jazz or take your tea outside to their soothing garden.

Tuck into Japanese-inspired desserts like matcha crepe cake or yuzu scones while sipping on one of their many specialty teas. Everything has been designed to showcase the work of small producers in Japan. Katsute 100 is the perfect place to chill and enjoy delicacies that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the UK.

You can find Katsute 100 at N1 8EG, London. The nearest underground station is Angel

The best paella in London?

A slice of Spain, chef Quique Dacosta.

Looking for the best paella in London? Arros QD in Fitzrovia was born out of head chef Quique Dacosta’s life-long passion for this Valencian institution.

Many people think of paella as a mixed rice dish when in fact the term refers to the pan used to cook that rice. These pans are expertly wielded at Arros QD to create sizzling variations on the theme. If you aren’t in the mood for rice, you can choose from creative dishes like a rack of pork with purple shiso dressing or Yellowfin tuna tartare.

They are also fans of the open kitchen and do their cooking on a huge wood-burning stove (it measures 6 metres!). The wine list is a mix of lesser-known wines from the Mediterranean and bottles from globally renowned producers. Alternatively, you can indulge in one of their Mediterranean-inspired cocktails.

You can find the restaurant at W1W 8NQ. The nearest underground stations are Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.

Cervantes Theatre

If you’re hoping to experience the vibrant Spanish art scene, you could catch a performance at the Cervantes Theatre in Southwark.

This theatre aims to bring the best of Spanish and Latin culture to life for British audiences. They stage plays, including golden age classics and contemporary pieces, in both Spanish and English. There’s also a café bar upstairs where you can grab a drink and perhaps take in one of the smaller events they host from time to time.

The theatre was opened in 2016 by the Spanish Theatre Company, a charity aiming to promote cultural exchange. They also work on educational programs for schools and provide acting lessons.

If you spent lockdown learning Spanish, you could even put your skills to the test by attending one of their Spanish language shows.

You can find the theatre at SE1 0LR. The nearest underground station is Southwark.

Barrafina

It doesn’t get much more Spanish than Tapas: small, delicious dishes that you can mix and match.

Barrafina is an authentic tapas restaurant with locations in Covent Garden, Soho and King’s Cross. Take a seat on one of their distinctive red leather stools and watch the chefs hard at work in the open kitchen.

The Barrafina’s a la carte menu features dishes drawn from every corner of Spain, complemented by an extensive wine list. Each venue also has a unique and constantly changing board of specials.

Tuck into dishes like octopus and capers, salt cod fritters and classic tortilla that have been prepared right in front of you. Can’t choose? You don’t need to. Have them all.

You’ll find a Barrafina branch on Dean Street (W1D 3LL), Adelaide Street (WC2N 4HZ), Drury Lane (WC2B 5AJ) and Coal Drops Yard (N1C 4AB).

Vicinity

at Vicinity, you can look at London and chill, meet, relax, eat or dance at your leisure. We are the best the city has to offer.

A true London destination.

Here at Vicinity, you can look at London and chill, meet, relax, eat or dance at your leisure. Vicinity is the best the city has to offer.

They welcome all, from around the world or around the corner – a melting pot of people from near and far. Vicinity welcome you in and let you lookout, at the city, at London.

We are open from 12 pm to 10 pm daily.

One Twenty One Two

a celebration of fine food

After a much-needed refurbishment with fancy red velvet banquettes and thick lush carpets, our distinguished restaurant provides an impressive selection of wine and flawless service.

One Twenty One Two Restaurant in Whitehall, London is a celebration of fine food and has an extraordinary historical story of our hotel. The Whitehall restaurant name is inspired by the building’s former neighbour, Scotland Yard and its world-famous phone number Whitehall 1212.

Dishes on our menus are seasonally inspired and use only the finest and fresh artisanal ingredients. We are excited to showcase classic continental cuisines which are prepared with creativity and flair. Your experience is perfected by the flawless service of our wait staff, exemplary wine lists and enchanting décor.

Secret Herb Garden at The Terrace

A secluded haven of tranquillity, where you can enjoy alfresco dining or simply a quiet drink.

Away from the hustle and bustle of London life, the hotel's exterior provides a stunning backdrop - perfect for watching the sun set over the London skyline and the London Eye on the River.

Indulge the senses with an array of summer spritzes, and herb-inspired cocktails, as well as delicious tapas and an outdoor pizza oven serving sizzling delights throughout the day and night

Where to stay?

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