Wilde London: The Alternative London Guide
Last updated Jul 06, 2023
Big Ben and the Tower of London? You’ll find them. It’s much harder to come across underground cocktail bars and museums off the beaten track. We’ve created the ultimate alternative guide to London to help you ‘escape ordinary’ and explore the city your own way.
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Sky Garden
The best way to see all of London from one stunning viewpoint. With observation decks, landscaped gardens, restaurants and bars, London’s Sky Garden, at the top of the Walkie Talkie building (AKA 20 Fenchurch Street), makes an ideal sunset date spot. Try to name the city’s skyscrapers and grab a cocktail in the Sky Pod Bar. It’s a free attraction but you must book tickets in advance. London Bridge and the Tower of London are just down the road while Wilde Aparthotels, Aldgate Tower Bridge is just a short walk away.
Rembrandt Gardens
Sitting pretty in the middle of Little Venice, Rembrandt Gardens is a leafy oasis in the middle of London city. Right beside Regent’s canal, stop here for a breather after a picturesque canal walk and watch the world go by. When you stay at Wilde Aparthotels, Paddington, you’re just 8 minutes away from this slice of heaven.
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Do This
London’s markets
London’s markets are a treasure trove of the weird and wonderful. From Wilde Aparthotels Aldgate Tower Bridge you have your pick of markets on the doorstep. Old Spitalfields is where you’ll find oddities and vintage knick-knacks rubbing up next to fine jewellery and street food. Colombia Road is bursting with flowers – think colourful Insta backdrop. Brick Lane is a Sunday market with clothes, furniture and various bric-a-brac and Borough market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in the UK.
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Grant Museum of Zoology
Gruesome but in a good way. The Grant Museum of Zoology is not for the squeamish. A natural history museum, expect jars of preserved specimens and skeletons of extinct animals. One of the oldest museums of its kind in the UK, wander around the 67,000 zoological specimens and try to find the famous jar of moles. Great fun for the whole family or a group of pals, plus you’re only a walk away from Wilde Aparthotels, Covent Garden.
Ancient Spa
AIRE ancient baths are what dreams are made of. This historical building was once the home of Peter Pan writer J.M. Barrie, but now it’s been transformed into an ancient Roman, Greek, Ottoman fusion bathhouse. Get a Himalayan salt rub, an aromatic massage or take part in The Wine Ritual, where you’ll be submerged in Spanish temperanillo (try to avoid drinking your bath water). The spa is candlelit throughout and scented in orange blossom for extra helpings of relaxation. Book treatments in advance on their website. London's National Gallery is just around the corner for an extra slice of culture post-bathtime and Wilde Aparthotels Covent Garden is literally next door.
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EAT THIS
Themed Afternoon Tea
Is there anything more quintessentially English than afternoon tea? Make it a whole event by choosing a themed teatime experience. Join the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts at the Taj 51 hotel or The Sanderson. Both offer Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea with special cakes, sandwiches and décor. Or pop over to the Aqua Shard for a Peter Pan theme. Head up to the 31st floor of The Shard for a tea-stand in the shape of Captain Hook’s infamous ship. Book in advance on their websites.
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La Bodega Negra
The ultimate date spot, this is not one for the kiddies… Hiding behind a sleazy sex shop façade (complete with neon signs and dirty mags) is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. With a contemporary twist on classic Mexican dishes and a dark, enthralling atmosphere, La Bodega Negra is a completely different dining experience. A favourite with celebrities, you’ll have to squint to spot them in the glowing candlelight.
Kerb’s Seven Dial Market
The best way to keep everyone happy and just an 8 minute walk from Wilde Aparthotels Covent Garden, Kerb’s Seven Dial Market has something to everybody’s taste. Housed in a giant warehouse which used to store cucumbers and bananas, now you’ll find everything from vegan eats to meaty burgers, and smoky tacos to Asian baos. Choose your favourite restaurant and then sit with your squad in the large dining hall. Wash your meal down with cocktails, beer or fruit juices. It’s a total win-win.
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DRINK THIS
Cahoots
Once an abandoned train station, this speakeasy style cocktail bar has stayed close to its roots with three train-themed spaces; The Underground, Ticket Hall & Control Room. Grab a train pew or a sandbag and be transported back to 1940s London complete with Jazz, electro-swing and rock’n’roll. Even the cocktails are served in old mugs and vintage hip flasks. Book a space and time on their website and prepare to get ‘squiffy’.
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The Last Tuesday Society
For those who want their drink with a side of bizzarity. The Last Tuesday Society is a wacky bar attached to the equally weird and wonderful Viktor Wynd's Museum. Expect a whole lot of taxidermy including a full size stuffed lion at the bar. Choose from their absinthe inspired menu and soak up the atmosphere. Located in the middle of East London, hit up an event at the Oval Space after, or bar hop your way around Hackney.
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FOR THE KIDS
Platform 9 and ¾
If you’re bringing the kids there’s no way you’ll escape London without running into Harry Potter in one form or another. Head to King’s Cross station to get a picture with Harry’s luggage trolley at platform 9 and 3/4. The best bit? Adults can pick up special Harry Potter themed cocktails at the bar terraces across the road.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
‘My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people don’t know.’ Just a stone’s throw from Wilde Aparthotels Paddington, you’ll find a shrine to the famous detective. Housed in the same address as the fictional character on Baker street, learn everything there is to know about the man of mystery. Kids will love hearing about Sherlock’s trickiest cases and everyone will enjoy stepping back into Victorian London.
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Tempted? Alternative London is waiting for you... Book Wilde Aparthotels Aldgate Tower Bridge, Wilde Aparthotels Paddington or Wilde Aparthotels Covent Garden today!
Staying in Paddington
Grand arches, regal avenues, and the odd marmalade-eating brown bear…
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