Non-Tourist Visits to Westminster & Pimlico
It’s unusual to find non-tourist guides to London, but when it comes to Westminster and Pimlico, it’s something that many people want. This is the business centre of the UK, and so naturally attracts business people from across the globe. At the end of a day of heavy meetings, complex brain drains, and “team-building” exercise, sometimes all you want to do is avoid the hoards and masses.
Avoiding the hoards isn’t easy in this part of town. It’s slap bang in the middle of London. It’s the middliest (yes, we just made that word up!) of the middle of town, so finding those quiet spaces can be difficult.
Sure, you can retreat to one of the many hotels near Pimlico London, but holing yourself up in your room, while offering escape, is not the best way to soothe the buzzing executive mind. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of hidden gems in this area waiting to take your mind off things and ease your soul…
…many people like to escape into a good book, and with quaint speciality bookshops, like Travis & Emery, you're sure to find yourself travelling to strange and far off lands whilst ensconced in comfy armchair with you hot chocolate and marshmallows watching the busy people of the world pass by – what better way to spend an autumn evening?
Wasn't that a wonderful and magical picture of a great British pastime? And, speaking of magic, Davenports Magic Shop is a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in magic. There’s a Harry Potter-esque feel to the place. It has that rich, deep, wooden, and papery feel that you might associate with an ancient library full of secrets.
You imagine Olivander jumping out at any moment and shouting to you that he’s found your wand – “the wand chooseth the wizard!” If only you could magic away tomorrow’s meeting. You’d use the time to explore more of these hidden places.
…but maybe this is a bit too juvenile for you? Maybe you're looking for something a bit more upmarket – and hopefully with a few cocktails. Well, you're in luck. If you want to experience London from a 360o perspective, you could head to The London Sky Bar. On the 29th floor, it’s a view to be reckoned with. But this is an exclusive bar, and it isn’t always open to the public, so make a reservation if this is something you want to experience. You can experience such delights as open-comedy nights and even a silent disco! It’s a great way to relax.
If you're looking for a more traditional tipple, then head to the Albert Tavern, so called for being a favoured watering hole of the Queen’s Consort – Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. It’s a Grade II listed building and has all the charm we’ve come to expect from Victorian England. At the end of the night, it’s within a short walk of numerous hotels near Pimlico London and the perfect spot for winding down after a long day.
