Leave Millbank pier and turn…
LEFT: Each area in London is easily identified by its style of housing and architecture. Pimlico is no acceptation. In 1825, Thomas Cubitt was contracted to develop Pimlico where the land was marshy and unsuitable to build on. Using reclaimed soil excavated during the construction of St Katharine Docks, these incredible rows of white stucco terraces were built. Some of the largest and most opulent houses were built around St George’s Square. From the pier, follow the path with the Thames to your left for about 15 minutes to reach Pimlico Gardens on your left, and cross over to St Georges Square on your right.
On your way to St Georges Square, you’ll also pass two pubs (on the other side of the road): Morpeth Arms which has an elegant spying room upstairs (well it is opposite the MI6 building!), INFO and The Grosvenor, a locals pub with quaint foliage clad seating out front: INFO
At the top end of St Georges Square and onto Tachbrook street, at number 81 you will find the Cave; a wonderfully unique shop, art gallery, café and event space. The menu changes daily as they have different caterers come in to serve up edible delights from the Cavewagon. As well as this, you’ll find exhibitions from unbelievably talented artists all thrust together in an Aladdin’s cave of items for sale from vinyl records to clothes: INFO At the bottom of this post, I’ve also included some images of the latest exhibition I saw at the Cave.
STRAIGHT: Tate Britain is home to the greatest collection of British art in the world. Starting with just 65 paintings in 1897 and devoted solely to British art, the gallery has grown and diversified over the last century providing an essential supplement to the collections of the National Gallery. Each year the gallery commissions a winter installation for the buildings exterior and 2021 will be the 5th of these projects, so check for updates this November! INFO Just behind the Tate are Millbank Gardens, a nice spot for a quiet read, or head just to the left on Atterbury Street to the Chelsea College of Art and Design’s open square.
RIGHT: A 5 minute stroll along the river takes you to Victoria Tower Gardens. Here you will find the Buxton Memorial Fountain built to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834, and in particular the role of British parliamentarians in the abolition campaign. Also here is a playground for children which includes a sandpit, so be warned it could get messy! INFO
DIVERSION!
As you stand at the pier, directly opposite you will see Tamesis Dock, a converted 1930’s Dutch barge which is now a bar. A casual 10 minute stroll over Lambeth Bridge and you’ll arrive. I visited here after almost every hospital appointment when I was pregnant (no booze of course!) and sat on the top deck, relaxing and watching the boats go by on the river. INFO
Exhibition at the Cave
On my most recent visit, I saw ‘Gross Prophet’ by Fredrix Vermin. An intricate selection of models representing the world we reside in which uses QR codes to expand the narrative. My photos do not do it justice, there is so much detail to absorb, you must see it in person: INFO
If you visit any of these places, or perhaps somewhere I haven’t mentioned, please let me know via Instagram @coventgardenmum or by email. Id love you hear your experience and perhaps even see some photos! Have a great time…