London, a city enriched with allure and charm. Marvelled around the world for its architectural grandeur, it remains as one of the worlds most popular and iconic travel destinations. From the famed Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to the West End and the River Thames, inner city London is continuously bustling with eager adventurers. For those seeking true enchantment, best-selling author Janelle McCulloch reveals the most fascinating places nestled amongst the extraordinary city.
Words: Kalli Zerveas
Photography: Supplied
McCulloch’s newest book London Secrets is a guide to falling in love with London. The book explores everything from engaging markets and trendy fashion boutiques to antique haunts not widely publicised. From enthralling design hotels and hidden museums to secret National Trust Properties, McCulloch takes readers on a journey of excitement and intrigue.
London Secrets showcases London’s grandeur, glamour, creativity, mystery and heritage. The book is lavishly photographed and extensively researched shedding new light on the vibrant – and surprising city.
A taste of London’s finest spots, McCulloch’s discoveries are awe-inspiring.
Hogarthian tea rooms and sleek design hotels; enchanting emporiums of lovely clutter and elegant, understated new restaurants; old-fashioned stores with polished mahogany counters and sophisticated boutiques with glamorous brass fittings; grand royal palaces and tiny second-hand bookshops; great museums and glorious pubs.
There doesn’t seem to be a detail unaccounted for as McCulloch delves into the essence of London, describing “city boys in Paul Smith and Chelsea girls in Joseph and Issa; taxi drivers who are versed in politics and poetry and antiques dealers so adept they can recognise a fake at 50 paces”.
The book includes how to individualise itinerary’s and how to spend 24 stylish hours in London, restaurants and bars, unusual historic sites and museums, botanical spaces, design highlights, and creative destinations.
There’s a particular emphasis on design, decoration, gardens and botanical spaces as the book explores events such as the Chelsea Flower Show, the London Festival of Architecture and the London Vintage Fashion, Textiles and Accessories show. McCulloch writes London as a city of unparalleled loveliness as well as a city of mystery.
“London is a dichotomy of contrasts—dramatic and yet discreet, edgy and yet built on heritage brands, and of course noticeably bohemian and yet still very, very British—that has endeared itself to visitors for decades”.
Janelle McCulloch is a journalist, author and photographer of more than 18 books on architecture, interior design, travel and gardens. This includes three bestselling Paris books and several bestselling design titles. She is currently working on a new series of illustrated travel guides, a garden book and a non-fiction book.