Leighton House Museum, Kensington, London. The house was once home to Victorian artist Frederic Leighton who over a period of 30 years expanded the building and filled it with treasures from all over the world. The centrepiece of this work is the Arab Hall, decorated with hundres of Middle Eastern tiles. A fascinating place, tucked down a quiet road by Holland Park.
Time Out Open London guide
The back streets from Kentish Town to Hampstead Heath reveal some of London’s hidden-away pretty Dickensian Mews, cobbled streets and brightly painted terraces. Once over looking fields, these narrow alleyways now provide quiet respite from the busy Highgate Road. They lead up to Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill with views over the centre of London.
The Lowry, Manchester. Set in the regenerated Salford Quays, The Lowry complex consists of two theatres, studio and gallery spaces, a restaurant, and cafes & bars. It is named after the artist L. S. Lowry, known for his paintings of the industrial north of England and is home to the worlds largest collection of his work. Designed by architect Michael Wilford, the building is made up of geometrical shapes – a hexagon, circle, triangle and rectangle. The interior spaces are designed in layers like an onion and decorated with the bright colours that are typical of Wilford’s architecture. It’s a great space, well worth a visit.
The Social, Little Portland Street, London. This small bar and club just off Regent Street features a cool diner with jukebox on street level and down in the basement hosts nights of live music, DJs and here, the one and only hip hop karaoke. A couple of years ago (quick plug) even my band played here. I had a blast shooting here; the hip hop karaoke is amazing, (though I did not indulge!)
Dean Street Townhouse, Soho, London. A beautiful grade II listed 1730s townhouse, home to a hotel with thirty-nine bedrooms (from as little as £95) and a swanky dining room. Open since November 2009, the townhouse has been restored with reclaimed French oak floors, panelled walls, plantation shutters and hand-painted wallpaper. Classic yet modern and stylish. The dining room looks lovely too, though I’m yet to visit!
Time Out London for Visitors Spring/Summer 2011
//// BEN ROWE photography /////// 
