From chic cafes to gorgeous gyms – explore the city the beautiful way with Absolutely’s guide to London’s most Instagrammable locations
Words Joy Montgomery
London’s Instagrammable Locations
FOR FASHION-LOVERS: BELLA FREUD
Situated in a former art gallery on Chiltern Street, Bella Freud opened the doors to her very first flagship store back in 2015. Recruiting architect and designer Maria Speake to mastermind the design, this stunning space uses reclaimed stone floors, bespoke brass rails and custom-made rich velvet Richelieu carpets to create the ultimate Instagrammable backdrop for the brand’s iconic knitwear designs.
FOR OUTDOORSY TYPES: KYOTO GARDEN HOLLAND PARK
Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden is one of London’s least-secret secret gardens. Donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991, this Japanese-inspired garden has become known for its colourful plants and shrubs and pretty water features. Perfect for a post-Sunday lunch snap.
FOR FITNESS FREAKS: 1REBEL
From the son of Fitness First owner Mike Balfour comes 1Rebel, the hipster exercise joint that brands itself as the ‘anti-gym’. The two London sites offer artfully dishevelled-cum-industrial chic interiors that divide into two rooms: one for spinning and one for ‘reshape’. Who said exercise can’t be aesthetically pleasing?
FOR FOODIES: IVY CHELSEA GARDEN
The Chelsea branch of the famed Ivy restaurant group is by far the most stylish. Located on the iconic King’s Road, the eatery boasts Martin Brudnizki-designed interiors and an enchanting outdoor terrace. A little bit of paradise in the centre of the Big Smoke.
FOR CULTURE VULTURES: TATE BRITAIN
Forget industrial styling and designer interiors – sometimes we all need a bit of awe-inspiring, marble pillar-lined beauty, and Tate Britain delivers this in spades. Opened in 1897, it is the oldest gallery in the Tate network and is modelled on the Neo-Classical architectural style. The domed viewing gallery is a must-see forsnap-happyy individuals.
FOR COFFEE FANATICS: LONDON GRIND
London Grind is the espresso bar, cocktail bar and restaurant that draws in the besuited crowds of London Bridge. Perched next to the river, this coffee hotspot has become known for its Instagrammable interiors: think neon lighting, exposed brick walls and high shine black tiling.
