Alternative Greenwich

If you are visiting London or planning a trip to the capital, one place that should be on your hit list is Greenwich. The Royal Borough is situated in South East London is an area steeped in history, containing some of the most incredible architecture London has to offer as well as one of the most amazing views of the city you are likely to see. But the best things about Greenwich lie hidden away from the touristy heart of it and provide an insight into the history and foundations of this area and London itself.

Afternoon Tea at the Fan Museum

When visiting Greenwich you have to make sure that you visit the obvious spots. Greenwich Park, The Observatory, The Cutty Sark and the university grounds are all equally brilliant and are a must-see in their own right, but some of its lesser known landmarks should also be on your check list. One of the more peculiar places go to is The Fan Museum. Situated a stone’s throw away from Greenwich Park, this museum is located within two grade II listed houses and is a truly unique place. The first museum dedicated entirely to fans, it is a real must see for those lovers of textiles, fabrics and fashion with some of the ornaments being so delicate that they are only allowed to be displayed for a certain amount of before being stored away. However, one of the main selling points of the Fan Museum is its locally famous Afternoon Tea. Afternoon Tea is a true British tradition and The Fan Museum gets it spot on.

Christine Jackson, as resident of Greenwich for over 22 years describes the afternoon tea as ‘The best in London’ and says ‘I only found out about it a year ago and I have lived here for over 20 years. It is a real hidden gem and is now a regular place for me and my friends to get together’. The Orangery where the event is held is absolute stunning with detailed murals lining the walls and looking out over a ‘secret’ garden. The room oozes an enchanting atmosphere and at £8 a head for tea, two cakes and a scone it represents real value. If you are visiting Greenwich during your stay in London, it is worth taking part in this old tradition to have a taste of some true British culture. The afternoon tea is available to book on Tuesdays and Sundays or if you are in Greenwich on Friday or Saturday there is no booking required.

The Cutty Sark (Pub)

Greenwich seems to have a never ending list of places to have a drink. Pubs adorn every street and in the touristy areas they can be extremely expensive. However, take a walk toward East Greenwich along the Thames and you will stumble across The Cutty Sark pub. Located a 5 – 10 minute walk from the famous ship it derives its name from, The Cutty Sark has to be the best pub in Greenwich. A Timeout love London winner in 2016 and awarded a trip advisor certificate for excellence, The Cutty Sark is a real local jaunt, as well as containing a few visitors who have obviously done their research. Formerly known as the Union Tavern, the old Georgian building sits right on the bank of the Thames and offers up panoramic views of Canary Wharf and the surrounding docklands. The pub used to act as a watering hole for the Dockers during the 19th century and adopted its current name when the ship it is named after rolled into town in 1951. Christine describes the pub as ‘Scene and tranquil’ and puts a lot of its success on the location: ‘the fact that the pub is a 10 minute walk away from the centre of Greenwich means there is always somewhere to sit down. It really is stunning on a summer’s evening when the sun begins to set behind the skyscrapers across the river.’ With outside seating and the option to sit upon the wall and dangle your feet over the water, The Cutty Sark is the perfect place for pit stop on a summer’s day and to refuel on some locally sourced beers and delicious food. The pub is also just as stunning in the winter with the interior taking you back in time and the warm and cosy atmosphere giving it a real festive and homely feel.

A Greenwich Evening

Greenwich comes alive in the evening and offers up plenty of restaurants and bars as well as having a local Picturehouse cinema in the centre. The borough also has a thriving arts scene and it is worth having a look at the listings of the local theatre and infamous comedy club before you plan your trip there. The comedy club, Up The Creek was voted the best comedy venue in the UK and is best known for its ‘Sunday Specials’ which serve up an array of new and established talents. If you are wanting to party on into the night, the venue also has a late night disco on Friday and Saturday that rumbles on into the early hours of the morning and attract a broad and eclectic crowd of local students and people from every generation. Greenwich Theatre is a small venue in comparison to those on The West End and is often used to promote grass roots theatre and new productions. Take a look at their listings on the day you are going and who knows, you may be seeing some of the stars of tomorrow.

So, if you are planning to go to Greenwich during your visit in London, rather than treading just the tourist track, why not have a look at some of the other brilliant establishments the area has to offer.

Greenwich is a fascinating place and its back streets reveal so much more about its identity and history than you can imagine. The theatre, comedy club, old pubs and museums all accumulate to make this one of the capital’s best loved districts and a must for anyone visiting London.