During the first week of October, the art world associates London with one thing only: Frieze. But besides the biggest art fair to hit the UK, London is host to hundreds of galleries, dozens of museums and many cute cafes, restaurants and stores to explore too. So, without further ado, here’s an insider’s guide of our favourite places you need to visit this Frieze week when you’re tired of the fair.
The Art
Zabludowicz Collection
Minutes away from Regent’s park, The Zabludowicz Collection is a space you definitely need to drop by in the run up to Frieze. With engaging contemporary art installations from emerging artists in a former Methodist chapel, the collection is now exhibiting the work of three female artists.
V&A
The Victoria and Albert Museum is home to sculpture, photography and our favourite: fashion. When your eyes are a little drained from paintings and installations, go visit the fashion galleries in South Kensington. There’s currently a Tim Walker exhibition on view that we highly recommend.
New Bond Street and Mayfair
All the blue chip galleries and auction houses are based here, and you can bet they’ll be showing off their finest artists during October. Our favorites are Gagosian and Pace, but you should also check out Sadie Coles, Thaddaeus Ropac (which has a staircase to die for), and Richard Saltoun.
Head East
London is magical because there is literally art everywhere. If you’re tired of galleries, head to Shoreditch and Brick Lane, where you’ll find the best street art (and also some very good vintage shops), stop for a bagel and enjoy the best graffiti in town.
And If You Have Time, Go South Too
Many galleries are now opening south of the river. Peckham in particular is a great art spot. From the spaces inside the Bussey Building to Hannah Barry and Bosse and Baum, you’re likely to find the best emerging artists outside of the traditional gallery districts here.
To Eat
Elan Cafe
If you’re into eating for the gram, then there is no place better than Elan Café. With new locations popping up all over London you’re spoilt for choice and the cutesy pink interiors that are overflowing with flowers are every insta-chick’s dream!
Aubaine
For something that will please everyone, we’d definitely recommend Aubaine. The French style eatery has the best salads and also does amazing breakfasts. They have a cocktail hour too so it’s the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat at all times of the day.
Sexy Fish
For something a little more decadent, check out Sexy Fish for dinner. In the heart of Mayfair, this restaurant is super chic. And if you are veggie, don’t freak out, they even have a vegan menu!
And To Finish, Some Retail Therapy
Boutique 1
London is famous for its department stores: Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, we’ve got them all. But sometimes you want something a little more intimate, and Boutique 1 is the place for that – all the best designers from emerging to established under one carefully curated roof.
Portobello Road
If vintage and antiques are your thing, head down to Portobello Road on the weekend. The candy-coloured houses of Notting Hill will also brighten up your insta-feed too!
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a great place to go shopping. You have beauty stores, historic buildings, street performers and tourist shops all in once place, you can’t really go wrong here! P.S. Check out the Seven Dials for something a little less predictable.
Text Lizzy Vartanian
Images @zabludowicz_collection @vamuseum @pacegallery @brick_lane_art @copelandparkse @elan_cafe @aubaineuk @sexyfishlondon @boutique_1 @andreeahomitchi @coventgardenldn
