LONDON’S SOUTH BANK SURPRISES

GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN YOU CAN POP TO THE CAPITAL WITH THE INTENTION TO VISIT IT ALL: LONDON IS SPILLING OVER WITH SO MUCH ACTIVITY, THAT EVEN THE SPEEDIEST WALKER WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO TRAVERSE EVEN THE FAMOUS STOPS IN TWO DAYS. TODAY, A WEEKEND BREAK TO LONDON HAS TO BE ORGANISED, THOUGHT OUT AND STRATEGICALLY PLANNED. MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO GET TO THE HEART OF REAL LONDON, BEYOND HAMLEYS, HARRODS AND HARVEY NICKS, YOU HAVE TO DEVOTE YOUR WEEKEND TO ONE AREA. WHAT BETTER PLACE TO START THEN AT THE LOCATION OF ITS INFAMOUS SKYLINE, DOWN AT THE SAFF BANK.

The sun is shining, cyclists meander through pedestrians walking hand-in-hand and the light is bouncing off the water, like a river of sparkling jewels. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you I was in the heart of the country’s biggest city, but I am.

Here, in this musty-busy-crowded capital, there really can be quiet sections and this is my favourite.

The long stretch between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge is one of the most rewarding places to visit. Serenely calm, this area has pockets bursting with street activity that you’d never expect. Even on an average day you’ll find artists crafting the most beautiful pieces on their concrete canvases, or musicians putting their heart and soul playing the jazz saxophone oblivious to anyone listening, or sculptures making masterpieces out of the sparse Thames sand.

Walking past some of London’s most iconic attractions from the Tate to the London Eye, it’s easy to see that this is the epicentre for cultural and creative activity in the capital, from the established professionals all the way to the street artist. And it’s exquisite to see both.

The South Bank might not be the first place people think of when spending a weekend in London but this eclectic area, full of free events and outdoor exhibitions, is fast becoming Covent Garden without the tourists. It’d be a shame to miss out.

If you really want to get to grips with life in this soulful district, watch as the sun sets over the Thames or wake up to the sound of the water commute from outside your window, I’d definitely recommend staying right here, in the heart of the South Bank.

The Park Plaza Riverbank sits boldly opposite the Tate Britain art gallery on the south side of the River. Nestled between London’s most popular tourist attractions from the London Eye, London Aquarium, Tate Modern and Houses of Parliament, it is the perfect spot to unload your bags before setting off on the tourist trail. Within walking distance to Vauxhall underground and mainline station and close to Waterloo International Station, The Park Plaza is one of the nearest hotels if you’re visiting by train or Eurostar.

If that isn’t something then it’s just a stone’s throw from Her Majesty’s residence, Buckingham Palace.

This stylish hotel offers sophisticated rooms, state of the art amenities as well as plasma screen TVs. The service is dutiful and the gym facilities fabulous, if you have time for a spin on the treadmill that is. The high-spec hotel’s best feature though has to be its views. You can stay in luxury hotels all over the world, but only this one can offer views of the sun setting over the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament lit up at night and the rest of London’s infamous skyline from your own suite.

If the skyline really is too tempting to miss out on then the Park Plaza houses its own restaurants, legendary on their own for their innovative, modern cuisine. Its Chino Latino Modern Pan-Asian Cuisine & Cocktail Bar oozes contemporary sophistication, offering flash-pan Asian food within a vibrant Latin atmosphere. Its Eastern menu of sushi, tempura and dim sum fits effortlessly well with its chic Western design.

This award-winning restaurant is an excellent way to immerse yourself with London’s high-flying crowd. Its low-lit ambiance, selection of Latino cocktails, minimalist furnishings and quick food are extremely popular with the city’s glamorous professionals.

With a menu price-tag that won’t break the bank, this fusion restaurant is an excellent way to introduce yourself to this bustling city. Serving you delicious authentic food with change to spare, it’d be a waste not to indulge and splash out on a cocktail whilst you’re here and enjoy dining out London-style.

If it’s views that you’re looking for then none compare to the OXO Towers Restaurant, Brassiere and Bar’s. Its position high above the River Thames and wall to wall windows allow visitors to dine with panoramic views of the historic city. One of Britain’s finest restaurants, its exquisite location, harmonious ambiance and delicious meals make OXO Towers one of London’s most romantic dining spots.

Or if you’re travelling solo, its bar offers the tourist the perfect ending to a busy day sightseeing wit ha huge variety of fine wines together with insurmountable views of London’s most famous landmarks.

Weekend brunch at the Brassiere is not to be missed: accompanied by live music, start with a pseudo-American-Eastern take on the most important meal of the day. From sweet-corn fritters, fried free range eggs, gorgonzola pannacotta to pomegranate and almond couscous, OXO’s prestigious chefs show they can make even the simplest dishes taste delightfully scrumptious.

It’s not just the food that you come to London for though. The capital’s electric reputation isn’t just a myth; bursting with culture, colour and character, London is smarter than New York, grittier than Paris and more real than Sydney. And the best thing about this city is that everything can be found on the ground-level; its streets offer the best in free entertainment the globe round.

An example of this has to be the annual Mayor’s Thames Festival (September 12-13). Set along the city’s meandering river, the festival stretches along the bank from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond. Visitors can try their hand at grape-treading, interactive cooking lessons, listen to music, watch movies and even, swing dancing in Potters Field Park.

For the food lovers out there, don’t despair. Each year, the Festival has a huge variety of food stalls, villages, festivals and bars. This year’s Feast on the Bridge exhibited over 30 farmers and producers and their quality food. You can even try oyster sampling whilst watching the Classic Rally over the Thames; revealing a fresh country vibe within the city’s tall sky scrapers.

Walkways, bridges, docks and open spaces are consumed with people, exhibitions, artists, carnivals, choirs and circuses.

But then that’s not unusual for the South Bank. The life and soul of London, this stimulating area is not just a must see; it’s the place to see, be and be seen.

This cultural heart of the city not only provides home to London’s biggest and best attractions, but also its discreet, quiet, off-beat private ones. The ones that Londoners enjoy best. And the ones that Londoner’s do best.

If you want to experience a London for Londoners then begin your journey at the South Bank. I challenge you to see it all and still make your last train back.

Words Natasha Al-Atassi  Images Park Plaza Hotels

TRAVEL INFORMATION FACT BOX

The Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel is situated on Albert Embankment. Prices start from £99 prpn for a superior guest room, excluding VAT. For more information visit: www.parkplazariverbank.com.

Chino Latino Modern Pan-Asian Cuisine & Cocktail Bar is the Park Plaza’s in-house restaurant. Visit www.chinolatino.co.uk to make reservations or take a sneak peak at the menu. Prices start from £25 per person.

OXO Tower Restaurant, Brassiere & Bar can be found on Barge House Street, South Bank. These legendary eateries offer delicious food in a incomparable atmosphere. For the best views in town, head here. The average cost for a main course at the Restaurant will set you back between £20 and £28.50 pp. For a cheaper alternative, with the same atmosphere, try the Brassiere: prices average at £16 and £24pp. Visit: www.harveynichols.co.uk for more information and to make a reservation.

Mayor’s Thames Festival runs every year during September. It includes live acts, food stalls, circuses and exhibitions from around the city, and the globe. Visit www.thamesfestival.org for more information and next year’s dates.