Monday, 30 June 2025

A London Outing Brunswick & Beaton

Greetings dear readers, I thought I would share a few details of my last outing to London a few weeks ago. A rello from new Zealand was visiting and I thought a wee visit to a superb Georgian House built in the mid 1700s would be a treat for her and us, I wasn't wrong. This gorgeous building once stood in five acres of parkland, situated in Vauxhall opposite The Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens as featured in Bridgerton. Sadly the poor building is surrounded by many lanes of traffic and noise and loomed over by monstrous high rise blocks, it is now blocked off from the river too. But dear readers I still adore the building, why would I not? The faded grandeur and fragility of the house is simply charming. It has been on my 'hit list' for many moons and I'm super pleased we have finally visited.
It is the perfect London spot for a few drinks and nibbles, well away from the heat and hustle of central London. The food was pricey but the venue made up for that. It is only a short stroll to The Garden Museum in Lambeth Palace, which was next on our list. This is also a very nice spot to meet for drinks and the food is excellent, sitting in the tranquil garden it felt like a million miles from all the noise and crowds. I wanted to take a look at the current exhibition, Cecil Beaton's Garden Party, which is on until 21st September.
If you have never visited The Garden Museum I urge you to go, such a treat.
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12 comments:

  1. Sue30 June 2025 at 14:41

    That looks like an amazing place> Everywhere I go I look at the architecture, even that now almost hidden away by modern buildings and roads. A cantilevered staircase is a marvel isn't it.

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    Replies
    1. Shrimpton and Perfect30 June 2025 at 15:33

      I adore old buildings, everything about them, but especially the old energy.

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  2. TheCrankyCrow1 July 2025 at 03:17

    Oh...MY! That first destination looks amazing! So sad that its original surroundings have been encroached upon by modern society. :-( But, 'tis the way of things all over the place it seems. Even here in Nod, I feel the solitude, serenity, and solace slipping away. I assume that it was originally a private home (vs. a venue for food and drink)? (Silly question now that I think of it....but, hey...just call me Ignorant in Nod. ;-) )

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    1. Shrimpton and Perfect1 July 2025 at 09:57

      My goodness it has had a life, more fascinating then most. It was saved from demolition because it was 'listed' in 1973. Private home for several wealthy men, association with the Railways which was a very important part of it's survival , army barracks during the war, film set, squatters, all sorts. Lassco.co.uk have all the details, search Brunswick house vauxhall on their site, worth reading. Sorry not to create a link Blogger says NO!

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  3. Polyester Princess1 July 2025 at 13:59

    How sad it is that the gorgeous Georgian house is building has been cut off from the river and has to share its space with traffic lanes and high rise blocks :-( Still more than worth a visit, I'm sure.
    I've never been to the Garden Museum, although I've heard of it. The Cecil Beaton exhibition would be right up my street. I went to an exhibition of his work in the Barbican back in the 80s. Its catalogue is one of my most treasured possessions! xxx

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    1. Shrimpton and Perfect2 July 2025 at 12:37

      Cecil was so fancy wasn't he? i love his sense of style.

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  4. Lowcarb team member1 July 2025 at 21:17

    I did enjoy your photographs.
    The Garden Museum would definitely be worth a visit.

    Happy July :)

    All the best Jan

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    1. Shrimpton and Perfect2 July 2025 at 12:38

      Thanks Jan yes it is, not too big so can be combined with other london activities.

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  5. Julie2 July 2025 at 06:08

    Absolutely beautiful Jean. I just adore old buildings like that with so much history. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. xx

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    1. Shrimpton and Perfect2 July 2025 at 12:38

      You're very welcome Julie, i'm glad you enjoyed them.

      Delete
  6. Maggie3 July 2025 at 09:03

    I'd never heard of these two places, that's what I love about London, so much history and things to do!

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  7. Maggie3 July 2025 at 09:03

    I'd never heard of these two places, that's what I love about London, so much history and things to do!

    ReplyDelete

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