Culture and cuisine, on the Serpentine circuit
Posted by Juliet on July 16th, 2009
It’s fun playing tourist in your hometown – especially when the sun is out. No, I don’t for a moment mean queuing up at Madame Tussaud’s (what is with that obsession for waxworks when there are so many better things to do in London?), let alone hitting senses-assaulting Piccadilly Circus. I am talking about seeing and doing something altogether more salubrious for the soul. So, if I were to prescribe the perfect lazy-but-edifying bite-sized summer’s day in this world-class metropolis, this is how it would go…
Head to Hyde Park*
Lunchtime Stroll to the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, the fantastic lakeside eaterie brought to us by those favourite-flavour purveyors, Benugo. Now, once you’ve salivated over the stands of mouthwatering snacks, or ogled the chalkboard boasting bigger temptations, either find yourself a deck chair or bean bag on the waterside terrace and purchase a picnic lunch, or plot up windowside in the glass-walled café. Here you can enjoy heartier fare such as fresh-from-the-wood-fired-oven pizza (from £7.50) or chargrilled sardines and pea shoot salad (£6.50) or cider-enhanced mussels (£9). Sated you will be, with not too much damage to your coffers. They even have coloured pencils and paper to keep little ones entertained while you enjoy some soothing R&R.
Coffee o’clock From the comfort of your view-kissed seat, or with a first-class cappuccino-to-go in hand, check out rollerbladers or street performers that might be gracing the north stretch of the lake, lending shades of New York’s Central Park to the proceedings. Or join locals enjoying Blighty at its best, soaking up the sunshine, flopped in deck chairs with the papers.
Après-déjeuner ambling After your pitstop, stroll over the little 18th-century bridge (sluice gate, if you will, architectural pedants), perhaps ponder a dip in the open-air lido, and even eyeball the Diana Memorial Fountain. (Sorry to court controversy here, but while it’s vaguely pleasing to the eye, really, it’s rather pointless even as a water sculpture, no? Sorry, Di.). Then aim for the marvellous Serpentine Gallery, across the road, for their current free-entry exhibition.
Grand art-laced finale Jeff Koons’ bonkers larger-than-life cartoon-meets-play-on-weight Popeye Series is on display inside this beloved park-placed art space until 13 September. Cast aluminium versions of inflatable toys are a fun display of Koon’s signature beggars-logic eye candy. (Pictured right, ‘Acrobat’, 2003–09 © 2009 Jeff Koons. Polychromed aluminium, galvanised steel, wood and straw. Bill Bell Collection)
Then enjoy some eye-catching aesthetics alfresco, with a butcher’s of this year’s summer pavilion which comes care of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of Japanese architects SANAA.
They describe their show-stopping structure as:
‘Floating aluminium, drifting freely between the trees like smoke. The reflective canopy undulates 
across the site, expanding the park and sky. Its appearance changes according to the weather, allowing it to melt into the surroundings. It works as a field of activity with no walls, allowing uninterrupted view across the park and encouraging access from all sides. It is a sheltered extension of the park where people can read, relax and enjoy lovely summer days.’
Better than standing on line for ages to ogle some cheesy waxworks, right? Even if they have just launched a mean moonwalking new Wacko statue.
Cool..thanks for putting this together! I’m a huge fan of insider guides like this, and have this page bookmarked for the next time I’m in London.
By Josiah
On July 20th, 2009
@Josiah. Thanks so much for the feedback! We do try and share our top tips whenever and wherever we can.
By Juliet
On July 20th, 2009
It’s much appreciated, Juliet!
Cheers
By Josiah
On July 20th, 2009