Marble Arch is a special part of London. Architecturally beautiful, steeped in history and full of things to see and do. There aren’t many parts of the capital that have the same mixture of style and beauty that Marble Arch boasts.
And, with Marble Arch being such a big area, there are various hidden gems about the place that is more than worth taking the time to check out. From your base at The Montcalm Marble Arch, you’re in the perfect spot to do just that. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
St. Christopher’s Place
While Oxford Street might take all the accolades and prestige as one of the most famous streets in London, it feeds into many side streets and shopping areas that are real hidden gems – and St. Christopher’s Place might be the pick of the bunch. And, best of all, it’s only a short walk away from your Montcalm hotel.
Hidden between Oxford Street and the lovely area of Marylebone, St. Christopher’s Place is home to a number of small, boutique stores that will satisfy even the most shopping-mad visitor. The area is home to jewellers – check out the stunning pieces in Ingle and Rhode, a bespoke hat maker in the form of Christy’s and more fashionable, independent outlets than you can cover in a single day. You can even get a full grooming experience at Adam Grooming Altier. St. Christopher’s Place is the definition of a hidden gem, and you won’t want to miss it.
Southall
Southall is not advertised on the tourist trail or really emphasised at all in the wider scheme of things, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an area worth visiting.
Much like Chinatown – minus the targeted tourist appeal and extravagance – Southall is what you might call the area’s ‘Little India’. The streets and byways of Southall feature sari shops, amazing Indian restaurants and markets – all off the beaten track.
If you want some insight into a real, stripped-down area of Marble Arch that still offers a fantastic experience, Southall is worth the short trip from The Montcalm Marble Arch.
Speaker’s Corner
Hyde Park might be one of the most famous parks in the world, but visitors to the capital might not know about Speaker’s Corner. It’s close by to your Montcalm hotel, and the spectacle is worth the journey.
Every Sunday since 1886, the people of London have taken to Speaker’s Corner to express their thoughts and opinions on anything they see fit. Little has changed since that time, and it’s a great place to observe a British tradition of unfettered free speech. Famous people like Karl Marx and George Orwell have taken up their causes at Speaker’s Corner, and it’s always a fascinating experience.
On a single day, you can hear a broad range of opinions – from the unorthodox to the very reasonable – and it’s a unique London tradition that you won’t want to miss.
