WHY I LOVE BROOK GREEN
WHY I LOVE BROOK GREEN
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
There is bountiful beauty in Brook Green – an amazing West London neighbourhood that manages to exude calm Zen despite its location between Kensington Olympia and Hammersmith Broadway. Many London enclaves claim to enjoy a village-like atmosphere but few match the vibe in Brook Green.
The area oozes period buildings and Blythe House is just one of them – I love to spend a few hours behind the detailed façade as the building is used as an overflow store by the Victoria & Albert, Science and British Museums. At the other end of the scale is Brook Green Pavilion – modern luxury architecture in London – a pared back yet elegant combination of Jura Beige limestone, zinc, timber louvres and wood cladding that’s home to a fantastic ice cream and coffee kiosk. Somewhere in the middle? Try the Brook Green Hotel, where the eclectic yet luxury interior design will inspire as you sip a slimline and tonic or make it an overnight stay.
Love to shop
No interior in London is complete without art adorning the walls and the most professional framing service for miles can be enjoyed at Picture. Close behind something fabulous and framed are fresh flowers, and Brook Green’s vases are filled with blooms from the Green Florist. Finally, who can resist a stop off at Holloways of Ludlow's Brook Green showroom. It’s where I, plus a number of other interior designers, eye up the lush lighting options – quite a few may find their way into my next new house interior project.
Love to eat
Wednesday evenings and Saturday daytimes are full of gastronomic delights, thanks to Brook Green Market & Kitchen. Gorgeous smells and mouth-watering sights fill the playground at St Mary’s Primary School, although the wares on sale are somewhat grown-up. Find free-range meat, fresh fish and organic vegetables alongside the Borough Cheese Company, Wiltshire Truffles, 40 Ft Craft Brewery and Man In Pasta, among other indulgent stalls. The street food vendors include the divine Bun House - a personal favourite for Korean flavours. If you’re more of a ‘dine in’ person, you can’t go wrong with Pentolina on Blythe Road, The Bird in Hand and the Brackenbury Wine Rooms.