WHY I LOVE GREENWICH
WHY I LOVE GREENWICH
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
Greenwich is a visual feast that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Maritime Museum celebrates life at sea and its art collections are some of the finest in the country. Directly opposite is the Old Royal Naval College – an architectural masterpiece in the baroque style, with The Painted Hall a stunning focal point. You can’t visit Greenwich without seeing the world’s most famous clipper – The Cutty Sark – while the Royal Observatory gives the opportunity to lift your gaze upwards to the stars. And don’t forget to stand on the Prime Meridian Line, where time literally starts, before taking in Greenwich Park’s panoramic view across the London skyline.
Love to shop
Greenwich has long been the home of browsing and Greenwich Market remains one of the finest examples south of the river. Depending on the day, the square will be packed with arts and craft or antique stalls, with a supporting cast of street food vendors, jewellery, fashion and lifestyle traders. If your mantra is to support local as you plan your luxury interior, pop in to Made in Greenwich. It carries the work of more than 100 local artists and guarantees your purchase will be pretty unique. Personally, I’ll head straight to Pickwick Papers & Fabrics for an utterly disarming array of textiles, fabrics, wallpapers and paints – it’s where us London interior decorators flock!
Love to eat
If you’re a Francophile, there’s only one venue for you. Champagne + Fromage may be boutique in size but it oozes Parisian chic and is bursting with French favourites, including vintage fizz, snails de Bourgogne and raclette. In contrast is Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, where the interior designers have crossed Nordic minimalism with Japanese brand Muji to create a slick décor. Feast on maki, nigiri, sashimi and yakitori skewers while admiring the pared back beauty. If you like loft concept interior design, Midpoint hits the right notes. Here you can order an endless supply of Turkish meze while admiring the raw brickwork and exposed pipework. Finally, coffee and cake lovers with a conscience should head to Arapina – a vegan and vegetarian bakery where the mushroom croissants are served among a carefully curated indoor garden.