WHY I LOVE LITTLE VENICE
WHY I LOVE LITTLE VENICE
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London and the Home Counties that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Looking for Instagram-able content? Look no further than Little Venice. It’s a pretty enclave of Maida Vale, perched on the banks of the Regent’s Canal. Alight at Warwick Avenue Tube station and you’ll soon find yourself flanked by houseboats – immaculately painted, groaning with flower pots and housing some of the most creative yet luxurious interiors in London. Follow the tow path to Camden, taking in the tranquil nature of the area and the imposing Regency properties beyond. Keep a look out for Browning’s Island – a small wildlife-filled islet named after the famous poet who lived nearby – and for the Puppet Barge, which seasonally mores up in Little Venice with its programme of puppetry, cabaret and comedy.
Love to shop
No matter how long my meeting in Little Venice, I always make time for a trip to Clifton Nurseries. One of the highlights is the amazing glasshouse, which brims with lush plants and eye-catching pots. The café is open seven days a week for lunch, brunch, cakes and coffees, served alongside a healthy dose of biophilic design. You can easily cater for a sumptuous supper or a full-on dinner party in Little Venice. The Winery is loved by locals for its expertly curated selection of tipples, while the great and the good stock up at Clifton Greens – lauded by chef Yotam Ottolenghi as his favourite greengrocers of all time in London. Your last two stops should be the Provenance Butcher & Deli and Formosa Flowers & Chocolatier.
Love to eat
Don’t be fooled by Café Laville's inconspicuous roadside exterior. Step inside this traditional Italian restaurant and a light-filled venue opens up, sitting directly above the Regent’s Canal for unbeatable riverside views. The black-framed floor-to-ceiling glazing and glass lanterns form a high end interior design but the best spot? That’s outside on the balcony. Just as amazing is the Waterside Café, known for its amazing breakfasts. Board the barge to place your order, then find a table on the outside terrace or within the boat itself! Away from the canal, try Maguro for fresh sushi, The Summerhouse for seafood and Venice London for sweet treats and a Miami-vibe luxury interior design.