Caught the 177 down the road this lunchtime to Deptford and have a look at the Core Gallery again…read more This weekend is hosting Deptford X so all the galleries and studios are having a bit of an open house, so it's a great time to wander around Creekside and soak up the last of the late summer sun and enjoy some of South London's finest artisitc offerings. If you like interesting, happening, challenging arty type stuff in a relatively un-gentrifiied setting then make your way to Deptford. Be warned this is not Shoreditch and the faint-hearted should stay North of the river. Anyway the Core Gallery is a one of a number of great galleries housed in "industrial" buildings you will find near the creek. I have visited a few times and it seems to be on the up and up. Exhibition space is in the middle of a main "room" which houses a number of studios off to the sides. They also have space for talks and perhaps films and the sessions today were pretty well-attended for a Saturday afternoon. Food and beer/wine are also provided for a small fee. Rosalind Davis is one of the gallery managers and also has a studio on site. I particuarly like her work and the fact that it literally forms part of the fabric of the city always makes me smile - it's a moving narrative of loss and regeneration. Well worth seeking out. For a great overview of the gallery see http://www.beckyhunter.co.uk/2010/06/interview-rosalind-davis-artist-and-core-gallery-manager/ If you want to see what is happening creatively South of the river this would be a good starting point, run by a very friendly team who will give you a good insight into all the gallaries in the area. If you can't make this weekend, look out for the open studios (just-in-time-for-Christmas) event taking place the first weekend in December.

I visited this little artists-run gallery to check out their spring 2011 "Extra-Ordinary"…read moreexhibition and thought it was indeed an extraordinary space for viewing art. Located among a gaggle of other galleries and artist studios in an ex-industrial site in Deptford (very accessible from Deptford Station or Deptford Bridge Station), it's a great place to add to any itinerary for exploring Deptford (there's actually a lot of fun stuff going on there at the moment), especially an art-centric prowl around. Consider South London Last Fridays as an excellent opportunity to check out the local art scene: http://www.southlondonartmap.com/events/last-fridays There are a number of interesting exhibitions on the Core calendar One that's caught my attention is a quirky photo exhibition opening in July (2011) called "A Trick of The Light" which will explore illusion in photography and bring together "11 artists who similarly utilise the photographic medium to trick the eye and unsettle the mind". Right up my alley. I'm happy to have recently discovered this gallery and think it's well worth a visit!

Par Ici is a completely unique store and is one of very few in London that only sells handmade and…read morelocal items. Filled to the brim with high quality paintings, jewellery, pottery, cards, sculpture, knitted and fabrics to name but a few, this is a fantastic place for all your gift needs as well as somewhere to pick up your unique and quality household items. For those who craft, you can also buy wool, vintage buttons and other items to help with your hobbies. I love this shop because every time I go there, there is something new to see. I could (and have) spent hours browsing the shelves. Sometimes I can't fully believe what people are capable of making so each visit is a surprise! Indeed it seems there is a lot of talent out there in Twickenham! Currently I'm really impressed with the handmade local soaps and bath bombs they have in there. However if you'd like to try them, as they aren't from a range or mass produced, you'll have to get to the shop as they tend to sell out quickly! Five stars guys, keep up the great work!

Such a great idea for a shop. It's been here many years apparently - even before being local became…read morecool. Really interesting local products, jewellery, paintings, gifts, books - a lot of it from artisans on Eel Pie Island. (Where the Stones used to record.) I bought my elderly parents a gadget here - a kind of hi-tech walking stick with an alarm, flashlight, magnet etc all built in, invented by Trevor Baylis, another local inhabitant.

I have a desk here at Mandarin Wharf, Great place to work with friendly people.read more

Galleries came and go quite regularly in Vyner Street and last time I looked this one might have…read morebeen gone, r at least turned into something else; more of a print space than an art gallery but with some nice, affordable prints on display.

This studio is home to some of the most talented contemporary jewellery, textile and ceramic…read moreartists and designers in the country. The central studio is located near Holborn and Hatton Gardens, with each designer working independently and producing their own collections. The best time to come and see who is doing what is on one of their open days held several times a year. Here you can buy directly from the designers, pick up catalogues and contacts for future purchases or commissions, or just simply have a nosy around. If you do not know about the studio, it is not a place that you will just stumble across. But, if the idea or individually handcrafted, stunningly original work excites you, then do not miss out on Cockpit Arts. Make sure to keep an eye out for jewellery designer Ruth Tomlinson, definitely the highlight in my opinion.

I had the misfortune of recently dealing with Vanessa Swann in her capacity as Chief Executive of…read moreCockpit Arts. She gave the impression she is unreasonable and lacks integrity, hardly the type of person who should be at the helm of an organisation with a social mission.

I have worked with Paddington Arts for the past 8 years. Having worked with a number of…read moreorganisations in the past few years, I must say that this organisation is one of the best managed and most pleasant one to work with. The management team are always ready to assist in every way possible and have a very professional but personal attitude. Try their venue for your events, trainings and meetings.

After receiving Lottery funding, this place was refurbished and made even better than it was in…read moreprevious years. It is a home for performing arts and media - esque young people. They have dancing classes, drama workshops, discos for young people to name but a few. Well worth the annual membership of £15 quid. With the some of the same team thats been there for over 10 years!

This is a lovely little museum, privately run (And thus, not free of charge). If you're AT ALL…read moreinterested in large-scale steam engines - and, frankly, which small or large boy isn't - you should visit this place located in Brentford, London - close to the Richmond river banks of the Thames. The location enables you to catch two interesting museums - this one, and the close-by Musical Instruments Museum (see my review) - and later take a stroll by the banks of the river and enjoy the small pubs and restaurants. Kew Bridge rail station is near, but you can also go by bus from South Ealing station. Opening times are: Mon - Fri 11:00 - 16:00 and Sat & Sun 11:00 - 16:00. The Museum of Water and Steam manages to squeeze a lot of intriguing exhibits into a rather smallish building (see my photos). There's also a lot of information tables to read while you're exploring the museum. This place is great, of course, for families. A small shop and café are included, naturally. The building used to be the old Kew Bridge Pumping Station, which dates back to 1838. The present museum was opened in 1975. In 1997 the Museum was awarded an Engineering Heritage Award by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Britain's Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). A second IMechE Engineering Hallmark was awarded in 2008 for the restoration of the Bull engine, making the Museum one of only 12 sites to achieve more than one of these awards. There are demonstrations of the largest steam engines for the small fry, and some entertaining accompanying info "performances". Check the hours. Expect to spend around 1-1.5 hours at this place, and about the same amount of time at the Musical Instruments Museum, if you're visiting both. That, and a visit to some small café on the Thanmes banks, and half a day of your London time will have been spent usefully. Suffice to say that both these places are "hidden gems," so don't expect queues or crowds. You can even hire these premises for weddings or birthdays. Private, non-flash photography is allowed.

The museum is a cathedral of steam powered pumping, and you won't fail to be impressed by the grand…read morescale of the engines, especially if you get the chance to see some of them working in steam. There are exhibitions about water supply and sewerage and the use of water in the home over the years, and many other attractions.

Another lovely little Mayfair gallery.. it is still a bit commercial for now but it is one of those…read morethat seem t be catching the contemporary vibe and has some decent hows which wouldn't look out of place over in east London.

The fun thing you find in London when you walk places vs taking the tube. We came across this…read morepirate ship nestled just west of Boroughs Market. Great little ship to tour. Hard to believe so many brave souls would squeeze into these ships and head out for months and sometimes years

Pretty awesome place to check out if you are ever in the area with children. The entry price is…read morepretty affordable and the walkthrough provided was pretty informative. The staff was very friendly and patient when providing the walkthrough, explaining how the ship operated back in the days. I would give approx. 45 mins to walk around and listen to the stories. Perfect for kids around 5 years and above I think. Also don't forget to check out Borough Market afterwards for lunch/snack.