Fine Art and Great Food in London

London is a feast for the senses. Whether it’s taking in a deep breath of fresh air at one of the many outdoor areas or inside the splendid British Museum, there’s no shortage of stimuli in this city. But apart from this famous museum, there are others well worth a look, namely the Natural History and Victoria & Albert Museum. Find a hotel between these two destinations, and you’ll save money on Tube tickets, too! Let’s look at some of the features of these museums as well as where to grab a bite in between.

Start at the Natural History Museum on Museum Lane 

Fans of both history and the future will enjoy this museum, which shoes the evolution of man, dating from the Neanderthals to Homo Naledi. Children love stopping to peek in the Bee Tree, which houses between 50,000 and 60,000 buzzing bees for education and entertainment. This proves the perfect time to choose a meal that doesn’t involve honey, so head to the nearby 222 Veggie Vegan. To get there, hop on Bus 74 at the Stop GT, and get off at the North End Road Lillie Road, Stop BC.

Enjoy Filling, Compassionate Food at 222 Veggie Vegan

Hungry tummies delight at the sight of 222’s menu. Start light with the sautéed artichoke hearts on a bed of spicy rocket, and sink your teeth into the decadent main course of Seitan Stroganoff. This crowd favorite features strips of seitan, caramelized onions, and finely chopped fresh herbs in a rich cashew cream. It’s served on a bed of brown basmati rice — organic, natch. The cherry on the sundae will be a wholemeal pancake wrapped around a scoop of vanilla bean-speckled ice cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Head for the Victoria and Albert, Better Known as the V&A

Also found on Museum Lane, the collections at the V&A range from a stunning compilation of photographs beginning in 1852 through the modern era. A particularly moving image is “African Homeboy – Brixton, London, 1987.” The Islamic Middle East collection boasts one of the most magnificent and intricate works of art ever known to grace a palace. Enjoy gazing at detailed mosaics flecked with gold before moving onto one of the most delicate and complex of the exhibits, “Exploring Japan,” found in Room 45. Classics such as “The Great Wave” by Katsushika Hokusai sit alongside hand-stitched kimonos, wearable pieces of art. As always, entrance to the V&A is free, though some events may require an admission fee.

The sheer quantity of rooms and treasures in the V&A means you might need to stop and refresh yourself to get a second wind. Hop into the cafe located inside the building and enjoy a loose-leaf sencha tea or a flat white. Add in a coconut clementine polenta cake if you’re feeling peckish.

After such a long day out, you’ll be glad your hotel is within walking distance. Head back to your home away from home, and relax before the next day of exploring. Hopefully you chose a hotel with room service so your feet and mind will get a much-needed break!