Spring in the City: Discover the Best London Spots for a Spring Reset

We’ve picked a few of our favourite spots around the city and near our Locke properties. From Sunday strolls to long lunches. We also asked photographer and friend of Locke Heidi Jones to show us some spots around West London for nature, flowers and all thing’s green, in celebration of May’s Chelsea Flower Show (21 May – 25 May).

Spots to enjoy nature...around Ember Locke.

West London is home to some of the city’s most picturesque parks and green spaces. Richmond Park, spanning 2,500 acres is famous for its rolling fields, ancient woodlands, and free-roaming deer. Holland Park, another gem, features the Kyoto Garden, a Japanese-style landscape with a koi pond, waterfall, and unique trees. With Chelsea Flower Show taking place every May, West London comes into bloom. If you didn't manage to get tickets, here’s some of the best spots to around West London for your floral fix.

Holland Park (Kyoto Garden)

Holland Park, in West London, is a serene retreat known for its beautiful Kyoto Garden, featuring a koi pond and waterfall. The park also offers woodland areas, sports facilities, and cultural events at the open-air theatre, making it a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Kensington Gardens

Not far from Ember Locke, you’ll find the Italian Gardens, and the Albert Memorial alongside serene pathways, beautiful flower beds, and the Serpentine Gallery.

Richmond Park and the Isabella Plantation

Known for its natural beauty and wildlife, including herds of red and fallow deer. It features the stunning Isabella Plantation, a 40-acre woodland garden known for its vibrant azaleas, rhododendrons, and serene ponds. The park is a popular destination for walking, cycling, and picnicking amidst its expansive woodlands and grasslands.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse plant collection and iconic glasshouses like the Palm House. With over 50,000 living plants, it's a botanical haven.

Spots nearby...Bermonds Locke & Locke at Broken Wharf.

A spot for a coffee: Watchhouse

Founded in Bermondsey this local gem now has locations across London including three in the locations around Bermondsey & Tower Bridge. Industry-leading Watchhouse is known for its specialty coffee, bites and unique, beautifully designed spaces.

A spot for people watching: Southbank

An iconic London location, you’ll see tourists and locals alike. Join the crowds to watch the buskers, street performers or skateboarders. It’s a feast for the eyes and senses.

A spot for culture: White Cube

A contemporary art gallery found on Bermondsey Street. Find a rotating programme of artists in the gallery's various exhibition spaces.

Spots nearby...Buckle Street Studios & Leman Locke.

A spot for a wardrobe spring clean: Goodhood

A Shoreditch staple – give your wardrobe or home a spring clean. Goodhood is a lifestyle and clothing store stocking some of the most sought-after brands from GANNI to Norse Projects.

A weekend walk: Columbia Road/Broadway Market

An East London Sunday wouldn’t be complete without a loop around Columbia Road and Broadway Market. Pick up some fresh blooms at the weekly flower market or enjoy lunch at one of Broadway Maret’s many food stalls.

A spot for a sandwich: Doms Subs

You’ll spot the queue first before you realise what’s going on. Sandwiches at their finest, stuffed with a variety of mouth-watering goods. Don’t miss it.

Spots nearby...Kingsland Locke.

A spot to enjoy nature: Victoria Park

One of London’s prettiest parks. With pubs, canals and cafés surrounding its perimeter you’ll find the East London set walking their dogs and sipping on flat whites from nearby Popham’s.

A spot for some comfort food: House of Momo

A 3-minute walk from Kingsland Locke this unassuming Nepalese spot serves up some of the area’s best (and affordable) Momo’s (Nepalese dumplings), Thali’s and noodles.

A spot for a treat...Violet Bakery

Across the road from the Spurstowe Arms, this pretty bakery is known for its delicious baked goods. There’s even a small terrace to enjoy the spring sunshine while enjoying your purchases.

A spot for a pint: Spurstowe Arms

This wood-paneled trendy pub is tucked away between Hackney Central and London Fields, order an Aperol and enjoy the garden out back.

A spot for a sandwich: Dusty Knuckle

This legendary bakery not only serves up some of the finest baked goods and bread in London but some of the city’s tastiest sandwiches. All on homemade focaccia.

Explore East London from one of our aparthotels

Aside from many of London’s best restaurants, there’s plenty to see in the east. From edgy markets to vintage shopping. So naturally, you’re going to need a place to stay.

Enter Locke’s London aparthotels. For business travellers, family sightseers and city visitors. There’s plenty of room to sleep, work and relax.

Head to Kingsland Locke to discover Dalston’s creative vibrance. Or stay in the serene apartments of Buckle Street Studios by Locke in Aldgate. Closeby, there’s also our OG aparthotel, Leman Locke where community events bring you together with locals.

With locations across the city, you can always find a place to be with Locke.