Autumn Adventures Rich in Culture in London

From Caribbean cuisine to a vibrant Nigerian dance party, and art exhibitions that confront the harsh realities of a colonial past—this is the London I adore, a city I had the pleasure of rediscovering after a long hiatus due to the pandemic.

With the current favorable exchange rate between the pound and the U.S. dollar, and as London basks in its status as the world’s best city, it’s the perfect moment to venture back across the ocean. However, consider stepping beyond the usual tourist attractions to immerse yourself in the culturally vibrant neighborhoods of Brixton and Shoreditch.

Throughout the years, I’ve spent countless hours on the bustling streets of Brixton after the Notting Hill Carnival, soaking in the last beats of reggae and soca as day turned to night. I’ve enjoyed meetups over tea or the latest exhibits in the always fashionable Shoreditch. Both areas are a delightful mix of diverse people and cuisines, filled with an irresistible energy.

Here’s how I filled my days in London:

A Few Ideal Days in Shoreditch

Check into One Hundred Shoreditch

The newly launched One Hundred Shoreditch is already the go-to hotel for the trendy crowd, offering a vibrant space for work and socializing, along with floral cocktails and stunning views from the Rooftop Bar or the cozy Seed Library in the basement. The softly lit lobby, adorned with wooden tables and communal seating, pays homage to its Ace Hotel roots, yet this 258-room establishment has its own unique identity. My room—designed with minimalism in mind, featuring wood accents and plenty of natural light—overlooked Shoreditch High Street, a lively East London avenue brimming with art galleries, vintage shops, vegan pizza spots, and oat milk lattes.

Discovering Flower Shops, Bakeries, Art Galleries, and Crab Fried Rice

During my time in Shoreditch, I visited the Columbia Road Flower Market, surrounded by vibrant displays of daffodils, tulips, and bluebells. To recharge, I indulged in a zesty blackberry apple cupcake and a soothing cup of mint tea from the nearby Lily Vanilli Bakery before heading to Autograph, a photography gallery designed by Sir David Adjaye. Renowned for his contributions to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., Adjaye’s gallery features works focused on themes of inclusivity and social justice. Currently on display is Sasha Huber’s You Name It, which questions who and what we choose to memorialize, running through March 2023.

I explored Mónica de Miranda’s photo series titled The Island, which delves into the intricate ties between the African diaspora and Europe’s colonial history, on exhibit until October 22. That evening, I enjoyed a reunion with a close friend over briny oysters and delicious crab fried rice at the always bustling Smoking Goat, capping off a wonderful day of exploration.

Dancing at Outernet

The next night, I navigated through a crowded dance floor at Outernet to commemorate Nigeria’s 62 years of independence from British colonial rule—a complex reality I was acutely aware of. Yet, we danced with fervor and unity, singing along to every lyric as the room was filled with radiant Black bodies like mine, embracing movement as both a form of resistance and a source of joy.

A Stay at Sea Containers

The following day, I checked into Sea Containers, located in the South Bank area. This 359-room hotel offers a tranquil escape from the bustling energy of Shoreditch, positioned on a quiet corner by the Thames River. Its nautical theme beautifully complements the waters just outside, featuring a copper hull that outlines the reception area, and a rooftop bar called the Knot that boasts stunning panoramic views.

My riverfront suite featured a spacious balcony with sparkling views of the distant city skyline. After all the walking in Shoreditch, I enjoyed a rejuvenating visit to the serene agua Spa. That evening, I sipped a white cacao and passionfruit cocktail at Lyaness bar on the ground floor, a perfect way to unwind before another day of adventure.

A Perfect Day in Brixton

It had been nearly five years since my last visit to Brixton, just a 20-minute Tube ride from Sea Containers. A colleague and fellow content creator, Eulanda Osagiede, shared some invaluable tips for making the most of my day in a neighborhood she has called home for a decade, referring to it as the heartbeat of London—even as it undergoes significant changes.

“With increasing investments in Brixton and a booming commercial real estate market, many local businesses that have been staples for over 30 years have been forced to relocate due to rising rents,” she explained. “This loss of local (often BIPOC-owned) businesses can sometimes make Brixton feel overly commercialized. However, a stroll through the neighborhood makes it clear that Brixton’s multicultural essence is inextricable.” This authentic multiculturalism was exactly what I aimed to discover among the streets that pulse with the energy, traditions, and flavors of the Black diaspora.

A Visit to the Black Cultural Archives

I began my exploration at the Black Cultural Archives, a space dedicated to preserving the histories of African and Caribbean communities in the UK. The current exhibition, Transforming Legacies, runs through January 2023 and features 21 emerging and established artists, showcasing 40 years of Black British art across various mediums, including painting, ceramics, film, and performance.

Lunch at Fish, Wings, & Tings, Kaosarn, or The Provincial

For lunch, I visited Fish, Wings & Tings, a Caribbean eatery known for its codfish fritters paired with a creamy ginger and lime dipping sauce, curried goat, and, naturally, a robust rum punch. It’s an ideal spot to relax on the outdoor patio and people-watch while reggae music fills the air. For additional Brixton dining recommendations, Eulanda suggested the family-run Thai restaurant Kaosarn, especially for its gaeng kua sapparod goong, a red curry made with coconut milk, fresh pineapple, tomatoes, kaffir leaves, chiles, and basil, customizable with duck, tofu, veggies, or prawns. For a vibrant brunch, The Provincial serves hearty Afro-Latinx dishes, including Peruvian wok-fried rice flavored with ginger and a deep-fried seafood platter accompanied by cassava chips.

Wrapping up at Supercute

On my next trip to London, I plan to check out Supercute, a Dominican-owned bar and Afro-Latinx dance venue located in Brixton Village Market. For now, though, my time and energy have run out—a testament to a wonderfully fulfilling itinerary and a brief return to London.

Getting to London

Virgin Atlantic offers daily nonstop flights from LAX, Boston Logan International Airport, and JFK to London–Heathrow. On this journey, I experienced its Jetson-inspired Upper Class cabin, featuring a lounge area perfect for enjoying a drink and reading a book to pass the time.