For many Londoners (myself included), the closest we get to farm animals is the butcher's counter at our local supermarket. What many people do not know is that there are several working farms within London, even in such urban neighbourhoods like Hackney and Vauxhall. When I am in the mood to play 'Old McDonald', I head over to London's largest city farm – Mudchute Farm.
Located just minutes from Canary Wharf, the farm feels completely separate from the world of stock and bonds in the hectic financial district. The sights (and very strong smells) of the animals remind me more of the simpler ways of life. Our food does not magically appear in ready-to-eat packages. Spending time with the animals in Mudchute Farm reminds me of that.
Mudchute Farm has plenty of animals you would expect at a farm (pigs, sheep, chickens) and some you might not (hello llamas). There is also a pets' corner and scheduled 'animal encounter' sessions to give young Londoners a closer relationship with farm animals. The staff is happy to answer questions and depending on the time of day and what needs to be done, they might enlist the help of the young (and young at heart) to assist with some farmyard tasks.
I tend to spend most of my time leaning against a fence watching the young horses gallop around their enclosure. A couple hours here will give you a taste of the peaceful country life without leaving the confines of the city.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
by
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
by
Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
by
The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
by
With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
by
"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
by
"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
by
"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
by
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips