10 things to do in … Pimlico
1. Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world from 1500 to the present day. You’ll find masterpieces by Gainsborough, Hogarth, Millais, Whistler, as well as more recent artists such as Damien Hirst and Francis Bacon.
2. Found locally in what is known as either Orange or Mozart Square, Pimlico Farmers Market specialises in fresh seafood (and oysters when they’re in season) and organic fruit and vegetables every Saturday from 9am.
3. Located in Victoria Street, Westminster Cathedral is the biggest Catholic church in England and Wales. John Betjeman called it “a masterpiece in striped brick and stone”.
4. Lively venue The Boisdale Jazz and Cigar Club in nearby Belgravia is home to Scottish cuisine and live jazz music. It also offers a number of masterclasses in how to make cocktails, drink champagne and smoke cigars.
5. Victoria Palace Theatre is currently staging the musical adaptation of BIlly Elliott but it also stages the West End Season of the National Youth Theatre productions.
6. Visit the Churchill War Rooms to see the secret underground meeting place of the British government during the Second World War. The tour also includes the world’s only museum dedicated to Churchill.
7. Another grand West End theatre is situated practically next door to the Victoria Palace – the Apollo Victoria. Bedazzled in green, the venue has been the UK home of Wizard of Oz prequel musical Wicked since 2006.
8. Pick up a fashion bargain by shopping at Trinity Hospice charity shop on Wilton Road or the Terence Higgins Trust shop on Churton Street for unique and interesting pieces at discount prices.
9. Locals head to Tachbrook Street Market for their food shopping. Known as a lively market with equally lively characters, fruit and vegetable stalls, fishmongers, and butchers sell their goods from Monday to Saturday.
10. Pimlico Road, which leads into sister neighbourhood Belgravia, is a high end shopping experience that is becoming known for its interior and home furnishing stores.