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Iconic buildings

    London Life Places

    An Art Deco Walking Tour in the Strand

    July 16, 2015

    I love London and have been living here for nearly 35 years. Yet I’m always surprised how little I know and how much more there is to learn about this great city. My regular readers will know that I thoroughly enjoy being a tourist in my own city.

    I first found out about Yannick Pucci’s quirky London tours after connecting with him on Twitter. Back in November 2013 I booked onto his Art Deco walking tour in Bloomsbury which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a real eye opener to me that albeit spending most of my time in central London, I don’t always ‘see’ what’s around me. As a designer I know it’s all in the details and yet I miss so much of it when rushing around this city going about my business.

    It will come as no surprise that I was excited when Yannick invited me to come on his new(ish) Art Deco walking tour in the Strand. This time, last Saturday, it was a glorious summer’s day. No umbrella or raining jacket in sight. Again, an area I’m most familiar with and yet I enjoyed learning about the buildings, architecture, art deco details and fascinating tidbits. Once again Yannick inspired me to take a better look.


    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    A rare appearance of Ms Colourliving.

    We were a small group of curious folks who enjoyed being expertly led around the Strand. I really enjoyed the mix of iconic buildings together with some more hidden gems I had never seen before, all the while admiring the art deco signatures. Yannick is very happy to answer any questions and is eager for people to participate if they wish.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourlivingInfinity

    I thoroughly enjoyed this 2 hour tour and came away knowing a little bit more about this great city I live in.

    I’m not going to give away what the Strand tour entails, but for anyone who follows me on Instagram it’s no secret one of our stops was the fabulous and recently refurbished Savoy Hotel. I leave you with some images of this iconic place!

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    The iconic Savoy Hotel front entrance.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    Rather beautiful detail of how to display plaques.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    The beautiful lobby as you walk in.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    Another part of the lobby.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    I just love all the paintings dotted around.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    A rather charming gallery wall within the lobby area.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    Beautiful wallpaper.

    an art deco walking tour in the strand | colourliving
    The famous tea rooms.

    I can’t recommend highly enough to join one of Yannick’s quirky walking tours. Do peruse his website and take a look at the other tours he offers. Here’s one for you foodies.