Pay a visit to the Barbican Centre

London is aptly described as the cultural hub of the UK. It is truly cosmopolitan with people from all corners of the globe having settled here. The sheer diversity it reflects makes it one of the most vibrant and attractive cities in the country and has a thriving scene. The city is home to several famous cultural venues with the Barbican Centre being out of the most popular.

The Barbican Centre: Everything you need to know

For those who are interested, The Barbican is within walking distance of the London city suites Montcalm and has earned a reputation of being one of the most multifaceted arts and entertainment centre in London. Queen Elizabeth II has described it as “one of the wonders of the modern world”. The centre remains open 363 days in the year and offers an incredibly diverse array of programmes, more than any other venue in London. The London Symphony Orchestra is based here, with the massive Barbican Hall regularly playing host to international jazz, rock, classical and other musical performances. Some of the biggest names in world music have performed here. The best in international performing arts is seen all through the year at its two theatres. It also houses three cinemas, which offer eclectic genres of movies that include classics, mainstream, and alternate cinema. The Barbican Art Gallery has been redeveloped with additional exhibition spaces created along with cafes, shops, bars, restaurants etc. It is the venue for book signings, exhibitions and a variety of events all year round.

The Barbican centre was one of the most ambitious projects undertaken after the Second World War. The Centre was opened in 1982 and brought much-needed development to the area. At the time of its opening this £150-million edifice, with its three 400-ft residential tower blocks, was the tallest in Europe. Finding your way around the building is like walking through a maze, an adventure in itself. With twisting staircases that lead to various mezzanines, you know you are headed in the right direction when you hear snatches of music coming from the main lobby. The best way to get a hang of the place is to reach early and explore the centre at leisure. You are bound to come across live music, exhibitions or some other social event being held in some part of the Centre. There is a separate entrance that will take you to one of the finest museums in the world, The Museum of London. Although the centre may not appeal to your aesthetic tastes, looming like a large block of concrete, the fact is it is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cultural sites in the city.

Close to Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Barbican multi-arts centre you will find Chimes Music, a haven for music lovers. It has been in business since 1983 and has become a favourite with Londoners and visitors alike, who have a love for music. There are just a few independent music shops remaining in the city and Chimes is one of them. One of the most endearing aspects of the place is its sales staff are well educated in music, with most being musicians themselves, something which is lacking at other music stores. So whether you are searching for a violin to fiddle with in your free time or want sheet music to Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, the staff at Chimes will be there to help. There is an excellent collection of musical instruments, accessories and sheet music and for those who cannot make it – there is a special delivery for those in the London area as well as a mail order service.

Shop at any Ted Baker store and it is a pleasurable experience but with the introduction of Ted Baker & Friends, this trendy fashion brand has taken things to a higher level literally, by being a store where you do not just shop for fashionable clothes. The store has teamed up with King of Shaves to present Ted's Grooming Room, a gentlemen's barber service where you can have a wet shave with additional trimmings. If you need concierge service you can ring Baker's Butler, which offers pay-by-the-hour professional concierge services, courtesy of Cushion the Impact. If you need some refitting or alteration there is the in-house tailor at your service. You can round off your visit by using the complimentary shoe and bag shine service Ted’s Shine and Dandy, courtesy of Street Shine. For businessmen and women time is a premium, with Ted Baker & Friends offering the perfect one-stop-shop facilities. Besides Londoners going gaga over the place with its innovative concept and aesthetic décor, the place was also awarded the much coveted Shop Fit/Design of the Year by the BCSC (British Council of Shopping Centres). Just the place to get all spruced up and experience a jolly good time as well!

For nature lovers, there is the Barbican Conservatory, which has over 2,000 species of trees and tropical plants. It offers a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the city like a tropical oasis amidst the concrete jungle around. While in appearance it resembles a giant greenhouse to observers, besides the flora there are also exotic fishes and quails to be found. The Conservatory was opened to the public in 1984 and its all glass structure has had its fair share of critics being part of the Barbican’s contentious architectural design. It is open to the public only on Sundays and bank holidays. It has played host to film premieres with the premiere of the Harry Potter series being held here, besides conferences and private functions. Queen Elizabeth II also visited the Conservatory during the Barbican’s 25th anniversary.