Camden Town... a Market Experience

London with its parks, theatres and museums as much to offer the tourist, however another genre it excels with is its large collection of markets spread across the cities different boroughs. Each has its own character and attraction to tourists and locals alike, from the more flea market approach of Brick Lane Market to the more modern exclusive offerings at Spitalfields.





Camden Town, in north west of the Capital offers a great visual experience together with the chance to purchase the wild, the weird and the wacky. Not only does the area house a variety of markets all close to each other, the high street shops bring extra interest with the artistic facades stuck to the walls above the shops. There is no mistaking what you could purchase inside these retail outlets whether it be Shoes, Piercings or tatoos.

 Right by the iconic "Camden Lock" railway bridge is the Camden Stables markets, a labyrinth of alleyways housing a seemingly never ending run of stalls. This is the place to come for alternative fashions or unusual hand crafted jewellery, demonstrating Camden's reputation for being the fore runner of many fashion trends such as the Punk movement. The utilisation of the old dimly lit Victorian railway arches to house some of the stalls gives an atmospheric presence to the place, a Dickens-equse type feeling. Adding to the experience are the wonderful bronze sculptured horses signifying the former stables area now housing part of the market.

 

 

 

The sweet aroma of incense is evident round parts of the market mingling in with the spices of the
many varied food stalls in the area. The variety of food available is excessive from Chinese to Brazilian through to Ethiopian amongst many others from all round the world. Each store vendor tempting you with a sample as you run the gauntlet of the long line of stalls, all full of enthusiasm and promise of what their culinary delights will offer.










Camden certainly offers a different shopping experience whether that be the unusual items for sale, the uniquely dressed individuals around the area or the exotic food choice on offer. A quirky place, with so much to take in and ideal if you are looking to purchase obscure items such as a glow in the dark nightdress or in turn fancy eating a meal on the back end of a scooter.....

Venice - Five star luxury for a Five star city

Surely there is no better way to approach a hotel than travelling up the Grand Canal in the Beautiful city of Venice. Our destination was the Ca' Sagredo Hotel, formally a 15th Century palace now declared a national monument housing a five star establishment.



Our water taxi was greeted at the hotel’s private dock by a staff member who led us into the reception area, where we first took sight of the opulence the interior of the building housed. The initial impression of the hotel was mesmerising, and as we were being shown up to our room there was just so much to take in. The majestic marbled staircase, artworks abound, and the exquisite lighting all along the hallways; it was clear this was no ordinary hotel.



Within the room itself, the experience of grandeur continued, periodic furniture together with quality decor added to the sense of indulgence. Our windows afforded views of the Grand Canal looking up towards the Rialto Bridge. We partook in the complimentary “Prosecco” left in our room, contently sitting back watching the array of vessels using this most beautiful of water ways.



The communal halls of the hotel were astonishing, a surreal atmosphere for a public place. It felt like walking around a museum with the hushed silence and the leisurely viewing of an array of art, sculptures and architecture. The difference being these items were accessible by taking just a step out of your room. Large murals, frescos and masterpiece paintings from artists such as Bambini, Ricci and Longhi adorn the walls and whilst taking breakfast you can admire the painting "Tribute to Venice" by Giambattista Tiepolo on the ceiling right above you. The large collection stems from the Sagredo families’ love of art and their acquisitions collected throughout the Centuries.




The hotel is in an excellent location too, just a short walk through the fascinating back streets of Venice to the main tourist area of Piazza San Marco, with plenty of bars and Restaurants en route. Right outside the front door is the Traghetto Gondola crossing, mainly used by locals to cross the canal to the bustling Rialto market on the opposite bank. Just further down from the hotel is the Ca'd’Oro Vaporetto stop, allowing you to catch the frequent water buses to various points around the area.



The Ca' Sagredo also houses its own restaurant the "L' Alcova" offering top class Venetian cuisine with the added allure of incredible views of the Grand Canal from your table. The Ca’ Sagredo fully deserves its luxury tag, it not only fulfils the objective of providing excellent accommodation in a ideal location, but it also gives the opportunity of experiencing living in the extravagance of days gone by.