Culture Trip - Singapore Airlines

While Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and even the red bus are all seen as staples of London life, there’s much more to the UK capital that is yet to be uncovered. Packed with multicultural hubs and hidden pockets of relaxation, London is an unmissable stop for anyone on the hunt for fresh experiences.

La Fauxmagerie

Brixton Market and Village

ChromaYoga

Often characterised by its nonstop pace, London has seen an emergence of yoga and relaxation spaces over the past few years. Though many provide classes in practical methods to help the city slow down, few are as unique as Shoreditch’s ChromaYoga, which offers an all-encompassing sensory yoga experience. “From the get-go, the calming scents and colourful lights in the studio immediately put you in a Zen yet curious mood,” says Yumi. With each class taking place in a specifically coloured room, an instructor guides participants through exercises that correspond to that colour’s healing properties, alongside specially composed soundscapes and bespoke combinations of essential oils. In the midst of a busy capital, spaces like ChromaYoga provide respite from the outside world.

South London’s Brixton is known for its history, activism and culture and is home to a bustling multicultural community. As a result, the area is brimming with international cuisines, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Brixton Village and Market Row. Formerly known as Granville Arcade, an illustrious shopping emporium, the Village now houses over 100 independent traders, including bespoke gallery space Studio 73 and vintage boutique Circus. Filled with character and individuality, Coldharbour Lane’s marketplace is also a glimpse at the diversity that runs throughout London. “There was such a wide selection of produce from all over the world!” says Yumi. “The place was bustling with energy and people from all walks of life, trying to get the best bargains in the market.”

Coal Drops Yard

Taking its name from the two long Victorian coal-drop sheds that used to receive coal from South Yorkshire, Coal Drops Yard has quickly become a buzzing shopping development in the heart of Kings Cross. A recent addition to the Kings Cross regeneration project, the retail district is characterised by its Victorian architecture, much of it beautifully maintained. With viaducts that were once home to forces of industrial innovation, the arches now house 50 brands, including well-known ones like designer Paul Smith, independent boutiques such as candlemakers Earl of East and restaurants and bars such as Catalan-influenced Barrafina and all-day café and bar Vermuteria. The artful reimagining of these historic buildings fuses together contemporary London with the old.

Narrowboat rides on Regent’s Canal

Once a crucial transport pathway during the industrial age, Regent’s Canal is now a route leisurely weaving its way through the heart of London. Trips on narrowboats commandeering the canal take voyagers between lively King’s Cross and charming Little Venice, passing quintessential London attractions such as Regent’s Park, London Zoo and the colourful boats of Maida Vale. These canal cruises, which can take up to two or three hours depending on the route, offer glimpses of manicured parks, famed graffiti, historical monuments and more, all adding to the eclectic blend that makes up the UK capital. “Canals and boats are things I usually associate with Amsterdam,” admits Yumi. “But it was surprising to learn that London’s canals played a significant role in the history of transport here – yet even today, the canals are as lively as ever!”

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“Brixton Market was bustling with energy and people from all walks of life”

“La Fauxmagerie showed me how London is at the forefront of movements, including veganism”

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Experience London’s eclectic charms with Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew member Yumi.

La Fauxmagerie is the UK’s first 100% plant-based cheesemonger. Nestled just off Brick Lane, it proudly serves cheeses, preserves and accoutrements made from dairy-free sources like cashews, almonds and soy, offering a special guilt-free kind of indulgence. Even meat lovers who regularly venture into the shop to try out samples are often stunned by the taste and texture of the dairy-free alternatives that are quickly becoming popular across the city. “I love how the huge variety of cheeses were beautifully displayed and decorated,” says Yumi.

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Chapman’s Peak Drive offers an intriguing juxtaposition of human versus nature. The famous road, which snakes impossibly along the side of a mountain, is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s most impressive engineering feats; and yet even this is dwarfed by the sheer drama and beauty of the nature it exposes along the way, especially at sunset. As a result, the unlikely road leads to one of the world’s most scenic mountain passes – and it’s nearly impossible to avoid the temptation to pull over at each of the dramatic viewpoints along the way. “Cape Town is a sprawling metropolis at the edge of the world,” says Zachary. “But there’s always an opportunity to be surrounded by beautiful and scenic landscapes.”

Chapman's Peak Drive

Few peaks in the world can deliver views as stunning and accessible as those to be had atop Lion’s Head. The roughly one-hour hike to the top of this challenging mountain will leave most casual walkers out of breath, but the 360-degree views that await are worth every step. Although many consider Table Mountain the ultimate summit, there’s no better return for your physical exertion than the vistas from the famous Lion’s Head. You’ll get a great view of Table Mountain, too.

Lion's Head

Cape Town’s wine is consistently rated among the best in the world, and there are dozens of estates in various regions to visit. But those in Constantia, just a short drive from the city centre, offer outstanding views over some of the oldest vineyards in South Africa. Even non-wine-drinkers will be happy to soak up the sights from any one of the suburb’s expert tasting rooms and restaurants, many of which serve some of the Cape’s most celebrated cuisine. Zachary notes: “Walking through the vineyard made me appreciate the wines that I offer to my passengers.”

Costantia Vineyards

Today, the V&A Waterfront is the most popular tourist attraction in Cape Town. It’s the first stop for many visitors to the city, who relish the outdoor dining areas, markets and panoramic views of Table Mountain – set to the upbeat sounds of local buskers. But it wasn’t always so polished. The Waterfront began as the city’s first working harbour, and its present-day charm still lies in the comings and goings of tugboats, the occasional bellow of a container ship’s horn and the handful of prestigious yachts fortunate enough to float past into the sheltered docks.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most photogenic urban attractions. The colourful houses may have you reaching instinctively for your camera, but there’s so much more to appreciate. As one of the oldest neighbourhoods, it’s got a fascinating – yet sombre – history. Many of the Bo-Kaap’s first residents were sent as exiles and slaves to the Cape by the Dutch, and they became known as the Cape Malay – but this vibrant and warm community has left an indelible mark. “I was able to appreciate the rich culture of the Cape Malay folks,” says Zachary, who met local chef Zainie for a cooking class at her home. “The intimate conversations I had just reminded me of how welcoming the people of Cape Town are.”

Bo-Kaap

Table Mountain might stand as the most familiar symbol of Cape Town, but there are also vibrant neighbourhoods, a bustling working harbour, pristine vineyards, idyllic beaches and endlessly beautiful views, making this one of the world’s most remarkable travel destinations.

CAPE TOWN

Singapore Airlines cabin crew member Zachary heads to five places you should visit on your next trip.

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Club Naija supper club at Grounds and Grapes

True to its name, Grounds and Grapes is a welcoming coffee spot by day and an intimate wine and cocktail bar by night – and recently, it has become the home of a modern Nigerian supper club. Run by chef and food stylist Lola Oduba-Vine, Club Naija can be found in the intimate Honor Oak venue serving up new twists on Nigerian classics, paired with a curated wine list. Once a month, you can find staples like groundnut soup, suya and puff on the menu, paired with a curated wine list from the southeast London café and bar. “The warmth and cosiness made me feel like I’ve just stepped into someone’s home and they’re whipping up a special meal just for me and my friends,” says Yumi. “It was also nice to have the host share the story and inspiration behind each dish. It just adds to the whole experience!”

Once a crucial transport pathway during the industrial age, Regent’s Canal is now a route leisurely weaving its way through the heart of London. Trips on narrowboats commandeering the canal take voyagers between lively Kings Cross and charming Little Venice, passing quintessential London attractions such as Regent’s Park, London Zoo and the colourful boats of Maida Vale. These canal cruises, which can take up to two or three hours depending on the route, offer glimpses of manicured parks, famed graffiti, historical monuments and more, all adding to the eclectic blend that makes up the UK capital. “Canals and boats are things I usually associate with Amsterdam,” admits Yumi. “But it was surprising to learn that London’s canals played a significant role in the history of transport here – yet even today, the canals are as lively as ever!”

Narrowboat rides on Regent’s Canal

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