Lights of London: Get your NEON fix at our top 9 London luminaries
With neon now becoming THE optimum Instagram accessory, it’s clear that it’s not just Soho which is partial to a bit of neon. Look no further to find out the best offbeat London locations which will quench your neon needs.
1. God’s Own Junkyard | Walthamstow
As one of London’s most iconic and offbeat hotspots, God’s Own Junkyard has become an instagram sensation in itself. Tucked away in a Walthamstow warehouse, this space holds Europe’s largest collection of vintage neon and has even been snapped up as a backdrop by Vogue. Oh, and the best part…it’s completely free to enter!
2. Illuminated River
14 London bridges are lighting up for one of the largest public art projects ever. Take a walk at night and discover a hidden side to the city’s river crossings.
3. Tate Modern | Bankside
The Tate Modern is home to some of the most iconic British and international modern art featuring works by the likes of Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Anni Albers and David Hockney. However, the Blavatnik building currently hosts a fantastic showcase of work by American artist Bruce Nauman – a keen advocate of neon as an artistic tool. Head down to the free exhibition to ogle at his neon based innuendos and political statements.
4. Neon | Mile End
If it’s custom made neon you’re after, look no further than the Neon Sign Store which will manufacture and install custom made neon right into the comfort of your shop or own home. Tucked off the side of Mile End Road, this neon hotspot has become an East End favourite with neon filled window displays and brilliant service.
Photo by Becca Billis
5. Grind – Various London Locations
Who doesn’t love a coffee and a neon quote? With spots dotted in Holborn, London Bridge and Shoreditch, Londoners can easily spot Grind’s unmistakable trademark red neon. Head down to these locations to capture the neon quotes “rise and grind”, “french lessons given downstairs” and “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”.
Photo by Duncan C from Flikr
6. Neon Naked Life Drawing | Various London Locations
For a more immersive neon experience, the Neon Naked Life Drawing workshop is the place to be. Located across a number of London locations, this unique artistic experience is already set to take place across a number of dates during November, December and January. By combing industrial UV light with flamboyant, hand crafted accessories, this experimental workshop is certified to unleash all your inner creativity.
Photo from Queen of Hoxton website
7. Tracey Emin – ‘I want my time with you’ – Kings Cross Station
English artist Tracey Emin has decked out Kings Cross Station with a public neon declaration of love – a 20 metre mural hung in front of the clock which overlooks the platforms and spells out ‘I want my time with you’. Should this not satisfy your neon needs, head down to the King’s Cross Tunnel leading to Kings Cross Underground station and waltz into a neon spectrum of light and colour.
8. Tonight Josephine | Waterloo
There is a fairly high chance you would have seen the ‘Well Behaved Women Don’t Make History Sign’ neon sign somewhere on a social media feed. Tonight Josephine is home to this artwork and home to several other neon signs which will rock your camera lense. Head down to this Waterloo basement bar and be treated to a neon dream: with neon quotes, neon pillars, a mirrored ceiling and the glitziest of cocktails, what better place to spend an evening?!
9. Junkyard Golf Club | East London
Home to London’s brightest, weirdest and most colourful 9 hole golf course, Junkyard Golf Club has become an East End beacon of art and frivolity. Combined with UV paint, flashing lights, reclaimed furniture and an abundance of neon these interiors have become the perfect backdrop for work parties, social gatherings and even first dates.
Photo from Junkyard Golf Website
Lara Mills – I am a contributor for To Do List. My favourite features of offbeat London centre around cheap eating, hidden drinking destinations, photographer hotspots, city views, quiet places to work as well as the latest pop ups and exhibitions.
‘I want my time with you’ isn’t Kings Cross, it’s St. Pancras. I know they are next door to one another but if people look for it in Kings Cross they’ll be disappointed.