Looking for inspiration when planning your next trip to Olympia? Fear not! We’ve got more than enough to keep your cup full (yes, literally) and your curiosity buzzing as you wander around our iconic West London venue.
Here are the 5 things you should do during your next trip to Olympia:
1. Head out on your own architecture trail.
Our 140-acre Olympia development is surrounded by a delightful mix of architectural styles — think Pinterest-worthy Victorian villas next to dashing Georgian townhouses and whimsical arts and crafts gems! It’s like a walking tour of your favourite design eras, all packed into one West London postcode.
Look beyond the extravagant façades and you’ll discover that many of the smaller homes and charming cottages were originally built for the workers who brought Olympia’s events venue to life (and kept it going for multiple generations thereafter).
Then came the Blitz and WWII. Bombs fell, buildings were lost, and in swept the 1950s with its more sleek and modernist approach. The Springvale housing estate, complete with cruise ship balconies and porthole windows, replaced the bombed houses and set a new tone for British architecture.
2. Sip the perfect pint.
We may sound like we’re being biased on this next one, but Olympia is truly home to some great pubs! The Havelock Tavern on Masbro Road particularly stands out for its stunning exterior with its exquisitely preserved cobalt blue glazed tiles. The Havelock describes itself as one of the first gastropubs but emphasises that it’s still a proper pub nevertheless! And this should go without saying, but their Sunday roasts are through the roof. They also receive bonus points for live music on Monday nights.
Also in the local hall of fame: The Queens Head on Brook Green (for beer garden lounging when the sun decides to show up) and the Hand and Flower on Hammersmith Road, our charming neighbour right across from The National Hall. Cosy vibes guaranteed.
3. Discover a secret village.
It may not look like much at first, but Blythe Road is one of Olympia’s best-kept secrets. Loved by locals for its village-like atmosphere, look up in awe at the looming presence of Blythe House (which once hoarded treasures from the V&A and Science Museum) before heading down an eclectic lane of local delights.
Need a moment of Zen? Pop into Awaken London Wellness Café for a class. Need caffeine or steak (or both)? Debbie Jo and Pope’s Eye have your back. Need a gift that looks like you spent ages finding it? Head to Honeybunch. And if antiques are your thing, JD Marshall on Masbro Road is an Aladdin’s cave of eccentric finds.
4. Find a surprising wartime survivor.
Tucked along Hammersmith Road is a perfectly preserved wartime emergency water supply stencil. Not your typical Instagram shot, but hey, history has layers!
The sign, by the former St Paul’s School, indicated the site of bombed-out basements. Once the site of St James’s Church (until a V1 rocket destroyed it in 1944), the basement was flooded to create a local water reserve. Spoiler: you really wouldn’t have wanted to drink it. The water was so filthy it needed to be boiled first!
5. Stroll the perfect village green.
Brook Green is that address, leafy, lovely, and quietly fabulous since the 1940s. St Paul’s Girls’ School and Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church keep things classy, while blue plaques honour greats like composer Gustav Holst (he wrote The Planets) and charity trailblazer Elizabeth Anne Finn.
Need to relax after a full day of exploring? Soak up the rays in the tucked-away Brook Green Park or warm up beside the roaring fire and inviting ambiance of The Queens Head during those colder winter months.