London Art Deco Tour

This fascinating tour will take you to the art deco hotspots in the Capital. It's all very Poirot and here’s just a taster of what you could see…

Originally a power station, the OXO Tower was largely rebuilt in the Art Deco style towards the end of the nineteen twenties. The building has a number of uses today including art galleries at the base and first floors, private residences and The Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie on the eighth floor at roof level.

Situated in London's famous Fleet Street, the Daily Telegraph building is a must-see for the art deco fan. It was designed in 1928 and along with the nearby Daily Express building showcases art deco architecture at its best. Both buildings are now owned by Goldman Sachs bank.

Claridge's hotel in London's posh Mayfair was redesigned in the art deco style in the 1920s–and is one of the most beautiful places in the world to take afternoon tea. Admire the sculptures, made with Lalique glass… then head for nearby Bond Street for a spot of shopping…

Alternatively enjoy a Martini in the splendid art deco luxury of the Savoy - and stay here for a night or two in one of the lavishly furnished rooms. This landmark hotel is on the famous Strand, overlooking the Thames. Just about every celeb you can think of has stayed here, from Jimi Hedrix to Frank Sinatra, and it was also the setting for the film Notting Hill’s romantic finale.

Battersea Power Station, completed in 1934, used to be a power station, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott. The whole area around the station is currently under development - there are apartments in the building itself with shops, restraunts, cultural spaces and there's even a new underground station.

If you're feeling brave you can take a lift up to the top of one of the giant chimneys for a breathtaking 360 degree view of London. Not so brave? Then there's an exhibition downstairs!

You shouldn’t miss The Hoover Building in West London, as it’s one of the capital's foremost examples of art deco architecture. It was designed for the Hoover Company, by architects Wallis Gilbert, between 1931 and 1935. It’s now owned by Tesco – so you can buy your tea bags in style!

March 15th 1932 saw the first radio broadcast from the art deco styled Broadcasting House. It was build in the art deco style of the period with a facing of Portland stone over a steel frame. A new eastern extension is named after radio disc jockey John Peel.

Eltham Palace is an opulent art deco home is attached to a medieval palace. Constructed in 1933 for millionaire Stephen Coulthard, it has some ground-breaking features including centralised vacuum cleaning and a loudspeaker system. There’s also a special lift for the pet monkey.

The palace arranges special events such as art deco tours, medieval jousting, and great stuff for the kids too. Nearby attractions include the famous antiques markets in Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum, Chislehurst Caves and The Royal Artillery Museum.