THE WAPPING PROJECT

The Wapping Project is a classic example of the type of venue which makes London an amazing city. The old hydraulic power station closed in 1977 (the year punk broke - RIP Malcolm) and now houses an atmospheric art space and restaurant.

While the conversion of London's industrial architecture is nothing new, the Wapping Project remains one of its finest examples. The space retains all of its original authentic character and visitors are able to wander amongst the heavy machinery featured throughout. The furniture is minimal and modern, allowing the stunning industrial ambience to utterly absorb the senses.

At dusk, the indigo twilight disappears through the great skylit roof, replaced by the delicious warm glow of a million candles burning throughout the space. The original bone and green colour scheme is a location scout's dream and the distressed walls are Hollywood-set perfect, without inducing an asbestos-related panic attack. Even the eerie gallery space set in a back room away from the main restaurant area emanates an authentic, earthly smell of industrial toil. This sensual patina no doubt created from the blood, sweat and tears of the workers' endless grind throughout the power station's 87 year history.

If you can manage to navigate your way through the DLR replacement bus service (not to mention the estate badlands of Shadwell - don't wear heels!) the Wapping Project is a wonderful location to spend a few hours within the ghostly remains of a disappeared era.