From storytelling to visuals, the work of Wes Anderson is incredibly distinctive. The iconic director and producer’s trademark style is nostalgic and unique; as well as inspiring a whole TikTok/Instagram trend earlier this year, he’s also inspired an exhibition that’s finally come to London. Set in South Kensington, Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, based on a book of the same name, shines a spotlight on over 200 places worldwide that could be straight out of one of his masterpieces.
With London’s vibrant hues, eccentricity, and even abundant symmetry, many locations in the capital are accidentally ‘Wes Anderson’. We highly recommend checking these out at the exhibition itself, but in the meantime, all you fantastic foxes, behold, these are our six favourite Wes Anderson-style spots in London below.
1. The Standard, London hotel
Five-star hotel The Standard, London has an exterior straight out of a Wes Anderson film, with its red pill elevator and symmetrical, curved windows. The Brutalist building was formerly Camden Town Hall Annexe and set for demolition, but thankfully, today, it’s an indulgent hotel offering stays far from ‘standard’. Outdoor bath or live Jazz show, anyone?
2. Barbican Launderette
The Barbican Launderette opened its doors in 1973, and is one of just 350 launderettes that remain in the capital today. It’s housed on Fann Street on the Barbican estate, considered one of the finest examples of Brutalist architecture worldwide, and gives off The Grand Budapest Hotel vibes.
3. Notting Hill
With its picture-perfect hamlets and pastel-hued houses, Notting Hill is one of London’s most esteemed neighbourhoods. It’s home to colourful architecture, the jubilant Notting Hill Carnival, and a vibrant arts scene.
4. Paddington Station
When you’re next waiting for a train at Paddington station, don’t forget to look up! Much of the mainline Paddington station dates back to 1854, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. However, it has been the home of the Great Western Railway (and its successors) since as early as 1838.
Oh, and while this may be an article on the London locations straight out of a Wes Anderson film, this space actually inspired an altogether different set of films and stories: Paddington Bear! Writer Michael Bond spotted a lone teddy bear sitting on a store shelf at the station back on Christmas Eve 1956, and bought it for his wife.
5. London Underground
Speaking of public transport, there are a fair few London Underground stations that give off Wes Anderson-esque vibes. Stop for a snap by Covent Garden‘s ‘way out’ arrows, set on the platform wall, with its artfully styled yellow and white tiling, and geometric shapes.
Alternatively, make your way to Chalk Farm tube station. The entire station is a Grade II-listed building; it’s specifically the bright yellow payphone, on the green tiled walls, that we want to highlight here though.
6. Woolwich Town Hall
Checkered floor – tick. Pastel hues – tick. An air of grandeur – tick again. Woolwich Town Hall is an exceptional example of a London location that is straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. At this Grade II*-listed, Edwardian building, you can vote, register major life events, and pretend you are in one of Anderson’s blockbuster films. It’s also the venue in which Greenwich’s local government meet. Pictured is the ornate Victoria Hall.
