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The Gaumont: A Creative Hub in London's Cultural Quarter

The Gaumont, a historical landmark on London's King's Road, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally The Gaumont Palace Theatre, it was linked to early film pioneers like Georges Méliès, whose works The Gaumont distributed [1][3]. In recent years, it has been redeveloped as part of a £235 million cultural and creative hub by Cadogan Estates.

The redevelopment includes a cinema, rooftop bar, retail spaces, and serves as a hub for independent creatives, marking the location’s transformation into a vibrant cultural quarter [3]. The building's historic façade retains a roundel honoring William Friese-Greene, an early British cinema innovator, highlighting its roots in early cinematic innovation.

Artist Shezad Dawood recently unveiled a major public artwork, Cascade, on the facade of The Gaumont. The artwork consists of two large ceramic panels with abstract designs referencing the building’s cinematic heritage, local history, and cultural figures from Chelsea. It draws inspiration from Méliès’s A Trip to the Moon, the Gothic literature associated with local residents Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley, and notable cultural influencers such as King Charles II, painter James Whistler, and fashion icons Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant [1][2][3].

Cascade serves as a creative "portal" reflecting the layered histories of King's Road and The Gaumont’s ongoing cultural evolution. Thus, The Gaumont has evolved from a historic cinema venue into a culturally significant creative hub.

Meanwhile, Anna Fixsen, US Editor, recently returned from a ten-day holiday in Mérida, Mexico. Mérida isn't plagued by over-tourism, making its pastel-washed streets and points of interest unhurried and uncrowded.

In the world of photography, the exhibition 'LMK WHEN YOU REACH' features a collection of photographs that are chaotic at first glance but emerge as powerful, tender, and defiant upon closer inspection. Gabriel Annouka attended the opening night of this exhibition by Bernice Mulenga.

Eel Sushi, a new establishment on Talbot Road, has been packed since opening due to its excellent sashimi and nigiri. Marvee's Food Shop offers elevated Caribbean food with unique sauces in an unassuming spot under the Westway. Frankie's is a new wine and charcuterie bar located at 331 Portobello Road.

Hermès introduced its themes for the year ahead - for 2025, it's 'Drawn to Craft'. Nick Vinson, Contributing Editor, enrolled at Hermès' Academie du Dessin at the Lycée Chaptal in Paris, France, and was placed in the 'emerald' class. During his time at the academy, Vinson made a diorama titled 24 ways to wash a cornichon, learned the art of print, and was treated to a lecture by Professor Pierre-Alexis Dumas. Vinson was even presented with a diploma and offered to donate his diorama to Hermès' conservatoire, which was upgraded to a degree with honours in conceptual stage design.

Charlotte Gunn spent the week exploring her neighbourhood and discovered several new establishments. Ellie Stathaki, Architecture and Environment Director, visited Benares, a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Mayfair, which underwent a refurbishment and menu revamp earlier this year. The interior design of Benares was done by Dale Atkinson of Rosendale Design. Executive chef Sameer Taneja oversees the culinary experience at Benares, offering elevated street snacks, contemporary dishes, and traditional curries.

Thomas Straker opened a new outpost named Acre for weekend brunch, just across the road from his eponymous restaurant. Bill Prince, Editor-in-Chief, attended the unveiling of Shezad Dawood's artwork Cascade on the facade of The Gaumont, a creative hub in London, England.

With these new establishments and cultural events, London's King's Road continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and culinary delights.

References: [1] The Gaumont. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gaumontatking.com/ [2] Dawood, S. (2025). Cascade. Retrieved from https://www.shezaddawood.com/projects/cascade [3] Cadogan. (2021). The Gaumont. Retrieved from https://www.cadogan.co.uk/our-estates/the-gaumont-king-s-road-sw3/

At The Gaumont, a creative hub in London's cultural quarter, one can delve into a lifestyle of food-and-drink offerings, such as Eel Sushi's exquisite sashimi and nigiri, Marvee's Food Shop's unique Caribbean dishes, and Frankie's wine and charcuterie bar. On the other hand, home-and-garden enthusiasts might enjoy a visit to Benares, a refurbished Indian restaurant in Mayfair, or even appreciate the abstract designs on Shezad Dawood's Cascade artwork, adorning the historic facade of The Gaumont. Both foodies and design enthusiasts can unite here, appreciating the vibrant cultural evolution of King's Road.