London Kensington Roof Gardens

Theres a secret paradise, a heavenly alcove touching the clouds. Can be an unbearable hell during parties and bar brawls, because this place is sadly doubling as a lounge and entertainment venue, which I think destroys it as a place of love, solitude and contemplation. Like a little spanish village, this looks down upon the traffic and malaise, but up there on your own, sparring with the pink flamingoes and water lilies, you are in another, special world. Built in the 1930's, it's a fairytale wonder covering over an acre, and I think it's the perfect dreamscape. Heaven is here. For everyone.

March 2006 , and I return to the dear old gardens in the sky. Sadly, the Roof Gardens are getting more and more just a corporate hangout and seminar location, a far cry from it's earliest incarnation as a beautiful art deco lounge. But nowadays, the piano is sidelined so that conference deligates can enjoy the scenery and free bar. This does at least mean that there's no riff-raff allowed in (except myself, of course, but then I have more riff than raff). This allows for a pleasant viewing experience, and no bloated tourists (apart from me).

I was delighted to get reacquainted with my tropical duck friends, who were ever so tame, and waddled up to me, expecting lots of food to be thrown at them. Oh dear. Maybe next year, my quackable creations. I sat alone in the gardens, and all was quiet. It is paradise, you know.

After dark, the decorative lights are on, and it adds further to the wonder of the place. I would love to live there, it's like some kind of religious shrine, and would be nice to come home to. Suddenly, the clink of wine glasses broke the atmosphere, and an eager waiter appeared. Sigh... this is a roof garden of eden, not a cackle of corporate crud! Cheerio, until next time. I had to leave to rejoin the horrible human race.

God gave you grace
to purge this place

Made in heaven...
It's for all to see

Days of cool reflection