Art Uncovered Weekend

Hotels

Boutique Beauty

We recommend the ideally located Threadneedles - at the gateway to the heart of the city. This Victorian-banking-hall turned city boutique hotel is nothing if not a multitude of textures and complementary tones, a perfect blend of past and present, and was voted one of the 50 top hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveller.

Saturday Morning

East is East

Our tour starts in Broadway Market; an insider gem offering an eclectic mix of goods from local crafts people, along with some quirky, independent boutiques and shops.

First stop is Visit Fabrications, a gallery and outlet dedicated to contemporary textiles and design by new and established designers. While Off Broadway are specialists in photography.

There's also Seven Seven Contemporary Arts, a non-profit gallery, with strong international links, showing up-and-coming and established artists.

If all the funky art has given you an appetite, a good place to stop for lunch is the Cat & Mutton; great gastropub fare at the far end of the market.

Saturday Afternoon

Gallery gems

After lunch, move onto Andrews Road. In Regent Studios, on the fifth floor, you'll find MOT, a lively gallery, with spectacular views over the city.

On your way back down, pop into the artist-run Transition Gallery on the second floor. While you're there, pick up the latest copy of Arty magazine, published by Cathy Lomax.

The Approach Gallery shows art by Michael Raedecker, Gary Webb and Rezi van Lankveld among others on the first floor.

Moving onto the corner of Three Colts Lane, Between Bridges is run by Turner Prize-winner Wolfgang Tillmans, and has established a reputation for championing the unknown or overlooked.

Move onto Herald Street Gallery showing fashionable young things like video artists Oliver Payne. Further along, you'll find Maureen Paley. Paley is a true pioneer of the East End representing emerging talent.Turn into Hoxton Street and visit Store Gallery which shows rising stars of the art world.

Catch the bus towards Shoreditch for your final stop the Hales Gallery. Again, the gallery owner, Paul, has been a key in promoting new artists.

Saturday Night

The Art Party

There's a real range of places to eat and drink around Shoreditch and Hoxton - you'll be spoilt for choice! But if you're really into your art, we recommend Zigfrid Von Underbelly - a spacious, arty establishment with good food, and a great atmosphere.

Have a final couple at the Bricklayers Arms, which also offers Thai food, if you're in the mood. You may even spot a few celebs trying to blend into the everyday crowd of studio-dwelling local students and artists.

Sunday Morning

Docklands Secrets

Based in London's Docklands, The Wapping Project is a multi-purpose exhibition and performance space, holding some of London's most interesting exhibitions. Built in 1890, it was originally used to power machines using steam, and later electricity. Today, it still boasts much of the original hydraulic equipment and machinery, alongside newly commissioned, ever-changing works by visual artists, choreographers, composers, writers, poets, designers and film makers.

Your next stop is the East End, an easy bus ride away.

The Geffrye Museum is a fascinating stop, displaying the quintessential style of English middle-class living rooms. Its collections of furniture, textiles, paintings and decorative arts are displayed in a series of period rooms from 1600 to the present day.

The museum's set in elegant 18th century almshouses with a contemporary wing which includes an award-winning walled herb garden and a series of period gardens.

Once again, there's a whole plethora of places for lunch. This area of London is teeming with Indian restaurants, many of which have promoters outside eager to get you into their establishment.

Sunday Afternoon

Post-lunch hipsters

After lunch, move onto Brick Lane for a fascinating insight into London's hipsters. Visit the Laden Showroom to see the work of 40 independent fashion designers.

Two galleries to look out for in the area include the Dray Walk Gallery and the Brick Lane Gallery.

There's also Prelude: a monthly art event run over the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month at Spitalfields Market. It provides a unique opportunity for artists to show and sell their work.

Don't miss the Rich Mix Centre on Bethnal Green Road. Located in a former garment factory, the centre is now an ultra-modern base for both entertainment and education. The focus here is to present the work of multi-ethnic Londoners and creative collaborations.

Finally, check out Rivington Place, open from October 2007; a new £8m public building dedicated to culturally diverse visual arts.

Unlock the secret city

Experience your own unique, private tour of London's buzzing creative and style scenes with Urban Gentry: the London insider tour experts. Let them connect you to the pulse of modern London. www.urbangentry.com