The Idler Academy
ADDRESS
81 Westbourne Park Road, Bayswater, London W2 5QH
TELEPHONE
OPENING TIMES
Tue to Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm | Mon Closed
Nearby
Hotels, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Education, Leisure, Pubs, Nightlife, Venue hire
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Visitor Information
If you like your coffee with a strong shot of philosophy, The Idler Academy is the place for you. This cafe-cum-centre of learning was set up by The Idler's Tom Hodgkinson - the man who advocates doing less is more through his Idler books - and aims to revive the 18th century coffeehouse, mixing in a good dose of the 1950s grammar school. Alongside their Monmouth coffee, organic ploughman's lunches and cream teas you get lessons in topics as varied as history, philosophy, sewing, cooking and carpentry. Lessons in a typical month include Rabbi Julia Neuberger giving a symposium on death, historian John Nicholson with an illustrated lecture on riots, rebellions, uprisings in England, and a programme of light works by Beethoven and his contemporary, the Italian guitar virtuoso Mauro Giuliani. Free goblets of wine and nibbles are served at some of the evening courses, adding to the sense of convivial learning. The Idler Academy motto is libertas per cultum, meaning 'freedom through education', in the sense of 'cultivation' of knowledge. If you thought learning was boring the Idler folk will make you think differently.
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Corus Hyde Park Hotel London
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
1-7 Lancaster Gate, W2 | 18 minutes from The Idler Academy
The glorious expanses of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens form the backdrop for this tastefully decorated, modern, comfortable hotel. Located just down the road from Paddington ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
1-7 Lancaster Gate, W2 | 18 minutes from The Idler Academy
The glorious expanses of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens form the backdrop for this tastefully decorated, modern, comfortable hotel. Located just down the road from Paddington ... More
Danubius Hotel Regents Park
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
18 Lodge Road, NW87JT | 26 minutes from The Idler Academy
Stunning views of Lord's Cricket Ground makes this the hotel of choice for cricket enthusiasts, but it has plenty of other advantages too. A program ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
18 Lodge Road, NW87JT | 26 minutes from The Idler Academy
Stunning views of Lord's Cricket Ground makes this the hotel of choice for cricket enthusiasts, but it has plenty of other advantages too. A program ... More
NH Kensington Hotel London
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
202-220 Cromwell Road, SW5 | 32 minutes from The Idler Academy
This clean, comfortable modern hotel made up of six Victorian houses is a short walk from Earls Court Tube station from where the Piccadilly line can ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
202-220 Cromwell Road, SW5 | 32 minutes from The Idler Academy
This clean, comfortable modern hotel made up of six Victorian houses is a short walk from Earls Court Tube station from where the Piccadilly line can ... More
The Tabernacle Arts Centre
London > Entertainment > Live Music
Powis Square, Notting Hill, London W11 | 6 minutes from The Idler Academy
This refurbished Victorian church has been converted into a multi-functional venue for arts and exhibitions. Facilities include a dance studio, theatre-style performance space, soundproofed production studio ... More
London > Entertainment > Live Music
Powis Square, Notting Hill, London W11 | 6 minutes from The Idler Academy
This refurbished Victorian church has been converted into a multi-functional venue for arts and exhibitions. Facilities include a dance studio, theatre-style performance space, soundproofed production studio ... More
Rough Trade West
London > Entertainment > Live Music
130 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
The record shop that launched the legendary Rough Trade label - home to The Smiths, The Fall and The Libertines among others - is still heaven ... More
London > Entertainment > Live Music
130 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
The record shop that launched the legendary Rough Trade label - home to The Smiths, The Fall and The Libertines among others - is still heaven ... More
Subterania
London > Entertainment > Live Music
12 Acklam Road, W10 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
Subterania , previously Acklam Hall, is a legendary club much loved by indie fans. O riginally opened in 1989 by the Mean Fiddler, it ... More
London > Entertainment > Live Music
12 Acklam Road, W10 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
Subterania , previously Acklam Hall, is a legendary club much loved by indie fans. O riginally opened in 1989 by the Mean Fiddler, it ... More
THE BEST
Sights and Attractions near The Idler Academy
The best museums, galleries, attractions near The Idler Academy
Jason's Canal Boat Trip
London > Attractions > Boats
Jason's Wharf, Opposite 60 Blomfield Road, Little Venice, London W9 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
Jason's Trip takes passengers on a boat ride along the Regent's Canal, starting from Little Venice and heading all the way across North West London to ... More
London > Attractions > Boats
Jason's Wharf, Opposite 60 Blomfield Road, Little Venice, London W9 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
Jason's Trip takes passengers on a boat ride along the Regent's Canal, starting from Little Venice and heading all the way across North West London to ... More
Portobello Road Market
London > Attractions > Other Attractions
Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
The famous Portobello Road antiques and flea market in Notting Hill takes place every Saturday although there are also stalls from Monday to Friday. Running from ... More
London > Attractions > Other Attractions
Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 9 minutes from The Idler Academy
The famous Portobello Road antiques and flea market in Notting Hill takes place every Saturday although there are also stalls from Monday to Friday. Running from ... More
Paddington Central
London > Attractions >
Sheldon Square, Paddington, London W2 | 10 minutes from The Idler Academy
A peaceful canal-side new development within walking distance of Paddington Station and Marble Arch, Paddington Central is an 11 acre site, home to big businesses - ... More
London > Attractions >
Sheldon Square, Paddington, London W2 | 10 minutes from The Idler Academy
A peaceful canal-side new development within walking distance of Paddington Station and Marble Arch, Paddington Central is an 11 acre site, home to big businesses - ... More
Pistol Panties
London > Shopping > Ladies Fashion
75 Westbourne Park Grove, Bayswater, London W2 | Same location as The Idler Academy
New to the streets of London in summer 2005, this exotic little shop has been warmly welcomed by London’s abundance of hip beach bunnies. A ... More
London > Shopping > Ladies Fashion
75 Westbourne Park Grove, Bayswater, London W2 | Same location as The Idler Academy
New to the streets of London in summer 2005, this exotic little shop has been warmly welcomed by London’s abundance of hip beach bunnies. A ... More
Appleby
London > Shopping > Clothing
95 Westbourne Park Villas, Maida Vale, London W2 | 1 minute from The Idler Academy
Supercool and rather expensive vintage clothing shop in the trendiest corner of West London. They carry a small but beautiful selection of handpicked vintage clothing, for ... More
London > Shopping > Clothing
95 Westbourne Park Villas, Maida Vale, London W2 | 1 minute from The Idler Academy
Supercool and rather expensive vintage clothing shop in the trendiest corner of West London. They carry a small but beautiful selection of handpicked vintage clothing, for ... More
Haminados
London > Shopping > Delicatessens
78 Chepstow Road, Notting Hill, London W2 | 3 minutes from The Idler Academy
The best little deli on Chepstow Road, Haminados specialises in Greek and Mediteranean food, served by Joseph, the store's owner and chef who creates the culinary ... More
London > Shopping > Delicatessens
78 Chepstow Road, Notting Hill, London W2 | 3 minutes from The Idler Academy
The best little deli on Chepstow Road, Haminados specialises in Greek and Mediteranean food, served by Joseph, the store's owner and chef who creates the culinary ... More
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Restaurants near The Idler Academy
What are the best dining options near The Idler Academy London?
Marianne
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
104 Chepstow Road, Notting Hill, London W2 | 1 minute from The Idler Academy
Chef-patron of this cosy, intimate restaurant, tucked away in a corner Mews in Notting Hill, Marianne Lumb, comes from a butcher's family in Leicestershire and completed ... More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
104 Chepstow Road, Notting Hill, London W2 | 1 minute from The Idler Academy
Chef-patron of this cosy, intimate restaurant, tucked away in a corner Mews in Notting Hill, Marianne Lumb, comes from a butcher's family in Leicestershire and completed ... More
Lucky 7
London > Restaurants > American restaurants
127 Westbourne Park Road, Maida Vale, London W2 | 2 minutes from The Idler Academy
Lucky 7 is a spookily accurate recreation of a 1950s diner in the heart of trendy West London, with an authentic American menu created by Tom ... More
London > Restaurants > American restaurants
127 Westbourne Park Road, Maida Vale, London W2 | 2 minutes from The Idler Academy
Lucky 7 is a spookily accurate recreation of a 1950s diner in the heart of trendy West London, with an authentic American menu created by Tom ... More
The London School of Painting and Drawing
London > Education > Evening Classes
23 Kensington Square, Kensington, London W8 | 26 minutes from The Idler Academy
Evening and weekend classes in life drawing and painting, taught by tutors from the Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal Society of British Sculptors. ... More
London > Education > Evening Classes
23 Kensington Square, Kensington, London W8 | 26 minutes from The Idler Academy
Evening and weekend classes in life drawing and painting, taught by tutors from the Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal Society of British Sculptors. ... More
The LookOut, Hyde Park
London > Education > Other Attractions
Hyde Park, Hyde Park, London W2 | 29 minutes from The Idler Academy
Hidden in a copse of trees in Hyde Park, The LookOut is a tranquil haven in the heart of London. Home to the Isis Education Centre, ... More
London > Education > Other Attractions
Hyde Park, Hyde Park, London W2 | 29 minutes from The Idler Academy
Hidden in a copse of trees in Hyde Park, The LookOut is a tranquil haven in the heart of London. Home to the Isis Education Centre, ... More
King Street College
London > Education > English Language Courses
47 Shepherd's Bush Green, W12 | 31 minutes from The Idler Academy
This school teaches about 800 students from 40 different countries, offering general and exam focused English language courses for adults. Students prepare for the Cambridge exams and ... More
London > Education > English Language Courses
47 Shepherd's Bush Green, W12 | 31 minutes from The Idler Academy
This school teaches about 800 students from 40 different countries, offering general and exam focused English language courses for adults. Students prepare for the Cambridge exams and ... More
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Leisure near The Idler Academy
The Idler Academy gyms, sporting activities, health & beauty and fitness.
Float
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
2A Bridstow Place, Notting Hill, London W2 | 3 minutes from The Idler Academy
As Londoners struggle to relax in this bustling behemoth of a city, people seem to keep on finding new, bizarre ways to chill out. Float offers ... More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
2A Bridstow Place, Notting Hill, London W2 | 3 minutes from The Idler Academy
As Londoners struggle to relax in this bustling behemoth of a city, people seem to keep on finding new, bizarre ways to chill out. Float offers ... More
QUEENS Skate, Dine, Bowl
London > Leisure > Sports Facilities
17 Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 | 12 minutes from The Idler Academy
A huge indoor ice rink, 12 bowling lanes, plenty of retro arcade machines and a British diner by MEATliquor - QUEENS Skate, Dine, Bowl has been ... More
London > Leisure > Sports Facilities
17 Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 | 12 minutes from The Idler Academy
A huge indoor ice rink, 12 bowling lanes, plenty of retro arcade machines and a British diner by MEATliquor - QUEENS Skate, Dine, Bowl has been ... More
The Prince Bonaparte
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
80 Chepstow Road, Notting Hill, London W2 | 3 minutes from The Idler Academy
Situated in the heart of London's trendy Notting Hill area, The Prince Bonaparte gastropub offers a warm atmosphere that most other pubs simply cannot. The warmth ... More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
80 Chepstow Road, Notting Hill, London W2 | 3 minutes from The Idler Academy
Situated in the heart of London's trendy Notting Hill area, The Prince Bonaparte gastropub offers a warm atmosphere that most other pubs simply cannot. The warmth ... More
The Metropolitan
London > Nightlife > Gastropub
60 Great Western Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 6 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
London > Nightlife > Gastropub
60 Great Western Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 6 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
THE BEST
Nightlife near The Idler Academy
The Idler Academy clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and interesting nightlife.
The Metropolitan
London > Nightlife > Gastropub
60 Great Western Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 6 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
London > Nightlife > Gastropub
60 Great Western Road, Notting Hill, London W11 | 6 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
The Little Yellow Door
London > Nightlife > Bars
6-8 All Saints Road, W11 | 7 minutes from The Idler Academy
Based on a fictional flatshare between friends, The Little Yellow Door is a house party that you can ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
6-8 All Saints Road, W11 | 7 minutes from The Idler Academy
Based on a fictional flatshare between friends, The Little Yellow Door is a house party that you can ... More
THE BEST
Meeting venue hire near The Idler Academy
Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course near The Idler Academy.
Electric Cinema
London > Business > Venue Hire
191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, Notting Hill, London W11 | 10 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, Notting Hill, London W11 | 10 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
Kensington Palace
London > Business > Venue Hire
Kensington Gardens, Kensington, London W8 | 20 minutes from The Idler Academy
Conference facilities can accomodate for up to 1040 people.... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Kensington Gardens, Kensington, London W8 | 20 minutes from The Idler Academy
Conference facilities can accomodate for up to 1040 people.... More
Louise T Blouin Foundation Institute
London > Business > Venue Hire
Louise T Blouin Foundation Institute, 3 Olaf Street, W11 | 22 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Louise T Blouin Foundation Institute, 3 Olaf Street, W11 | 22 minutes from The Idler Academy
... More
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Hotels near The Idler Academy
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