13 places for Frieze week, with ROOM 13's Maja

Anna Maja Spiess has spent two decades in the art world, from blue-chip galleries to cultural partnerships, and now gives her time to three things, the strategic advisory UponRequest.art, the members club ROOM 13 and her own artistic practice. She founded ROOM 13 in Miami in 2024 on a belief in genuine community, and it has since brought artists, collectors and curators together in London, Paris, Berlin and New York.

She lives outside Berlin, in the woods, and is in transit most of the rest of the time. London is one of the cities she keeps coming back to, which is why we asked her for thirteen places in it, one for every ROOM, to fill the hours around Frieze London and Frieze Masters in The Regent's Park from 14 - 18 October.

We spoke to Maja in September about connection, kindness and the art world's unwritten rules. You can read the full interview here.

Here are her thirteen, in her order, in her words.

Sir John Soane's Museum

Sir John Soane's Museum. Image courtesy of FLO London

Hard to explain. Eclectic. Weird. An accrochage of everything. A testament to one man's wild taste and the fact that there is no such thing as too much art. He also supposedly threw new acquisitions a party so works added (and works is a loose term, items? pieces ;) were properly welcomed into the lot.
13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP. soane.org;  @soanemuseum

Tea House Theatre

Tea House Theatre. Image credit Anna Maja Spiess

I have a deep love for this little tea house, maybe not on your usual route but always worth a lil' detour. I've been buying their ginger turmeric tea for years and sitting there, by the fireplace (they have two) possibly one of the resident cats in your lap and eat either one of their incredible (and sizeable) slices of cake, or dive into some bangers and mash alongside a pot of their vast tea selection is heaven.
139 Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5HL. teahousetheatre.co.uk; @teahousetheatre

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Image credit FLO London.

I do love a good greenhouse. Especially in the drizzly in between season go and take a break from the outside world amongst the leafy greens. Climb up the spiral staircase and become plant.
Richmond, TW9 3AE. kew.org; @kewgardens

Jin Bao

Jin Bao. Image credit Anna Maja Spiess

Once you schlepped yourself all the way out there, reward yourself with a truly authentic, massively delicious bao. Or actually anything these lovely ladies make in their tiny shop.
115 North Rd, Richmond TW9 4HJ.  @jinbao_kewgardens

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Image credit Marios Kefalas

I discovered this place after my first India trip maybe 2010? It is a journey especially with public transport but it's oh so worth it. Currently they are doing some construction but save it and check the website when they are ready again.
Pramukh Swami Rd, Neasden, NW10 8HW. londonmandir.baps.org; @neasdentemple

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market. Image credit Mieke Campbell

Always fun, get snacks, head into the depth of the antique arcade. Buy things you never thought you need. Like a Victorian saltshaker in the shape of a cute lion or a silver gelatine print of the Palazzo Ducale in Venice...
Portobello Road, W11 1LJ. visitportobello.com; @visitportobello

Ram Rijal

Ram Rijal. Image credit Anna Maja Spiess.

Best to contact him via insta he occasionally also sells out of the antique stalls at Portobello. Bring cash ;) and no the ATM on Portobello is often not able to give enough.
antique stalls at Portobello Road. @ramjewellery

Liberty London

Liberty London. Image credit focal insight photography.

Specifically the haberdashery department, get fabrics and get crafty w your local seamstress ;)
Regent St, Carnaby, W1B 5AH. libertylondon.com;@libertylondon

The Westbourne

The Westbourne. Image courtesy of The Westbourne

There needs to be pub in this and this is mine. I know, I know but I spend a lot of time there in my not so wasted youth and I guess that is why we love one pub over another. The memories. Go make your own! Plus it does have some great art :)
101 Westbourne Park Villas, W2 5ED. thewestbourne.com; @thewestbourne

Wellcome Collection

Wellcome Collection. Image courtesy of Wellcome Collection

If I only have time for one museum it's always the Wellcome for me. Over the years I've never seen a show there I didn't like, took an ungodly amount of photos and inspiration from and simply "yes".
183 Euston Rd, NW1 2BE. wellcomecollection.org; @wellcomecollection

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum. Image courtesy of FLO London

Specifically the Spirit collection tour at the Darwin centre, cause why look at Hirst when you can see an entire Giant Squid in formaldehyde named Archie, plus wear a little lab coat while doing so. Très chic. Book tour way in advance.
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, SW7 5BD. nhm.ac.uk; @natural_history_museum

LIU Xiaomian Marylebone

LIU Xiaomian Marylebone. Image courtesy of LIU Xiaomian Marylebone

My fave last years Frieze moment, when ROOM 13 cofounder Max Mallows pulled this gem out of his hat. Love me some spicy noodles and a speakeasy vibe. 10/10
The Jackalope, 43 Weymouth Mews, W1G 7EQ. liu-xiaomian.com; @liu_xiaomian

The Wolseley

The Wolseley. Image credit Anna Maja Spiess

High tea. No notes.
160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB. thewolseley.com; @thewolseley

ROOM 13's next London gathering is on 12 October, ahead of the fair.