It’s a cold, clear, sunny day in Bermondsey and the address I’m walking to is definitely inviting: “the biscuit factory”. Hoping to sniff a sweet perfume of freshly baked cookies, I’m instead welcomed by the smell of bacon from the local canteen. That too, is fine with me. The factory no longer produces biscuits, but is a recently restored brick building that hosts start-ups and young companies, such as the Vibe art gallery.

SE (South East London) is a postcode that has been given a fancy facelift and has now become the hub for contemporary art. The move of the famous White Cube Gallery in Bermondsey street, has certainly helped the creative flourish in a desolated, residential area of the capital.

I’m meeting with the staff of the Vibe art gallery and descend into a welcoming basement space that just opened a few months ago and promises to serve a coffee among art. A well-known formula, of course, but one that the Vibe gallery delivers with enthusiasm and along with the motto “art for everyone”. The gallery’s name couldn’t be more appropriate in its simplicity, as the atmosphere is certainly vibrant with the excitement typical of new ventures.

“London is in ferment, the 2012’s Olympics will certainly help the artistic scene grow even more. The Games are going to attract thousands of events, London’s art galleries will provide adequate space and planning. This is why, the moment couldn’t be more perfect than this, for us to open “Vibe” says Nadia Spita, a curator at the gallery.

She continues “ Our mission is far from the preconception that art is a luxury only for the eyes of experts and intellectuals. We aim to bring art to everyone, according to any budget or taste. Contemporary art isn’t something you need having studied before to understand, it’s all about the feeling a piece conveys that matters.” .

The gallery is not only an exhibition space, but is also the hub of an international artists community. Art Caffè is a project nurtured by Nadia herself and coordinates hundreds of creatives around the world into find affordable exhibition spaces and event planning. She manages a wide net of contacts here in London, to bring the best art in the capital. “Art Caffè is constantly growing and is involved with important institutions all across Europe. Our social media channels, online ( but also offline) word of mouth, helped us reach many artists and build a strong reputation”.

Vibe’s social calendar is always busy with performances, events and happenings that will skyrocket next Summer.

If you’re in London, just divert from the sightseeing itineraries and visit the Vibe art gallery to bring home a piece of UK’s best art instead of that Union Jack’s keychain. Plus, you can enjoy a cup of java and relax, away from the urban jungle.