diamond geezer
National Gallery 200
The National Gallery first threw open its doors 200 years ago today. It wasn't in Trafalgar Square...
8 months ago
The National Gallery first threw open its doors 200 years ago today. It wasn't in Trafalgar Square at the time, that hadn't been built yet, but at 100 Pall Mall in a dead banker's townhouse. Here John Julius Angerstein's small collection of Old Masters was displayed, slowly...
Herbert Lui
Define it
Ambiguity makes language wonderful. The same sentence, or even word, could mean something entirely...
3 weeks ago
Ambiguity makes language wonderful. The same sentence, or even word, could mean something entirely different to another person. A writer may have a specific intention for their words, and yet there could be as many different interpretations as there are readers. This also means...
The Forney Flyer
MAF Liberia
A few weeks ago I was asked to pop over to Liberia (on the west coast of Africa) to help with their...
over a year ago
A few weeks ago I was asked to pop over to Liberia (on the west coast of Africa) to help with their flying for six weeks. Our Liberia program has been short on pilots and very busy with flying, so of course I was happy to help!
Above is a shot of a bunch of Covid vaccines...
Londonist
Stunning Light Trails And Illumination Festivals To See Near London This Winter
Absolutely enchanting evenings out in south-east England.
a year ago
Absolutely enchanting evenings out in south-east England.
diamond geezer
London's waymarked walks
London's waymarked walks
(i.e. they have signs showing you the way to go)
(n.b. fabulous...
8 months ago
London's waymarked walks
(i.e. they have signs showing you the way to go)
(n.b. fabulous Londonwide map here)
The Premier League
(i.e. important enough to be listed on the TfL website)
Capital Ring: 75 miles, 15 sections [blogged✔]
Full directions courtesy of the Inner...
Londonist
How To Spend A Weekend In Gibraltar
The best things to see and do on 'the Rock'.
a year ago
The best things to see and do on 'the Rock'.
Londonist
Christmas Music Shows In London 2023 - Get Festive With Everything From Crooners To Massaoke
Carols not your thing? There's still a sleigh-load of festive music to lap up.
a year ago
Carols not your thing? There's still a sleigh-load of festive music to lap up.
Londonist
Which Tube Station Is Furthest From Its Namesake?
How far is it from Kew Gardens to Kew Gardens?
a year ago
How far is it from Kew Gardens to Kew Gardens?
AFAR Media - Travel...
In-Depth Review of the Inn at Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos, California
a year ago
Cheese and Biscuits
Med Salleh Viet, Earl's Court
It's a funny old part of town is Earl's Court. Not quite Kensington, not quite Chelsea, not many...
2 months ago
It's a funny old part of town is Earl's Court. Not quite Kensington, not quite Chelsea, not many reasons to visit (certainly not since the conference center/arena got pulled down), it's these days little more than a fairly ordinary provincial high street dumped in West London,...
Spoon & Tamago
Kirie Artist Lito Celebrates Tanabata with Handcut Leaves
Today is Tanabata (七夕, meaning “Evening of the seventh”), a Japanese festival celebrating the...
6 months ago
Today is Tanabata (七夕, meaning “Evening of the seventh”), a Japanese festival celebrating the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh...
Londonist
Artist Will Lie On Tower Bridge's Glass Walkway All Day This Saturday
Thought-provoking work from Anahita Harding.
10 months ago
Thought-provoking work from Anahita Harding.
Spoon & Tamago
Evolving Themes of Absence and Presence in the Paintings of Minoru Nomata
Still-28 1986 Painting is an escapist world, but I would like it to be a place to become energized...
11 months ago
Still-28 1986 Painting is an escapist world, but I would like it to be a place to become energized Minoru Nomata Over the past four decades, Minoru Nomata has developed a distinctive painting style characterized by imaginary architectonic and topographical forms. His works...
diamond geezer
Pentonville Road
PENTONVILLE
ROAD
£120
London's Monopoly Streets
PENTONVILLE ROAD
Colour group: light...
10 months ago
PENTONVILLE
ROAD
£120
London's Monopoly Streets
PENTONVILLE ROAD
Colour group: light blue
Purchase price: £120
Rent: £8
Length: ¾ mile
Borough: Islington
Postcode: N1
Euston Road and the Angel Islington. That's because it's another segment of the New Road, London's first...
AFAR Media - Travel...
5 Most Exciting Travel Destinations in the U.S. to Visit
a year ago
Herbert Lui
Everything I shipped in 2024
Self-initiated creative projects: Figma projects: FGX projects: I didn’t count all of the blog posts...
2 weeks ago
Self-initiated creative projects: Figma projects: FGX projects: I didn’t count all of the blog posts that I published here, which I’m absolutely delighted by. There were also some really important personal practices I shipped, including a meditation practice and journaling. I got...
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 2-8 October 2023
Things to do for under a fiver.
a year ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
diamond geezer
Monday transport news
Subscribe now to get a dose of London transport news in your inbox every Monday.
You've Got...
a year ago
Subscribe now to get a dose of London transport news in your inbox every Monday.
You've Got Mail
Here's the roundel mat at Acton Main Line which is located just behind the gateline. It's easiest seen by those exiting the station, although they can only read it upside-down...
diamond geezer
Stratford & Bow
All the candidates for the upcoming General Election are now in place, so I thought I'd have a look...
7 months ago
All the candidates for the upcoming General Election are now in place, so I thought I'd have a look to see who mine are.
approximately equal electorates, which is terrible news for Wales (which is losing eight MPs) and good news for London (which is gaining two). Tower Hamlets...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Amsterdam Plans to Ban Large Cruise Ships: What to Expect
a year ago
Londonist
London's Curious Collection Of Golden Statues
Golden wonders.
a year ago
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 23-24 September 2023
Exhibitions, festivals, workshops, talks, cabaret, comedy... phew!
a year ago
Exhibitions, festivals, workshops, talks, cabaret, comedy... phew!
AFAR Media - Travel...
How to Plan a Relaxing Getaway in the Austrian Alps
6 months ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
7 Must-Try Winter Activities in Park City, Utah
a month ago
diamond geezer
Thames Water
"Sorry, we might go bust next year," is not what you want to hear from your water company. Ideally...
a year ago
"Sorry, we might go bust next year," is not what you want to hear from your water company. Ideally we wouldn't have water companies at all, we'd have one competent publicly owned authority, but we are where we are and this is the shitshow we've ended up with. So I wondered, how...
Cheese and Biscuits
Kolae, Borough Market
Everywhere you look the cost of living crisis bites, and few areas is that more evident than the...
a year ago
Everywhere you look the cost of living crisis bites, and few areas is that more evident than the restaurant industry. If you're a regular anywhere you will have noticed your favourite dishes and tipples creeping up 10%-20% every few months, seemingly in an existential race with...
Londonist
Life Drawing With Wolves... In A London Hotel
Anyone can get involved... even kids!
a year ago
Anyone can get involved... even kids!
Londonist
This Oxford Circus Building Is The Mini Me Of An Iconic Manhattan Skyscraper
Palladium House is a tribute to the American Radiator Building.
11 months ago
Palladium House is a tribute to the American Radiator Building.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Inside the New Delta Sky Club Lounge at NY’s JFK Airport
a year ago
diamond geezer
London's Unlost Rivers 10
It's ten years today since I started a blog series called London's Unlost Rivers.
Fray's...
a week ago
It's ten years today since I started a blog series called London's Unlost Rivers.
Fray's River
The RoxbourneEdgwarebury Brook
Deans BrookCuffley Brook
Merryhills BrookRiver Lea
The ChingThe Ravensbourne
River Roding
River Pinn
River ColneBurnt Oak Brook
Wealdstone Brook
Silk...
diamond geezer
A2025
It's the road of the year. It's the A2025.
The best thing about the A2025 is that it starts by...
a week ago
It's the road of the year. It's the A2025.
The best thing about the A2025 is that it starts by the sea. We're in Lancing, eight miles west of Brighton, so the beach is a long strip of shingle punctuated by wooden groynes. I stood by the oscillating water's edge and watched...
Cheese and Biscuits
Nord, Liverpool
In a town that already plays host to wonderful places like Wreckfish and Manifest, you'd think that...
a year ago
In a town that already plays host to wonderful places like Wreckfish and Manifest, you'd think that the opening of another reasonably-priced, seasonal modern British restaurant in the centre of Liverpool would be a shoo-in for success. With demand already proven for this kind of...
Londonist
London's New Women's Museum Opens This March
Launching on International Women's Day.
10 months ago
Launching on International Women's Day.
Londonist
Things To Do In London Over The Bank Holiday Weekend
Ways to fill a long weekend in the capital.
10 months ago
Ways to fill a long weekend in the capital.
diamond geezer
Whitechapel Road
WHITECHAPEL
ROAD
£60
London's Monopoly Streets
WHITECHAPEL ROAD
Colour group: brown
Purchase...
12 months ago
WHITECHAPEL
ROAD
£60
London's Monopoly Streets
WHITECHAPEL ROAD
Colour group: brown
Purchase price: £60
Rent: £4
Length: 1 kilometre
Borough: Tower Hamlets
Postcodes: E1
Whitechapel Road would be the first square. Instead it's the second brown, the more expensive of the...
Londonist
Sing With Dogs In Church At Battersea's Barking Mad 2023 Carol Concert
An un-fur-gettable Christmas event in London.
a year ago
An un-fur-gettable Christmas event in London.
Londonist
10 Under-Appreciated Buildings On London's South Bank
From Italianate hospitals to bucolic almshouses.
a year ago
From Italianate hospitals to bucolic almshouses.
Londonist
That Time Lord Onslow's Monkey Escaped Onto The Tube
Simian crisis at Barbican.
a year ago
Simian crisis at Barbican.
Londonist
Trivia About Other Places Called London Around The World
Including one which is FREAKISHLY similar to our own London.
a year ago
Including one which is FREAKISHLY similar to our own London.
diamond geezer
Advent Way
'Tis the season.
Advent Way N18
A country lane called Angel Road once headed east out of...
a month ago
'Tis the season.
Advent Way N18
A country lane called Angel Road once headed east out of Edmonton following Pymme's Brook, ending at a sylvan bridge across the River Lea where anglers often gathered. Then in the 1920s the North Circular Road was built, the engineers choosing...
Londonist
15 Things You Never Knew About Wembley Park
Steeped in history.
a year ago
Londonist
Dive Into This Free Exhibition About Billingsgate Fish Market
Living the bream.
11 months ago
diamond geezer
Coppermill Stream
THE UNLOST RIVERS OF LONDON
Coppermill Stream
Tottenham Hale → Stamford Hill (1¼ miles)
River Lee...
a week ago
THE UNLOST RIVERS OF LONDON
Coppermill Stream
Tottenham Hale → Stamford Hill (1¼ miles)
River Lee Navigation Act authorised the creation of straighter cuts chopping off awkward meanders and the introduction of towpaths on both sides of the river. The sequential introduction of...
Londonist
Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral... From Westminster Abbey
Hit augmented reality experience comes to London.
a year ago
Hit augmented reality experience comes to London.
diamond geezer
Connection issues
I had a nice 2025-related post lined up for you today, but I have issues.
lot of...
2 weeks ago
I had a nice 2025-related post lined up for you today, but I have issues.
lot of twiddling.
lightning port.
Yes, I've tried cleaning it but to no effect.
online advice.
There are potential getarounds to get the photos off the phone.
comments if(postComments['91681514525519'] !=...
diamond geezer
The rising price of the double issue Radio Times
The Christmas double issue Radio Times has been published.
cover price has gone up again.
(and 50...
a month ago
The Christmas double issue Radio Times has been published.
cover price has gone up again.
(and 50 years ago, just 16p)
The data: 1974 16p, 1975 20p, 1976 22p, 1977 26p, 1978 26p, 1979 30p, 1980 36p, 1981 50p, 1982 50p, 1983 56p, 1984 60p, 1985 64p, 1986 70p, 1987 74p, 1988...
Londonist
The No Trousers Tube Ride Returns To London This Weekend
It's January. Let's get half-naked on public transport.
a year ago
It's January. Let's get half-naked on public transport.
Londonist
Take A Tour Of The Magnificent Palace Of Westminster This Autumn
Ahead of the State Opening in November.
a year ago
Ahead of the State Opening in November.
Londonist
Fantastically Creative Themed Afternoon Teas In London
Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Shakespeare.
a year ago
Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Shakespeare.
Cheese and Biscuits
The Hightown Inn, Liverpool
Despite spending the first 20 years of my life about 100m up the road from the Hightown Inn (then...
2 weeks ago
Despite spending the first 20 years of my life about 100m up the road from the Hightown Inn (then the Hightown Hotel), I never really considered this grand old Victorian building to be much of a "local". I was far more likely to get the train to the Railway in Formby where most...
AFAR Media - Travel...
You Can See the 2024 Solar Eclipse During This 22-Day Cruise
a year ago
Spoon & Tamago
Take a Ride on the Yagi-Shingu Bus, Japan’s Longest Local Bus Route
all photos by Masamichi Kirihara courtesy Sankei Japanese trains often get all the love, but we’re a...
a year ago
all photos by Masamichi Kirihara courtesy Sankei Japanese trains often get all the love, but we’re a fan of their buses too. And if you’re keen on living the slow life while also experiencing the Japanese countryside, boy do we have the perfect activity for you. The Yagi-Shingu...
AFAR Media - Travel...
New United Lounge in Newark Airport's Terminal A Now Open
a year ago
diamond geezer
London's longest countdowns
Works to remodel the Old Street roundabout are nearing completion, above ground at least. It was...
9 months ago
Works to remodel the Old Street roundabout are nearing completion, above ground at least. It was still possible to drive round it five years ago, then massive sequential roadworks intervened and the northwest arm was slowly pedestrianised. Cars now have to negotiate a very...
Londonist
The Massive (And Massively Controversial) Stratford Sphere
Is Vegas coming to east London?
a year ago
Is Vegas coming to east London?
diamond geezer
Post Office Tower
When it opened anyone could pay four shillings to take a lift to the top of the Post Office Tower,...
3 months ago
When it opened anyone could pay four shillings to take a lift to the top of the Post Office Tower, and in that first year over a million people took up the offer. But the viewing platforms closed in 1971 following a terrorist explosion and the famous revolving restaurant closed...
diamond geezer
Walking With The Snowman
"Have you done the snowman sculpture trail yet?" my brother asked. He does like a good thematic...
a year ago
"Have you done the snowman sculpture trail yet?" my brother asked. He does like a good thematic painted fibreglass orienteering gadabout.
Walking With The Snowman and is spread across part of the City between Chancery Lane and St Paul's. There are a dozen snowmen altogether, and...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 22-28 January 2024
The best Londonist articles from the past week.
11 months ago
The best Londonist articles from the past week.
diamond geezer
Wood End
Do you ever look at the front of a bus and think "where the hell is that?"?
actual place in actual...
3 months ago
Do you ever look at the front of a bus and think "where the hell is that?"?
actual place in actual London. It even has a library, or rather it did but we'll get to that. You'll find it west of Sudbury, north of Greenford, east of Northolt and south of South Harrow, if that...
Cheese and Biscuits
Restaurant of the Year 2022 - The Bridge Arms, Canterbury
Since the madness of the Covid Times, you may have noticed that the rate of posting on this blog has...
over a year ago
Since the madness of the Covid Times, you may have noticed that the rate of posting on this blog has slowed down a bit. Where I used to try and do 6 or 7 posts a month, and with that obviously stopping completely while there was nothing open to review, I have since found that 2...
Londonist
The Great Exhibition Road Festival Returns This June
One street, hundreds of free events.
10 months ago
One street, hundreds of free events.
diamond geezer
Sadiq's third manifesto
Sadiq's manifesto has finally been published so let's take a look (mainly so there's a blogpost to...
9 months ago
Sadiq's manifesto has finally been published so let's take a look (mainly so there's a blogpost to check at the end of his term in 2028).
Title: A fairer, safer, greener London for everyone
Pages: 67
Top 10 pledges
1) Free school meals
2) Freeze TfL fares
3) 40,000 new...
AFAR Media - Travel...
A Family-Friendly Travel Guide to Minneapolis, MN
8 months ago
diamond geezer
Unblogged October
31 unblogged things I did in October
Sun 1: If you're putting together a 'Joyridden Cars Smashed...
a year ago
31 unblogged things I did in October
Sun 1: If you're putting together a 'Joyridden Cars Smashed Into Bus Shelters' Calendar, this is the ideal photo for November.
Mon 2: I've been enjoying the podcast Uncharted with Hannah Fry in which the BBC's go-to mathematician tells...
AFAR Media - Travel...
United Airlines Credit Cards Increase Sign-Up Bonuses
a year ago
Londonist
Tower Bridge Will Be Stuck In The Raised Position, As It Closes Over Bank Holiday
It's supposed to be like that.
a year ago
It's supposed to be like that.
Spoon & Tamago
A Struggling Regional Train Line Turns its Cars into a Photo Gallery to Boost Ridership
the winning photograph of the Koumi Line photo contest There are numerous tiny train lines across...
a year ago
the winning photograph of the Koumi Line photo contest There are numerous tiny train lines across Japan that are a dying breed. One of those is the Koumi Line, which connects Kobuchizawa Station in Yamanashi with Komoro Station in Nagano. The picturesque line, despite its views...
Londonist
Hither Green Rail Crash: 1967 Disaster Was One Of London's Worst
"I saw one of the coaches go straight up on its end."
a year ago
"I saw one of the coaches go straight up on its end."
Spoon & Tamago
Cafe Fang: An Oasis of Books and Coffee in Kyoto
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of touristy Kyoto, head to this newly opened oasis of...
a year ago
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of touristy Kyoto, head to this newly opened oasis of books and coffee. Located slightly north of central Kyoto is the Donkou Kissa Fang, a serene cafe and private book collection built inside immaculately crafted townhouse and garden....
Spoon & Tamago
Repurposing Japan’s Glut of Empty Homes as Greenhouses
The coronavirus pandemic had a drastic and immediate impact on Yuichiro Shimizu’s taxi business. As...
a year ago
The coronavirus pandemic had a drastic and immediate impact on Yuichiro Shimizu’s taxi business. As early as January 2020, Nichiei Taxi, a local business that has been servicing Saitama prefecture for over 50 years, saw their revenue drop by a staggering 80%. To save the company,...
Londonist
See A Flock Of 50 Sheep Herded Over Southwark Bridge This September
By a celebrity.
a year ago
diamond geezer
River Wogebourne
THE UNLOST RIVERS OF LONDON
River Wogebourne
Shooters Hill → East Wickham → Abbey Wood → Thamesmead...
8 months ago
THE UNLOST RIVERS OF LONDON
River Wogebourne
Shooters Hill → East Wickham → Abbey Wood → Thamesmead (5 miles)
The Wogebourne is a five mile tributary of the River Thames in the southeast London boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley, that flows generally in a northeasterly direction,...
diamond geezer
2025 fares
-->TfL's annual fare rise was announced yesterday. It's good news for buses and bad news for...
a month ago
-->TfL's annual fare rise was announced yesterday. It's good news for buses and bad news for trains.
GOOD: "The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that he will freeze bus and tram fares for an historic sixth time next year, meaning Londoners continue to pay the...
diamond geezer
The centre of London
The centre of London is generally taken to be the statue of Charles I on the south side of Trafalgar...
9 months ago
The centre of London is generally taken to be the statue of Charles I on the south side of Trafalgar Square. It sits on the site of the original Charing Cross and is also the point from which mileages are measured, as a plaque at its foot attests.
1) The centroid
centroid is...
Londonist
Concrete Beauty Of The National Theatre Captured In This Abstract Exhibition
Amelia Lancaster has been photographing it for over 20 years.
a year ago
Amelia Lancaster has been photographing it for over 20 years.
diamond geezer
Rail & Heritage Loop
A Nice Walk?: Rail & Heritage Loop (18 miles)
Buro Happold, in association with social enterprise...
5 months ago
A Nice Walk?: Rail & Heritage Loop (18 miles)
Buro Happold, in association with social enterprise Footways, have just launched a new circular walking route linking 10 central London rail termini. It's not meant for speedy connections, more for recreational wandering, and ticks...
diamond geezer
My Saturday
My Saturday
diamond geezer
5am I awake early because there's not a moment to be wasted. I'll read...
11 months ago
My Saturday
diamond geezer
5am I awake early because there's not a moment to be wasted. I'll read for a while - the latest by Tess Gerritsen is a proper page turner - then leap purposefully out of bed and find a grapefruit to slice, perhaps a handful of berries. The cafetière...
Londonist
A Chance To Visit The 'Roman' Bath In Strand Lane
One of London's most lied-about attractions.
a year ago
One of London's most lied-about attractions.
AFAR Media - Travel...
What it's Like to Try an Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Tour
a year ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
Driving Across Norway, the Most Electric Car-Friendly Country in the World
a year ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
The British Virgin Islands Is Your Ultimate Vacation Destination
a year ago
diamond geezer
Bow Roundabout update #4
Four months of major roadworks were supposed to begin at the Bow Roundabout on Monday. So how's that...
3 months ago
Four months of major roadworks were supposed to begin at the Bow Roundabout on Monday. So how's that going?
Monday 30th September
Tuesday 1st October
I popped up to Old Ford to see what's happened with route 8 terminating one stop early. A temporary stand has been created...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 4-10 December 2023
Our best articles from the past week.
a year ago
Our best articles from the past week.
diamond geezer
Just hanging around
25% of the 13 minute journey from Whitechapel to Paddington is spent not moving.
I tweeted this...
a year ago
25% of the 13 minute journey from Whitechapel to Paddington is spent not moving.
I tweeted this on Thursday, and it currently has 616 likes.
» Glad it’s not just me that’s noticed abnormally long dwell times. Very annoying!
» The padding is incredible
» God forbid a public...
Herbert Lui
Itoya and the charm of stationary
While corporations such as Staples or Office Depot may sell supplies, a retailer like Itoya sells...
a month ago
While corporations such as Staples or Office Depot may sell supplies, a retailer like Itoya sells stationary. The difference is stationary comes with a charm just as essential as the equipment—creativity, possibilities, and consideration. If you visit Itoya’s 18-floor flagship...
diamond geezer
World Cup of London Walks
The best thing about the creation of the Green Link Walk is that it brings the number of Walk London...
9 months ago
The best thing about the creation of the Green Link Walk is that it brings the number of Walk London walks to eight.
So let's do it, let's bring on the WORLD CUP OF LONDON WALKS.
Two rivers: Thames Path v Lea Valley Walk
Two greens: Green Chain Walk v Green Link Walk
Two...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 1-7 April 2024
Our top stories from the last seven days.
9 months ago
Our top stories from the last seven days.
Spoon & Tamago
Japan Society Presents Family Portrait: Japanese Family in Flux
this post is sponsored by Japan Society Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan and Japan...
11 months ago
this post is sponsored by Japan Society Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan and Japan Society are proud to announce the eighth installment of the ACA Cinema Project film series, Family Portrait: Japanese Family in Flux. The series examines the shifting dynamics and...
diamond geezer
Superloop 2
Yesterday's big reveal from would-be Mayor-to-be Sadiq was a major extension to the Superloop...
9 months ago
Yesterday's big reveal from would-be Mayor-to-be Sadiq was a major extension to the Superloop express bus network. Phase 1 has ten routes and the plan is to add another ten and call it Superloop 2. There's a map and everything.
The most important thing on the map is the box in...
diamond geezer
perhaps your most incredibly dull post
According to a reader, my investigation of the five smallest parks in Barking and Dagenham was...
a month ago
According to a reader, my investigation of the five smallest parks in Barking and Dagenham was "perhaps your most incredibly dull post".
All the buses in Barking and Dagenham in alphabetical order
What I had for dinner on December 4th for the last 45 years
1980 roast
1981...
Londonist
Pick Your Own Christmas Tree At These Festive Farms In And Around London
Christmas jumpers optional. Wellies recommended.
a year ago
Christmas jumpers optional. Wellies recommended.
Londonist
Photos Of The London Tube In The 1940s And Ukraine's Metros In The 2020s
Echoes of the Blitz comes to LTM.
10 months ago
Echoes of the Blitz comes to LTM.
Londonist
Things To Do In London In The Easter Holidays 2024
Family-friendly events in the capital this spring.
10 months ago
Family-friendly events in the capital this spring.
Londonist
London Now Has Its First Statue Of Queen Elizabeth II
Bronze likeness unveiled at Royal Albert Hall.
a year ago
Bronze likeness unveiled at Royal Albert Hall.
Londonist
Grown-Up Events To Take Your Baby To In London
Baby-friendly events, designed with adults in mind.
a year ago
Baby-friendly events, designed with adults in mind.
Londonist
Where To Watch Dickens' A Christmas Carol On Stage In London, 2023
From traditional retellings to drunk adaptations.
a year ago
From traditional retellings to drunk adaptations.
AFAR Media - Travel...
A Travel Itinerary Exploring the Roman Empire in Germany
7 months ago
diamond geezer
Where in London?
It's Where in London? time again.
You can see the photos individually here: NW NE SW...
8 months ago
It's Where in London? time again.
You can see the photos individually here: NW NE SW SE
Answers
NW: ???Vanbrough Crescent, Lime Tree Park, Northolt UB5-->
NE: Stansgate Road shops, Dagenham RM10
SW: Heatherlea Grove, The Hamptons, Worcester Park KT4
SE: The Beck, High Broom...
Londonist
Denmark Street: The Musical History Of London's "Tin Pan Alley"
We interview author Peter Watts about his new book.
a year ago
We interview author Peter Watts about his new book.
Londonist
"The Tube Is Ripe For Comedy - So I Wrote A Play About It"
Chances are you'll recognise some of the characters in Cockfosters.
a year ago
Chances are you'll recognise some of the characters in Cockfosters.
Londonist
Things To Do This Easter Weekend In London: 29 March-1 April 2024
Our bumper events guide for the long weekend.
9 months ago
Our bumper events guide for the long weekend.
Londonist
Mesmerising Shots Of London From Above At Christmas
Ding dong merrily on (very) high.
a year ago
Ding dong merrily on (very) high.
Londonist
The Shard Is Lighting Up With The St George's Cross For The Lionesses
Turns out The Shard is an England supporter.
a year ago
Turns out The Shard is an England supporter.
diamond geezer
Westminster 25
Silver Jubilee: Westminster
Westminster's Jubilee line platforms opened 25 years ago today on 22nd...
3 weeks ago
Silver Jubilee: Westminster
Westminster's Jubilee line platforms opened 25 years ago today on 22nd December 1999.
Westminster station - a clickable choose-your-own adventure
(it is genuinely clickable - give it a go!)
(1) You have arrived on the westbound Jubilee line...
Londonist
Panto In London - Where To Watch The Best Pantomimes This Festive Season
Panto is back for 2023 - oh yes it is!
a year ago
Panto is back for 2023 - oh yes it is!
Spoon & Tamago
Trains Intersect with Everyday Life in Nostalgic Illustrations by Shinjiro Ogawa
Trains are an integral part of daily life in Japan, supporting commutes, errands and all other forms...
a year ago
Trains are an integral part of daily life in Japan, supporting commutes, errands and all other forms of daily life. And while their existence can be taken for granted, their many forms and colors add to the uniqueness of each neighborhood they traverse. Capturing the scenery of...
Cheese and Biscuits
The Silver Birch, Chiswick
It's a pleasant novelty to, for once, not be opening a post about an excellent neighbourhood...
a year ago
It's a pleasant novelty to, for once, not be opening a post about an excellent neighbourhood restaurant without a resigned grump about the lack of such places in my own particular neighbourhood. Until recently, my fellow SW11 residents had very little to be proud of (and even...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 11-17 March 2024
Our best articles from the past week.
10 months ago
Our best articles from the past week.
diamond geezer
TfL FoI requests in June 2024
20 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in June 2024
1) Whatever 16 members of the public have...
6 months ago
20 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in June 2024
1) Whatever 16 members of the public have said, no occurrences of bedbugs have been identified on TfL services over the past two years.
2) London's least busy bus stop is at Dysart Avenue (I blogged about this in some...
diamond geezer
London's most terminussy bus terminus
I won't keep you long today.
Let's answer a dull question.
Which London bus terminus has the most...
8 months ago
I won't keep you long today.
Let's answer a dull question.
Which London bus terminus has the most terminating routes?
See, half of you can head off already.
This is a surprisingly difficult question to answer.
It used to be easy when TfL made bus maps.
I made myself a list...
Spoon & Tamago
Japan’s Stationery Award Offers a Return to the Primitive
Early civilizations had it all figured out. At least according to the Kokuyo Design Awards, arguably...
9 months ago
Early civilizations had it all figured out. At least according to the Kokuyo Design Awards, arguably Japan’s most-influential stationery design award, which this year asked designers to look to the past. “If we return to the idea of ‘primitive’ in order to create the future,”...
Londonist
Review: Fantasy: Realms Of The Imagination At The British Library
The genre finally gets the exhibition it deserves.
a year ago
The genre finally gets the exhibition it deserves.
Spoon & Tamago
Travelling Through Eizan Railway’s Picturesque ‘Momiji Tunnel’
all photos courtesy Eizan Electric Railway Along Kyoto’s Eizan Electric Railway is a section known...
a year ago
all photos courtesy Eizan Electric Railway Along Kyoto’s Eizan Electric Railway is a section known as “Maple Tree Tunnel” (momiji tunnel, in Japanese) that is lined with hundreds of maple trees. They are, of course, beautiful any time of year. But maple trees are particularly...
Cheese and Biscuits
The Pelican, Notting Hill
While I think the Top 50 Gastropub list is largely great, every year when it's announced there is...
a year ago
While I think the Top 50 Gastropub list is largely great, every year when it's announced there is the same grumbling about how some of the nominated places are best described as 'restaurants that operate out of a pub building' than pubs. I have long argued that to be considered...
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 26 February-3 March 2024
Things to do for under a fiver.
10 months ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
Londonist
See Alan Turing... The Musical!
Riverside Studios celebrates the great genius.
a year ago
Riverside Studios celebrates the great genius.
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 25-31 March 2024
Catch up with the best Londonist articles from the past week.
9 months ago
Catch up with the best Londonist articles from the past week.
Londonist
Bold New Look For Old City Hall
Plans teased for a more open, green look.
a year ago
Plans teased for a more open, green look.
diamond geezer
TfL FoI requests in May 2024
20 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in May 2024
1) The three Elizabeth line ticket offices...
7 months ago
20 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in May 2024
1) The three Elizabeth line ticket offices which sold the fewest tickets in 2023 were Acton Main Line (2736), Hanwell (3375) and Maryland (4037). That's about 10 tickets per day.
2) The installation of new brighter lighting...
diamond geezer
Gaps between Easters
You've probably noticed that Easter Day moves around a lot. Yes, it can fall on any date between...
9 months ago
You've probably noticed that Easter Day moves around a lot. Yes, it can fall on any date between 22nd March and 25th April, but it never seems to end up on the same weekend it did last year. And indeed it never can.
Let's take a look at how the date jumps around during the...
Cheese and Biscuits
Crispin at Studio Voltaire, Clapham Common
Although my useless photos hardly do it justice (let's just get that out of the way from the start),...
a month ago
Although my useless photos hardly do it justice (let's just get that out of the way from the start), Crispin at Studio Voltaire is a lovely space to eat in. The candles on each table aren't the only source of light, but provide a romantic accessory to the tealights dangling above...
Londonist
Fundraising Events In London For Medical And Humanitarian Aid In Gaza
Some ways to support emergency response efforts.
a year ago
Some ways to support emergency response efforts.
Londonist
Christmas Gift Guide: London Themed Presents To Buy For London Lovers!
Books, booze and unique stocking fillers.
a year ago
Books, booze and unique stocking fillers.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Esquelbecq Is Named France’s Favorite Village of 2023
a year ago
Londonist
We're Getting Fired Up About This Hot Sauce Festival In Peckham
Enjoy the spicier things in life.
9 months ago
Enjoy the spicier things in life.
diamond geezer
The Ballot Box
Pub of the Day: the Ballot Box UB6 7QL
Ballot Box, it's on Horsenden Lane between Perivale and...
6 months ago
Pub of the Day: the Ballot Box UB6 7QL
Ballot Box, it's on Horsenden Lane between Perivale and North Greenford. Nothing big drives this way thanks to a width restriction at the old bridge over the Grand Union, but the Capital Ring passes by just after its detour up Horsenden...
Londonist
Things To Do In The Borough Of Kingston Upon Thames
Or ROYAL Kingston upon Thames, if you insist.
11 months ago
Or ROYAL Kingston upon Thames, if you insist.
diamond geezer
50 dull lists
50 dull lists
UK cities without a railway station: Armagh, Ripon, St Asaph, St Davids,...
4 months ago
50 dull lists
UK cities without a railway station: Armagh, Ripon, St Asaph, St Davids, Wells
Commemorative stamps 2024: Spice Girls, Weather forecasting, Vikings, Dinosaurs, 100 years of commemorative stamps, Peppa Pig, Dogs, Red Arrows, Dungeons & Dragons, Tower of London,...
Londonist
Horizon 22: London's Got A Free New Viewing Gallery - And It's The Tallest In Western Europe
Booking opens 20 September.
a year ago
Booking opens 20 September.
Londonist
Get A Dose Of The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum
Small museum that's free to visit.
a year ago
Small museum that's free to visit.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Tips for Exploring L.A.'s Northern Shopping Districts
3 months ago
diamond geezer
Bus stops served by the most buses
Sunday was the 5th best day ever on diamond geezer, visitornumberswise, and came within a smidge of...
6 months ago
Sunday was the 5th best day ever on diamond geezer, visitornumberswise, and came within a smidge of being the 4th. As usual it had nothing to do with something I'd just written, just thousands of people piling onto an old post which just happened to answer a question someone had...
Londonist
London's Cosiest Hotels
Because baby it's cold outside.
a year ago
Because baby it's cold outside.
Londonist
That Time Someone Rode A Lambretta Down The Thames
Spoiler alert: it later sank.
a year ago
Spoiler alert: it later sank.
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 11-17 September 2023
Doctor Who, a child called Hyde Park, and some ace Ian Nairn quotes.
a year ago
Doctor Who, a child called Hyde Park, and some ace Ian Nairn quotes.
diamond geezer
Slowing the Bow Roundabout
(this is the last post written on my old laptop)
temporary timetables on bus routes 25, 205, 276,...
4 months ago
(this is the last post written on my old laptop)
temporary timetables on bus routes 25, 205, 276, 277 and 425 "to help with reliability during roadworks at the Bow Roundabout and displacement of traffic onto local roads". For example buses on route 25 usually run every 7-8...
Londonist
The Must-See London Exhibitions To Look Forward To In 2024
A glance ahead to the capital's upcoming blockbuster exhibitions.
a year ago
A glance ahead to the capital's upcoming blockbuster exhibitions.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Nature and Hiking Adventures in the Cayman Islands
9 months ago
Londonist
"We're Bringing Migrant Voices To The London Stage"
Foreign Affairs harnesses the power of translation.
a year ago
Foreign Affairs harnesses the power of translation.
diamond geezer
10,000 clicks
Yesterday Google sent me an email.
Congratulations! Your site reached 10K clicks from Google Search...
a year ago
Yesterday Google sent me an email.
Congratulations! Your site reached 10K clicks from Google Search in the past 28 days.
This is because several people still turn up at diamond geezer via search engines rather than visiting deliberately - apparently over 300 people daily. They...
diamond geezer
Election triplepoint
The General Election has seen Labour strengthen its hold over the capital with 59 MPs, while the...
6 months ago
The General Election has seen Labour strengthen its hold over the capital with 59 MPs, while the Liberal Democrats have doubled their total to 6 and the Conservatives slumped to just 9. The electoral map of London is thus almost all red, with a yellow bloc to the southwest and a...
diamond geezer
Energen Close
While I was in Willesden, round the back of Taylors Lane Power Station, I came across this...
9 months ago
While I was in Willesden, round the back of Taylors Lane Power Station, I came across this oddly-named cul-de-sac. That's an odd name for a cul-de-sac, I thought. Why was Energen Close named after a private company?
Powergen, not Energen, although they were founded in 1989 so...
Herbert Lui
Some notes on a return visit to Hong Kong
In late 2021, I moved to Hong Kong for six months. My partner and I enjoyed it so much that we ended...
a month ago
In late 2021, I moved to Hong Kong for six months. My partner and I enjoyed it so much that we ended up staying nearly a year and a half. We moved to New York City shortly after that, and I started my job at Figma. I always thought I’d document the trip some other […]
The post...
Londonist
Charlie Brown's - The Story Of Limehouse's Incredible 'Pub Museum'
An Aladdin's Cave in the East End.
a year ago
An Aladdin's Cave in the East End.
Londonist
19 Facts About London That Sound Made-Up But Are True
A drunken Karl Marx and a tube line to the coast.
a year ago
A drunken Karl Marx and a tube line to the coast.
AFAR Media - Travel...
How to Explore Innsbruck, the Capital of the Alps
6 months ago
diamond geezer
BL1
London's Free Buses
BL1: Bedfont Lakes - Feltham
BL2: Bedfont Lakes - Hatton Cross
Length of...
2 months ago
London's Free Buses
BL1: Bedfont Lakes - Feltham
BL2: Bedfont Lakes - Hatton Cross
Length of journey: 2 miles, 12 minutes
It's a strange place, a 1990s commercial development built across former gravel pits, originally with IBM as the lead tenant. It's a bit like Stockley Park...
diamond geezer
Old Kent Road
OLD KENT
ROAD
£60
London's Monopoly Streets
OLD KENT ROAD
Colour group: brown
Purchase price:...
a year ago
OLD KENT
ROAD
£60
London's Monopoly Streets
OLD KENT ROAD
Colour group: brown
Purchase price: £60
Rent: £2
Length: 1¾ miles
Boroughs: Southwark and Lewisham
Postcodes: SE1, SE15
Old Kent Road, which is also the only location south of the river. Originally this was Watling...
diamond geezer
Over 30
A heatwave in September is unusual but not unprecedented.
Dates on which the temperature at...
a year ago
A heatwave in September is unusual but not unprecedented.
Dates on which the temperature at Hampstead reached 30°C
JunJulAugSep
2010279/10
201127
2012 2518
2013 13 15/16/17 221
2014 18
2015 122
2016 18/19/202413
201717/18/19/20/216
2018 5/6/7/8 15 23 25/26/272/3...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Spring Vacation at This Historic Arizona Hotel
10 months ago
Londonist
45+ Fantastic Things To Do In London This Month: November 2023
Vintage cars, new exhibitions and the all-important Christmas light switch-ons.
a year ago
Vintage cars, new exhibitions and the all-important Christmas light switch-ons.
Londonist
Stunning Images At Astronomy Photographer Of The Year 2023
National Maritime Museum shows off the cosmos.
a year ago
National Maritime Museum shows off the cosmos.
Londonist
Brixton Tube Station Gets A New Artwork From Jem Perucchini
Rebirth of a Nation adds a bright touch to station entrance.
a year ago
Rebirth of a Nation adds a bright touch to station entrance.
diamond geezer
Splitting lines
Now that the Overground lines are being separately named, some people are asking whether other TfL...
11 months ago
Now that the Overground lines are being separately named, some people are asking whether other TfL services should follow suit.
n.b. The answer to this question is 'No', but stay with me as we go through the motions.
n.b. These days the Circle line shadows the Hammersmith &...
Londonist
Petition Launched As Stratford's Beloved Market Village Suddenly Closes
It'd been going for over 30 years.
a year ago
It'd been going for over 30 years.
Londonist
Enchanting Chocolate Shops In London, For When You Need A Cocoa Fix
Top-notch chocolatiers across town.
11 months ago
Top-notch chocolatiers across town.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Park City, Utah's Top Winter Activities for Families
a month ago
Cheese and Biscuits
Peckham Cellars, Peckham
Though it's always flattering to be invited to try the latest and greatest of London restaurants,...
over a year ago
Though it's always flattering to be invited to try the latest and greatest of London restaurants, and more often than not I'm happy to play a part in the tricky first few weeks of a new operation to help get it off the ground, or to refocus attention on an established place...
Londonist
London Transport Museum Is Throwing A Special Friday Late For Students
London Calling takes place on 6 October.
a year ago
London Calling takes place on 6 October.
diamond geezer
Not very interesting transport news
Friday's not very interesting transport news
The Overground lines still haven't been...
2 months ago
Friday's not very interesting transport news
The Overground lines still haven't been renamed
double-sided Mildmay line panel was revealed at one end of platforms 1 and 2 (click to embiggen), while a separate sign directed passengers up to the Mildmay line from the subway. These...
diamond geezer
Words on shops
Today's post is about the words you see on small convenience stores and how they've...
a year ago
Today's post is about the words you see on small convenience stores and how they've changed.
Newsagents • Cigarettes • Ice Cream
Newspapers aren't the daily draw they used to be, Cigarettes have been leapfrogged by a selection of fragrant vapes and Ice Cream is no longer an...
diamond geezer
I've been to see some art
I've been to see some art.
Art West: Serpentine Gallery
Many's the time I've traipsed to the...
7 months ago
I've been to see some art.
Art West: Serpentine Gallery
Many's the time I've traipsed to the middle of Kensington Gardens only to be underwhelmed. Thankfully this time it was well worth the effort.
Yinka Shonibare CBE: Suspended States (until 1 September)
Yinka did the...
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 5-11 February 2024
Do cool stuff for under a fiver.
11 months ago
Do cool stuff for under a fiver.
Londonist
Can You Set Off Your Own Fireworks In London?
DIY whizzbangs, explained.
a year ago
DIY whizzbangs, explained.
Londonist
How To Spend A Weekend In Dublin
48 hours of pubs, literature and galleries.
a year ago
48 hours of pubs, literature and galleries.
Londonist
Where (And When) To See Cherry Blossom In London
The best spots for snapping sakura.
10 months ago
The best spots for snapping sakura.
Londonist
Festival of Railway Modelling Returns To Alexandra Palace
Hundreds of mini trains steam into town.
10 months ago
Hundreds of mini trains steam into town.
diamond geezer
Single life
Single life
Yes, I used to post this every year, but now I only do it every five.
Single: You get...
2 months ago
Single life
Yes, I used to post this every year, but now I only do it every five.
Single: You get the whole duvet to yourself.
Coupled: You don't need a hot water bottle.
Single: There's half as much ironing to do.
Coupled: There's twice as much ironing to do but somebody else...
Londonist
Things To Eat And Drink In London This Halloween
From pumpkin-spiced crumble to a sinful supper club.
a year ago
From pumpkin-spiced crumble to a sinful supper club.
diamond geezer
Unblogged 1984
31 unblogged things I did in December 1984
They didn't have blogs or the internet forty years ago,...
a month ago
31 unblogged things I did in December 1984
They didn't have blogs or the internet forty years ago, indeed my Sinclair ZX81 wasn't capable of much, but here are 31 things I didn't digitally publish at the time. To help you get your bearings I was 19 and December featured one week...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Ways to Experience Minnesota's Scandinavian Heritage
8 months ago
Londonist
The Golden Age Of Transatlantic Travel Hides In Plain Sight By Trafalgar Square
Cockspur Street was a cornucopia of cruise line companies.
a year ago
Cockspur Street was a cornucopia of cruise line companies.
AFAR Media - Travel...
An In-Depth Restaurant Review of HAGS in New York City
a year ago
diamond geezer
First steps
As the phoney war before the next election escalates, I'd like to express my disappointment that the...
8 months ago
As the phoney war before the next election escalates, I'd like to express my disappointment that the next government won't be as left wing as it should have been.
These are Comrade Starmer's so-called first steps, a limp selection of depressingly weak promises which reads...
Londonist
When You Start Seeing Roundels Everywhere
One you spot, you just can't stop...
a year ago
One you spot, you just can't stop...
Londonist
Welsh Things To Do In London
Daffodils, beer and male voice choirs.
10 months ago
Daffodils, beer and male voice choirs.
Londonist
Rare Chelsea Books: Memories Of A Bookshop On The King's Road
"We discouraged visitors from bringing in galettes, to prevent sticky fingers."
a year ago
"We discouraged visitors from bringing in galettes, to prevent sticky fingers."
AFAR Media - Travel...
Five Destinations to Explore Beyond the Ordinary on Your Next Journey
a year ago
Londonist
Earth Hour 2024: London To Be Plunged Into Darkness Again
Switch the lights off for an hour, for the good of the planet.
10 months ago
Switch the lights off for an hour, for the good of the planet.
Spoon & Tamago
Objects of Nostalgia Recreated in Pixelated Ceramics by Toshiya Masuda
all images courtesy the artist On the spectrum of artistic materials, pixel art and ceramics...
a year ago
all images courtesy the artist On the spectrum of artistic materials, pixel art and ceramics seemingly couldn’t be further apart. On one end you have one of mankind’s oldest forms of expression dating back to the late Paleolithic period. On the other, a digital form of art that...
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 11-17 September 2023
Things to do for under a fiver.
a year ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
AFAR Media - Travel...
5 Excursions With Afar and Atlas Ocean Voyages
7 months ago
Londonist
Things To Do In The Borough Of Bexley
Sound baths, Pre-Raphaelites and a gorgeous sewage pumping station.
10 months ago
Sound baths, Pre-Raphaelites and a gorgeous sewage pumping station.
Spoon & Tamago
Twenty Two Artists Created Over 120 Artworks Throughout the Tokyo Offices of GREE
When Japanese internet media company GREE relocated offices last year, they wanted to do something...
a year ago
When Japanese internet media company GREE relocated offices last year, they wanted to do something special; something that would capture the unique creativity and artistic drive behind many of their employees. So the company worked with art agency TokyoDex and the architecural...
Spoon & Tamago
All Aboard the Deer Train to Nara
all photos by mareiii04 Nara is known for several things including their gorgeous temples and...
a year ago
all photos by mareiii04 Nara is known for several things including their gorgeous temples and exquisite parks. But the historic Japanese city has another major tourist attraction: their devious deer. If you’re heading to Nara, be sure to try and board Kintetsu Railway’s new Deer...
Londonist
Get A First Look At The New King Charles Banknotes At This New Exhibition
Find out what the future of money will be.
11 months ago
Find out what the future of money will be.
Londonist
Inside South London's Pay-What-You-Can Cafe
South Norwood Community Kitchen.
9 months ago
South Norwood Community Kitchen.
Londonist
The World's Rarest Stamp Is On Display In London This September
It's also the most expensive.
a year ago
It's also the most expensive.
diamond geezer
Unofficial tube map news 1
Three weeks ago a pasta-delivery company announced they'd be giving away free pasta outside five...
a year ago
Three weeks ago a pasta-delivery company announced they'd be giving away free pasta outside five tube stations on October 25th to celebrate World Pasta Day. This is the kind of marketingbolx that various media platforms adore, and Time Out, Metro, Secret London, AOL, MSN and the...
Londonist
Plunge Into An Icy Brockwell Lido For Charity This Christmas
The Icebreaker challenge is back.
a year ago
The Icebreaker challenge is back.
diamond geezer
10 times TV crews came to Croxley Green
10 times that TV crews came to Croxley Green
1) Metro-land (1973): In this iconic one-off...
7 months ago
10 times that TV crews came to Croxley Green
1) Metro-land (1973): In this iconic one-off documentary Sir John Betjeman came to observe the Croxley Revels, "a tradition that stretches back to 1952". Actually if you watch carefully he's never in shot, he merely provided a...
Spoon & Tamago
Fruit, Not What it Appears to be in Artfully Arranged Compositions by Yuni Yoshida
I like to eat apples and bananas. Yuni Yoshida, the creative director known for her mind-bending...
a year ago
I like to eat apples and bananas. Yuni Yoshida, the creative director known for her mind-bending visual illusions, likes to alter them, creating visually arresting compositions that make you look, and then look again. Often incorporating food into her work, Yoshida has an ongoing...
Londonist
A Brief History Of The Hammersmith And City Line
It's London's newest line; or second-oldest.
a year ago
It's London's newest line; or second-oldest.
diamond geezer
with a 9 on the end
Birthdays are often great, but a birthday with a 9 on the end can give cause to ponder as the end of...
10 months ago
Birthdays are often great, but a birthday with a 9 on the end can give cause to ponder as the end of another decade grows uncomfortably close.
So I thought I'd look back at my previous birthdays ending in 9, the moments I found myself on final approach to another decade's end,...
diamond geezer
Mayoral hustings
In precisely two weeks' time Londoners get their chance to vote for a new Mayor. They won't, they'll...
9 months ago
In precisely two weeks' time Londoners get their chance to vote for a new Mayor. They won't, they'll vote for the old Mayor because Sadiq Khan is so far ahead in the polls he's effectively unstoppable. But we do know the 12 people who won't replace him, most of whom are destined...
diamond geezer
Kempton Park
One Stop Beyond: Kempton Park
In this series I'm taking the train one stop beyond the Greater...
4 months ago
One Stop Beyond: Kempton Park
In this series I'm taking the train one stop beyond the Greater London boundary, getting off and seeing what's there. Today that means Kempton Park, one stop beyond Hampton on the Shepperton line, a station which exists solely because of the...
Londonist
The Absolute Worst Things You Can Say To A Londoner
"I bought my flat in the early 2000s for 150k."
a year ago
"I bought my flat in the early 2000s for 150k."
diamond geezer
Extinguishing the 497
This post is about little-used buses on the eastern edge of Havering. If you've never ridden the...
a year ago
This post is about little-used buses on the eastern edge of Havering. If you've never ridden the 346, 347 or 497 it may not be for you.
least frequent bus (speciality routes excepted), and Geoff's just made a video about it.
consultation to tweak/combine/withdraw these three...
diamond geezer
2024 fares
TfL's annual fare rise was announced last yesterday. And it's no fare rise at all.
"The Mayor of...
12 months ago
TfL's annual fare rise was announced last yesterday. And it's no fare rise at all.
"The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced bold action to freeze TfL fares this year, to support Londoners struggling with the cost of living and London’s recovery from the pandemic....
diamond geezer
Rejigging the Bow Roundabout
(this is the first post written on my new laptop)
(Windows 11 remains very unfamiliar - a lot's...
4 months ago
(this is the first post written on my new laptop)
(Windows 11 remains very unfamiliar - a lot's changed since 7!)
I'm still trying to work out what's going on with the imminent roadworks at the Bow Roundabout. I keep checking the Causeway one.network map where everything's...
Londonist
Tulips In London: When And Where To See Them In And Around The Capital
Who needs Amsterdam?
9 months ago
diamond geezer
The Bridge To Somewhere
In the middle of Burgess Park is an old and seemingly pointless bridge. It's red, it crosses nothing...
a year ago
In the middle of Burgess Park is an old and seemingly pointless bridge. It's red, it crosses nothing worse than a footpath and you can walk/scoot/cycle past at ground level alongside its entire length. It need not be here and yet it is, and what's more it's just been repaired,...
diamond geezer
What if the world ended?
What if the world ended? It could happen.
var randno = Math.floor(Math.random() * 199) + 2100;...
11 months ago
What if the world ended? It could happen.
var randno = Math.floor(Math.random() * 199) + 2100; document.write(randno );. Or var randno = Math.floor(Math.random() * 49) + 2050; document.write(randno );. Perhaps var randno = Math.floor(Math.random() * 19) + 2030;...
diamond geezer
Empty dangling
Big news about the Dangleway!
Opening hours cutback proposed🚡
On weekdays that means an 8am...
2 months ago
Big news about the Dangleway!
Opening hours cutback proposed🚡
On weekdays that means an 8am start rather than 7am.
🚡 🚡 🚡NowFrom Decembercut
Mon-Thu 07:00 to 22:00 08:00 to 22:001 hour
Friday 07:00 to 22:00 09:00 to 22:00 2 hours
Saturday08:00 to 22:0009:00 to 22:001...
AFAR Media - Travel...
New Resy Promo Will Give You $99 Off at These Restaurants
a year ago
diamond geezer
Anorak corner - bus edition
Anorak Corner [bus edition] (annual update)
Once again TfL have silently published their annual...
2 months ago
Anorak Corner [bus edition] (annual update)
Once again TfL have silently published their annual spreadsheet listing the number of passengers using every London bus route and how many kilometres those buses travelled. Data is for April 2023 - March 2024. Comparisons are with the...
Londonist
Take A Peek Inside The Royal Albert Hall's New Archive Collection
From Queen Victoria to Beyonce, this place has seen them all.
a year ago
From Queen Victoria to Beyonce, this place has seen them all.
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do In London This Week: 18-24 March 2024
Things to do for under a fiver.
10 months ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
Londonist
Leicester Square And The Big Apple
London could have had a very weird monument to Isaac Newton.
10 months ago
London could have had a very weird monument to Isaac Newton.
Spoon & Tamago
Past, Present and Future of Tokyo on Full Display in World’s Largest Architectural...
From the deep forests of Okutama and the vibrant coral reefs of Ogasawara, to the sleepless neon...
10 months ago
From the deep forests of Okutama and the vibrant coral reefs of Ogasawara, to the sleepless neon lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo truly is one of the most diverse cities. And while one could argue that it has enough night lights, a new nightly projection mapping display will light up...
Londonist
Five Big Firsts For West End Cinemas
From the first British talkie to the first circular cinema.
a year ago
From the first British talkie to the first circular cinema.
The Forney Flyer
Nineteen Years of Joy, and Counting!
Nineteen years ago today, I married my best friend, Joy.
One year later our first child was...
over a year ago
Nineteen years ago today, I married my best friend, Joy.
One year later our first child was born...
... and well before his first birthday, we were commissioned by our church to head to the mission field. That was 17 years ago, and we've spent the vast majority of our...
Londonist
300 Of Elton John's Photos Go On Display At V&A This Summer
Marilyn Monroe, the AIDS crisis and 9/11 feature.
9 months ago
Marilyn Monroe, the AIDS crisis and 9/11 feature.
diamond geezer
Bow Roundabout update #11
Major road works at the Bow Roundabout continue. They might even be halfway through, depending on...
a month ago
Major road works at the Bow Roundabout continue. They might even be halfway through, depending on when you think the start and finish dates are.
new sliproad underneath the flyover is nearing completion. This'll carry westbound traffic from the contraflow lane on Stratford High...
diamond geezer
The longest distance you can walk underneath
I was in Arnos Park yesterday, a large and pleasant park in Enfield just to the north of Arnos Grove...
7 months ago
I was in Arnos Park yesterday, a large and pleasant park in Enfield just to the north of Arnos Grove station. It has two prominent physical features, one of which is the Pymmes Brook which was flowing fairly strongly after all that rain we've had. The other is the Arnos Park...
Londonist
At A Glance: What's Happening With London's Transport In 2024
New trains! New stations! Major closures!
a year ago
New trains! New stations! Major closures!
AFAR Media - Travel...
Where to Relax and Eat Seafood in Corpus Christi, TX
6 months ago
diamond geezer
Anorak Corner (rail edition)
Anorak Corner [National Rail edition]
passenger data from across Britain's railway network, this...
a year ago
Anorak Corner [National Rail edition]
passenger data from across Britain's railway network, this batch covering the period April 2022 to March 2023. After a couple of years of freakish statistics we've finally left the pandemic behind, with its subdued commuting, reduced...
Londonist
The City Street With FOUR Names
What do you call the road between Millennium Bridge and St Paul's?
a year ago
What do you call the road between Millennium Bridge and St Paul's?
diamond geezer
439
In March 2020 TfL published a Croydon Bus Study, a 54 page examination of the local bus network and...
10 months ago
In March 2020 TfL published a Croydon Bus Study, a 54 page examination of the local bus network and how it might need to change in response to proposed development, particularly to the south of Croydon. Essentially it said "if more people are going to live here they'll need...
Londonist
Victorian Society "Very, Very Sad" About Development Around Turkish Bathhouse
City of London Corporation has green-lit Landsec's £500m plan.
a year ago
City of London Corporation has green-lit Landsec's £500m plan.
diamond geezer
Tube 160 Treasure Hunt
Are you at a loose end tomorrow? Do you like looking at station architecture? Would you like a...
a year ago
Are you at a loose end tomorrow? Do you like looking at station architecture? Would you like a surprise birthday gift from TfL? If the answer to all these questions is yes then why not take part in the Tube 160 Treasure Hunt? You even get to travel round central London for...
Londonist
The Age-Old Ritual Of Chair Lifting On Easter Monday
Blackheath Morris Men in Greenwich again this Easter.
10 months ago
Blackheath Morris Men in Greenwich again this Easter.
Londonist
Around London In 10 Foxes
Including the one who got up the Shard.
9 months ago
Including the one who got up the Shard.
Londonist
David Hockney Makes A Splash With His Battersea Power Station Christmas Trees
You can see them every night till Christmas Day.
a year ago
You can see them every night till Christmas Day.
diamond geezer
Where Have You Been This Weekend?
It's been a busy weekend.
It must be the highlight of your weekend, not just something you also...
6 months ago
It's been a busy weekend.
It must be the highlight of your weekend, not just something you also did.
Where have diamond geezer readers been this weekend?
stayed indoors
Spent Monday to Friday walking the Cotswold Way so happy to have a rest this weekend.
sheepdog
to the...
Londonist
London Gets A New Station As Brent Cross West Opens
Handy for Brent Cross shopping centre.
a year ago
Handy for Brent Cross shopping centre.
diamond geezer
Asda Express Bow Petrol
Most days I walk past the Co-op on Bow Road - Bow Road's Co-op. I don't shop there, it's only a...
11 months ago
Most days I walk past the Co-op on Bow Road - Bow Road's Co-op. I don't shop there, it's only a garage forecourt store, nothing large or special. But it's well stocked - plenty of chiller choice, all the cereals, lots of booze.
Co-op had suddenly metamorphosed into an Asda...
diamond geezer
Free Parking
FREE
🚗
PARKING
As my tour of London's Monopoly board
reaches the halfway...
6 months ago
FREE
🚗
PARKING
As my tour of London's Monopoly board
reaches the halfway point,
halfway through the year,
let's go in hunt of Free Parking.
Parking in central London is difficult, deliberately so, and generally not free. Yellow lines are everywhere, invisible...
diamond geezer
Everyman Stratford International
Stratford has a new cinema.
Everyman and can be found in the highrise nomansland that separates...
a month ago
Stratford has a new cinema.
Everyman and can be found in the highrise nomansland that separates Westfield from the Olympic Park, now officially known as Stratford Cross. It's housed in a brushed metal box tucked beneath 20 floors of Grade A office space. It has three screens,...
Londonist
TfL Moves To A Bigger Lost Property Office
The network's only getting bigger, after all.
a year ago
The network's only getting bigger, after all.
diamond geezer
Unblogged November
30 unblogged things I did in November
Wed 1: I went to peripheral Hadley Wood and walked the length...
a year ago
30 unblogged things I did in November
Wed 1: I went to peripheral Hadley Wood and walked the length of peripheral Waggon Road, having climbed the peripheral footpath over the tunnel portal. In the process I spent 30 seconds in Hertfordshire, which it turns out is the last time I...
AFAR Media - Travel...
A Guide to D.C. for Music Lovers by Local Musician Neffy
8 months ago
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 20-26 November 2023
Things to do for under a fiver.
a year ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
AFAR Media - Travel...
American Airlines’ Top Credit Card Offers 100K Mile Bonus
a year ago
Londonist
London History Mapped To The Stars
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
a year ago
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
One from Nippon
The Surprising Roots of Japan's Indian Curry
It's been a while since our last post - life got in the way. A big thanks to everyone who reached...
a year ago
It's been a while since our last post - life got in the way. A big thanks to everyone who reached out!
We are now restarting our articles, though we might not always write once a week. If we don't think it's interesting, we
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 28-29 October 2023
London's newest exhibitions, plus Halloween events, rugby screenings and more.
a year ago
London's newest exhibitions, plus Halloween events, rugby screenings and more.
diamond geezer
Five years of new stations
Today it's five years since the day Crossrail was supposed to open but didn't.
three and a half...
a year ago
Today it's five years since the day Crossrail was supposed to open but didn't.
three and a half years to run the first train. People in high places must have been lying their socks off.
• Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms and the Northern line extension
Brent Cross...
Londonist
LNER Launches Its Summer Sale
Hundreds of thousands of cheaper tickets available.
9 months ago
Hundreds of thousands of cheaper tickets available.
Cheese and Biscuits
Vetch, Liverpool
The best way of experiencing 90% of the fun and frolics of a top-end restaurant whilst shelling out...
5 days ago
The best way of experiencing 90% of the fun and frolics of a top-end restaurant whilst shelling out less than 50% of the usual cost is to go for a weekday lunch or early bird menu. Some of the most exciting dining spots in the country have some remarkably reasonably priced...
Herbert Lui
Mutual understanding
Take responsibility for understanding other people. Don’t expect people to understand you the first...
3 weeks ago
Take responsibility for understanding other people. Don’t expect people to understand you the first time. They may not want to let you know they don’t understand—and they may not want to hurt your feelings—so it’s your job to make them feel safe enough to speak up. Better yet,...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 25-31 December 2023
The best articles from the past week.
a year ago
The best articles from the past week.
Cheese and Biscuits
The Square Peg, Tunbridge Wells
There was an opinion that did the rounds a few years ago, that any restaurant critic needs to have...
a year ago
There was an opinion that did the rounds a few years ago, that any restaurant critic needs to have spent at least some time in a professional kitchen or front of house to be able to pass judgement on anywhere charging the public for dinner. Personally, I think that's rubbish, but...
Londonist
Review: Kate Berlant's Masterful Show Will Have You Crying With Laughter
Believe the hype.
a year ago
Spoon & Tamago
A Spoon & Tamago Guide to Ishikawa Prefecture
this post was sponsored by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau This travel guide originally...
a year ago
this post was sponsored by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau This travel guide originally appeared in February 2023 and ever since Covid restrictions were lifted, Ishikawa prefecture has seen a steady climb in tourism. However, the tragic Noto Earthquake at the beginning of...
Londonist
A Brief History Of The Central Line
A chronology of the red line.
a year ago
A chronology of the red line.
Cheese and Biscuits
Hong Kong Restaurant, Angel
London has never been the kind of place where you can just pick a restaurant at random and have at...
2 months ago
London has never been the kind of place where you can just pick a restaurant at random and have at least a decent dinner. There are too many tourist traps, dingy fast food joints, grim chains and bandwagon-jumping copycats (just see how many smash burger joints have appeared in...
diamond geezer
Mildmay Weaver Windrush
We're still a couple of weeks away from the renaming of the Overground lines.
On the left is the...
4 months ago
We're still a couple of weeks away from the renaming of the Overground lines.
On the left is the list of Overground line closures displayed at every station this week...
It may look unfamiliar, and the line names may not mean much to you yet.
But I'd hope we can agree it's...
Londonist
The Vagina Museum Is Reopening In November
"We're absolutely delighted... we love a big opening!"
a year ago
"We're absolutely delighted... we love a big opening!"
diamond geezer
Losing our marbles
I went to see the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum yesterday.
Greece can't have them back.
This...
a year ago
I went to see the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum yesterday.
Greece can't have them back.
This whole controversy thing is just a ploy by the British Museum to drum up more visitors. It worked with me anyway, I went yesterday, and their devious marketing strategy deserves to...
The Forney Flyer
Flood Relief Flying
You may remember that I mentioned in a previous blog post a few weeks ago, that there had been...
over a year ago
You may remember that I mentioned in a previous blog post a few weeks ago, that there had been severe floods in Western Uganda (and other parts of the country) in early-mid May. Well, several weeks later, we were given special permission by various authorities to fly relief...
Londonist
Is This The Oldest Surviving Poster On The Tube Network?
The Otrivine gnome is not to be sniffed at.
11 months ago
The Otrivine gnome is not to be sniffed at.
diamond geezer
Except Islington
Sorry, that was two Tower Hamlets posts in a row.
Harrow
BarnetEnfieldHaringeyWaltham...
a year ago
Sorry, that was two Tower Hamlets posts in a row.
Harrow
BarnetEnfieldHaringeyWaltham ForestRedbridgeHavering
Hillingdon
Ealing
BrentCamdenIslingtonHackneyBarking &
Dagenham
Hounslow
H'smith &
FulhamKensington
&...
Londonist
Review: Yoko Ono's Music Of The Mind Is Bizarre, Baffling, Laughable, Brilliant
Immersive retrospective lands at Tate.
11 months ago
Immersive retrospective lands at Tate.
Londonist
Non ULEZ Compliant Car? TfL Wants You To Give It To Ukraine
Help Ukraine, the environment - and get paid!
10 months ago
Help Ukraine, the environment - and get paid!
diamond geezer
Dangleway Week (1)
Danglewatch (2) Art on the Dangleway
The Line, a meridian-based public art walk (which doesn't truly...
a year ago
Danglewatch (2) Art on the Dangleway
The Line, a meridian-based public art walk (which doesn't truly follow the meridian but it makes for a good name). Squatting on a small pontoon beside the northern terminal is the quirky sculpture Bird Boy by Laura Ford, a figure of a lost...
diamond geezer
Unblogged December
28 unblogged things I did in December
Fri 1: My monthly electricity bill arrived and it was an...
a year ago
28 unblogged things I did in December
Fri 1: My monthly electricity bill arrived and it was an estimate, except that after several months of them assuming I'd used 40 kWh they'd suddenly decided I'd used 192 kWh. The bloke on the helpline couldn't explain the massive hike ("no, I...
Spoon & Tamago
Minimal and Tranquil Charcoal Drawings by Masahiko Minami
“TRYST” (2021) by Masahiko Minami. Charcoal and mixed-media on wood panel Masahiko Minami works with...
5 months ago
“TRYST” (2021) by Masahiko Minami. Charcoal and mixed-media on wood panel Masahiko Minami works with charcoal and graphite to create minimalist landscapes in dramatic contrast. At once both familiar and foreign, the landscapes present a tension between absence and depth,...
diamond geezer
London's cheapest visitor attraction
Visiting attractions in Greenwich keeps getting inexorably more expensive. And not just because...
9 months ago
Visiting attractions in Greenwich keeps getting inexorably more expensive. And not just because admission prices have increased but because buildings that used to be free to enter started charging money.
Royal Greenwich Observatory had free admission between 2001 and 2011, then...
AFAR Media - Travel...
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Myrtle Beach, SC
4 months ago
diamond geezer
DGD at 85
My Dad is 85 years old today, which is damned good going.
Thu 20th October 1938 (0): A first child...
a year ago
My Dad is 85 years old today, which is damned good going.
Thu 20th October 1938 (0): A first child is born to my grandparents. Home is a new-ish semi-detached house backing onto the canal. Born on the same day - long jumper Fred Alsop and singer Kathy Kirby.
Wed 20th October...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 27 November-3 December 2023
The best articles from the past week.
a year ago
The best articles from the past week.
diamond geezer
The Secret Life of the Home
As science evolves, so does the Science Museum.
The Secret Life of the Home.
This much-loved...
8 months ago
As science evolves, so does the Science Museum.
The Secret Life of the Home.
This much-loved corner of the basement, where the life of the domestic appliance is quirkily celebrated, closes forever on Sunday 2nd June. I went for a last look round with a wall-to-wall smile,...
diamond geezer
SL3
Route SL3: Thamesmead - Bromley North
Length of journey: 14 miles, 75 minutes
SPOD CLUB...
10 months ago
Route SL3: Thamesmead - Bromley North
Length of journey: 14 miles, 75 minutes
SPOD CLUB MEET-UP
Location: Thamesmead Town Centre
Date: Saturday 24th February 2024
Time: 10:30am
Purpose: To ride the SL3!!!!!
In attendance: BusTokker09, Ian, Jings, Markie, Rizzo, Tim
Apologies:...
diamond geezer
Where's WHS?
I needed to buy something from WHSmith but they didn't have it in the Stratford Westfield branch so...
a year ago
I needed to buy something from WHSmith but they didn't have it in the Stratford Westfield branch so I went to Canary Wharf instead. Except it turned out there isn't a Canary Wharf branch, there hasn't been for years, despite Google telling me it existed and was open. I did some...
diamond geezer
Another Islington post
Thanks for your suggestions for another Islington-based post.
Allow me to sort-of tackle what some...
a year ago
Thanks for your suggestions for another Islington-based post.
Allow me to sort-of tackle what some of you asked.
How about a walk around the gardens and squares of Islington?
Please can you explore Thornhill Square? I've walked around it a few times, and wondered what it would...
Londonist
Review: Fashion City At Museum Of London Docklands
New exhibition traces fashion history from the Jewish East End.
a year ago
New exhibition traces fashion history from the Jewish East End.
Cheese and Biscuits
Baudry Greene, Covent Garden
There are few things more important in the success of a restaurant than pedigree. If you are able to...
8 months ago
There are few things more important in the success of a restaurant than pedigree. If you are able to launch one good restaurant, you're more than likely to be able to make a good go of a second. And then a third, and so on. Well, up to a point. You don't want to spread yourself...
Cheese and Biscuits
Bouchon Racine, Farringdon
Such is the cyclical nature of these things, trends in food or clothing or plenty of other areas...
over a year ago
Such is the cyclical nature of these things, trends in food or clothing or plenty of other areas besides will, given long enough, find themselves fading in and out of favour. There was a time, within living memory, when French cuisine was considered the gold standard of...
AFAR Media - Travel...
4 Outdoor Adventures Near Marriott Hotels in Florida
6 months ago
Londonist
Ramadan And Eid Events In London 2024
Illuminations, shopping festivals and Eid celebrations.
11 months ago
Illuminations, shopping festivals and Eid celebrations.
Londonist
Brewery Taprooms In London: A List Of Every Single One Of 'Em
Have we got brews for you.
a year ago
Have we got brews for you.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Where to Find AmEx Centurion Lounges and How to Get In
a year ago
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 25 September-1 October 2023
The best articles from the past week.
a year ago
The best articles from the past week.
diamond geezer
London's most...
Superlative posts
I write a lot of posts about longest/shortest/highest/quickest/closest/first/last...
a year ago
Superlative posts
I write a lot of posts about longest/shortest/highest/quickest/closest/first/last things so I thought I'd try compiling a clickable list. It took a while because I've written over 10000 posts, and it's bound to be incomplete for the same reason. But here it is...
Spoon & Tamago
Japan’s Tiniest Botanical Garden is in Shibuya
photos by Kenta Hasegawa courtesy Suppose Design Office Walk south from Shibuya station and within...
10 months ago
photos by Kenta Hasegawa courtesy Suppose Design Office Walk south from Shibuya station and within 10 minutes you’ll stumble upon a glass dome-shaped building sandwiched between several nondescript buildings. Hidden in plain sight is the Shibuya City Botanical Garden, Japan’s...