Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 11-17 December 2023
Things to do for under a fiver.
a year ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
diamond geezer
BBC Breaking News alerts
Like millions of Britons I have the BBC News app on my phone, and like millions of Britons I get...
3 months ago
Like millions of Britons I have the BBC News app on my phone, and like millions of Britons I get Breaking News alerts flashed to me on my screen when something happens. But all too often I find myself thinking "That's not breaking news", or even "that's not news", as another...
diamond geezer
Euros final liveblog
Euros final liveblog 🏴🇪🇸
19:00 Only an hour to go.
19:10 I'm having steak and ale...
5 months ago
Euros final liveblog 🏴🇪🇸
19:00 Only an hour to go.
19:10 I'm having steak and ale pie.
20:00 Kick-off. The score is nil nil.
20:48 Off for oranges at half time.
21:05 Back.
21:06 Goal 😢
21:32 Goal 😀
21:46 Goal 😢
21:54 ENGLAND HAVE COME SECOND!
21:55 I'm sure...
Londonist
Quirky Christmas Eats To Sink Your Teeth Into Around London
From mince pie doughnuts to spiced Aperol spritzes.
a year ago
From mince pie doughnuts to spiced Aperol spritzes.
Londonist
Short Courses At UAL: Learn Life-Changing Creative Skills How (And When) You Want
Over 1,000 short courses to choose from.
a year ago
Over 1,000 short courses to choose from.
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.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Hotel Review: Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, New York City
a year ago
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 14-15 October 2023
A rum festival, a new fashion exhibition, Cocktail Week and more.
a year ago
A rum festival, a new fashion exhibition, Cocktail Week and more.
Londonist
Competition! Win Two Hospitality Tickets To Chelsea F.C. Women v Spurs
The luxurious Harris Suite awaits...
a year ago
The luxurious Harris Suite awaits...
The Forney Flyer
Our Summer Plans up in the Air... And a Motorcycle Adventure from Late Last Year
I mentioned in a recent letter that we sent to many of you, that you should check this blog for the...
over a year ago
I mentioned in a recent letter that we sent to many of you, that you should check this blog for the latest updates regarding our plans to be in the U.S. briefly this summer. Well, as you can imagine, those plans are totally muddled right now because of all the Covid-19 related...
diamond geezer
Summerstown
As the summer solstice rolls round (tonight, 9.50pm) I've been to London's sole summery...
6 months ago
As the summer solstice rolls round (tonight, 9.50pm) I've been to London's sole summery suburb.
Summerstown is a semi-indeterminate neighbourhood straddling the boundaries of Wandsworth and Merton on the eastern banks of the Wandle. If you know Garratt Lane it's quite a long...
diamond geezer
Carpenters Road
Carpenters Road has reopened again. It has a habit of doing this.
2007 so its rundown automotive...
6 months ago
Carpenters Road has reopened again. It has a habit of doing this.
2007 so its rundown automotive industries could be snuffed out in readiness for the Olympics. It took until 2014 to reopen, freshly sanitised, as a link road round the back of the Olympic Park. It then closed...
diamond geezer
dg's TikTok tips
dg's TikTok tips: the iconic phonebox shot
only one has the pixiedust to glam up your socials big...
a week ago
dg's TikTok tips: the iconic phonebox shot
only one has the pixiedust to glam up your socials big time. It's the red phone box in Parliament Square, north side, and if you stand alongside you can combine the holy trinity of a) red phone box b) the actual Big Ben c) your pouting...
diamond geezer
TfL FoI requests in September 2024
20 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in September 2024
1) The average e-scooter hire trip...
2 months ago
20 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in September 2024
1) The average e-scooter hire trip lasts 16 minutes, is 1½ miles long and is undertaken at 6½ mph.
2) TfL plan to replace the Lodge Avenue flyover on the A13 with a like-for-like replacement, with construction starting...
Londonist
Searching For A Sixth Form? Come And See What City Of London Freemen's School Has To Offer!
There's an open evening on 12 September.
a year ago
There's an open evening on 12 September.
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...
7 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
50 dull lists
50 dull lists
UK cities without a railway station: Armagh, Ripon, St Asaph, St Davids,...
3 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,...
diamond geezer
Untangling Hackney
We're not due another tube map until August when the Overground lines get their own names. There's...
8 months ago
We're not due another tube map until August when the Overground lines get their own names. There's no point replacing paper maps and posters on platforms until then. But the online map on the TfL website is another matter and is often updated between print runs to reflect the...
diamond geezer
Three 15-minute posts
Here are the other three submissions to my "Write A Post in 15 minutes" challenge. They have more of...
4 months ago
Here are the other three submissions to my "Write A Post in 15 minutes" challenge. They have more of an out and about theme. The first is from Peter who lives in south Devon, not actually in Honiton but fairly close. The second is from Lorenzo and was originally laid out with ten...
Cheese and Biscuits
Oren, Dalston
Mumbling and grumbling during my journey to Dalston the other night, as the 38 bus did an average...
a year ago
Mumbling and grumbling during my journey to Dalston the other night, as the 38 bus did an average speed of just less than walking pace all the way from Holborn in the pouring rain, just helped to highlight how I end up travelling to some parts of town for dinner over and over...
Londonist
25 Cheap Ways For Young People To See Culture In London
All the best discounts.
9 months ago
diamond geezer
RP1
London's Free Buses
RP1: Richmond Park circular
Length of journey: 12 miles, 90 minutes
the RP1, a...
2 months ago
London's Free Buses
RP1: Richmond Park circular
Length of journey: 12 miles, 90 minutes
the RP1, a minibus service organised by the Royal Parks to provide accessible transport through and around Richmond Park. Just because you can't get around easily any more, why should you miss...
diamond geezer
Tube 160 Treasure Hunt
Are you at a loose end tomorrow? Do you like looking at station architecture? Would you like a...
11 months 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
Fourth Plinth - Shortlist For 2026 And 2028 Sculptures Is Revealed
Ice cream vans, sweet potatoes and slime.
10 months ago
Ice cream vans, sweet potatoes and slime.
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.
diamond geezer
Fenchurch Street
FENCHURCH
STREET
STATION
🚂
£200
London's Monopoly Streets
FENCHURCH STREET STATION
Group:...
4 months ago
FENCHURCH
STREET
STATION
🚂
£200
London's Monopoly Streets
FENCHURCH STREET STATION
Group: British Railways
Purchase price: £200
Rent: £25
Annual passengers: 10 million
Borough: City of London
Postcode: EC3
Fenchurch Street was between 1923 and 1948. It's a small and mostly...
diamond geezer
Unblogged 1984
30 unblogged things I did in September 1984
They didn't have blogs or the internet forty years ago,...
2 months ago
30 unblogged things I did in September 1984
They didn't have blogs or the internet forty years ago, indeed my Sinclair ZX81 wasn't capable of much, but here are 30 things I didn't digitally publish at the time. To help you get your bearings I was 19 and most of this is the end...
diamond geezer
London's weekly local papers
In Motspur Park I saw a newsagent that still has an advert for the Surrey Comet above the awning. Is...
3 months ago
In Motspur Park I saw a newsagent that still has an advert for the Surrey Comet above the awning. Is that still going, I wondered. And yes, it turns out it still publishes, though now as the Epsom & Surrey Comet.
weekly local newspapers London still has.
Barnet Borough...
Spoon & Tamago
MUJI Fans Can Now Rent this Countryside MUJI Kominka
MUJI’s new rentable townhouse in Kamogawa MUJI, everyone’s favorite Japanese lifestyle retailer, has...
a year ago
MUJI’s new rentable townhouse in Kamogawa MUJI, everyone’s favorite Japanese lifestyle retailer, has been in the homebuilding business for over 15 years. But in a new initiative they’re calling MUJI Base, the company has begun restorring, renovating and renting countryside...
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...
diamond geezer
Coventry Street
COVENTRY
STREET
£260
London's Monopoly Streets
COVENTRY STREET
Colour group: yellow
Purchase...
3 months ago
COVENTRY
STREET
£260
London's Monopoly Streets
COVENTRY STREET
Colour group: yellow
Purchase price: £260
Rent: £22
Length: 200m
Borough: Westminster
Postcode: W1/WC2
Coventry Street owes its name to Charles II's secretary of state, Henry Coventry, who'd built a house here...
Londonist
Pubs With Real Fires In London: Cosy Up With A Pint By These Roaring Fireplaces
Updated for winter 2023!
a year ago
Spoon & Tamago
Download Over 30 Butterfly Designs by Meiji-Era Artist Yuho Tanaka
Yuho Tanaka (田中幽峰) was an accomplished artist and draughtsman active in Kyoto during the late-1800s....
a year ago
Yuho Tanaka (田中幽峰) was an accomplished artist and draughtsman active in Kyoto during the late-1800s. At the height of his career in the 1890s he created numerous graphic patterns inspired by butterflies that were eventually compiled into a book titled hyaku-cho-zuan, or One...
Londonist
The Gravy Fondue: Will You Be Dipping Into London's Winter Food Trend?
Chuck out the cheese - it's all about the brown stuff.
11 months ago
Chuck out the cheese - it's all about the brown stuff.
Londonist
Black History Month Events In London 2023
Walks, talks, markets and music legends.
a year ago
Walks, talks, markets and music legends.
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...
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...
NYC-Based Cocktail Bar, Death & Co, Opens D.C. Location
a year ago
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 11-12 November 2023
The Lord Mayor's Show, music festivals, Diwali celebrations and more.
a year ago
The Lord Mayor's Show, music festivals, Diwali celebrations and more.
Cheese and Biscuits
Pied à Terre, Fitzrovia
Since the closure of Le Gavroche, Pied à Terre is now the London restaurant which has held at least...
6 months ago
Since the closure of Le Gavroche, Pied à Terre is now the London restaurant which has held at least one Michelin star for the longest time. It first won the accolade shortly after it opened back in 1991, a time when fine dining meant French dining, and the term "gastropub" was...
Londonist
Guess What Our Most-Read Article Of 2023 Was...
You love Christmas and the tube - but what was numero uno?
12 months ago
You love Christmas and the tube - but what was numero uno?
Londonist
The Best Music Festivals In London 2024
Party in a field without leaving the capital.
10 months ago
Party in a field without leaving the capital.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Driving Across Norway, the Most Electric Car-Friendly Country in the World
a year ago
diamond geezer
I'd never do that
I caught the train from Whitechapel to Stratford, just the one stop, and saw lots of people doings...
4 months ago
I caught the train from Whitechapel to Stratford, just the one stop, and saw lots of people doings things I'd never do.
The woman alongside was eating chips, and I'd never do that. The smell of hot food always permeates, indeed her wafting fried odour proved this, so I prefer...
Londonist
Easter 2024 Transport In London: Which Train And Tubes Are Running, And Which Stations Are Closed?
Got an egg hunt to go to? Read this first
9 months ago
Got an egg hunt to go to? Read this first
Spoon & Tamago
A Relic of the Past, Shibuya Green Tea is Leafing Out Once Again
Umeharaen, a green tea seller that once stood at the corner of Shibuya Crossing Shibuya typically...
11 months ago
Umeharaen, a green tea seller that once stood at the corner of Shibuya Crossing Shibuya typically conjures images of tall skyscrapers, neon lights, and the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Not tranquil tea plantations. But 150 years ago in the early Meiji era, Shibuya, as...
Londonist
5 London Underground Stations That Totally Ripped Off Other Buildings
From Berlin to Amsterdam to Moscow.
10 months ago
From Berlin to Amsterdam to Moscow.
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 1-7 January 2024
All our best articles from the past week.
11 months ago
All our best articles from the past week.
diamond geezer
It's official
Journalists working at various media portals are under increasing pressure to churn out more and...
2 months ago
Journalists working at various media portals are under increasing pressure to churn out more and more stories because the more they write the more page views they get. Clickbait isn't going away any time soon. But a trope that's sadly gathering more prominence lately is a...
Londonist
How To Spend A Weekend In Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote
And neighbouring Los Pocillos too.
a year ago
And neighbouring Los Pocillos too.
diamond geezer
Our new coins
The News For Those Who Are No Longer Looking
An increasing number of my acquaintances no longer...
a year ago
The News For Those Who Are No Longer Looking
An increasing number of my acquaintances no longer follow the news in mainstream media, for whatever reason, avoiding all the bad news but simultaneously missing the good. So I thought I'd perform a public service by blogging about...
Cheese and Biscuits
Black Salt, Sheen
For most restaurants, no matter how lofty their ambitions or discerning the clientele, sheer...
over a year ago
For most restaurants, no matter how lofty their ambitions or discerning the clientele, sheer practical market forces will be the driving force behind at least one or two dishes, whether it's the chic Northern gastropub reluctantly offering fish and chips and a burger alongside...
Londonist
15 Pictures Of London's Beautiful Shopfronts
From floating Chinese restaurants to everyone's favourite foliage-smothered boozer.
a year ago
From floating Chinese restaurants to everyone's favourite foliage-smothered boozer.
Londonist
60 Of The Best Things To Do In London This Spring
Your March-May diary, sorted.
9 months ago
Your March-May diary, sorted.
Londonist
Peckham Festival: Free 3-Day Party Comes To SE15 London This September
Music, workshops, crafts, food - you name it.
a year ago
Music, workshops, crafts, food - you name it.
diamond geezer
Premature poppying
We can all agree that the Royal British Legion does excellent work supporting ex-service personnel...
a year ago
We can all agree that the Royal British Legion does excellent work supporting ex-service personnel and their families, and that their annual Poppy Appeal is an inspirational fund-raising exercise. We can all agree that the Royal British Legion does excellent work supporting...
AFAR Media - Travel...
9 Must-Visit Religious UNESCO Sites in Germany
7 months ago
diamond geezer
Revised security measures at the National Gallery
Last Friday the National Gallery made it harder for visitors to enjoy a look around.
Revised...
a month ago
Last Friday the National Gallery made it harder for visitors to enjoy a look around.
Revised security measures at the National Gallery
Walk-through metal detectors have been a fixture here for years, ditto a perfunctory bag check. This did tend to create queues but nothing...
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 9-15 October 2023
Live music, a Superpower Academy and a free games night - all under a fiver.
a year ago
Live music, a Superpower Academy and a free games night - all under a fiver.
Londonist
A Brief History Of The Central Line
A chronology of the red line.
a year ago
A chronology of the red line.
diamond geezer
Bow Roundabout update #1
Roadworks have yet to start at the Bow Roundabout but buses on route 8 have already been curtailed...
3 months ago
Roadworks have yet to start at the Bow Roundabout but buses on route 8 have already been curtailed so they no longer start at Bus Stop M. Unfortunately nobody's told the passengers yet. They're still standing around waiting for buses that aren't coming, some for ages until the...
diamond geezer
completely screwed at the moment
I was on the Central line the other day and there was a 15 minute gap between trains. You might...
10 months ago
I was on the Central line the other day and there was a 15 minute gap between trains. You might expect this kind of thing at the extremities or late at night, but not at Bethnal Green mid-morning. "Sorry, we're going to be held here for 5 minutes," said the driver. "This is due...
Londonist
Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral... From Westminster Abbey
Hit augmented reality experience comes to London.
11 months ago
Hit augmented reality experience comes to London.
Londonist
London's Alleyway Pubs: 13 Of The Best
Some of the finest ye olde pubs in London.
10 months ago
Some of the finest ye olde pubs in London.
diamond geezer
Crossing the river news
Crossing the river news
Silvertown Tunnel toll news
have been announced. They're not called tolls,...
5 months ago
Crossing the river news
Silvertown Tunnel toll news
have been announced. They're not called tolls, they're called user charges, but we all know what they are. The tolls will also apply to the Blackwall Tunnel from the day the Silvertown Tunnel opens which is expected to be...
Londonist
Things You Might Not Know About The Borough Of Harrow
Even Boudicca decided it was worth a visit.
a year ago
Even Boudicca decided it was worth a visit.
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 9-10 March 2024
Live comedy, an artisan market, Disney events and more.
9 months ago
Live comedy, an artisan market, Disney events and more.
Spoon & Tamago
Yoko Tada Began Painting in her 80s. At 100 She’s Publishing Her First Book
“natsu no prelude” (prelude of the summer) by Yoko Tada won honorable mention last year from the...
a year ago
“natsu no prelude” (prelude of the summer) by Yoko Tada won honorable mention last year from the Japan Watercolor Association The painter Yoko Tada is having what some would call “a moment.” Last year her work was recognized by the Japan Watercolor Association, an organization...
Londonist
The Best London Pubs With Private Function Rooms To Hire
Looking to party? We've got the pub for you.
a year ago
Looking to party? We've got the pub for you.
Londonist
Things To Keep You Busy For LGBT+ History Month 2024 In London
Museums, guided walks, cabaret and kids events.
11 months ago
Museums, guided walks, cabaret and kids events.
Cheese and Biscuits
Camille, Borough Market
Some restaurants just make it look so easy, don't they? The menu at Camille is so enticing, with...
2 months ago
Some restaurants just make it look so easy, don't they? The menu at Camille is so enticing, with unusual eye-catching ingredients prepared in exciting and distinctive ways, that it's almost enough to spoil any other dining experience by default, and it makes you wonder if they...
diamond geezer
How deep is Crossrail?
In the last week TfL have refused to answer two freedom of Information requests both asking the same...
11 months ago
In the last week TfL have refused to answer two freedom of Information requests both asking the same thing. How deep are Crossrail stations?
geology student at UCL attempting to complete an air quality project and the other just wanted a data dump.
I am looking for the platform...
Londonist
Tower Bridge: Rare Behind-The-Scenes Tours Now On Sale
Including a chance to explore the bascule chambers.
a year ago
Including a chance to explore the bascule chambers.
diamond geezer
Options for improving Stratford station
Stratford station can be a nightmare to get around, having grown over the years to become an...
a year ago
Stratford station can be a nightmare to get around, having grown over the years to become an impenetrable monster of an interchange. It needed a major rebuild in the late 90s before the Jubilee line arrived, fronted by the steel and glass concourse we see today. It needed another...
Londonist
A Bald Man Chooses His Favourite Bald Spots In London
The O2, the huge Hitchcock head - which is your fave?
9 months ago
The O2, the huge Hitchcock head - which is your fave?
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 20-21 January 2024
Two words: cheese market.
11 months ago
Two words: cheese market.
diamond geezer
In Jail
After Pentonville Road the next square on the Monopoly board is Jail. It's not assigned a location -...
9 months ago
After Pentonville Road the next square on the Monopoly board is Jail. It's not assigned a location - the corner squares never are - but I wonder if they had Pentonville Prison in mind when placing Pentonville Road beside the Jail. The two aren't close in real life, Pentonville...
AFAR Media - Travel...
6 Reasons To Travel by Private Yacht in Croatia
10 months ago
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
7 Places To See Gorgeous Autumn Leaves In London
Autumnal walks against a golden backdrop.
a year ago
Autumnal walks against a golden backdrop.
diamond geezer
Leicester Square
LEICESTER
SQUARE
£260
London's Monopoly Streets
LEICESTER SQUARE
Colour group: yellow
Purchase...
3 months ago
LEICESTER
SQUARE
£260
London's Monopoly Streets
LEICESTER SQUARE
Colour group: yellow
Purchase price: £260
Rent: £22
Area: 2 acres
Borough: Westminster
Postcode: WC2
And so to the yellows, the 'entertainment' corner of the Monopoly board. One theory has it that their ordered...
Londonist
The Killer 1962 Smog Of London
And no, we don't mean 1952.
a year ago
And no, we don't mean 1952.
Londonist
Pedlar's Acre: The Mysterious Bit Of South Bank Where The London Eye Now Stands
Who was the Pedlar of Lambeth?
9 months ago
Who was the Pedlar of Lambeth?
Londonist
29 Things To Do In London On 29 February
Use your extra day of 2024 wisely.
10 months ago
Use your extra day of 2024 wisely.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Alberta’s Best Nature Escapes for Adventurous Travelers
a month ago
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 15-21 January 2024
The best articles from the past week.
11 months ago
The best articles from the past week.
Londonist
Punchdrunk: Immersive Doyens Return In 2024 With "Moonlit Fever Dream"
Tickets for Viola's Room on sale this week.
9 months ago
Tickets for Viola's Room on sale this week.
diamond geezer
Unblogged February
29 unblogged things I did in February
Thu 1: While I was in Trafalgar Square today I stood in the...
9 months ago
29 unblogged things I did in February
Thu 1: While I was in Trafalgar Square today I stood in the shadow of Nelson's Column and took a photo of it stretching towards the National Gallery. It's much better than the photo I used last week in my post about the shadow of Nelson's...
diamond geezer
2X 60Y 60Z
In my quest to find London's highest-lettered house I've already found a U, V and some Ws.
18U...
a year ago
In my quest to find London's highest-lettered house I've already found a U, V and some Ws.
18U Brondesbury Park (NW6 7DL)
55V The Bishops Avenue (N2 0BJ)
1W-51W Rosebery Square (EC1R 4PT)
2X Chesterford Gardens (NW3 7DE)
We're in Hampstead amid the leafy avenues on the...
Londonist
The Best Fancy Dress Shops In London
Hire or buy costumes, wigs and masks for your next party.
a year ago
Hire or buy costumes, wigs and masks for your next party.
Londonist
The Grant Museum Of Zoology Is Reopening Very Soon
And yes, the jar of moles will still be there.
10 months ago
And yes, the jar of moles will still be there.
diamond geezer
It's all downhill from here
It's all downhill from here.
This set of freak circumstances is never going to happen again. A...
5 months ago
It's all downhill from here.
This set of freak circumstances is never going to happen again. A Conservative party proven long-term incompetent by a sequence of abysmal Prime Ministers, a last minute intervention by Nigel Farage draining support away from the right, the Lib Dems...
diamond geezer
My review of 2024
It's the time of year for looking back so here are some of the unblogged places I've been in...
11 months ago
It's the time of year for looking back so here are some of the unblogged places I've been in 2024.
Beddington: the view from that bench is truly miserable
Biggin Hill: I powered up Polesteeple Hill for nothing
Blackwall Tunnel: wow, just look at the new one
Bounds Green: every...
Herbert Lui
Disorientation
When you first land in a new place, where you don’t speak the language, you’re probably going to...
2 weeks ago
When you first land in a new place, where you don’t speak the language, you’re probably going to make some mistakes. You’ll get in the wrong line at the airport. Queue on the wrong side of the escalator. Realize you’ve unintentionally broken etiquette or convention of some sort....
diamond geezer
Emails from 2004
Today I thought I'd dig into my inbox archive and bring you ten emails I was sent in October 2004....
a month ago
Today I thought I'd dig into my inbox archive and bring you ten emails I was sent in October 2004. Twenty years ago was a different time.
From londonmobs (1/10/04)
(and that was it, no further London flashmobs were organised)
cc-ed from my work address (5/10/04)
The...
diamond geezer
Green Link Walk 2
Let's return to London's newest official walkway, the Green Link Walk, which was launched on 1st...
9 months ago
Let's return to London's newest official walkway, the Green Link Walk, which was launched on 1st March. If you need a map try here, if you need an app try here, if you want 45 pages of walking instructions try here, and if you're reading this several months in the future try...
diamond geezer
DIY blogpost
For one day only I'm offering you the opportunity to write today's post. Ten or so paragraphs of...
a year ago
For one day only I'm offering you the opportunity to write today's post. Ten or so paragraphs of factual musings, hopefully entertaining and illuminating, for the wider readership to enjoy. I'll pick the topic, you provide the words.
Don't worry, I'm not expecting you to write...
Londonist
Kong And Godzilla Appear By/In The Thames For Epic Selfie Op!
They're only here till tonight.
9 months ago
They're only here till tonight.
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.
Londonist
Regent's Park Is Getting A New Garden Dedicated To The Late Queen
Two-acre space will open in 2026.
11 months ago
Two-acre space will open in 2026.
diamond geezer
Unblogged August
31 unblogged things I did in August
Thu 1: A new coffee shop has opened just inside the gateline at...
3 months ago
31 unblogged things I did in August
Thu 1: A new coffee shop has opened just inside the gateline at Whitechapel station (or at least I assumed it was new because it didn't have a name displayed anywhere, whereas apparently it opened in June). It turns out they're called Yellow...
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...
Eight Must-See Places and Women-Owned Businesses in Kansas City
a year ago
diamond geezer
Watch
AcquaintanceWatch #28July
Wochabinupto?
Blog visitors: 0
Blog comments: 0
Blog content:
Hours out:...
4 months ago
AcquaintanceWatch #28July
Wochabinupto?
Blog visitors: 0
Blog comments: 0
Blog content:
Hours out: 0
Nights out: 0
Alcohol intake: 0 Becks
Tea intake: 0
Trains used: 0
Steps walked: 0
Mystery count: 0
comments if(postComments['231203823120386'] != null){document.write(' (' +...
Londonist
Khan Announces TfL Fare Freeze - But Is Everything As It Seems?
It does't apply to everyone...
11 months ago
It does't apply to everyone...
Londonist
The Top Exhibitions To See In London: April 2024
From Caravaggio to Antony Gormley.
9 months ago
From Caravaggio to Antony Gormley.
diamond geezer
The news from Barking and Dagenham
Yesterday I went to the Becontree estate to take some photos of its churches. Then I added those...
5 months ago
Yesterday I went to the Becontree estate to take some photos of its churches. Then I added those photos to yesterday's post about churches on estates. I didn't add this photo, even though it was my favourite.
This is St Cedd's in Becontree. It has a lovely postwar copper roof...
Londonist
Miracle At Henrietta: The Christmassiest Bar In London
It's Kiiiiiiiitschmas!
a year ago
diamond geezer
In the shadow of
We often say somewhere is "in the shadow of" something without it necessarily being true.
The sun...
10 months ago
We often say somewhere is "in the shadow of" something without it necessarily being true.
The sun does not cast a shadow from the first location to the second, that's not how daylight works, so these places are not "in the shadow of".
Let's start with something familiar in...
Londonist
Secretive Central London Cold War Tunnels Could Open As Visitor Attraction
Kingsway Telephone Exchange is said to have inspired Q Branch.
a year ago
Kingsway Telephone Exchange is said to have inspired Q Branch.
diamond geezer
Washside postcards
Washside postcards: Hunstanton → King's Lynn
✉ Head south from Hunstanton and the first village you...
5 months ago
Washside postcards: Hunstanton → King's Lynn
✉ Head south from Hunstanton and the first village you graze is Heacham, home of Norfolk Lavender. It describes itself as "England's premier lavender farm (est. 1932) with nearly 100 acres of lavender" so we had high hopes, but it was...
diamond geezer
Littlehampton
Seaside postcard: Littlehampton
Littlehampton is a seaside town, I hesitate to say resort, midway...
7 months ago
Seaside postcard: Littlehampton
Littlehampton is a seaside town, I hesitate to say resort, midway along the coast of West Sussex. It has a Heatherwick cafe, a sort-of lighthouse, Britain's longest bench and a lot of crabs. I visited yesterday. [Visit Littlehampton] [12...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Outdoor Adventure Inspiration and Small Businesses in Sheridan, Wyoming
a year ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
The 10 Least Visited U.S. National Parks and How to Visit
a year ago
diamond geezer
Old Oak Common to Euston
A Nice Walk: Old Oak Common to Euston (6 miles)
High Speed 2 is seemingly forever under threat, the...
a year ago
A Nice Walk: Old Oak Common to Euston (6 miles)
High Speed 2 is seemingly forever under threat, the latest proposal being that it should run only between not-quite-central Birmingham and not-quite-central London. But would it really be so terrible to terminate the line at Old...
Londonist
More Train Strikes Announced For January-February 2024
Members of the ASLEF union are striking, with several train companies affected.
11 months ago
Members of the ASLEF union are striking, with several train companies affected.
Londonist
Dozens Of Vintage Boats Moor Up In Central London This September
The (free!) Classic Boat Festival is back at St Katharine Docks.
a year ago
The (free!) Classic Boat Festival is back at St Katharine Docks.
diamond geezer
Blogged September
30 blogged things I did in September
Fri 1: I've now been publishing my 'unblogged' posts for 5...
a year ago
30 blogged things I did in September
Fri 1: I've now been publishing my 'unblogged' posts for 5 years, i.e. I've done 60 of them, so to still be getting 50 comments on the latest one is quite something, thanks.
Sat 2: I broke the news that tube platform tickets were being...
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.
diamond geezer
Wembley Brook
THE UNLOST RIVERS OF LONDON
Wembley Brook
Sudbury → Wembley → Tokyngton (2½ miles)
This one's minor...
a year ago
THE UNLOST RIVERS OF LONDON
Wembley Brook
Sudbury → Wembley → Tokyngton (2½ miles)
This one's minor enough that I'd never heard of it before squinting more closely at a map of Wembley. This may be because the brook only spends a mile on the surface and spends the rest of its...
diamond geezer
Bus of the day 187
Bus Route Of The Day
187: West Hampstead to Park Royal
Quadrant: London northwest
Length of journey:...
5 months ago
Bus Route Of The Day
187: West Hampstead to Park Royal
Quadrant: London northwest
Length of journey: 8 miles, 60 minutes
Because it's 18th July I've been out riding the 187, because that's the Bus Route Of The Day. It's no big hitter.
twiddling round backstreets in an...
diamond geezer
Election triplepoint
The General Election has seen Labour strengthen its hold over the capital with 59 MPs, while the...
5 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...
Londonist
Ticket Alert: The Devil Wears Prada Musical On Sale From Today
Tickets? For the West End? Groundbreaking.
a year ago
Tickets? For the West End? Groundbreaking.
diamond geezer
London Commonwealth Walkway
A Nice Walk: London Commonwealth Walkway (1½ miles)
Sometimes you just want to go for a nice walk,...
10 months ago
A Nice Walk: London Commonwealth Walkway (1½ miles)
Sometimes you just want to go for a nice walk, nothing too taxing, a bit of a stroll, lots to see, centrally located, historic buildings, an international frisson, royally approved, multiple refreshment opportunities, entirely...
Londonist
Your London Reading List: The Best Non-Fiction Books
Best books voted for by Londonist readers.
8 months ago
Best books voted for by Londonist readers.
Cheese and Biscuits
The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
A large menu is rarely a good sign, and I have to admit a part of my heart sank when I sat down at...
3 months ago
A large menu is rarely a good sign, and I have to admit a part of my heart sank when I sat down at the Blind Bull and counted 12 items in the starters section, 6 mains, 3 sides and 5 desserts (even if I'm being kind and counting all the ice creams as one) - fully 26 dishes...
diamond geezer
Green Link Walk 3
Let's return to London's newest official walkway, the Green Link Walk, which was launched on 1st...
9 months ago
Let's return to London's newest official walkway, the Green Link Walk, which was launched on 1st March. If you need a map try here, if you need an app try here, if you want 45 pages of walking instructions try here, and if you're reading this several months in the future try...
Londonist
That Time Lord Onslow's Monkey Escaped Onto The Tube
Simian crisis at Barbican.
a year ago
Simian crisis at Barbican.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Discover Nine Ways to be Present in Los Angeles.
9 months ago
Londonist
The Modern Game Of Darts Was Invented In A London Pub In 1926
Although Henry VIII had a set of darts too.
11 months ago
Although Henry VIII had a set of darts too.
diamond geezer
Boston Tea Party 250
10 ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party
It's exactly 250 years since...
a year ago
10 ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party
It's exactly 250 years since tax-averse demonstrators boarded ships in Boston Harbour and hurled chests of tea into the water, triggering a snowball of protest which led inexorably to the Declaration of...
diamond geezer
SL5
Route SL5: Bromley North - Croydon Town Centre
Length of journey: 7 miles, 35 minutes
Superloop...
10 months ago
Route SL5: Bromley North - Croydon Town Centre
Length of journey: 7 miles, 35 minutes
Superloop sprang into action yesterday, and it's an oddity. Firstly it's the shortest of the seven circuitous routes. Secondly it doesn't serve any major centres of population other than at its...
diamond geezer
November 2024 in summary
I'd like to apologise to readers who don't like trains and railways because all of this week's posts...
3 weeks ago
I'd like to apologise to readers who don't like trains and railways because all of this week's posts have been about trains and railways. I'm aware that many people do like trains and railways, including The Men Who Leave Comments When I Write About Trains And Railways, and their...
diamond geezer
High Streets
My High Streets post got a lot of attention over the weekend.
How many High Streets are there in...
6 months ago
My High Streets post got a lot of attention over the weekend.
How many High Streets are there in London?
Twitter and got 20 more comments.
Hacker News, the behemoth American syndicator, and got 80 more comments.
diamond geezer.
a) not realising the significance of capital...
diamond geezer
The Big London Airports Race
Nobody wants to read boring old text any more, the moving image is where it's at.
video and bringing...
8 months ago
Nobody wants to read boring old text any more, the moving image is where it's at.
video and bringing you my first thrilling dynamic transport content.
For those of you without playback capability, I've included a transcript below.
THE BIG LONDON AIRPORTS RACE
Scene - outside...
Londonist
Charles Dickens, Dog Lover: Exhibition Explores Animal-Adoring Side Of Author
Less Bleak House, more Beak House.
8 months ago
Less Bleak House, more Beak House.
Londonist
5 'New' Pubs Promised For City Of London By 2027
But are any actually new?
a year ago
But are any actually new?
Londonist
Things To Do In London On Christmas Eve 2023
Ice skating, festive films and Christmas carols.
a year ago
Ice skating, festive films and Christmas carols.
diamond geezer
Going unitary
Local government organisation in England is complicated, always has been, which is why the...
5 days ago
Local government organisation in England is complicated, always has been, which is why the government are keen to reorganise it.
There are 317 councils in England:
(upper-tier)
(lower-tier)
(unitary)
(unitary)
(unitary)
(unitary)
Logically it makes no sense that some shire...
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 24-25 February 2024
A Saltburn ball, a Spider-Man concert, and a mystery movie marathon.
10 months ago
A Saltburn ball, a Spider-Man concert, and a mystery movie marathon.
Londonist
See The '12 Days Of Christmas' Decorations In Duke Of York Square
"...And a partridge in a pear tree."
a year ago
"...And a partridge in a pear tree."
Londonist
How To Spend A (Relatively Cheap) Weekend In Florence
We did say relatively.
a year ago
diamond geezer
Lessons learned
40 things I've learnt about sex over the last 40 years
1) Nothing ever prepares you for the first...
6 months ago
40 things I've learnt about sex over the last 40 years
1) Nothing ever prepares you for the first time...
2) ... not even the fact that the biology textbook always falls open at the same page
3) The first time is always a ghastly mistake (I'm extrapolating this from a single...
Londonist
The Great Exhibition Road Festival Returns This June
One street, hundreds of free events.
9 months ago
One street, hundreds of free events.
Londonist
Dazzling Light Festivals To See In London: Winter 2023
Light tunnels, fire gardens and lasers.
a year ago
Light tunnels, fire gardens and lasers.
Londonist
Flotilla Led By Royal Barge To Carry Atomic Clock Along The Thames This Weekend
Watch time literally travel.
a year ago
Watch time literally travel.
Londonist
Review: Blockbuster Disney Exhibition Digs Deep To Deliver The Magic
Fans will love this centenary show.
a year ago
Fans will love this centenary show.
diamond geezer
Silver Jubilee
In May 2004 I wrote a month-long series called Silver Jubilee to celebrate the 25th anniversary of...
7 months ago
In May 2004 I wrote a month-long series called Silver Jubilee to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Jubilee line. I believe in playing the long game, so today I'm reviving the feature to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Jubilee line extension.
So here's what I wrote...
diamond geezer
The University Challenge
The University Challenge
My university adventure started with a car journey to destiny, and a...
a year ago
The University Challenge
My university adventure started with a car journey to destiny, and a selection of my worldly belongings packed into the boot. It had looked like a reasonable number of belongings when piled up in my bedroom, a stack of clothes and books and gadgets I...
AFAR Media - Travel...
How to Get Tickets for Outstanding in the Field Dinners
a year ago
diamond geezer
Three Big Brother houses
The 20th series of Big Brother kicked off this week, with sixteen fresh housemate wannabes confined...
a year ago
The 20th series of Big Brother kicked off this week, with sixteen fresh housemate wannabes confined inside a brand new Big Brother House.
Where is the new Big Brother House hiding in plain sight in London's best-smelling cul-de-sac?
The first Big Brother house...
Londonist
The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Drives Into London This Week
Merry fizz-mas!
a year ago
Londonist
The Glass Heart: A Smashing Exhibition At Two Temple Place
Intriguing artwork in a stunning building.
10 months ago
Intriguing artwork in a stunning building.
Londonist
These Futuristic Tram-Buses Should Be On London's Streets From Spring 2024
TfL gives new date for ieTram trials.
a year ago
TfL gives new date for ieTram trials.
Londonist
"Sensationally Naff": The 1995 Plans To Rebrand Tube Stations After Advertisers
Tube sponsorship is nothing new.
9 months ago
Tube sponsorship is nothing new.
diamond geezer
Poet in residence
A unique opportunity has arisen for creative narration,
the post of poet in residence,
five...
9 months ago
A unique opportunity has arisen for creative narration,
the post of poet in residence,
five maintained by them:
apply,
Tower Bridge
London Bridge
Since medieval masons built a stone span with central chapel,
Since pilgrims passed through in reverent migration,
Since...
Spoon & Tamago
Demographics Professor Warns that by 2531, Everyone in Japan Will be Named Sato
image courtesy Mainichi Shimbun Despite today’s date, this is not an April Fool’s prank. At a press...
8 months ago
image courtesy Mainichi Shimbun Despite today’s date, this is not an April Fool’s prank. At a press conference in Tokyo last weekend, professor Hiroshi Yoshida from the Tohoku University Research Center for Aged Economy and Society, sounded the alarm bell for a looming crisis. By...
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
At A Glance: What's Happening With London's Transport In 2024
New trains! New stations! Major closures!
11 months ago
New trains! New stations! Major closures!
diamond geezer
Random borough 1
It's exactly 20 years today since I dropped the names of 33 boroughs into an empty honey jar, picked...
9 months ago
It's exactly 20 years today since I dropped the names of 33 boroughs into an empty honey jar, picked one at random and kicked off my Random Borough project. It took eight years to complete.
I've decided to pick one of these 33 boroughs completely at random and then go there for...
diamond geezer
Marlborough Street
MARLBOROUGH
STREET
£160
London's Monopoly Streets
MARLBOROUGH STREET
Colour group:...
6 months ago
MARLBOROUGH
STREET
£160
London's Monopoly Streets
MARLBOROUGH STREET
Colour group: orange
Purchase price: £180
Rent: £14
Length: 300m
Borough: Westminster
Postcode: W1
Great Marlborough Street. To understand why, remember that the orange set of properties were originally all...
Londonist
Non ULEZ Compliant Car? TfL Wants You To Give It To Ukraine
Help Ukraine, the environment - and get paid!
9 months ago
Help Ukraine, the environment - and get paid!
Londonist
Conkers In London: Where To Find Them, Where To Play
Our hard-hitting guide.
a year ago
Londonist
A Brief History Of The Bakerloo Line
A chronology of the brown line.
a year ago
A chronology of the brown line.
diamond geezer
TfL FoI requests in November 2024
30 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in November 2024
1) In a typical month (April 2024) TfL...
3 weeks ago
30 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in November 2024
1) In a typical month (April 2024) TfL issued 29,767 Under 16 Oyster Photocards, 6992 16+ Oyster Photocards, 6028 18+ Oyster Photocards and 269 Apprentice Oyster Photocards.
2) The social media management tool used by...
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 4-5 November 2023
Fireworks displays, a reopened museum, a roller disco -- and more!
a year ago
Fireworks displays, a reopened museum, a roller disco -- and more!
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.
diamond geezer
Bow Road
Anyone can visit Bow Road for free.
20 things to see on Bow Road
n.b. The following are all things...
a year ago
Anyone can visit Bow Road for free.
20 things to see on Bow Road
n.b. The following are all things I haven't blogged about before.
Odds
1) Autumn is a particularly good season to see Bow Road because many of our trees do the pretty yellow thing before the leaves fall...
diamond geezer
18U 55V 51W
On Saturday I proposed that 18U Brondesbury Park NW6 7BT is London's highest lettered house....
a year ago
On Saturday I proposed that 18U Brondesbury Park NW6 7BT is London's highest lettered house. Nothing's going to beat a run of houses that goes 18J, 18K, 18L, 18M, 18N, 18P, 18Q, 18R, 18S, 18T, 18U, I thought.
Not so. There are in fact over 50 properties in the capital that can...
Londonist
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2023: A Guide To Visiting London's Huge Christmas Festival
When to go, what to see and how to save money.
a year ago
When to go, what to see and how to save money.
diamond geezer
Moor Park
One Stop Beyond: Moor Park
In this series I'm taking the train one stop beyond the Greater London...
2 months ago
One Stop Beyond: Moor 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 Moor Park, one stop beyond Northwood on the Metropolitan line, a Hertfordshire halt which exists thanks to a golf...
Cheese and Biscuits
Mamapen at the Sun and 13 Cantons, Soho
There are a few pubs in London notable for their hosting of fledgling food businesses, giving...
3 months ago
There are a few pubs in London notable for their hosting of fledgling food businesses, giving talented but cash-strapped teams a chance to test their market and their cooking skills without the risk and stress of opening a completely brand new restaurant. Over the years, you will...
Cheese and Biscuits
The Bear, Camberwell
Despite Camberwell's increasing reputation for all kinds (and all budgets) of great food, it still...
8 months ago
Despite Camberwell's increasing reputation for all kinds (and all budgets) of great food, it still seemed unlikely that this bare-bones pub, just opposite the Walworth bus depot and furnished, as far as I could tell, with tables and chairs nicked from the local secondary school,...
diamond geezer
SL2
Route SL2: Walthamstow Central - North Woolwich Ferry
Length of journey: 12 miles, 60...
9 months ago
Route SL2: Walthamstow Central - North Woolwich Ferry
Length of journey: 12 miles, 60 minutes
Headline: The new express route that completes the loop.
Subtext: This time last year the Superloop hadn't even been announced. It now circles outer London.
Caveat: It's not a loop, the...
Londonist
Valentine's Day 2024 In London: Events For Dates, Mates And Flying Solo
Romance-themed things to do on and around 14 February.
10 months ago
Romance-themed things to do on and around 14 February.
Spoon & Tamago
Discarded Tatami Mats are Reborn as Contemporary Furniture
Tatami mats are traditional Japanese flooring made from sewn-together igusa grass. But despite their...
a year ago
Tatami mats are traditional Japanese flooring made from sewn-together igusa grass. But despite their lovely aroma and natural resistance to mold, their usage has consistently declined as modern consumers opt for more contemporary living choices. The Tatami ReFab Project is an...
Londonist
London Hotel Rooms With A Serious View
Penthouse suites, balconies, and the city spread at your feet.
a year ago
Penthouse suites, balconies, and the city spread at your feet.
diamond geezer
Gridmaps
London in 1
Charing
Cross
London in 2
Westminster
City
London in...
a year ago
London in 1
Charing
Cross
London in 2
Westminster
City
London in 3
Westfield
Oxford
StreetWestfield
London in 4
Harefield
Harold
Hill
HeathrowOrpington
London in 6
M1
A10A12
M4
A3A2
London in...
Londonist
Christmas Carol Concerts In London To Make You Feel All Warm And Fuzzy Inside This December
Including one with dogs. Woof!
a year ago
Including one with dogs. Woof!
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 23-24 December 2023
Events in the capital on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Eve Eve.
a year ago
Events in the capital on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Eve Eve.
diamond geezer
The Putney Sculpture Trail
A Nice Walk: Putney Sculpture Trail (1½ miles)
Sometimes you just want to go for a nice walk,...
a year ago
A Nice Walk: Putney Sculpture Trail (1½ miles)
Sometimes you just want to go for a nice walk, nothing too taxing, a bit of a stroll, lots to see, pretty views, tidal waterside, pockets of history, nine bronzes, multiple refreshment opportunities, entirely step-free, won't take...
AFAR Media - Travel...
These Are the Most Endangered Historic Sites in America
a year ago
Londonist
TfL Is Closing Five Tube Lines This Weekend
Planning on taking the tube this Saturday? Check before you travel!
a year ago
Planning on taking the tube this Saturday? Check before you travel!
Cheese and Biscuits
Zapote, Shoreditch
One of the best things about being in San Diego twice a year (apart from the zoo... and seeing the...
a year ago
One of the best things about being in San Diego twice a year (apart from the zoo... and seeing the family of course) is its proximity to the Mexican border and to Tijuana. Mexico's second largest city is home to a breathtaking variety of restaurants at all price points, from...
Spoon & Tamago
Go on the Tokyo Toilet Tour and Never Worry About Finding a Public Restroom Again
Japan’s public restrooms have in international reputation for being clean and well-maintained, but...
10 months ago
Japan’s public restrooms have in international reputation for being clean and well-maintained, but apparently that still wasn’t good enough. In 2020, the city of Shibuya and Nippon Foundation embarked on an initiative called Tokyo Toilet. They brought together some of the biggest...
Londonist
Buy A Toy For One Of The 5,000 Poorest London Kids In London This Christmas
Winter Toy Appeal back for 10th year.
a year ago
Winter Toy Appeal back for 10th year.
Londonist
19 Images That Tell The Vivid History Of The South Bank
From Roman temples to futuristic domes.
a year ago
From Roman temples to futuristic domes.
diamond geezer
PR bumf roundup
I haven't whinged about unsolicited PR emails for a while because I don't get as many as I used to....
a year ago
I haven't whinged about unsolicited PR emails for a while because I don't get as many as I used to. But they still come, generally from hopeful marketeers with a press release to regurgitate or a plea to amplify some sponsored content. We don't do that here, thanks.
Emily got...
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...
7 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...
diamond geezer
24 things to see in SE24
Only one London postcode area reaches the heady heights of 24 (because N tops out at N22). Come with...
11 months ago
Only one London postcode area reaches the heady heights of 24 (because N tops out at N22). Come with me to Herne Hill SE24.
24 things to see in SE24
1) Visit Brockwell Park
finest parks perfectly plonked on a small hill with commanding views across much of central London. It...
Londonist
Where To Watch The Six Nations 2024 In London
Watch rugby greats battle it out at these pubs and bars.
11 months ago
Watch rugby greats battle it out at these pubs and bars.
Londonist
Literary Footprints 2024: Walking Tours Around Literary London
Love books? Love London? Love this.
10 months ago
Love books? Love London? Love this.
diamond geezer
Whitechapel Road
WHITECHAPEL
ROAD
£60
London's Monopoly Streets
WHITECHAPEL ROAD
Colour group: brown
Purchase...
11 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
The Top Exhibitions To See In London: January 2024
Cuteness overload and a light show to kick off a capital year of culture.
a year ago
Cuteness overload and a light show to kick off a capital year of culture.
diamond geezer
Hog Hill and Dog Kennel Hill
Things on Hills: Hog Hill and Dog Kennel Hill
Where the heck are we? The far side of Redbridge,...
a month ago
Things on Hills: Hog Hill and Dog Kennel Hill
Where the heck are we? The far side of Redbridge, almost in Havering
Be more precise: On the southern edge of Hainault Country Park
Nearest tube station: Fairlop, but 1½ miles away so hardly near
Nearest bus routes: both the 247 and...
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.
Londonist
The BT Tower Is Becoming A Hotel
Iconic building sold for £275m.
10 months ago
Iconic building sold for £275m.
Londonist
Paws On The Wharf: Free Guide Dogs Sculpture Trail Coming To London
Another free art trail for a fantastic cause.
10 months ago
Another free art trail for a fantastic cause.
diamond geezer
Substacks
For those who like writing online, the blogging platform of choice continues to evolve.
Substack,...
a week ago
For those who like writing online, the blogging platform of choice continues to evolve.
Substack, founded in 2017, which has been picking up more and more top writers of late. I have no intention of jumping ship, let's make that clear at the start, but I thought I'd take a...
AFAR Media - Travel...
21 Must-Try Michelin-Star Restaurants in Monaco
8 months ago
Londonist
Modern London Is Beautiful In This New Photographic Book
London: A Modern City in Photographs by Mathew Browne.
a year ago
London: A Modern City in Photographs by Mathew Browne.
Cheese and Biscuits
Speedboat Bar, Soho
It's been a very long time since I did my post-University trip to SE Asia (yes, I am a cliché, I...
over a year ago
It's been a very long time since I did my post-University trip to SE Asia (yes, I am a cliché, I know) and although this was 2001 (I am also old) and years before I thought about starting a food blog (in fact probably years before the first blog even existed) I remember being...
diamond geezer
Planned closures
An extraordinary number of Underground lines are closed this morning.
By my calculations that's...
a year ago
An extraordinary number of Underground lines are closed this morning.
By my calculations that's 67 stations with no train service of any kind, or 25% of the entire tube network. What's more only 23 of these are getting a replacement bus service. Residents of Stanmore, Turnham...
Londonist
Londonist: Time Machine Opens Its Archive For Easter
"It's so damned good!"
9 months ago
Cheese and Biscuits
The London Shell Co., Highgate
The first time I went to the London Shell Co., I hated it. This was nothing to do with the food, and...
a year ago
The first time I went to the London Shell Co., I hated it. This was nothing to do with the food, and everything to do with my aversion to anything boaty, and being trapped on one for the best part of 2 1/2 hours as it punted around the dark, damp Regent's canal in the middle of...
diamond geezer
Anorak corner (tube edition)
Anorak Corner (the annual update) [tube edition]
Hurrah, it's that time of year again when TfL...
3 months ago
Anorak Corner (the annual update) [tube edition]
Hurrah, it's that time of year again when TfL silently updates its spreadsheet of annual passenger entry/exit totals at every tube station.
To be honest they did this last month, that's how silently the data was updated, but at...
Londonist
See Dozens Of Tube Sketches At Barbican Library
Martin Church's vibrant portraits in free exhibition.
11 months ago
Martin Church's vibrant portraits in free exhibition.
Londonist
High Rocks: Stunning Views, Steam Trains And 18th Century Graffiti
Oh, and a top-notch pub right across the road.
a year ago
Oh, and a top-notch pub right across the road.
Londonist
A Free Bowie Exhibition In London's Golden Fitzrovia Chapel
A London Day lands in March.
10 months ago
A London Day lands in March.
Londonist
Atlas of Imagined Cities: Who Lives Where in TV, Books, Games and Movies?
New book maps the worlds of fiction.
a year ago
New book maps the worlds of fiction.
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 16-22 October 2023
Things to do for under a fiver.
a year 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.
diamond geezer
London's wind turbines
I was in Dagenham and I saw this wind turbine and I wondered
How many wind turbines are there in...
6 months ago
I was in Dagenham and I saw this wind turbine and I wondered
How many wind turbines are there in London?
So I made a map using OpenStreetMap and OverpassTurbo.
It produced a map showing 44 wind turbines in the Greater London area.
Except I looked a bit closer and some of...
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.
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...
Spoon & Tamago
Tomohiro Inaba Invites Viewers to Complete the Story of His Sculptures
“To the promised land” (2024) | installation view at YukikoMizutani Tomohiro Inaba is an artist who...
4 months ago
“To the promised land” (2024) | installation view at YukikoMizutani Tomohiro Inaba is an artist who creates sculptures that engage the viewer through their own imagination. Depending on your point of view, Inaba’s works look like they’re either disintegrating into mid-air or or...
Londonist
"Displeasing And Absurd": A Hatchet Job Review Of A Christmas Carol From 1843
There's always one.
a year ago
diamond geezer
Bow Roundabout update #5
Four months of major roadworks were supposed to begin at the Bow Roundabout on Monday 30th...
2 months ago
Four months of major roadworks were supposed to begin at the Bow Roundabout on Monday 30th September. This did not happen. But they are now underway and - spoilers - it's bad news for local road users.
Monday 7th October
Tuesday 8th October
10 years ago.
However as a...
Londonist
Explore A Lost Victorian London In This Free Exhibition
A London Disappeared at LMA.
10 months ago
A London Disappeared at LMA.
AFAR Media - Travel...
U.S. Launches Passport Fairs to Help Speed Up Applications
a year ago
Londonist
London's Best Whisky Bars
Fancy a wee dram?
11 months ago
diamond geezer
60-odd years of game show debuts
60-odd years of UK game show debuts
1962 University Challenge
1963 Password
1964 Mr and Mrs
1965...
a year ago
60-odd years of UK game show debuts
1962 University Challenge
1963 Password
1964 Mr and Mrs
1965 Call My Bluff
1966 It's A Knockout
1967 Ask The Family
1968 Just A Minute
1969 Jokers Wild
1970 A Question of Sport
1971 Sale of the Century
1972 Mastermind
1973 We Are The...
diamond geezer
Consecutive postcode districts
It's a lovely day in the capital so I hope you're out enjoying the unseasonable warmth rather than...
8 months ago
It's a lovely day in the capital so I hope you're out enjoying the unseasonable warmth rather than wasting your time reading today's post. That's because it's about journeys through consecutively numbered postcode districts, an issue of no practical use whatsoever.
postcode...
Londonist
Festive Shows, Winter Cocktails, And Gifts Galore At The Barbican
So much seasonal cheer to unwrap.
a year ago
So much seasonal cheer to unwrap.
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
See A Flock Of 50 Sheep Herded Over Southwark Bridge This September
By a celebrity.
a year ago
Londonist
Just 18 Pictures Of Modernist Tube Stations Looking Dreamy
They don't make 'em like they used to.
a year ago
They don't make 'em like they used to.
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 12-18 February 2024
Things to do for under a fiver.
10 months ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
AFAR Media - Travel...
10 Art Destinations in Italy: Itinerary for Art Lovers
6 months ago
diamond geezer
An A-Z of London post offices
I wanted to buy a dozen stamps.
For this alphabetical challenge I needed a list of London's post...
a year ago
I wanted to buy a dozen stamps.
For this alphabetical challenge I needed a list of London's post offices, which is awkward because the Post Office's branch finder doesn't do lists, only "closest to"s. Thankfully this is a problem other people also have, and volunteers at...
Spoon & Tamago
Shibuya Unveils Graphics Discouraging Halloween Parties in Their Ward
After the tragic and fatal Halloween crowd crush that occured in Seoul last year, Tokyo’s Shibuya...
a year ago
After the tragic and fatal Halloween crowd crush that occured in Seoul last year, Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, which has increasingly become a go-to spot for Halloween parties—often with dangerous consequences—is taking preemptive measures to discourage people from congregating in their...
Londonist
Plans For Redevelopment Of Waterloo Station Revealed
New entrances and concourses are among the ideas.
9 months ago
New entrances and concourses are among the ideas.
Londonist
That Time Someone Rode A Lambretta Down The Thames
Spoiler alert: it later sank.
a year ago
Spoiler alert: it later sank.
Cheese and Biscuits
The Fat Crab, Clapham
One of the best things about being a food blogger in London, and especially as one that has been...
a year ago
One of the best things about being a food blogger in London, and especially as one that has been going as bloody long as I have, is that you generally get to see each of the great global cuisines, or at least global restaurant styles, tackled increasingly successfully. There's...
Londonist
A Rare Chance To Have Afternoon Tea Inside Greenwich's Painted Hall This March
For one day only.
10 months ago
Londonist
13 Excellent Events Near London: February 2024
Snowdrops, cocktails and a special afternoon tea.
10 months ago
Snowdrops, cocktails and a special afternoon tea.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Aspen Uncovered: How to Explore the City Like a True Local
7 months ago
Londonist
The Notable Benches Of London
64 unusual benches in one graphic (you might want to sit down).
10 months ago
64 unusual benches in one graphic (you might want to sit down).
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...
Travel by Sea With Luxury, Sustainability, and Adventure
3 months ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
Inside the New Delta Sky Club Lounge at NY’s JFK Airport
a year ago
Londonist
Superloop: SL3 Route Between Thamesmead And Bromley Launches This Weekend
Just SL5 and SL4 to go now...
10 months ago
Just SL5 and SL4 to go now...
diamond geezer
10 Centuries in 1 Day
One of the capital's best places to go walking is the City of London, and what's more they have the...
7 months ago
One of the capital's best places to go walking is the City of London, and what's more they have the wherewithal to have created all sorts of self-guided walks for you to follow. 21 downloadable walks are listed on their old website (although they're increasingly hard to find...
Londonist
London Overground Strikes Announced For February And March
Plan ahead if you use the Ginger Line.
10 months ago
Plan ahead if you use the Ginger Line.
Spoon & Tamago
Manga Artist Hirohiko Araki Pays Tribute to Osaka Station’s History and Culture with New Public Art...
Osaka Station just got a little more bizzare. Manga artist Hirohiko Araki, known best for his epic...
4 months ago
Osaka Station just got a little more bizzare. Manga artist Hirohiko Araki, known best for his epic saga Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, has installed his first-ever public art piece at Osaka Station’s West Gate. Titled “Fountain Boy,” the circular, back-lit sculpture pays homage to the...
diamond geezer
20 questions hide and seek
I have no idea if this'll work but let's give it a try.
20 questions hide and seek
I'll be there...
a year ago
I have no idea if this'll work but let's give it a try.
20 questions hide and seek
I'll be there from 10am to 11am.
I shall have Squeezy Pig with me.
Your questions go in this comments box. comments if(postComments['89451144195511'] != null){document.write(' (' +...
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...
Cheese and Biscuits
The Royal Oak, Whatcote
There are so many different types of restaurant, so much variety in the ways and manner and styles...
3 months ago
There are so many different types of restaurant, so much variety in the ways and manner and styles that we eat out, that sometimes it's amazing we find anything in common about the experience at all. And yet somehow we do, and restaurant critics and food blogs exist because, by...
Londonist
Street Art Hopscotch Appears In London, With A Potent Anti-War Message
“Stop talking about the politics of war and think more about the children suffering from conflict."
a year ago
“Stop talking about the politics of war and think more about the children suffering from conflict."
diamond geezer
The Limit
I have not yet faced the coming of The Limit. It comes to most of us, some sooner than others, a...
a year ago
I have not yet faced the coming of The Limit. It comes to most of us, some sooner than others, a one-way, permanent restriction after which life is never quite so free again.
I'm not trying to be maudlin here, nor am I building up to the revelation that The Limit has come to...
diamond geezer
Unblogged July
31 unblogged things I did in July
Mon 1: "Oooh," I thought, "I bet that's the last London park in...
4 months ago
31 unblogged things I did in July
Mon 1: "Oooh," I thought, "I bet that's the last London park in alphabetical order, I wonder what the first is." So if you see a post one day called The A-Z of London Parks, that's where the idea came from.
Tue 2: Unblogged follow-up to my Free...
Londonist
Even More Of London's Crappiest Benches
When London's seats fail to bring their A game.
a year ago
When London's seats fail to bring their A game.
Londonist
The Best Places For Free Hot Desking In Central London
All free. No membership required.
11 months ago
All free. No membership required.
AFAR Media - Travel...
The British Virgin Islands Is Your Ultimate Vacation Destination
a year ago
diamond geezer
Route 59
Route 59: Smithfield to Streatham Hill
Location: London south, inner
Length of bus journey: 6 miles,...
9 months ago
Route 59: Smithfield to Streatham Hill
Location: London south, inner
Length of bus journey: 6 miles, 55 minutes
It's traditional around every birthday that I take a numerically significant bus journey. Seventeen years ago I took the 42 to Dulwich, then subsequently the 43 to...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Vacation Ideas for Families with Neurodivergent Children
a year ago
Spoon & Tamago
Satoshi Odagiri Creates One-of-a-Kind Organic Mobiles from Found Material
Located in the wilderness of of Hanno City (Saitama), about an hour outside of Tokyo, is Saturday...
9 months ago
Located in the wilderness of of Hanno City (Saitama), about an hour outside of Tokyo, is Saturday Factory, a design studio founded by Satoshi Odagiri in 2015. Inspired by the surrounding forests, rivers and wildflowers, Odagiri creates balancing mobiles that incorporate materials...
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
Interview with a Bus Rescheduler
An interview with Liam Fennell, TfL Bus Rescheduler
DG: Hi Liam, tell us what you do.
Liam: Hi, I'm...
11 months ago
An interview with Liam Fennell, TfL Bus Rescheduler
DG: Hi Liam, tell us what you do.
Liam: Hi, I'm the guy who slows the buses down.
DG: I've always wondered who that was.
Liam: It's quite a responsibility!
DG: So how does that work?
Liam: You know when you're on a bus, pootling...
Londonist
This Glowing Garden Of 25,000 Illuminated Roses Has Returned
The Ever After Garden returns.
a year ago
The Ever After Garden returns.
Cheese and Biscuits
64 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia
The first thing we were given to eat at 64 Goodge Street was a little plate of truffle-cream...
5 months ago
The first thing we were given to eat at 64 Goodge Street was a little plate of truffle-cream gougères topped with shaved Comté. These turned out to be important for two reasons - firstly, they weren't on the menu and as unannounced bonus extra dishes go you could hardly do more...
Londonist
12 Marvellous Day Trips From London: September 2023
Charming events within easy reach of London.
a year ago
Charming events within easy reach of London.
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.
AFAR Media - Travel...
4 Kessler Collection Hotels with Art in the Southern U.S.
4 months ago
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 18-24 December 2023
A handy roundup of Londonist articles from the past week.
12 months ago
A handy roundup of Londonist articles from the past week.
diamond geezer
Theobalds Grove
One Stop Beyond: Theobalds Grove
In this series I'm taking the train one stop beyond the Greater...
3 months ago
One Stop Beyond: Theobalds Grove
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 Theobalds Grove, one stop beyond Turkey Street on the Southbury Loop, better known these days as the Weaver...
Londonist
Belgravia In Bloom 2024: Flower Arches And Sculptures Pop Up In West London
It's all fun and games this year - that's the theme!
8 months ago
It's all fun and games this year - that's the theme!
diamond geezer
Pentonville Road
PENTONVILLE
ROAD
£120
London's Monopoly Streets
PENTONVILLE ROAD
Colour group: light...
9 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...
Londonist
Things To Do In London On Christmas Day
Guided tours, river trips and Christmas lunch.
a year ago
Guided tours, river trips and Christmas lunch.
Londonist
Where To Recycle Or Dispose Of Your 2023 Christmas Tree In London
Which London boroughs recycle them?
11 months ago
Which London boroughs recycle them?
Londonist
10 London Buildings Added To Heritage At Risk Register
Historic England's annual list gains 10 more entries.
a year ago
Historic England's annual list gains 10 more entries.
diamond geezer
Fleet Street
FLEET
STREET
£220
London's Monopoly Streets
FLEET STREET
Colour group: red
Purchase price:...
5 months ago
FLEET
STREET
£220
London's Monopoly Streets
FLEET STREET
Colour group: red
Purchase price: £220
Rent: £18
Length: 500m
Borough: City of London
Postcode: EC4
Fleet Street precisely links the edge of the ancient walled city (at Ludgate) to the edge of the expanded medieval...
Spoon & Tamago
Exploring Tokyo’s Hidden Shrines
According to statistics, Tokyo is home to over 1800 Shinto shrines. You have your major shrines like...
a year ago
According to statistics, Tokyo is home to over 1800 Shinto shrines. You have your major shrines like Meiji-Jingu and Hie Shrine but there are many other tiny shrines, often unstaffed and nestled in the depths of back streets and behind buildings. Tearing down a shrine would be...
diamond geezer
Energen Close
While I was in Willesden, round the back of Taylors Lane Power Station, I came across this...
8 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...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 11-17 December 2023
Roundup of Londonist articles from the past week.
a year ago
Roundup of Londonist articles from the past week.
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