diamond geezer
Hinchley Wood
One Stop Beyond: Hinchley Wood
Hinchley Wood, one stop beyond Surbiton on the New Guildford...
4 months ago
One Stop Beyond: Hinchley Wood
Hinchley Wood, one stop beyond Surbiton on the New Guildford line.
unsung fields to the east of Esher, officially in the parish of Thames Ditton, sliced through by a non-stopping railway. What changed things was the arrival of the Kingston Bypass...
Londonist
The Cosmic House: A Surreal Mansion You Can Visit In Kensington
Warning: article could lead to serious house envy.
a year ago
Warning: article could lead to serious house envy.
Spoon & Tamago
Tokyo Here & Now: Private Art and Design Tours by Mirit Weinstock
this post is sponsored by mirit weinstock Mirit Weinstock is an artist and designer living in Tokyo,...
10 months ago
this post is sponsored by mirit weinstock Mirit Weinstock is an artist and designer living in Tokyo, specializing in Japanese crafts and working in a variety of mediums. The creative director and founder of “Mirit Weinstock” jewelry brand, the artist is steeped in the Japanese...
Cheese and Biscuits
Solo, Aughton
When I was first out of university, trying to decide what to do with my life, and with no long term...
9 months ago
When I was first out of university, trying to decide what to do with my life, and with no long term plan other than the fact I knew - eventually - I wanted to move to London and stay there, I got a job as a cashier at Ormskirk Abbey National. Ormskirk is ostensibly a market town,...
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
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
"My Obsession With London's Modernist Council Estates"
The beauty of the capital's social housing.
9 months ago
The beauty of the capital's social housing.
Londonist
The Next London Borough Of Culture Will Be Wandsworth, Followed By...
Next two boroughs announced.
9 months ago
Next two boroughs announced.
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 9-15 October 2023
The best articles from the past week.
a year ago
The best articles from the past week.
Spoon & Tamago
A VHS Cafe is Opening in Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa Neighborhood
Despite it’s image of neon lights and cyberpunk mystique propagated by the west, Tokyo is very much...
a year ago
Despite it’s image of neon lights and cyberpunk mystique propagated by the west, Tokyo is very much a mash-up of old and new. It’s a city where Tower Records is still alive and well. Where vinyl record and vintage clothing shops have to employ crowd control measures. And where a...
diamond geezer
Green Link Walk 1
For those of us who like walking, yesterday was a red letter day. A new official London walkway was...
9 months ago
For those of us who like walking, yesterday was a red letter day. A new official London walkway was launched, the first in over a decade - the first of six potential new Greenways proposed by the London Ramblers in 2021. It's been a while because waymarking and accessibility take...
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...
10 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...
Spoon & Tamago
‘Mirai No Table’ Brings Childcare and Dining Together As One
All images © Atelier Air Flo Nukasawa courtesy of Harema Design Office At the crossroads of...
a year ago
All images © Atelier Air Flo Nukasawa courtesy of Harema Design Office At the crossroads of childcare and dining, ‘Mirai no Table‘ (Table of the Future) is a café conceived from the dual perspectives by Harema Design Office. The café embodies the idea that our food choices shape...
Spoon & Tamago
The Unforgettable Landscapes of Ippan Nakamura’s World of Illustrations
All images courtesy of Nakamura Ippan | used with permission Nakamura Ippan, a non-binary artist...
a year ago
All images courtesy of Nakamura Ippan | used with permission Nakamura Ippan, a non-binary artist known for their web comic series ‘Jimocoro‘ and ‘Minna no Gohan‘, held their first solo exhibition last month in Tokyo. Art enthusiasts had the opportunity to witness Nakamura’s...
diamond geezer
Weather 2023
the dg weather review of the year
used to do this with big colourful monthly tables but that's too...
11 months ago
the dg weather review of the year
used to do this with big colourful monthly tables but that's too much effort for too little reward so here's a breezier summary. All data is for Hampstead, as per usual.
temperaturerainfallsunshine
Janmild then...
Londonist
Dive Into This Free Exhibition About Billingsgate Fish Market
Living the bream.
10 months ago
Londonist
Captain Zip's Amazing Film Footage Of London Punks In The 1970s And 80s
They even visit Downing Street.
a year ago
They even visit Downing Street.
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...
AFAR Media - Travel...
5 Most Exciting Travel Destinations in the U.S. to Visit
a year ago
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 28 August-3 September 2023
Things to do for under a fiver.
a year ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
diamond geezer
London's shortest
On the shortest day of the year, a shortlist of London's shortests
• London's shortest suburbs are...
yesterday
On the shortest day of the year, a shortlist of London's shortests
• London's shortest suburbs are Bow, Ham, Kew and Lee.
(118m)
823m long at Kenley Airfield.
1508m long at City Airport.
• London's shortest canal tunnel is Eyre's Tunnel which bores 48m under Lisson...
Londonist
Expect To Hear Lots More Buskers In Tube Stations Over The Next 2 Weeks
It's the X Factor of the London Underground.
9 months ago
It's the X Factor of the London Underground.
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
London's least busy bus stop
Where is London's least busy bus stop?
It is however a very difficult question to answer, much...
6 months ago
Where is London's least busy bus stop?
It is however a very difficult question to answer, much harder than where's the busiest.
last year when TfL released a Weekday Passenger Data spreadsheet providing the number of boarders at all 19,827 of their bus stops during the month...
diamond geezer
The December 2024 tube map
The introduction of six Overground line names continues to have unfortunate repercussions.
It's...
a week ago
The introduction of six Overground line names continues to have unfortunate repercussions.
It's unfortunate because the last tube map was only released three weeks ago. Alas it included a typo so the decision was taken to withdraw the entire batch pending a reprint, and here...
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
New year, new niggles
My 2020 niggle arrived during lockdown. It started small. It wasn't much of a niggle to start with,...
11 months ago
My 2020 niggle arrived during lockdown. It started small. It wasn't much of a niggle to start with, it just came on. They say it happens to most people so I shouldn't have been surprised. It was still a bit of a shock though. The first inkling was several years ago. It's got more...
Londonist
Sadiq Stops The Ball Rolling On Controversial Stratford Sphere
Massive Vegas-style venue would be " bulky, unduly dominant and incongruous".
a year ago
Massive Vegas-style venue would be " bulky, unduly dominant and incongruous".
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.
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 19-25 February 2024
7 days of London wrapped up in a neat little package.
10 months ago
7 days of London wrapped up in a neat little package.
diamond geezer
The great Banksy cover-up
I visited the new Banksy on Hornsey Road on Day 3, which proved the optimal time.
Days 1 and 2 it...
8 months ago
I visited the new Banksy on Hornsey Road on Day 3, which proved the optimal time.
Days 1 and 2 it had been rammed with people crowding round the railings, so getting a decent photo was difficult.
Day 4 someone chucked white paint over part of the artwork closest to the road and...
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 5-11 February 2024
Do cool stuff for under a fiver.
10 months ago
Do cool stuff for under a fiver.
diamond geezer
The 'Inside The Circle Line' Tube Challenge
Let's celebrate the cancellation of today's tube strike by tackling a really pointless...
a year ago
Let's celebrate the cancellation of today's tube strike by tackling a really pointless challenge.
The 'Inside The Circle Line' Tube Challenge
No station can be visited more than once.
So, for example, you might ride one stop from Queensway to Lancaster Gate, then get out...
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
A Christmas Carol - London Locations Mapped
Book and film locations - and plenty more!
a year ago
Book and film locations - and plenty more!
Londonist
15 Delightful Day Trips From London: November 2023
Charming events within easy reach of London.
a year ago
Charming events within easy reach of London.
diamond geezer
Bow Roundabout update #10
Major roadworks at the Bow Roundabout continue to create long queues of traffic.
This is a queue...
4 weeks ago
Major roadworks at the Bow Roundabout continue to create long queues of traffic.
This is a queue of traffic moving very slowly in brief bursts towards the end of Bow Road. On this particular day the back of the queue was around Bus Stop M although often it goes a lot further....
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 19-25 February 2024
Do cool stuff for under a fiver.
10 months ago
Do cool stuff for under a fiver.
diamond geezer
2025 fares
-->TfL's annual fare rise was announced yesterday. It's good news for buses and bad news for...
a week 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...
Londonist
Crown And Coronation: Regal Light Show To Be Projected Onto Tower Of London
This one will be popular - and tickets are available now!
a year ago
This one will be popular - and tickets are available now!
diamond geezer
Loo symbols
This is one of the toughest decisions I've faced recently.
This is the entrance to the public...
10 months ago
This is one of the toughest decisions I've faced recently.
This is the entrance to the public conveniences under the Fulham Broadway Retail Centre.
I should point out that I'm not in the habit of photographing public conveniences. But the toilets at Fulham were very quiet,...
Londonist
The Boat Races 2024: How, Where And When To Watch Oxford Vs Cambridge
Plenty of riverside pubs to choose from.
9 months ago
Plenty of riverside pubs to choose from.
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,...
Londonist
Things To Do In London This Autumn
Your September to November 2023 calendar, sorted.
a year ago
Your September to November 2023 calendar, sorted.
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...
6 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
20 Centuries in 1 City
10 Centuries In 1 Day may not have been a very good walk.
London's a Roman city, can we do 20...
7 months ago
10 Centuries In 1 Day may not have been a very good walk.
London's a Roman city, can we do 20 centuries?
16th-21st century
This is the easy bit.
21st century
Gherkin (2004) I'm going to pick The Shard (2013). It's still the tallest building in western Europe.
20th...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 18-24 March 2024
Our best articles from the past week.
9 months ago
Our best articles from the past week.
Londonist
9 Things To Do In London To Brighten Up The Dark Nights
It's not all doom and gloom.
a year ago
It's not all doom and gloom.
Londonist
10 Big Shows To Book For 2024
It's a good time to be a Studio Ghibli fan.
a year ago
It's a good time to be a Studio Ghibli fan.
Londonist
Seek Out 25 Colourful Guide Dog Sculptures In Canary Wharf
We've heard of a glossy coat but this is ridiculous...
9 months ago
We've heard of a glossy coat but this is ridiculous...
Londonist
Concrete Beauty Of The National Theatre Captured In This Abstract Exhibition
Amelia Lancaster has been photographing it for over 20 years.
11 months ago
Amelia Lancaster has been photographing it for over 20 years.
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...
The Forney Flyer
Way Back When
Our flying has been quite slow lately because of the Covid-19 situation. I have, however, recently...
over a year ago
Our flying has been quite slow lately because of the Covid-19 situation. I have, however, recently done several maintenance and test flights from our home airstrip, which as you can see, is about half underwater from the high levels of Lake Victoria. In fact, this is better than...
Spoon & Tamago
Japanese Designer New Year’s Cards of 2024
It’s been a rough start to the new year for Japan as one disaster begets another. We are of course...
11 months ago
It’s been a rough start to the new year for Japan as one disaster begets another. We are of course talking about the evolving situation at Haneda airport, as well as the Noto Peninsula. Our hearts go out to everyone affected but we also want to highlight the many heroes of the...
diamond geezer
Bow Roundabout update #7
The second full week of roadworks at the Bow Roundabout has seen drilling continue on the Stratford...
a month ago
The second full week of roadworks at the Bow Roundabout has seen drilling continue on the Stratford side, both under and beside the flyover. A third lane is already substantially carved out at the end of Stratford High Street. Below we see a broad curve where grey concrete block...
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.
diamond geezer
Why are hire bikes dumped everywhere?
♦ geezr/london 6h
George43Penge
Why are hire bikes dumped everywhere? it makes me so mad
⬆423 ...
5 months ago
♦ geezr/london 6h
George43Penge
Why are hire bikes dumped everywhere? it makes me so mad
⬆423 💬25
✨ penryjan 6h
⭐ obmit 5h
⌚ monkeytennis 4h
⌛ Bimbles 3h
☔ McSpatula 42m
♋ zxcvbnm12 5h
⛽ Greggers 4h
☕ wingnutz 4h
⛲ Ecosoldier 4h
⛔ clarxon 2h
❌ ProudMick 1h
⛵...
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.
Spoon & Tamago
Forest Crayons Derived Solely From a Different Species of Tree Native to Japan
Forest Crayons are a set of 10 crayons, each with a color derived solely from a different species of...
5 months ago
Forest Crayons are a set of 10 crayons, each with a color derived solely from a different species of tree native to Japan such as cedar, hazenoki and katsura. Designed by Saki Maruyama and Daniel Coppen of Studio Playfool, the crayons manage to repurpose Japan’s otherwise wasted...
diamond geezer
Tuesday transport news
Subscribe now to get a dose of London transport news in your inbox every Tuesday.
The Main...
a year ago
Subscribe now to get a dose of London transport news in your inbox every Tuesday.
The Main Drag
acton mail line. What's more they'd made this spelling error previously in spring 2021 and now they'd made it again in autumn 2023. It wasn't clever. We may have giggled.
acton...
Cheese and Biscuits
Cord, Fleet Street
Basil Fawlty:
Mr. Johnson:
Basil Fawlty:
Mr. Johnson:
Basil Fawlty:
Mr. Johnson:
Basil...
a year ago
Basil Fawlty:
Mr. Johnson:
Basil Fawlty:
Mr. Johnson:
Basil Fawlty:
Mr. Johnson:
Basil Fawlty:
gralefrit, we idolised the food of France, where they did things properly. Whipped into shape back in the 19th century by towering figures like Escoffier, French cuisine...
Spoon & Tamago
Uenosuke Shitanosuke: Twin Tumblers that Fit Perfectly Together
For all the preaching on the health benefits of drinking more water, very few tools help us actually...
a year ago
For all the preaching on the health benefits of drinking more water, very few tools help us actually achieve this. So when Taro Mukasa, an illustrator and toy designer at creative agency Zariganiworks came across a manga panel in which the protagonist declares that his hobby is...
Londonist
Dreaming Of Owning A Home In France? You Need To Know About This Event!
The French Property Exhibition returns to London this month.
11 months ago
The French Property Exhibition returns to London this month.
Spoon & Tamago
Artists Summon Mythical Creatures of the Echigo Region for the 2024 Wara Art Festival
photos courtesy Wara Art Festival Autumn is officially upon us. It’s the season of shorter days,...
2 months ago
photos courtesy Wara Art Festival Autumn is officially upon us. It’s the season of shorter days, brighter moons and bountiful harvests. Niigata prefecture, in Northern Japan, is known for its rice paddies and rice production. Around this time of year the rice harvest becomes a...
Londonist
London Almost Had Another Public Aquarium - In Silvertown Docks
Ever heard of 'Biota!'?
a year ago
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 13-19 November 2023
Things to do for under a fiver.
a year ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
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
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.
Londonist
What's Happening With London Housing, Rent And Development? November 2023
Our quickfire summary of bricks and mortar, steel and glass.
a year ago
Our quickfire summary of bricks and mortar, steel and glass.
AFAR Media - Travel...
4 Kessler Collection Hotels with Art in the Southern U.S.
4 months ago
diamond geezer
Wordle #13724
WORDLE #13724
ENACT
FIGHT
TOUGH
WIDTH
MIRTH
ABOUT
5 months ago
WORDLE #13724
ENACT
FIGHT
TOUGH
WIDTH
MIRTH
ABOUT
Londonist
A Brief History Of The Northern Line
London's first deep-level tube.
a year ago
London's first deep-level tube.
diamond geezer
Renaming the Overground, step by step
The introduction of the six new London Overground names is finally, tangibly, underway. But the...
4 weeks ago
The introduction of the six new London Overground names is finally, tangibly, underway. But the changes are being phased in, as befits a seriously complex operation, with some happening now, some delayed until next month or next year, and some kicked far into the future because...
Spoon & Tamago
Takenokuma Cafe is a Water Garden Inspired by the Lush Nature of Kumamoto
In the peaceful town of Minami-Oguni (Kumamoto Prefecture) is Takenokuma, a new cafe inspired by the...
10 months ago
In the peaceful town of Minami-Oguni (Kumamoto Prefecture) is Takenokuma, a new cafe inspired by the many water sources that flow freely from nearby Mt. Aso. These water sources manifest themselves in many ways including rivers, hot springs and channels that flow into the...
diamond geezer
My Saturday
My Saturday
diamond geezer
5am I awake early because there's not a moment to be wasted. I'll read...
10 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
New Exhibition Explores How William Shakespeare Shaped Britain’s Experience Of War
From the English Civil War to the present day.
a year ago
From the English Civil War to the present day.
Londonist
Where To Dine And Drink In An Igloo Or Snow Globe In London This Winter
Book riverside igloos and rooftop domes.
a year ago
Book riverside igloos and rooftop domes.
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.
diamond geezer
Bedford to Bletchley for £1
A ride down the Marston Vale line
(where a train journey currently costs just £1, for reasons...
6 months ago
A ride down the Marston Vale line
(where a train journey currently costs just £1, for reasons explained yesterday)
Bedford
Platform 1a beside the car park, chugging away noisily and hourly.
Nearby: The town centre was fairly buzzy on Saturday, helped by umpteen outdoor market...
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...
Londonist
A Map Of Women's History In London
From Boudicca to Rachel Whiteread.
9 months ago
From Boudicca to Rachel Whiteread.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Where to Learn About Jewish History in Germany
6 months ago
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.
Londonist
"Every Year We Do A Free Christmas Day Dinner At Our Wimbledon Pub, For People On Their Own"
Almost 200 people come to the Alex on 25 Dec.
a year ago
Almost 200 people come to the Alex on 25 Dec.
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
Doctor Who TARDIS And Sculpture Appear On South Bank
See David Tennant regenerate into Ncuti Gutwa... and back again.
a year ago
See David Tennant regenerate into Ncuti Gutwa... and back again.
AFAR Media - Travel...
The Northern Lights Could Appear in the Lower 48 This Week
a year ago
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 20-26 November 2023
All our best articles from the past week.
a year ago
All our best articles from the past week.
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do In London This Week: 18-24 March 2024
Things to do for under a fiver.
9 months ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
Spoon & Tamago
A New Brewery in Yobuko Wants to Revive the Former Whaling Town
Photos by Hiroshi Mizusaki courtesy Case-Real Architects The Town of Yobuko, located at the tip of...
a year ago
Photos by Hiroshi Mizusaki courtesy Case-Real Architects The Town of Yobuko, located at the tip of North-Western Kyushu, is named after the migratory path that whales swam. Beginning in the 1700s, Yobuko prospered as a whaling town, birthing the idiom, a single whale flourishes...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 1-7 April 2024
Our top stories from the last seven days.
8 months ago
Our top stories from the last seven days.
Londonist
Literary Footprints 2024: Walking Tours Around Literary London
Love books? Love London? Love this.
10 months ago
Love books? Love London? Love this.
Londonist
The Great Fire Of London: 10 Key Sites To See
Monument, Pudding Lane, the Golden Boy and more.
a year ago
Monument, Pudding Lane, the Golden Boy and more.
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...
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...
10 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...
Londonist
London's New Women's Museum Opens This March
Launching on International Women's Day.
9 months ago
Launching on International Women's Day.
Spoon & Tamago
Designed by Kengo Kuma, Kiki’s Museum of Literature to Open in Tokyo
Fans of “Kiki’s Delivery Service” will be delighted to learn that a new museum dedicated to...
a year ago
Fans of “Kiki’s Delivery Service” will be delighted to learn that a new museum dedicated to children’s book author Eiko Kadono will open in Tokyo. Designed by architect Kengo Kumo, the three-story Kiki’s Museum of Literature will be located inside Nagisa Park, which is situated...
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
Vintage Football Shirts: The Best And Oddest From Every Big London Club
New book delves deep into the world of vintage collectables.
a year ago
New book delves deep into the world of vintage collectables.
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 16-17 September 2023
Comedy, podcasts, fashion exhibitions, Open House and the Great River Race.
a year ago
Comedy, podcasts, fashion exhibitions, Open House and the Great River Race.
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
TfL Releases Treasure Trove Of Historic Tube Maps, Photos And More
The transport motherlode via Google Arts & Culture.
10 months ago
The transport motherlode via Google Arts & Culture.
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
LNER Launches Its Summer Sale
Hundreds of thousands of cheaper tickets available.
8 months ago
Hundreds of thousands of cheaper tickets available.
Londonist
The Colony Room: Soho's Infamous Drinking Den is Back From The Dead... Sort Of
Drinks will be at 2008 prices too.
a year ago
Drinks will be at 2008 prices too.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Travel to Costal Germany's Historical UNESCO Sites
7 months ago
diamond geezer
Havant
Until yesterday I hadn't been to Havant.
Havant is a large town in southeast Hampshire on the way...
4 months ago
Until yesterday I hadn't been to Havant.
Havant is a large town in southeast Hampshire on the way to Portsmouth.
They Havant got many old buildings because most of the town burnt in a fire in 1760. Only the church and a row of cottages survived.
St Faith's and they found...
Londonist
Cricket Cornish Pasty Anyone? London's Bug Restaurant Has Just Gone Permanent
Hop to it!
10 months ago
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...
Spoon & Tamago
Go See 5.3 Million Baby Blue Eye Flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park in Japan
photo by teerayut hiruntaraporn Japan’s cherry blossoms usually get all the attention for their...
a year ago
photo by teerayut hiruntaraporn Japan’s cherry blossoms usually get all the attention for their short-lived beauty. But equally ephemeral are Japan’s Nemophila, or Baby Blue Eyes. And once a year, around late April to Early May, an astounding sea of 5.3 million of these little...
Londonist
Alternative London Tube Map Shows Great Engineers
From Bazalgette to modern day pioneers.
a year ago
From Bazalgette to modern day pioneers.
Londonist
A Major Festival Of Czech Culture Is Returning To London
Made in Prague runs 3 Nov-10 Dec.
a year ago
Made in Prague runs 3 Nov-10 Dec.
Londonist
Part Of The Piccadilly Line Is Closing For 5 Days This Month
Heathrow will be off the cards.
10 months ago
Heathrow will be off the cards.
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
Where To Eat And Drink In Canary Wharf: The Best Restaurants, Cafes, Bars And Pubs
Scran among the 'scrapers.
a year ago
Scran among the 'scrapers.
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.
Londonist
Cycle All Day For £3, As Santander Cycles Introduces New Day Pass
We feel a challenge coming on...
11 months ago
We feel a challenge coming on...
Londonist
Best Of Londonist: 25-31 March 2024
Catch up with the best Londonist articles from the past week.
8 months ago
Catch up with the best Londonist articles from the past week.
Londonist
Goodbye Glory, Hello Divine - East London's New-Not-New LGBTQ+ Club
"One New Year's Eve lock-in with Keira Knightley and Chelsea Clinton got a bit wild..."
10 months ago
"One New Year's Eve lock-in with Keira Knightley and Chelsea Clinton got a bit wild..."
diamond geezer
Beddington Farmlands
A Nice Walk: Beddington Farmlands (1 mile)
Sometimes you just want to go for a nice walk, nothing...
a month ago
A Nice Walk: Beddington Farmlands (1 mile)
Sometimes you just want to go for a nice walk, nothing too taxing, a bit of a stroll, wildlife guaranteed, railway-adjacent, mostly dry underfoot, broad pylon vistas, binocular opportunities, possibility of lapwings, won't take long. So...
Londonist
Paul Foot Is Barmy Brilliance In A Boiler Suit
A hilarious, uncynical, remarkable piece of comedy.
10 months ago
A hilarious, uncynical, remarkable piece of comedy.
Londonist
Wish You Were (Still) Here: Piccadilly's Egyptian Hall
London's most beautiful pastiche?
9 months ago
London's most beautiful pastiche?
diamond geezer
Open House (2)
For Open House Day Two I zipped around the capital and visited seven different and quite varied...
3 months ago
For Open House Day Two I zipped around the capital and visited seven different and quite varied properties. It was a long day. I therefore don't have the time or energy to write about them all, not right now, so instead I've prioritised selecting some good photos and uploading...
Londonist
Croydon Plans Spectacular Mic Drop For Borough Of Culture Closing Weekend
Light shows, punk marble runs and the world's smallest nightclub.
9 months ago
Light shows, punk marble runs and the world's smallest nightclub.
diamond geezer
Bus of the day 197
Bus Route Of The Day
197: Croydon to Peckham
Quadrant: London southeast
Length of journey: 10 miles,...
5 months ago
Bus Route Of The Day
197: Croydon to Peckham
Quadrant: London southeast
Length of journey: 10 miles, 65 minutes
Because it's 19th July I've been out riding the 197, because that's the Bus Route Of The Day. My apologies for the repetition.
Threepenny Bit building, stopping not...
Londonist
Can You Set Off Your Own Fireworks In London?
DIY whizzbangs, explained.
a year ago
DIY whizzbangs, explained.
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...
The Forney Flyer
View From My Office Window
I never cease to be awed by the beauty and diversity of God's creation. Over the years, I've...
over a year ago
I never cease to be awed by the beauty and diversity of God's creation. Over the years, I've flown/worked in quite a number of regions/countries, and had the unique privilege of enjoying many awesome landscapes in some of the most remote and isolated parts of the world... and...
AFAR Media - Travel...
9 Greek Travel Experiences for a Luxurious Escape
a month ago
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.
Cheese and Biscuits
The Union, Rye
Over the last, I don't know, ten or fifteen or so years - certainly since the expansion of the St...
over a year ago
Over the last, I don't know, ten or fifteen or so years - certainly since the expansion of the St John universe but also since places like Lyle's and the Sportsman and the Draper's Arms spread their wings - a kind of consensus has appeared on what constitutes a Modern British...
diamond geezer
Unblogged December
28 unblogged things I did in December
Fri 1: My monthly electricity bill arrived and it was an...
12 months 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...
Londonist
Punk Bands In 1970s London: Rescued And Never-Before-Seen-Photos
Free exhibition only on for a month.
a year ago
Free exhibition only on for a month.
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
The Funniest Things You've Heard Tube Drivers Say - Vol. 4
"Anyone know where the brakes are on this thing?"
a year ago
"Anyone know where the brakes are on this thing?"
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.
Londonist
Get Your Broken Stuff Fixed At These Workshops Across London This March
Most are free, too.
9 months ago
Spoon & Tamago
Tamiya’s New Plamodel Factory in Tokyo is a Model Maker’s Paradise
Photos by Daici Ano and Tomoyuki Kusunose, courtesy Torafu Architects Tamiya, perhaps the most...
5 months ago
Photos by Daici Ano and Tomoyuki Kusunose, courtesy Torafu Architects Tamiya, perhaps the most recognized brand name in the modeling industry, recently opened a new flagship facility in the Shimbashi Toranomon area of Tokyo. Dubbed the Tamiya Plamodel Factory, the shiny new...
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
A Free Exhibition Featuring Virtual Rainforests Is Coming To Oxo Tower Wharf
Shrug off the city and immerse yourself in a forest.
a year ago
Shrug off the city and immerse yourself in a forest.
diamond geezer
Canteenlessness
I was out in the City at lunchtime, not far from St Paul's, and found myself amid a horde of...
2 months ago
I was out in the City at lunchtime, not far from St Paul's, and found myself amid a horde of businessfolk buying lunch. They were flocking to nearby shops, mainly specialist food outlets, for a calorific haul to tide them over into the afternoon. You could tell it was peak...
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
The Royal Mail Experiment
Have you ever wondered whether the Royal Mail are failing to deliver your post on time? I've long...
3 months ago
Have you ever wondered whether the Royal Mail are failing to deliver your post on time? I've long thought it suspicious that I go days without post then a whole batch arrives together, and that bills seem to arrive long after they were posted. But without evidence all this is...
diamond geezer
Unwritten
Seven posts that I considered writing today but they were going nowhere so I didn't finish...
a year ago
Seven posts that I considered writing today but they were going nowhere so I didn't finish them
What's the lowest numbered A road you've never driven on?
Wow didn't it just get cold?
the temperature in my living room for three years. I note the indoor temperature first thing...
diamond geezer
Decorations up
It was St Nicholas Day yesterday so I put my Christmas decorations up.
It's not a date-related...
a year ago
It was St Nicholas Day yesterday so I put my Christmas decorations up.
It's not a date-related tradition or anything, certainly not my tradition, but this year the day I spotted the box of decorations was 6th December so out they came and up they went. It would've been more...
Spoon & Tamago
Icoma Foldable Electric Bike Inspired by Japanese Transformable Toys
The moment we saw this foldable electric bike, something awakened our inner child. We couldn’t quite...
a year ago
The moment we saw this foldable electric bike, something awakened our inner child. We couldn’t quite put our finger on it bit it was a feeling akin to seeing a brand new toy in a toy shop. It turns out that the origin story of the Icoma Electric Bike is very much a part of...
Londonist
Gorgeous Shots Of The Thames In New Riverside Photography Book
London's Riverside in Photographs, by Franco Pfaller.
10 months ago
London's Riverside in Photographs, by Franco Pfaller.
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 30-31 December 2023
The best ways to spend the last weekend of 2023 in the capital.
12 months ago
The best ways to spend the last weekend of 2023 in the capital.
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...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Where Was Game of Thrones Filmed? 11 Locations You Can Visit
a year ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
3 Great California Travel Itineraries to Inspire Anyone
10 months ago
Londonist
Olympic Park's East Bank Is Open, With Two Landmark Buildings To Visit
Just walk in: UCL East and London College of Fashion.
a year ago
Just walk in: UCL East and London College of Fashion.
Londonist
Nostalgic For The Elephant And Castle Underpass? You Will Be After Watching This Maccabees Video
The ending almost had us weeping...
a year ago
The ending almost had us weeping...
Londonist
On 29 February Do One Of These Things A Londoner Would Never Do
From rickshaws to Angus Steakhouses.
10 months ago
From rickshaws to Angus Steakhouses.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Soon, TSA Security Screenings Will Be Self-Service
a year ago
Londonist
How Many Underground Stations Are Overground, And How Many Overground Stations Are Underground?
If you see what we mean...
11 months ago
If you see what we mean...
Londonist
The Docklands Gym Where Muslim Women Are Toughening Up And Feeling Empowered
"I used to be a couch potato, but now I love coming here"
a year ago
"I used to be a couch potato, but now I love coming here"
diamond geezer
London's largest common
What's London's largest common?
In particular it depends on what common land is. The Open Spaces...
11 months ago
What's London's largest common?
In particular it depends on what common land is. The Open Spaces Society says this.
"Common land is land that has an owner but over which other people have the right to use and take away certain natural produce. These people, known as commoners,...
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.
Cheese and Biscuits
The Devonshire, Soho
There's no avoiding the fact, and there's no point dancing around it. There's no need for lengthy,...
a year ago
There's no avoiding the fact, and there's no point dancing around it. There's no need for lengthy, thoughtful or measured arguments; no sense in analysing the details. There needs to be no slow and steady building of a case, culminating in a grand and weighty conclusion. 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...
Cheese and Biscuits
The Counter, Tunbridge Wells
As much as I try to travel as far and wide as possible for a meal, there are certain parts of the...
a month ago
As much as I try to travel as far and wide as possible for a meal, there are certain parts of the world that are somewhat better-represented on these pages than others. Obviously as I live in London, and it's the best food city on the planet, that's the main focus of this blog....
Londonist
London's Curious Collection Of Golden Statues
Golden wonders.
a year ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
A Weekend Guide to Skiing and Dining in Park City, Utah
a week ago
Londonist
Free And Cheap Things To Do In London This Week: 1-7 April 2024
Things to do for under a fiver.
8 months ago
Things to do for under a fiver.
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
Latest Superloop Route Opens - With Another Due In December
SL10 is now running between Harrow and North Finchley.
a year ago
SL10 is now running between Harrow and North Finchley.
diamond geezer
Bond Street
BOND
STREET
£320
London's Monopoly Streets
BOND STREET
Colour group: green
Purchase price:...
a month ago
BOND
STREET
£320
London's Monopoly Streets
BOND STREET
Colour group: green
Purchase price: £320
Rent: £28
Length: 800m
Borough: Westminster
Postcode: W1
penultimate street on the Monopoly board famously doesn't exist, even though it has a station named after it. It's also...
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
Best Of Londonist: 2-8 October 2023
The best articles from the past week.
a year ago
The best articles from the past week.
Spoon & Tamago
A Weathered Copper Facade Oxidized by Soy Sauce Defines Suetomi’s New Kyoto Cafe
Suetomi, the well-established Japanese Confectionery shop in Kyoto, has started a new venture with a...
a year ago
Suetomi, the well-established Japanese Confectionery shop in Kyoto, has started a new venture with a café business named AoQ
Related posts:
Kaikado’s Tea and Coffee Cafe in Kyoto
Cafe Fang: An Oasis of Books and Coffee in Kyoto
Discover Souvenirs Galore at Kyoto’s Newest Gift...
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...
An In-Depth Restaurant Review of HAGS in New York City
a year ago
Londonist
How To Spend A Weekend In Dublin
48 hours of pubs, literature and galleries.
12 months ago
48 hours of pubs, literature and galleries.
Londonist
London's 2023 Christmas Lights Bitchily Reviewed
Throwing shade on the city's illuminations.
a year ago
Throwing shade on the city's illuminations.
Londonist
Beavers Are Back In London For The First Time In 400 Years
This'll bring a toothy grin to your face.
a year ago
This'll bring a toothy grin to your face.
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.
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
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.
diamond geezer
Mayoral hustings
In precisely two weeks' time Londoners get their chance to vote for a new Mayor. They won't, they'll...
8 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
Inner monologue
Hello to all of you who, like me, live by yourself. Not for us the chance of a friendly chat over...
10 months ago
Hello to all of you who, like me, live by yourself. Not for us the chance of a friendly chat over breakfast, nor a natter in the bedroom, nor an entire evening sitting in front of the TV offering a running commentary on everything you watch. Our inner monologue stays private,...
Londonist
London Overground Lines Get New Names And Colours
The Liberty line?
10 months ago
diamond geezer
The Ballot Box
Pub of the Day: the Ballot Box UB6 7QL
Ballot Box, it's on Horsenden Lane between Perivale and...
5 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...
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...
Spoon & Tamago
Japan Quietly Shines at Milan Design Week
Milan Design Week—Coachella, but for furniture—is running this week from April 16-21. All the...
8 months ago
Milan Design Week—Coachella, but for furniture—is running this week from April 16-21. All the biggest names and brands in the design world descend upon the Italian city, which sees its population swell by nearly 25%. Now in its 62nd iteration, the design extravaganza is an...
Londonist
UEFA Euro 2024 Screenings: Where To Watch Matches In London
3 x 🦁 + 👕 = ⚽
9 months ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
New Luxury Cruises in the Adriatic and Baltic Seas
3 months ago
Londonist
HMV Is Reopening Its Iconic Oxford Street Store... Again
Music store returns for Christmas.
a year ago
Music store returns for Christmas.
diamond geezer
All lines challenge
"How can you travel just one stop on every tube line?" is an interesting question.
2003 as part of...
a year ago
"How can you travel just one stop on every tube line?" is an interesting question.
2003 as part of this blog's very first Tube Week, and again in 2015 when I went out and rode the solution. It's a question which can be varied according to how you choose to define a tube line,...
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...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Outdoor Adventure Inspiration and Small Businesses in Sheridan, Wyoming
a year ago
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...
One from Nippon
A peek into Japan’s Hot Springs (Part 3)
Editor’s note: This is the third of a three-part article. Part 1 and Part 2 painted the history of...
a year ago
Editor’s note: This is the third of a three-part article. Part 1 and Part 2 painted the history of onsens and the science behind them. In this article we take a deep-dive into the business of onsens.
Onsen as a Business
Despite all the hype in Part 1
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...
Spoon & Tamago
Osaka Celebrates Star Festival with River of 40,000 LED Lights Evoking the Milky Way
The Okawa River, which runs through central Osaka, was lit up on Friday with 40,000 LED lights...
a year ago
The Okawa River, which runs through central Osaka, was lit up on Friday with 40,000 LED lights floating down the river as they evoked the celestial milky way. The surreal scene was part of a celebration of Tanabata, or the Star Festival, which is a major summer festival in Japan...
diamond geezer
London's cheapest visitor attraction
Visiting attractions in Greenwich keeps getting inexorably more expensive. And not just because...
8 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...
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...
diamond geezer
Mary Place and Joseph Avenue
At this time of year I like to blog about a festively-named London street, however mundane it might...
a year ago
At this time of year I like to blog about a festively-named London street, however mundane it might be. In the past I've taken you to Noel Street, Noel Square, three Noel Roads, Noel Park Road, Turkey Street, Christmas Street, Yuletide Close, Shepherds Hill, Angel Road, Stables...
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...
diamond geezer
September events diary 2024
It's almost September again but never fear, London's putting on a last flurry of events, activities...
3 months ago
It's almost September again but never fear, London's putting on a last flurry of events, activities and happenings before the nights draw in and we're all invited. Here's my weekend-by-weekend guide to free September delights.
All month
Totally Thames (Sep 1-30): Once again a...
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
Rejigging the Bow Roundabout
(this is the first post written on my new laptop)
(Windows 11 remains very unfamiliar - a lot's...
3 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
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.
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 2-3 March 2024
Foodie events, live music, and last chance to see a flower festival before it closes.
10 months ago
Foodie events, live music, and last chance to see a flower festival before it closes.
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...
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
Greater London To Get First New Borough In 60 Years
Live in Berkshire? You might soon be a Londoner!
8 months ago
Live in Berkshire? You might soon be a Londoner!
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?
AFAR Media - Travel...
Tips for Exploring L.A.'s Northern Shopping Districts
2 months ago
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
A Glimpse Of London's Future, From 1924
Trains over Tower Bridge, airships from Westminster...
11 months ago
Trains over Tower Bridge, airships from Westminster...
Londonist
International Women's Day And Women's History Month 2024 Events In London
Guided walks, talks, exhibitions and more - all celebrating women.
10 months ago
Guided walks, talks, exhibitions and more - all celebrating women.
diamond geezer
Kempton Park
One Stop Beyond: Kempton Park
In this series I'm taking the train one stop beyond the Greater...
3 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...
Spoon & Tamago
Tenohira Hanabi Let’s You Enjoy Sparklers in the Palm of Your Hand
Senko hanabi, literally meaning ‘incense fireworks,’ are small and subtle sparklers that are packed...
5 months ago
Senko hanabi, literally meaning ‘incense fireworks,’ are small and subtle sparklers that are packed with about 10 seconds of delicate pyrotechnics. Typically sold alongside other handheld fireworks, the unspoken rule is that senko hanabi are reserved for the grand finale....
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.
diamond geezer
Random Bexley Footpath
I worry sometimes that my content isn't niche enough. Things to do in Wood End. Roadworks at the Bow...
2 months ago
I worry sometimes that my content isn't niche enough. Things to do in Wood End. Roadworks at the Bow Roundabout. A walk along the Burnt Oak Brook. So today I'm going all-out niche in an attempt to dampen interest even further. Welcome to Random Bexley Footpath.
All Outer London...
diamond geezer
25 years of hurt
25 years ago today a total solar eclipse could be seen from the UK. How is that ever quarter of a...
4 months ago
25 years ago today a total solar eclipse could be seen from the UK. How is that ever quarter of a century ago?
small part of the UK mainland in south Devon and Cornwall, arriving over Land's End at 11:10am and departing near Salcombe five minutes later. All you had to do to...
Londonist
A Brief History Of The Metropolitan Line
The world's first underground railway.
a year ago
The world's first underground railway.
diamond geezer
Consequential
Some weeks are consequential.
a) Today is the Budget.
This budget also feels like it's been...
a month ago
Some weeks are consequential.
a) Today is the Budget.
This budget also feels like it's been coming for ages, the General Election being 17 weeks ago, but it takes time to check the nation's finances, develop a plan and balance strategic gains with individual pain. There has...
Londonist
Support A Great Cause At The Guildhall's Spectacular Christmas Market!
Festive feasting, fantastic gifts, and medieval grandeur.
a year ago
Festive feasting, fantastic gifts, and medieval grandeur.
Londonist
12 Spring Day Trips From London: March 2024
Daffodils, dinosaurs and British fashion icons.
9 months ago
Daffodils, dinosaurs and British fashion icons.
Londonist
"Wretched, Frightful, Monstrous" - How London's Iconic Landmarks Were First Reviewed
Inc. some serious shade thrown on Tower Bridge.
8 months ago
Inc. some serious shade thrown on Tower Bridge.
Spoon & Tamago
The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum is Keeping the Spirit of Wooden Architecture Alive
Roughly seventy per cent of Japan is forested and therefore wood has been historically tied to...
a year ago
Roughly seventy per cent of Japan is forested and therefore wood has been historically tied to architecture and design since ancient times. In fact, the world’s oldest surviving wooden structure is the Horyu-ji temple that was built in the early seventh century. From the...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Embark on Epic Adventures in the British Virgin Islands
a year ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
Discover Nine Ways to be Present in Los Angeles.
9 months ago
diamond geezer
Crisp packet colours
As you probably know, BBC local radio is currently engaged in rapid strategic contraction in an...
a year ago
As you probably know, BBC local radio is currently engaged in rapid strategic contraction in an attempt to save money. Dozens of much-loved programmes are being withdrawn, especially those broadcast in the evenings and at weekends, in favour of syndicated regional content...
Spoon & Tamago
Step Into a World of Contemporary Japanese Art at New Exhibition in New York
a series of washi paper prints by artist takayuki. o “Stepping Into A World” is a the 5th in a...
10 months ago
a series of washi paper prints by artist takayuki. o “Stepping Into A World” is a the 5th in a series of juried open call exhibitions aimed at showcasing undiscovered Japanese artists and integrating them into the forefront of the global art scene. The exhibition, which includes...
Londonist
WrapUp London: Donate Your Unused Coat To Someone Who Needs It This Winter
A small gesture goes a long way 🙂
a year ago
A small gesture goes a long way 🙂
diamond geezer
Random borough 3
Twenty years ago, on my first Random Borough trip, my jamjar took me to Merton and I only gave it a...
9 months ago
Twenty years ago, on my first Random Borough trip, my jamjar took me to Merton and I only gave it a one-day write-up. Two decades later I'm doing Merton justice by giving it three days, of which this is the last, so buckle down to learn about fertiliser, philanthropy and phone...
Londonist
Secrets Of 19th Century Workhouse Uncovered At St Pancras Dig
Fireplaces, vibrant walls and hot water bottles revealed.
a year ago
Fireplaces, vibrant walls and hot water bottles revealed.
diamond geezer
The News From Norfolk
I'm in Norfolk all this week, so expect a mild dose of
The News From Norfolk
Norfolk has more...
5 months ago
I'm in Norfolk all this week, so expect a mild dose of
The News From Norfolk
Norfolk has more Labour MPs than Conservative MPs. That's very unusual in what's normally true blue territory, indeed it hasn't happened since 1945. What's even more unusual is that Norfolk now has MPs...
Cheese and Biscuits
OMA, Borough Market
Dave Carter, a big friendly giant of a man with a completely impenetrable Barbadian accent, began...
5 months ago
Dave Carter, a big friendly giant of a man with a completely impenetrable Barbadian accent, began his London restaurant journey at Smokestak, the hugely influential East London BBQ joint. Smokestak, together with a tiny handful of other brave pioneers around the same time...
diamond geezer
A quiz
Mystery quiz
Suggestions and answers in the comments box please.
one suggestion and one guess each,...
a year ago
Mystery quiz
Suggestions and answers in the comments box please.
one suggestion and one guess each, thanks.
1) aftermaths
2) arrow
3) banter
4) braindamaged
5) cheering
6) commensuration
7) condor
8) dance
9) eely
10) embryo
11) feline
12) genial
13) hamlet
14) hearing
15)...
diamond geezer
Houlton
Approaching Rugby by train 20 years ago, what you'd have noticed out of the window was a vast array...
10 months ago
Approaching Rugby by train 20 years ago, what you'd have noticed out of the window was a vast array of very tall masts clustered across the fields to one side. They were even more prominent from the A5 on the far side of the site, equally visible from the M1 and perhaps best seen...
diamond geezer
Empty dangling
Big news about the Dangleway!
Opening hours cutback proposed🚡
On weekdays that means an 8am...
a month 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...
An Architecture Lover’s Dream Tour Through Germany’s UNESCO Sites and Beyond
6 months ago
Cheese and Biscuits
Jeune & Jolie, Carlsbad
To a visitor from lands afar (me) who sees this part of the world in little two-week periods twice a...
a month ago
To a visitor from lands afar (me) who sees this part of the world in little two-week periods twice a year, Jeune & Jolie feels like it did all the work of establishing itself as one of the best restaurants in California in a metaphorical blink of an eye, a few short months...
Spoon & Tamago
Wakuni Cafe: New Tokyo Cafe Made from 700 Bronze Plates Salvaged from Hayatani Shrine
the wakuni cafe, which opens January 19, 2024, is inside a 50-year old renovated building Opening in...
11 months ago
the wakuni cafe, which opens January 19, 2024, is inside a 50-year old renovated building Opening in the Tokyo neighborhood of Higashimurayama this month is Wakuni Cafe, a new destination that embodies history, craftsmanship and a spirit of reusing old materials. The exterior of...
diamond geezer
Algorithmic non-chronological
I'm delighted to announce that diamond geezer now has a new non-chronological algorithm.
From...
10 months ago
I'm delighted to announce that diamond geezer now has a new non-chronological algorithm.
From today an automated algorithm will determine the order in which posts appear in your feed. This algorithm uses various factors to prioritise content with the goal of showing you the...
diamond geezer
W12W13W14
Over the weekend TfL withdrew bus route 549, extended route W13 and substantially restructured...
3 months ago
Over the weekend TfL withdrew bus route 549, extended route W13 and substantially restructured routes W12 and W14. I wrote about the changes last week, and how TfL's information strategy relied substantially on a very complicated map. I went back yesterday to see how the...
AFAR Media - Travel...
Eco-Friendly Cruise Activities for Nature Lovers
6 months ago
AFAR Media - Travel...
Discover the Best Fall Getaways: 3 American Cities You Must Visit
6 months ago
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.
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
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."
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
NFL In London 2023: When Are The Games, Who's Playing, And How To Get Tickets?
Game dates, teams, and locations.
a year ago
Game dates, teams, and locations.
Spoon & Tamago
You’ll Soon Be Able to Stay in One of Japan’s Most Beautifully Designed Prisons
photos by Masashi Mizowaki and Takaharu Yagi Spending the night in jail is usually not a good thing....
a year ago
photos by Masashi Mizowaki and Takaharu Yagi Spending the night in jail is usually not a good thing. Unless of course you’re staying in Japan’s Nara Prison, a historic red-brick structure built in 1908 with western archways and onion domes that lend an air of castle more than...
Londonist
The Legendary India Club Is Closing Next Month
Restaurant owners are "heartbroken".
a year ago
Restaurant owners are "heartbroken".
Londonist
See Three New Morphing Sculptures By Nick Hornby
Trio of incredible shape-changing sculptures hit town.
a year ago
Trio of incredible shape-changing sculptures hit town.
Londonist
Diwali Celebrations Fill Trafalgar Square At The End Of October
Dancing, yoga, comedy puppets - and much more!
a year ago
Dancing, yoga, comedy puppets - and much more!
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."
Londonist
New York Had A Crystal Palace And It Also Burned Down
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
11 months ago
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Londonist
9 Excellent Events Near London: January 2024
Dogs and beer - what more do you need?
12 months ago
Dogs and beer - what more do you need?
Cheese and Biscuits
Bossa, Marylebone
I don't know whether it's by design or sheer accident that Bossa, a brand new Brazilian restaurant...
a year ago
I don't know whether it's by design or sheer accident that Bossa, a brand new Brazilian restaurant from chef Alberto Landgraf, has landed right next door to the Brazilian embassy. But it felt very appropriate walking under a giant Brazilian flag up to the front steps of Bossa -...
Londonist
5 'New' Pubs Promised For City Of London By 2027
But are any actually new?
a year ago
But are any actually new?
diamond geezer
Revisiting Northwall Road
Yesterday was one of the ten busiest days ever on this blog. Almost ten thousand people turned...
11 months ago
Yesterday was one of the ten busiest days ever on this blog. Almost ten thousand people turned up.
• When an American website got excited about the location of pylons in London they linked to something I'd written 4 days earlier. That was my 3rd best ever day.
American website...
Londonist
Fears Over Redevelopment Of Surbiton Station
Public consultation now open.
a year ago
Public consultation now open.
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 9-10 September 2023
30+ events, including a new food festival, beautiful boats and Open House London.
a year ago
30+ events, including a new food festival, beautiful boats and Open House London.
Londonist
The Archives With 100 Kilometres Of Historic London Documents
LMA is a dream for lovers of London.
9 months ago
LMA is a dream for lovers of London.
Londonist
The BT Tower Is Becoming A Hotel
Iconic building sold for £275m.
10 months ago
Iconic building sold for £275m.
diamond geezer
The best value London sightseeing bus
The best value London sightseeing bus
It's hard to get an objective opinion. If you head to the...
4 months ago
The best value London sightseeing bus
It's hard to get an objective opinion. If you head to the Visit London website it turns out they have an affiliate deal with Golden Tours and promote them heavily at the top of their list, with two other operators tucked a long way down and...
Londonist
BBC's Desert Island Discs Announces Live Palladium Shows
Celebrating 80 years of the hit radio programme.
11 months ago
Celebrating 80 years of the hit radio programme.
AFAR Media - Travel...
Discover the Artistic Side of Aspen: A Guide for Culture Lovers
7 months ago
diamond geezer
Vehicle registration pairs
My latest numberplate-spotting game is trying to spot all the pairs of letters at the start of a...
10 months ago
My latest numberplate-spotting game is trying to spot all the pairs of letters at the start of a vehicle registration plate.
AA AB AC AD AE AF AG AH AJ AK AL AM AN AO AP...
You might expect there to be 26×26 = 676 possible combinations, but the letters I, Q and Z are never...
Londonist
The Crazy Clown Church Service That Happens In Hackney Every February
Send in the clowns!
10 months ago
Spoon & Tamago
60-Year-Old Machiya Adapted into Hender Scheme’s New Osaka Flagship
All images © toha courtesy DDAA Hender Scheme’s flagship store in Kansai is an adaptive reuse of a...
a year ago
All images © toha courtesy DDAA Hender Scheme’s flagship store in Kansai is an adaptive reuse of a sixty-plus-year-old one-story wooden house near Umeda Station in Osaka. With a spacious area of around 175m² and impressive high ceilings, the store has been designed to reflect...
diamond geezer
Unblogged October
31 unblogged things I did in October
Tue 1: Two new developments in Barking & Dagenham are...
a month ago
31 unblogged things I did in October
Tue 1: Two new developments in Barking & Dagenham are over-egging transport links in their roadside marketing. Barking Riverside says 'Perfectly connected' when the reality is a half-hourly boat, a train to Barking or non-express buses....
Londonist
Things To Do This Weekend In London: 25-26 November 2023
Festive markets, drag queens, ice hockey and queer lit.
a year ago
Festive markets, drag queens, ice hockey and queer lit.
The Forney Flyer
Northern Scenery, Way Back When...
Today I'm returning to the "Way Back When..." series, highlighting some of the surreal beauty we...
over a year ago
Today I'm returning to the "Way Back When..." series, highlighting some of the surreal beauty we enjoyed in the boreal forests of the far north.
Obviously most of these photos feature frigid beauty. That's because it was cold and snowy/icy much of the year. Also, there were...
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
London Countries - Afghanistan
London Countries (an A-Z)
1. Afghanistan 🇦🇫
In this new series I'll be visiting all the...
7 months ago
London Countries (an A-Z)
1. Afghanistan 🇦🇫
In this new series I'll be visiting all the countries in the world but without leaving London. Their people, their geography, their history, their culture, their cuisine, that kind of thing. I'm kicking off with Afghanistan because...
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
Trafalgar Square
TRAFALGAR
SQUARE
£240
London's Monopoly Streets
TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Colour group: red
Purchase...
4 months ago
TRAFALGAR
SQUARE
£240
London's Monopoly Streets
TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Colour group: red
Purchase price: £240
Rent: £20
Area: 3 acres
Borough: Westminster
Postcode: WC2
four streets on the Monopoly board (all the pinks plus Strand) and is also a property in its own right. I've...
Londonist
Explore Love In The Animal Kingdom After-Hours At The Natural History Museum
A special Valentine's Day celebration.
10 months ago
A special Valentine's Day celebration.
Spoon & Tamago
Whale Butter Dish Designed by Akira Yoshimura
This whimsical butter dish is sure to bring a sea of change to your kitchen. Designed by Akira...
a year ago
This whimsical butter dish is sure to bring a sea of change to your kitchen. Designed by Akira Yoshimura (previously) and lovingly produced by the metal artisans of Takaoka-based Sanomasa, the Whale Butter Dish is made in the likeness of a whale that has swallowed a stick of...
Londonist
Sing Along To Beyoncé's Greatest Hits - As Played By A Brass Band
Old Dirty Brasstards mix things up.
10 months ago
Old Dirty Brasstards mix things up.