A Brief History of the London Cabmen’s Shelters

A Brief History of the London Cabmen’s Shelters

I take a look at this once-common sight on London's streets, now endangered and particularly vulnerable in the Covid era

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All Hail the Ale Conners …

Welcome to the bizarre world of the Southwark Courts Leet, City outposts south of the Thames that have had no purpose for centuries and yet are still with us, alive and ... er ... well, they are certainly alive.

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Where the Weird Things Are

Try spotting the eccentricity - more difficult than you might expect - as I outline the history of the Eccentric Club. It's a story of thespians, beaver hats, philanthropy, Mr. Fulham and the owners of Chelsea FC's ground.

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A Bite-Size Post on Peek Frean (& Camels)

Why a stone depiction of camels in Eastcheap has me dreaming of twiglets

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Confessions of an Ex-Department Store Spotter

In an era where department stores are out of favour, the buildings they leave behind can be impressive memorials. I'm always on the lookout ...

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A Bluffer’s Guide to … the Mansion House

Everything you need to know – and a few trivia facts you don’t – about an iconic building at the heart of the Square Mile

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Grand Cafés of Edwardian London

It's time to celebrate some long gone but legendary London restaurants

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All Creatures Great and Small

A not-very-heartwarming look at some of the more obscure animals to make their home in the Smoke.

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The City’s Lost Midsummer Spectacular

Once one of London's great annual festivities, don't turn up for the Midsummer Watch this year - you'll be almost 500 years too late.

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The ‘Belle Époque’ hotel built in 1914 … and 1937 … and 1962

The architectural style of a building can be deceptive. In the case of 252 High Holborn I know the truth that lies hidden behind the Portland stone facade because, dear reader, I worked there.

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