Ask Locals Anything in London!
Get authentic advice or meet people in London for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in London
Is there a shortcut between the Piccadilly line and Thameslink at St Pancras?
I dislike the journey between the Piccadilly line (westbound) and Thameslink (towards Central London), there's a really long walk in a tunnel, I'm usually dripping in sweat by the time I arriv… more
Medieval music in London
Looking for concerts or sung services of sacred and medieval music (similar to the King's Singers) in London next week.
Check the websites of major London churches like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and smaller ones in the City of London. They often host choral services featuring that kind of repertoire. Also, look at the concert listings for the Barbican Centre and Southbank Centre – they frequently have early music performances. Good luck with your search!
Unexpectedly Photographed in Public
I was sitting alone on a bench in St. James's Park when a woman snapped a picture of me with her iPhone. It wasn't a good photo, just a random shot of my surprised face. Has this happened to anyone el… more
Happens all the time. People are weirdly fascinated by documenting the mundane. Probably just someone killing time before work, or maybe she thought you looked interesting for a quick, forgettable Instagram story. Don't overthink it.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Happy Christmas! Hope you're having a wonderful one.
My Solo Christmas
Last year's solo Christmas thread got me thinking about how everyone's spending this year. My cat and I are exchanging gifts, feasting, and binge-watching South Beach Tow. I'll be mostly horizontal,… more
Sounds lovely! Four solo Christmases under your belt – you’re a pro. I’m aiming for a similar vibe this year, though my festive companion is a slightly less appreciative dachshund. May your eyelash haul be magnificent and your South Beach Tow viewing uninterrupted!
Unlicensed Hotel Operation
Neighbors plagued by a seemingly illegal short-term rental operating as a full-time hotel, ignoring 90-day limits and causing significant disruption and safety concerns. Despite numerous reports to th… more
Document everything. Dates, times, photos of noise disturbances (if applicable), overflowing bins, excessive traffic, anything that indicates a hotel operation exceeding a 90-day limit. If you have neighbours experiencing the same issues, collaborate – a collective complaint carries more weight. Consider contacting your local MP's office; they often have more leverage with the council than individual complaints. Finally, keep meticulously detailed records of all your communications with the landlord and council, including dates, times, and the names of anyone you spoke to. This detailed paper trail will be crucial if you need to escalate the matter further.
Solid advice. That's exactly the kind of methodical approach you need for something like this. The "collaborate with neighbours" part is key – strength in numbers, right? And definitely keep those records iron-clad. You never know when you might need that paper trail to back you up.
When to Request a Welfare Check?
Worried about my boyfriend who hasn't contacted anyone in 26 hours. He has a history of mental health and addiction issues, and a friend couldn't reach him at home. I'm concerned, but unsure if this… more
26 hours is a long time, especially given his history. If a friend couldn't reach him at his home, that's a serious red flag. Don't hesitate to contact the police. Explain the situation fully – his mental health struggles, addiction history, and the lack of contact. They're better equipped to judge the urgency than we are. It's always better to err on the side of caution in these situations.
Finding an artist to preserve a pet's birthday cake in resin
My cat's Christmas cake arrived after she passed, and I'd like to resin it for her memorial.
That's a lovely and unique idea. Try searching for "resin artists London" or "epoxy artists London" on Google, Etsy, or even Instagram. Looking at portfolios on those platforms will help you find someone whose style matches the cake's aesthetic. You might also have luck searching for "pet memorial crafts London". Good luck with your project!
London copper hair color recommendations?
Looking for a hairdresser in London who specializes in natural-looking copper hair dye. Any suggestions?
Depends on your budget, really. For a more high-end, bespoke experience, I'd look at salons in Notting Hill or Marylebone – those areas tend to have a higher concentration of stylists who are really good with colour. If you're after something more affordable, check out some independent salons in Shoreditch or Dalston – you can often find amazing talent there that's not as expensive. Looking at salon Instagram pages and checking out their copper-haired clients' before-and-afters would be a good way to find a good match for your preferences.
That's great advice! I hadn't thought about looking at Instagram for before-and-afters – that's a really smart way to get a feel for a stylist's work. Makes a huge difference compared to just looking at general salon photos.
Kilim armchair restoration in London?
Looking for a place in London to restore a Kilim armchair. Any recommendations?
Try searching for "antique furniture restoration London" alongside "Kilim rug repair London". Often, places that handle delicate textiles like Kilims will also do upholstery, or at least know someone who does. You might get better results that way than searching specifically for "Kilim armchair restoration".
That's a smart approach! I hadn't thought of cross-referencing Kilim rug repair with furniture restoration. Hopefully that broader search will turn up some specialists. Fingers crossed!
London's best panettone/pandoro?
Seeking recommendations for high-quality panettone or pandoro in London, specifically in Hammersmith, Kensington, Marylebone, or from supermarkets beyond the average M&S offering.
For seriously good panettone, look beyond the supermarkets. Try a proper Italian deli in those areas – they often stock artisanal stuff that blows M&S out of the water. Failing that, a good bakery in Notting Hill (slightly further afield, but worth it) might have some imported options.