We have doggy cafés in London where we can spend a lovely afternoon with pups. ‘After Bark’, however, takes dog-friendly places to a whole new level by treating humans and dogs equally.
Puppuccino and Pupcake
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Located within ‘Barkney Wick Community Centre’on Fish Island, Hackney Wick, ‘After Bark’ serves cocktails for humans and dogs alike. The community centre already offers day care, grooming, training, and drop-off and play services.
Within the community centre there is a pup-friendly café with pup and human sharing menu.
The menu is plant-based, offering – apart from the regular coffee and cake offerings – luxury Puppuccino, Woof&Brew teas, seasonal lunch menu for dogs and humans, as well as sweet treats, such as Pupcakes from Lick&Mix.
Did you know? Lick&Mix treats are made to be eaten by both humans and doggos!
The café turns into a bar on every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after 5:30pm serving Puptails for pups and cocktails for humans.
Puptails are non-alcoholic (of course) and contain raw beets and carrots. ‘The Great Expawlor’, for example is a tray of four different shots of apple and raw beet juices served with two different Lick&Mix treats on the sides.
Puptails are completely free from preservatives and everything else that can be harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, avocado, or grapes. Puptails are about health, wellbeing, and fun.
All Puptails come with edible treats. ‘Howlapaw Sling’, for instance comes with an edible beer bone coaster.
Beer and Wine
As we just said: doggy and human are treated equally at ‘After Bark’ bar. On the ‘Hounds’ side of the ‘Humans and Hounds’ menu you will find all the doggy version of human treats. Yes, even beer and wine.
So, why not treat your furry friend with a pint of Barkeny Boozehound or a glass of Posh Pooch?
Teatime
Fancy a tea instead? ‘After Bark’ has some lovely tea specialities for dogs, such as the ‘Fish Island Iced Tea’ which contains dandelions and burdock that are good for their guts and overall health.
‘After Bark’ is a great place for pups and owners alike. Unlike in most other dog-friendly bars, here dogs are invited to run freely, meet other dogs, and socialise while their owners enjoy their human company.
Other Treats
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From snacks to toys to dog care products, there is a massive selection of dog treats and hampers in-store.
Hidden behind Victoria Station, this tiny little pink coffee shop is the 24th on Secret London’s best coffee shops list. Coffee Addict is not just famous for its fluffy Japanese pancakes and colourful coffee specialities, but also for singers, actors and models who have visited the café.
Inspired by Aussie speciality coffee shops, Nina, the founder opened Coffee Addict in 2019, and it became an instant success.
The coffee shop has become one of the most Instagrammable hidden gems in London. The aesthetic design, the flowers walls, the garnish chandelier, and intricate latte art have attracted public figures, singers, and bloggers, such as TV and Radio presenter Olivia Cox, model Amerra Mohammed or Indian actor Gourmet Choudhary .
Latte Art
You might have not known, but Coffee Addict is so serious about latte art that they even run latte art courses. You can enrol in a beginners’ course to learn all the basics, or you can choose the advanced course if you have some latte art background and want to expand your knowledge and skills.
You can also purchase special coffee blends being sold exclusively here, such as ‘The Party’ blend which is made with cranberries, peach, vanilla or coffee rarities, such as Peru Santa Sofia-COE.
Some of the blends are available in the physical shop, too.
The Ambiance
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘Coffee isn’t a drug. It’s a vitamin.’ – says the flower wall and I couldn’t agree more with it, especially at this café where so many beautiful and colourful coffees are served to make us customers smile.
Every corner is Instagrammable here. The pink and blue shopfront, the matching-coloured cozy furniture, the prism chandelier, and of course the food and drink.
Butterfly Matcha Latte finished with cute latte art and dried lavender.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Coffee Addict serves wide range of oh-so-Instagrammable plant-based coffee specialities from Ice Spanish Latte to Golden Latte to Butterfly Matcha Latte that comes with dried lavender on top. And no coffee served without cute latte art.
Fluffy Yummy Japanese Pancake
There are plenty of dessert options on the menu from cupcakes to croissants topped with ice cream, gelato and more.
Their most popular dessert is definitely fluffy Japanese pancakes, though. These pancakes are famous for a reason. They are not just Instagrammable, super fluffy and tasty, but they are born to dance. 🙂
Photo: Urban Adventurer
These Souffle Pancakes are made by order, so they are made fresh for every single order. That’s why it takes 20 minutes for a pancake, but believe me, it’s worth the wait.
Coffee Addict decided to make their first savoy fluffy pancake exclusive. This pancake is made with black truffle, porcini mushroom for great taste, and a free-range egg decorated with 24k edible gold leaf on top for the glamour.
You can have a whole-day brunch with vegan options. Flower Truffle Eggs on Toast, The Happiest Croissant, Forest Toast and Pink Eggs Royale just to name a few.
London’s first French toast bar has opened its doors in Westminster in July. Crome London gives a twist to your favourite brunch classics. Their menu is inspired by the food and drink trends of the future. The futuristic silver and blue interior provide a perfect backdrop for the indulging and picture-perfect food and drink.
Crome London
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The name of the bar comes from a Greek word ‘khroma’ that means compounds, layers, and colour. These elements tie the brand offerings together and refer to the perfectly blended coffee, milk, and ice.
These elements are not just present within their coffee specialities though, but also within their food and interior.
Element #1 – The Food
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Crome London takes French toast making and serving to the next level. Their signature toasts are either finished with savoury or sweet toppings. Chilli cheese, smashed avocado, feta & poached egg, Nutella & caramel popcorn, caramelised banana and many more options to try.
I went for a ‘Stuffed Nutella & Caramel Popcorn’ toast. It was a mountain of Nutella stuffed toast that was topped with more Nutella sauce, caramel popcorn, brownie pieces and cookie dough.
Element #2 – The Drink
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Crome has so many picture-perfect coffee specialities, it’s almost impossible to choose from.
Pistachio Spanish Latte, Red Velvet Spanish Latte, Matcha in Blue, Iced Tiramisu, and not even mention their signature coffees, called ‘Crome Coloured Lattes’, like Liquid Gold, Ruby Rose, Black Charcoal, frappes and much more.
I tried the purple ‘Ube Frappe’ a vanilla flavoured frappe that comes with milk foam and whipped cream, topped with Ube powder. Ube is a ground substance that is made from purple yams, also known as purple sweet potato. It has a vanilla-like flavour.
Element #3 – The Interior
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The interior is super photogenic. The main colours are silver, ice blue and shades of pastel.
Blue and silver neon signs are literary everywhere to enhance your Insta pics. Oh, and look up! Even the ceiling is photogenic. Time to shine!
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Ready for your next adventure? Discover a retro ramen bar that brings you back to the 1970s neon lit alleyways in Japan – Heddon Yokochō.
Art Box is probably the winner of the most adorable shops in London. They sell the cutest Japanese character plushies, stationary, accessories, and homeware. From Sanrio characters to Studio Ghibli to Gund (they do our all-time favourite kitty, Pusheen), there is something for everyone.
Cosplayers and Lolitas! This is for you. Irregular Choice is definitely the cutest shoe shop I’ve ever visited. They have an unbelievable range of adorable men’s, women’s, and kids shoes and accessories.
Sai Sai is the ultimate shop for Lolita, Gothic (Lolita), Steampunk, and Punk in Camden. They have a range of super cute Lolita dresses in different themes like mermaid, puppet doll, bunny tea party or Alice in Wonderland.
Japan Craft has two different shops in Camden. One is an anime and manga themed shop, while the other one is revolving around traditional Japanese arts and crafts. They sell homeware, kimonos & yukatas, accessories, wooden puzzle boxes, tea sets, kokeshi dolls and more.
Collectif is a vintage fashion apparel, selling cute Trixie doll dresses, dreamy swing dresses, stylish 50s pencil dresses and more at an affordable price.
Their main profile is Gothic and Steampunk fashion, but they also sell wide range of lovely corsets, Victorian skirts and dresses, Burlesque fashion, and accessories.
Located in Carnaby, Sophie Tea Art is the cutest art gallery in London. It’s not just a gallery, it’s an immersive experience with infinity room, rainbow stairs and selfie corners; all for free. You can even drink a free cup of tea while admiring the gallery’s paintings.
They change their decoration every now and then, so it’s worth to keep an eye on their social feed to see what’s new.
Escape the heatwave and set out on an adventure in a rainforest.
Rainforest Café is a hidden exotic jungle under the pavements of the busy Piccadilly Circus. Special effects and lifelike animatronics bring the jungle into life around you while you enjoy your meal.
No two EL&N café are the same. One is a pink floral wonderland, another brings us back to the neon arcade vibes from the 90s, while in another one you can ride on a pink carousel horse.
They have aesthetic colourful Insta and Tik Tok friendly drink and food.
Uzumaki is London’s very first anime themed restaurant. If you’re planning an anime/manga shopping day, make sure you stop by for an Uzumaki ramen and a Naruto bubble tea. Cosplay strongly encouraged.
Flower Burger is an Italian style restaurant in the heart of Fitzrovia. They sell delicious vegan burgers with rainbow buns and signature soft drinks. The kaleidoscopic interior matches the colours of their burgers, creating a fun playful ambiance. Head downstairs and enjoy your burger while sitting in a swing.
This cute café opened this January and instantly became popular. They serve Instagram-ready food and drink to which the flower walls provide the perfect backdrop.
Four Quarters Bar is a retro bar featuring the glorious 80s arcade vibes. They have tons of old-school games to play from Pacman to flipper to Mario Cart.
Book a console booth for a private PlayStation and enjoy a cold beer or one of their house cocktails and a pizza while winning your next round on Mario Cart.
Their Peckham venue is completely football free (they’re not showing the games there). Meanwhile, at their Hackney Wick bar Euro 2020 is being shown on indoor and outdoor projectors. But you can still turn your back to the projectors and find your piece while playing SEGA Rally, right?
Peggy Porschen is a realm of sweet treats, flowers, and pot of teas. They are most famous for their cute cupcakes and their dreamy floral decoration that changes every season.
This Summer you can book for an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea party. Don’t be late for this very important date!
Tombo Café is London’s very first Sanrio themed café. They obsessed with Japanese green tea and its benefits to the health, so you will see its influence across their entire menu.
The whole place is super cute. There are Sanrio plushies everywhere for you to play with or enhance your photos with them. It’s not just the décor that is kawaii, but also their food and drink. Why not try one of their kawaii milkshakes or Sundae specials?
Whenever I am visiting a cool oh-so-Instagrammbale place, I never miss checking their bathroom and not just for that sweet bladder relief. These weird and wonderful toilets are just as Insta-worthy as the bar or restaurant they’re in. Say hel-loo to some of the most Instagrammable lavatories in London.
Mr Fogg’s
Photo: Urban Adventurer
If you have ever visited any of Mr Fogg’s bars, you know how insane their decoration is. The bars are inspired by the famous novel ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ by Jules Verne. You feel like you were actually on an adventure with Phileas Fogg exploring the most diverse places on air, ground and water.
In their bathrooms, instead of music, you will listen to the audio book ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’.
Mr Fogg’s House Botanicals
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House of Botanicals showcases an extensive collection of rare plants and flowers. The same pattern is used in their toilet.
The long corridor’s wall – that leads us towards the lavatory – are decorated with dreamy flowery wallpaper and framed pictures of plants and flowers.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The toilet cabinets are decorated likewise, dominated by colours of green and pink. The place is lit by simple elegant wall lamps to offset the vivid flowery wallpaper.
The paper towels in an elegant woven basket to match the nature inspire design.
Mrs Fogg’s Dockside & Distillery
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Dockside & Distillery has probably the most beautiful toilet. The walls are literally covered with fossils, butterflies feathers and more. It feels like you were on an explorer ship on your way to explore the next marvel.
Mr Fogg’s Residence
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Mr Fogg’s Residence is the home of the famous adventurer, Phileas Fogg. The bar is decorated with rare artifacts and antiques, Mr Fogg collected during his journeys. This exotic collection provides a perfect backdrop for your Instagram shots.
Their restroom is just as cozy and extravagant as the bar area is. Decorated with loud colourful wallpaper, a gramophone, and a globe.
Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration
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Society of Exploration is a sanctuary of like-minded individuals who are full of adventurous ambitions and curiosity. Whether you sit in the Map Room or in the life-sized Victorian steam railway carriage, you will feel like you were embarking for the most exciting journey in your life.
In the rest room visitors feel like they were in an African safari. The wallpaper evokes a lively African landscape with elephants, lions, camels, and rare birds.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern
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Mr Fogg’s Tavern is a traditional Victorian tavern with wooden seats and robust wooden tables, offering wide selection of beer and home-made punch. The walls and the ceiling are richly decorated with eccentric memorabilia to satisfy art-lovers’ visual thirst.
The laundry is blue and white with tubby barrel-like sinks and old photos and newspaper cut-outs.
BUSI Café
Photo: Urban Adventurer
When you are at BUSI café, don’t forget to visit their cheeky pink powder room for a selfie. It’s just as pink and Instagrammable as the customer area is.
Cahoots
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A disused underground station has been transformed into a 1940s-themed speakeasy bar. This hidden gem perfectly evokes the Prohibited Era when alcohol was banned and people visited secret bars.
Air raid warnings and newspaper cut-outs on the wall, tipples served in tins, teacups and anything else at hand.
If your bladder is shouting for relief after your bootlegging cocktails, you’ll have to find your way among the mismatched upholstered furniture, travel tanks and shady lamps to reach the lavatory.
The walls and the ceiling are covered with old newspapers, naked lamps give faint light above the vintage wooden cabinets that hold the sinks, soap and paper towels for Scoundrels to use.
Welcome to the Egg Loos at Sketch. This bathroom has become so famous that they say, if you don’t have a selfie here, you didn’t even really go to Sketch. I can’t decide which is more Instagrammable, the restaurant itself or its restroom.
DUO
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These pink doors will make you wink at the powder room of DUO London. Don’t miss a selfie in front of these cheeky doors before powdering your nose.
Hard Rock Café, Piccadilly
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Wee like a star in this stylish red lavatory at Hard Rock Café. Admire the signed photos and music memorabilia while marching your way to salute Crapper.
The Ten Bells
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The Ten Bells’ toilet is not about its look. It’s more about the story behind the place.
In case you didn’t know, The Ten Bells is one of the most hunted pubs in London because it’s in connection with the cold-blooded serial killer, Jack the Ripper.
The Ripper is believed to have chosen their drunken victims here and killed them later close to the pub. The victims’ ghosts wearing Victorian clothing often have been seen appearing and disappearing within the walls of the building.
To make it even more eerie, their toilet is in the basement.
The Alchemist
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Here at The Alchemist, they are masters of dark arts of molecular mixology, and they are demons in the kitchen.
Their cocktails and food are just insane. They often serve their food with syringes, so you can inject the melted cheese or the sauce into your food. Some of their cocktails are served in two glasses and when you mix the two, there is a cool chemical reaction.
Their lavatory is likewise demonic. Just look at this artwork on the corridor leading to the restroom.
Theatre Café
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You’ll definitely want to have a seat in Theatre Café’s restroom that looks like a dressing room in a Wes End theatre. Powder your nose in front of a mirror with lights bulbs and admire the framed and signed theatre posters around you while sitting on the throne.
TSQ Playhouse
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TSQ Playhouse is an Alice in Wonderland themed adult playground. It’s an insane fantasy world with eccentric theatrical decorations and fantasy themed cocktails.
This place will never let your experience interrupted, not even in the toilet.
Ready for your next adventure? Take a virtual tour in London’s most adventurous bars, the Mr Fogg’s.
Have you ever dreamt to have a coffee and a piece of lemon cake inside a dreamy painting? Café Van Gogh is a relaxing hidden gem within the grounds of Christ Church. Perfect to escape from the bustling city life and to slow down after the all-day rush.
Not for Profit
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Café Van Gogh is a non-profit social enterprise. They take pride on their social purpose and their ethical choices impactful for their social community, environment, staff, and customers.
How to support?
Apart from enjoying a delicious meal, cake and coffee, you can support Café Van Gogh by purchasing something either from their online shop or on the spot. They have toot bags, aprons, tea towels, and gift bundles.
Their menu is 100% vegan. All their food on the menu is plant-based and super delicious. Their seasonal menu changes every 6-8 weeks and offer different menus for Saturdays and Sundays to make sure you’ll never be bored with their menu.
They also have vegan beers and wines to wet your throat, but if you’re a coffee lover, they have a wide range of coffees all made with plant-based milk.
Dog Friendly
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Café Van Gogh is dog friendly place, so feel free to bring along with your furry pal to enjoy the vibes together.
Zero Waste
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Café Van Gogh are committed to minimise their impact on the environment. This is why they are aspiring to zero waste. They do not use plastic at all. All their takeaway cups and cutleries are 100% compostable.
They send all their food waste to be composted too.
TIP: hey offer 10% discount if you bring your own container for takeaway!
You can help them to keep waste zero by not bringing balloons or single use table decorations to your booked private events and parties.
Support People with Mental Disabilities
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Café Van Gogh is in close relationship with a leading disability employment charity. The café is running a program for people living with mental health problems. During the program disabled people get support and on-job training and gain valuable experience. This will help them to find paid employment easier in the future.
Do I need to Reserve My Spot?
No. They are operating in a walk-in basis unless you are a party of 6 or want to hold a private event.
TIP: You can order vegan birthday cake for private birthday party.
From 12 April restaurants, cafés, bars, and pubs with outside seating will finally be able to reopen. Yay!
After a long and hard year, we’ll be slowly getting back to normal. To celebrate this, I collected some cool places with outside seating where you can reunite with friends and family.
London’s first speakeasy and worst kept secret bar will be back with a mysterious flower-adorned garden. Psst…this is a secret, but they’ll open the garden on 15 April. Reserve your seat and trip back to the 1920s.
The Knot Churros
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The Knot Churros is back to open! From 12 April you can book for outside dining, afternoon tea and brunch again.
Beso is a must go to restaurant to all The Beatles fans. The Beatles used to regularly eat there while talking about their new songs and taking notes of their newest lyrics.
If you want to dine the same spot where The Beatles did, bookings are now open.
Ladies and Gentlemen
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Ladies and Gentlemen is a secret bar that is actually in a former public toilet. They will be reopening soon with some outside seating cocktails to pick up. You can also order your drink via Deliveroo.
Peggy Porschen
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Peggy Porschen Belgravia will be reopening soon. Exact date to be announced soon. Stay toned on their website and social feed. Peggy Porschen Chelsea Parlour is open for takeaway, collection and delivery.
Flight Club Darts
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From 15 April you can enjoy quirky cocktails and pizza again at Flight Club Darts Magic Gardens at Victoria, Islington and Shoreditch with up to 5 of your friends.
Oh, how much we missed the view of the glowing night lights of the River Themes and the Tower Bridge. On Butlers Wharf Pier a series of restaurants will be ready to welcome you back at their beautiful outside seating area. Please, note: some of the restaurants may have limited menu.
Inspired by the 1940s, Cahoots is a post-war themed speakeasy bar, located in an abandoned station in Kingly Court. Their outdoor seating area in Ticket Hall will reopen on 12 April for black market cocktails. Make sure you book your tablein advance.
1940s inspired vintage dress encouraged.
China Town
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After a year of hiding the Lunar Year of the Ox will hopefully give our normal lives back.
Ox is the second animal on the Chinese zodiac and its characteristics are positivity, strength, hard work and honesty.
Can’t wait to make memories under those lampions again.
Coal Drops Yard
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Most of the restaurants at Coal Drops Yard have stylish and cozy outdoor terraces, and they can’t wait to welcome you back after 12 April. Learn more about Coal Drops Yard restaurants and their outdoor terraces here.
Coppa Club
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Coppa Club’s stylish igloos are designed to make the most of the view of the river and the illuminating night lights. Perfect for the first reunion after a year of separation.
14 streets of shopping and dining with over 60 independent restaurants, cafés, bars, and pubs in the heart of London’s West End. Good vibes guaranteed!
Covent Garden
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Celebrate the first days of freedom after lockdown with a cup of artisan café and a slice of dreamy cake while reuniting with friends or family at the historical Covent Garden.
Here’s a listof all of the fabulous cafés and restaurants in Covent Garden. Opening times may vary.
London’s pinkest café and most Instagrammable hot spot is counting down the days till al fresco dining. Make sure you wear a matching outfit to hit Instagram after the long lockdown.
You don’t need to reserve a table. EL&N works on a first come first serve basis. Just make sure you check their websiteand social feeds to see which of their branch is open.
Feya
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Feya Café is undoubtedly one of London’s most Insta-worthy spots (both inside and outside). Beyond that, Feya is a zero-waste brand that gives their food to those in need, while embracing women empowerment and diversity in their cafés.
Their Bond Street café serves on a walk-in basis only; however, you need to reserve your table at their Knightsbridge café. Please, check their website and social feeds beforehand to ensure which of their restaurant is open for outside dining.
Mr Fogg’s
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Dear Explorers and Wanderers! Mr Fogg’s returns on 12 April! Enjoy an ice-cold beer at Mr Fogg’s Tavern, a G&T at Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals, or an outdoor brunch at Mrs Fogg’s Dockside & Distillery.
Tucked away from the crowd of Covet Garden, Neal’s Yard is a colourful micro-village and one of London’s prettiest streets. Inside, you can find the loveliest cafés, restaurants, and bars most of which with some outside seats and tables.
The Churchill Bar
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The Churchill Bar will open their heated cozy terrace for outdoor drink and dining from 12 April. Sir Winston Churchill was a legendary bon vivant and a lover of things fine. Why not take a selfie with his life size bronze sculpture while enjoying your brunch after 12 April?
Built back in 1750 The Churchill Arms is one the oldest pubs in London. Did you know that Sir Winston Churchill’s grandparents were regular visitors of the pub in the 1800s?
Today The Churchill Arms is famous for its incredible flower displays that change over the seasons.
Their Beer Garden is announced to be opening on 12 April. Reserve your table.
The Sherlock Holmes Pub
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The Sherlock Holmes Pub has just announced their reopening on their Twitter. However, bookings are not yet available. Keep an eye on their website and social feeds for update.
The Ten Bells
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The Ten Bells is one of the most hunted pubs in London. It’s often connected with one of the most mysterious murderers, Jack the Ripper. He is believed to have waited for his drunken victims in The Ten Bells.
The have just announced their new outdoor seating area on Facebook.
If you don’t look carefully, you could easily miss London’s smallest attractions. Did you know that the world’s smallest bar room is part of a tiny pub in Hammersmith? Do you know the heart-breaking story behind London’s smallest statue?
Here are some of London’s most fascinating tiny attractions and the story behind them.
London’s Smallest Statue – The Two Mice Statue
Photo: Urban Adventurer
London’s smallest statue is located on the corner building of Philpot Lane Eastcheap, EC3.
Keep your eyes peeled when you’re there because the statue is high above your head and only a couple of inches long.
The tiny statue pictures two mice fighting over a piece of cheese and has been on the building’s wall since the building was built in 1862.
The story behind the statue says that when the Monument of Great Fire was being built, two men working on the construction site sat on the top of the monument for lunch break. The two men were friends, but the trouble started when one of them realised his cheese sandwich was missing and accused his friend of steeling it.
They started a fight over the missing cheese sandwich and during the fight both of the men fell from the 62-metre-high monument and died. Later it turned out that the cheese sandwich had been stolen by mice living on the construction site.
To commemorate the men, London’s tiniest statue was built and is still there for us to look up and remember the two men died because of a sandwich.
London’s smallest bar room is located in 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA within The Dove Pub, and even went into the Guinness World Records. It measures 4 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 10 inches (1.27 metres by 2.39 metres).
This is not the only thing The Dove is worth to visit, though. The pub started as a public house in the 17th century, and was regularly being visited by famous writers, poets, politicians and even kings, such as poet James Thomson, who composed the famous ‘Rule, Britannia!’. Charles II often visited The Dove too with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.
In the most recent years, The Dove hosted famous actors, writers and politicians within its walls.
In the bar room, you can also see a brass plaque that marks the height the waters reached in the great flood of 1928.
The Smallest Single Pub – The Rake
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The Rake is London’s smallest single pub. It’s located just behind Borough Market, SE1 and it has the largest selection of beer from all over the world.
The Smallest Church – St. Ethelburga-the-Virgin
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St. Etherlburga-the-Virgin is located in Bishopgate, EC2, and it’s one of the few surviving medieval churches in London. It measures 56 feet by 30 feet (17 metres by 9.1 metres).
The foundation of the church is unknown, but it is believed that it dates back at least to the 13th century.
During the WWII 70% of the church was destroyed. After the war ended the church was proposed to be demolished but it caused a huge public outcry. Eventually, the church was rebuilt to its original plan, and is still operating today.
The tiny police station was built in 1926 and it’s inside an ornamental light fitting. After the light fitting being emptied, narrow windows were installed to allow a 360 degrees view to the area.
Even a direct phone line was installed to the Scotland Yard in case help needed. Whenever the police officer picked up the phone the ornamental light on the top started to flash to alert nearby officers for near trouble.
The tiny police station was able to accommodate a single police officer or two prisoners at a time.
Today it is no longer in use to its original purpose. It is a broom cupboard of Westminster Council cleaners.
The Smallest Café – Amar Café
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London’s tiniest café is called ‘Amar Café’ and it is operating in a red telephone booth. Amar Café has three shops: one in Greenwich (Greenwich High Rd, SE10 8NA), one in Chiswick (Corner at, Chiswick High Rd, W4 5TF) and one in Stratford Upon Avon, next to Shakespeare Theatre (CV37 6EF)
Photo: Urban Adventurer
As they say on their website, they do not choose obvious locations within London. Instead, they choose symbols of the country and bring them to life.
The Smallest Library
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Situated on the corner of Loampit Hill and Tyrwhitt Road, in Lewisham, London’s smallest public library is operating in an iconic red telephone booth.
The tiny library has an impressive selection of books, and borrowers are expected to either replace or bring back books they take to be able to keep up a good stock level.
The telephone box library is open 24/7. Feel free to visit it on any day any time.
The Smallest ‘Listed’ Building – The Ostler’s Hut
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Hidden away in Lincoln’s Inn, WC2A 3TL, The Ostler’s Hut looks like a house of fairies and hobgoblins.
In fact, the hut was built in 1860 and it accommodated a horseman to take care of law students’ horses while they worked.
No sooner, however, when motorcars replaced horses, the horseman’s job no longer needed. As a result, The Ostler’s Hut closed and never used again.
The Skinniest House
Photo: Google Street View
Believe it or not, London’s skinniest house is just 5 feet 5 inch (1.65 metre) wide. The house is in Shepherd’s Bush between two shops in Goldhawk Road, W12 8HD.
The house was home to a fashion photographer, Juergen Teller in the 1990s. In 2006 Simon Woods, the Pride and Prejudice actor bought the house. The property was last sold in 2009 and it went for sale again last September.
The Narrowest House – Thin House
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This insanely narrow house is known as ‘Thin House’ among Londoners. It’s located in 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, SW7 2TA, and is actually a triangle. What we see in this perspective is the building’s narrowest end, which is as narrow as 6 feet (1.8 metre). The widest end is 34 feet (10.3 metres).
Many of the houses on Thurloe Square were designed by London architect George Basevi. Basevi was one of the students of the famous neo-classical architect Sir John Soane.
That Sir John Soane whose extraordinary collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and drawings, and paintings is under display in Soane Museum (13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP) in London, and free to visit. (Did you know that some scenes of Transformers 5 movie were filmed here?)
In the late 19th century Kensington and Chelsea were an artist hub, so lots of famous artists lived or had studios in the area.
The Smallest House
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The title of the smallest house in London goes to this tiny little one at 10 Hyde Park Place, W2. This house was built in 1805 and its purpose was probably to seal an alley which led to St. George’s churchyard to keep grave robbers away.
The house measures 3 feet (95 cm) across and it contained 2 rooms (32 feet by 4 feet, 9.7 metres by 1.2 metre) connected by a ladder.
The Shortest Street – Kirk Street
With its 50 feet (15 metres) length, Kirk Street, WC1 is London’s shortest street. It has only one address.
The Narrowest Alley – Brydges Place
Photo: Urban Adventurer
London’s narrowest alley – Brydges Place, WC2 – connects St. Martin’s Lane and Bedfordbury in Covent Garden. The alley is as narrow as 15 inches (38 cm).
The Smallest Square – Pickering Place
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Pickering Place – off St. James Street, SW1 – is not only the smallest square in London, but also the last place seen a duel with swords.
In the 18th century Pickering Place was notorious for gambling dens, duels, and bear baiting.
Believe it or not, Pickering Place was once home to Texan Republic’s embassy (until it joined the United States in 1845).
What is more, you can also find King Henry’s old barn, which is just opposite to the passageway.
The Wallace Collection is formerly the London residence of the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. Sir Richard Wallace built an extensive collection of paintings, porcelain, furniture and arms and armour during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Collection
The collection contains many important paintings from the 17th and 19th century. Medieval and Renaissance works and one of the finest collections of arms and armour from the UK are also part of the precious collection.
The museum was given to the British nation by Lady Wallace, Sir Richard’s widow, in 1897 and opened to the public as a museum in 1900.
There are British, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch and Flemish painting masterpieces from such painters like Rembrandt, Rubens and Delaroche just to name a few.
The Rooms
Every room flourish in different colours, making the most Instagrammable museum in London with its two floors of treasures. You can spend hours and hours here wandering around the colourful rooms without that ‘museum fatigue’.
Don’t forget your camera!
The Arms and Armour
Even if you’re not the one for military history, it’s worth to visit the armouries. It’s an extensive collection of oriental and European weapons and armours. The oldest piece is from the 9th century, so it’s more than 1000 years old. Wow!
If you take a little time to observe the daggers, riffles and swords, you can realise how elaborated their grips are, and how richly decorated they are. Many of the swords and daggers have decorated blades and diamond, ruby, gold and velvet decoration on their grips.
Opening hours: Due to COVID_19 the museum’s opening hours have been shortened. Currently they are open from11am-3pm daily. (from 1 October opening hours are 10am-4pm daily)
Tickets: The admittance is FREE but you have to book a time slot online in advance and follow the safety guidelines when visiting the museum. You can read through these guidelines here.
The Café
Unfortunately, the café is not currently open within the museum. Instead, a coffee cart is available in front of the building.
The good news, however, you can still admire those pretty pink walls, as there is a route to the inner courtyard.
Hard Rock Café opened its gates at Piccadilly Circus in 2019. It marks the first Hard Rock location with a fresh modern design and the world’s largest Rock Shop.
Why Does Hard Rock Café Rock?
Hard Rock Café is famous for its collectable fashion and music-related merchandise, but probably it’s most famous for its rock-and-roll memorabilia. The café solicits donations of music memorabilia, but also purchase rare iconic items, costumes and photos on auctions.
Interesting Facts
The first Hard Rock Café was opened in London in 1971 and the founders were only given a 6-months lease, and the landlord didn’t think the restaurant would last 3 mounts
The famous Hard Rock logo was created by the celebrity artist Alan Aldridge, who was best known to work with The Beatles
The first concert in hard Rock Café was held in 1973 and Paul McCartney & Wings performed
The famous signature T-shirt came by an accident. Hard Rock Café sponsored a local football team and the team’s T-shirt featured a simple Hard Rock logo. The extra shirts were brought back to the café and were given to loyal customers. The T-shirts were such a hit that later people flooded to the café to buy a T-shirt
Hard Rock Café is the world’s premiere music museum, displaying such items like John Lennon’s famous round glasses, Freddie Mercury’s favourite microphone or Jimi Hendrix’ personal check book
The Hard Rock Signature Series T-shirt have partnered with Eric Clapton, Ozzy Osborne, Ringo Starr or The Who
Hard Rock Calling has become a must-attend festival in London. The festival has seen such stars on its stage like the Aerosmith, The Police, The Who, Stevie Wonder or Paul Simon just to name a few
The 80,000th piece memorabilia that Hard Rock Café acquired was Elvis Presley’s 24-carat gold piano
The Rock Shop
The Rock Shop at Piccadilly Circus is located on the ground level within a 2-level venue and it’s the largest Rock Shop in the world.
You can find some memorabilia here but wait until you go downstairs to the café!
The Café
The café has an impressive neon entrance with two wide stairs leading downstairs in the more than 1,800 square-metre venue. You really feel like a rock star here.
The café is really a museum and its main focus is on contemporary artists. The walls are covered with memorabilia: John Lennon’s famous round glasses, Lady Gaga’s boots, Jimi Hendrix’ iconic purple trousers and Bono’s suit he wore during his 1992-93 ‘Zoo TV’ tour are all displayed here.
There are items and costumes from David Bowie, The Who, the Beatles, Nicki Minaj, Robbie Williams, Rhianna, Rita Ora, Noel Gallagher, Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and the list goes on.
The Menu
The food menu mainly consists of hamburger and fries. They have an extensive cocktail menu, though. They have classic and non-alcoholic cocktail menu and the best part is, you can bring your cocktail glass home if you pay some extra (you’ll get a brand new clean one at the counter).
Hard Rock Café is definitely a rock star among London cafés. If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping venue, this is the one. You won’t see so many exclusive music memorabilia anywhere else. Watch more videos of Hard Rock Café Piccadilly here.
Ready for your next adventure? Dine at the same spot as The Beatles did.
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