Discover our locals' 222 hidden gems in London

Let's explore London beyond the landmarks with Spotted by Locals! From hidden tea rooms to vibrant street markets, our Spotters reveal the city's best-kept secrets. Discover London through the eyes of true locals and experience its unique charm.

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City guides by those who know London best!

Get to know our Spotters from London

Check out our latest hidden gems in London

Things to do in London

Craft Metropolis, Brixton

Small alley, big vibes

Blink and you’ll miss it. This private little Loughborough Junction spot is well hidden, down a single-file alley off the otherwise unremarkable Hinton Rd.

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Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

Stormbird

The place to be

Stormbird is the perfect pub for the people who have arrived in recent years to call it home. A beer-focused tap room often with some 15 beers on offer...

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Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Hermits Cave

The pub lover's pub

The Hermit’s Cave is the kind of place the pub lovers ‘pop down for a quick one’ before dinner, a gentle spot for a gentle relationship with alcohol...

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Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Bear

Old new kid on the block

With minimalist decor, The Bear’s clean walls and carefully curated artwork create a smooth blend between traditional pub and forward-facing...

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Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Tiger

Good times after dark

The Tiger plays by its own rules though, staying open until three on the weekends meaning you can call it a night when you actually want to.

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Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

BookMongers

Book lover's paradise

Bookmongers truly is one of the gems of Brixton. Just be warned, if you head down with a busy schedule, be prepared to miss your next appointment. 

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Shopping

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Clarendon Arms

Cherish, don't change

Inside are people that know each other, who have helped keep their boozer free from the relentless march of gentrification while so many others failed.

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Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

Theo's, Camberwell

Your neighbourhood Italian

In essence, when it comes to stylish neighbourhood pizza joints, Theo’s has all the bases covered starting with banging pizza, fair prices and good drinks.

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Restaurants

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The French House

Old school journo den

The French House has a long-standing reputation as a central pillar in London's historic district of dastardliness and debauchery...

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Bars
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Restaurants

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

Swingers London

Boozy indoor crazy golf

"Swingers London" London is a crazy indoors golf course with a bar and lots of street food-style eateries. Tip: get a few cocktails at the bar beforehand.

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Bars
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Relaxing

By

Ellie

Swain

Mar 19, 2025

Peckham Levels

A hub of creativity

"Peckham Levels" is in one of London's most formerly notorious neighborhoods. Now it's one of the coolest neighborhoods -- come and spend a whole day here!

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Snacks

By

Ellie

Swain

Mar 19, 2025

Toklas

Quick bite in Aldwych

I have tried to resist repeatedly getting their pain au chocolat and try something else from their wide selection of savoury treats as well...

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping
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Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Mar 18, 2025

Heading to London?

222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to London?

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Our London Cityguide - Made by Locals

Instantly know your way in London like a local!

Experience the vibrant culture of London with Spotted by Locals. Explore the historic streets of Westminster, the hip neighborhoods of Covent Garden and Bloomsbury, and the iconic landmarks along the Thames. Our app offers insider recommendations on local attractions, dining spots, and cultural events, ensuring you experience the best of England’s capital city like a true local. Download now and start exploring!

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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