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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Knowing London in and out!

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Know your way in London like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover London through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in London

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Check out our latest hidden gems in London

Things to do in London

Italo Delicatessen

Quiet oasis in noisy Vauxhall

The people of Bonnington Square really know how to foster a vibe with leafy exotic plants spraying scattered shadows as you sit and eat...

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Di Lieto

A true Neopolitan family deli

From focaccia to pasta, coffee to cake, this one-stop shop is as much a place to buy your brew and bread as it is to have a lunchtime bite of pasta...

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Vauxhall's chill space

Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow.

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Relaxing

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Black Dog

Park pub perfection

Of all the reasons why you have to check out this idyllic boozer, perhaps the most important is that this is the home of the finest scotch egg in London.

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Dog House

Footy, friends and feels

From the run-down chic aesthetic to the strong beer selection and excellent pub garden, there are no chinks in the Dog House's armour...

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Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Prince of Wales

Boule and birdsong, anyone?

Inside, the bar is a welcoming, tightly-packed vibe with old-fashioned, old-world decor with gorgeous bare wood surfaces & countless pictures on the walls.

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Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Crown & Cushion

Made like they used to

The unassuming, retro signage outside amidst the noise & din of Waterloo might pull you in, but what makes you stay is the genuine town tavern feel inside.

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Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Pierre Victoire

French fare at a fair price

With a rustic French feel, Pierre offers dishes with rich red-wine sauces and tasty meats from much of the spectrum of the French culinary roster.

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Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Toucan

Soho's Guinness godfather

With old-fashioned vintage Guinness branding adoring just about every surface, this is the ideal spot to take a moment and enjoy a perfectly-poured pint.

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Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

A tiny urban jungle

Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.

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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Sutton House

Hackney’s hidden Tudor gem

Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.

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Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Geranium

The Barbican Centre’s best kept secret

Shelves run all around the edge of the shop, piled high with upmarket store cupboard essentials in addition to handmade soaps and eco-friendly products.

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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Heading to London?

222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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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?

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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