Madeline Gowers

About me
When I moved to London after graduating in 2020, I didn’t plan to stay for long. My dream was to travel the world and moving to the Big Smoke just felt like a way to bide my time until the pandemic ended and international borders reopened. I found a simple job in a frozen yoghurt shop and spent my days off exploring the local sights.

The longer I stayed in London, however, the more attached I became to the people, places and the chaotic but exhilarating way of life. At times, making ends meet was challenging, but I knew this was where I wanted to be and so I persevered. A few years later, I feel truly settled here. I work four days a week in my local deli and spend the rest of my time seeking out new bookshops, cafés and art galleries. In May 2022, I started documenting these outings on TikTok and I now post daily videos in the hope of encouraging other Londoners to get out there and make the most of all that their city has to offer. After all, while I still dream of travelling to distant lands, I know that I won’t be running out of things to do here any time soon.

Why London?
I love that there is always something to do in London: always a new neighbourhood to explore, a new exhibition to attend or a new restaurant to try out. I love that you can be anonymous here – a small fish in a big pond – but also that there are so many ways to connect with like-minded people should you be in search of a community. There are little pockets of green, even in the most built-up areas. It’s amazing how culturally diverse this city is and how there is space for everyone to be themselves here. Most of all, though, I love that every person and every building has a story to tell. I love knowing that London has touched so many people’s lives and that, in return, so many people have left a little piece of themselves behind.

Where can you find me online?
Instagram
TikTok