Madeline Gowers

London

Spotter since 2023

About me

<strong>About me</strong>
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.

<strong>Why London?</strong>
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.

<strong>Where can you find me online?</strong>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lesser.known.london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lesserknownlondon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>

My spots (20)

Brunei Gallery

Art from across the globe

Past topics include tent-making in Islamic Cairo, recycling methods in Japan and underground pop culture in ‘50s to ‘80s Ghana.

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Art & culture

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 22, 2025

House of Hodge

Books, books and more books

It was set up in 2009 by Highbury resident and cat enthusiast Doreen Rolph, as a place to raise funds for local animal welfare organisations.

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 22, 2025

Espresso Base

Coffee the Italian way

Anyone who wishes to indulge their sweet tooth without punishment will have to do so the Italian way, with a cioccolata calda or an amaretto biscuit.

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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing
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Snacks

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 22, 2025

The Lookout

Views without the queues

Here, you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of London’s most famous landmarks: Tower Bridge, the Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral, to name just a few.

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Relaxing

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 22, 2025

Hollyhock Café

London’s fairytale paradise

All year round, Hollyhock Café offers a wholesome selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all made from fair trade and/or locally sourced ingredients.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 22, 2025

Fitzrovia Chapel

An architectural masterpiece

Aside from its compelling history, what really sets Fitzrovia Chapel apart is its extraordinary gold mosaic ceiling. So don't forget to look up!

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Art & culture

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 13, 2025

London Review Bookshop

A must for book lovers

Twice a week, all the tables are pushed to one side, and the bookshop is transformed into an intimate venue for author talks, film screenings and debates.

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 13, 2025

Woburn Walk

A taste of Regency London

Designed in 1822 by Thomas Cubitt (the architect behind large parts of Belgravia & Pimlico), Woburn Walk retains many of its original Georgian shopfronts.

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

By

Madeline

Gowers

Mar 13, 2025

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