Florence Derrick - London Like a Local: By the People Who Call It Home (Local Travel Guide)

There are countless types of Londoner: long-time market traders whose roots run deep; recent graduates lured by the buzz; generations of immigrants whove breathed new life into the city. Yet what unites them all is the fact that first and foremost they are Londoners. Yes, they moan about overcrowded Tubes and eye-watering rent, but deep down they know that their home is like no other. Its a place with a fierce spirit, an engrained Blitz-like mentality that keeps soldiering on. Start-ups have sprouted in cracks caused by financial crisis, peaceful protests have given voice to all and communities have pulled together through thick and thin.

Think of London and youll probably picture its iconic faade: majestic bridges lacing the Thames, the riverbanks sown with gleaming skyscrapers and historic landmarks. But famous sights aside, London is, at its core, a place where people live a tapestry of distinctive neighbourhoods, woven with Victorian terraces and tower blocks, and punctuated by well-trodden parks and beloved boozers. Its in these neighbourhood communities that London is at its most real, and its most exciting.

And that's exactly where this book comes in. We know the places that Londoners love, from just whispered-about restaurants to underground venues that nurture old and new talent. Of course, with nearly 9 million citizens, there are more Londoners than these pages can do justice to. Instead, this book celebrates snapshots of local life in a city thats as diverse as its inhabitants.

Whether youre a restless Londoner hungry to find the places that arent on everyone elses radar, or a visitor looking to delve beyond the citys icons, this book will help you embrace a lesser-known London. So tear up the traditional bucket list, and enjoy London the local way.

London | Welcome to the City

Liked by the locals

Sure, London can be exhausting. It constantly badgers you to keep up, teasing you with the constant gamble of what to do, and what to miss. But thats what I love most about London you can never get bored.

OLIVIA PASS, PHOTOGRAPHER AND TRAVEL WRITER

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London

THROUGH THE YEAR

London takes on different personalities during each of the seasons. Think jubilant festivals in summer, cosy pub lunches in autumn and festive fun in winter.

SPRING

RIVERSIDE EXPLORATION

As life unfurls after winter, Londoners inch outdoors to walk along the Thames path and cycle beside barge-dotted canals that snake around the city.

MARKETS GALORE

Locals embrace the milder weather by migrating to the citys outdoor markets. They gather blooms on .

OUTDOOR CINEMAS

From May onwards, open-air cinemas spring up across the city. Classic films are enjoyed with blankets, deck chairs and cocktails. The most spectacular is Secret Cinema, an immersive cinematic experience held in a secret location.

SUMMER

FESTIVAL FUN

Nothing brings Londoners together like its summer festival season. Pride in July and Notting Hill Carnival in August are joyous cultural celebrations, while the abundant music festivals All Points East, Lovebox, Wireless and South West Four, to name but a few draw fans from all corners of the city.

WONDERFUL WIMBLEDON

Queueing at the crack of dawn for tickets to this famous tournament is a rite of passage for many locals. Those less keen on an early wake-up call head to the big screens at Granary Square or St Katharine Docks instead.

PARKS AND PICNICS

As temperatures rise, Londoners descend on the citys parks and gardens to celebrate the warm weather. Dog walkers stop to chat, families throw frisbees and friends toast the summer.

AUTUMN

CULTURAL TOURS

With the days cooling off, Londoners head indoors for a dose of culture. The curious join guided tours around private houses as part of Septembers Open House Festival and enjoy events during Octobers Museums at Night weekend.

WEEKEND ROASTS

On a cold and rainy weekend theres one place Londoners are guaranteed to gather: a cosy pub serving slap-up roasts with all the trimmings.

FIREWORKS FOR DAYS

Londons skies erupt with fireworks on Bonfire Night (5 November) and during Diwali, in mid-November. Most weekends include a dazzling display of fireworks, sparklers and locals cocooned in coats in the citys parks.

WINTER

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY

Festive markets and ice rinks pop up across the city, the city centre is strung with lights and mulled wine is added to pub menus. Its the same every year and yet locals still lap it all up.

JOLLY JUMPERS

Londoners love a festive jumper the more garish, the better and most of Londons Christmas parties entail wearing a brightly patterned knit.

NEW YEARS EVE

While some Londoners seek a riverside spot to watch the New Years Eve fireworks over the Thames, most prefer to watch the show on the TV with a glass of champers and their loved ones.

DRY JANUARY

Tired and broke after Christmas, Londoners often promise they wont drink in January. But a few weeks into the year and most ask their friends, pub?

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London

KNOW-HOW

Theres an art to being a Londoner, from the dos and donts in the pub to negotiating the citys intricate streets. Heres a breakdown of all you need to know.

For a directory of health and safety resources, safe spaces and accessibility information, turn to page 186. For everything else, read on.

EAT
Londoners will find any excuse to eat out. Weekends revolve around leisurely brunches and roasts, with restaurants and pubs starting to fill up from 11am. Dinner is the main meal of the day and starts any time from 7 or 8pm. Its a good idea to book a table wherever possible, though some hotspots dont take reservations. Theyll instead ask for your number on arrival and text you when your table is ready, so you can nip off for a drink.