Sam Barker, Author at Secret London

A Staff Writer for Secret London, Sam hails from Australia, but doesn't sound like it. He splits his time between trying out the latest coffee place or craft beer taproom, or climbing up walls covered in brightly coloured holds.

Food & drink Top news

This Italian restaurant in London is officially one of the best new restaurants in the world – bringing a slice of New York glitz to The Big Smoke

If you love pasta, the Big Apple (as in New York City, not just large fruit), and celebrity dining spots, then you're no doubt already familiar with Carbone. The lauded New York institution has become the...

Culture Things to do

This 160 year-old lighthouse is the only one left in London – it’s free to visit and is part of a cultural hub boasting museums, architecture, a sculpture park, and the world’s longest musical composition

London is a city with absolute boatloads of maritime history. And it makes sense, given it has an important waterway like the Thames running through it. You'll find evidence of London's maritime past ever...

Millions of people could be owed £1000’s in Council Tax discounts – stretching back to Council Tax rule changes in 2013

If you've ever looked perplexed at your council tax charges, wondering if there was any way at all to get a discount, there may well be a way. Following a Council Tax rule change back in 2013, a number of...

Food & drink Top news

This West African fine dining restaurant just outside of London is officially one of the best new restaurants in the world – and it’s less than an hour away from the city

Given London's sheer wealth of new openings - with new eateries and bars constantly popping up in the city - it can be easy to lose sight of other impressive new restaurants that open up in the country. A...

Culture Food & drink

An oh-so-chic new Versailles-themed afternoon tea is coming to the Royal Albert Hall – inspired by Parisian gardens and lavish French parties

London's afternoon teas come in all manner of guises. There are the more casual options and the ultra-fancy affairs. There are afternoon teas served on gorgeous terraces, and literary-inspired afternoon t...

Cinema Culture Things to do Top news

A free outdoor cinema is coming to Waterloo this summer – with a 90s themed programme of films ranging from Cool Runnings to Romeo + Juliet and Mrs Doubtfire

In a city like London, one of the purest joys is finding something free to do. With prices going up across the board (and salaries hardly matching the increase) it's more important than ever to find ways...

Food & drink Top news

A surprising contender has been named the UK’s ‘National Burger of the Year’ for 2026 – and it’s now available across the country for a limited time

The burger is a simple thing: meat sandwiched inside a bun, perhaps with some toppings. And despite its simplicity, London's burger vendors have done wild, wacky, and wonderful things with it. But accordi...

Culture Things to do

This 7-mile memorial walk around central London commemorates the life of one of England’s most beloved royals – explore the city and the life of Diana, Princess of Wales

If you've visited some of London's Royal Parks, you might have noticed a small plaque on the ground. You may have even spotted more than one of them. These plaques, which feature a blooming rose, comprise...

Culture Visit London

A look into London’s past: journey through time with these photos of London throughout the decades

London is a city that is always changing. Walk down a street or around a borough that you haven't explored in a while, and it can seem like a whole new world. Businesses, pubs, restaurants, and bars are c...

Secret Guides Things to do

40 marvellous things to do in London in March 2026 – from Egyptian treasures to an Orchid Festival, stunning light displays, and more

Somehow, we're already approaching the third month of 2025, which will put us at the quarter mark of the year. After the slow crawl of January, February is flying by. Is time actually passing faster as o...