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.

Cinema Things to do

25 years ago Anne Hathaway discovered she was the princess of Genovia in the hit film ‘The Princess Diaries’ – next month you can see the iconic film on the big screen at a special live concert screening with an all-women orchestra

Cast your mind back to 2001, and one of the year's biggest movies: The Princess Diaries. Starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, the now-iconic film saw Hathaway playing Mia Thermopolis, an unpopular, a...

Things to do Visit London

Everything we know about the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks – how to get tickets, where to see the fireworks, ticket restrictions, and discounts for Londoners

Regardless of whether you see New Year's Eve as an evening for cosying up in front of the telly to watch the countdown, or for hitting the town for an all-night celebration, there's one thing we can all a...

Food & drink Top news

These London pubs are cutting pint prices in half for one weekend only – find out how to get a half-price round

Last week, Celebrity Traitors star Joe Lycett launched a campaign to spotlight the ongoing crisis of British pub closures. As part of it, he funded free drinks at a number of pubs across London and the UK...

Christmas Things to do Visit London

Bond Street will switch on its royal-ly good Christmas lights in just 3 weeks – and this year is your last chance to see the Crown Jewels-inspired display

One of the greatest things about Christmas in London is seeing how the city comes to life during the holiday season. The ice rinks open up, the Christmas markets start peddling their wares, and everyone i...

Christmas Things to do

Over 300 years ago, this Chelsea hospital was founded as housing for injured war veterans; this winter it will be taken over by a festive light trail and a charming Christmas market

As December draws ever nearer, news abounds of Christmas markets, lights, and festive attractions. And this year, a brand new attraction from 2025 will return, bringing holiday cheer in the form of a Chr...

Things to do Visit London

Almost 200 years ago, construction began on what would become the Elizabeth Tower – now you can explore the inside of the iconic British landmark and see London from a new perspective with these Big Ben tours

Ask someone to name London's most iconic building, and they're almost certain to say Big Ben. And in return, you can smugly point out that Big Ben is actually the name of the bell, and the building is cal...

97 years ago, construction began on London’s iconic Battersea Power Station – almost a century later, the Grade II* listed landmark has welcomed over 50 million visitors after being open to the public for less than 4 years

When you think of iconic London buildings and sights, there are a few that are globally recognised. I'm talking, of course, about the likes of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Buckingham...

Food & drink

In the 1800s, Robert Cooke opened a pie shop in South London – today it’s the oldest surviving pie and mash shop in the city, has featured in music videos, and boasts numerous celebrity fans

London is a city with an absolutely endless amount of history. From the Tower of London itself to church ruins, former royal manors from the 1300s, and more, the city is absolutely filled with preserved p...

Cinema Things to do

In 2014, Christopher Nolan released ‘Interstellar’ – 13 years later, Hans Zimmer’s iconic score is heading to the O2 for a massive arena concert screening with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

For film fanatics, there are a few screening experiences that rise head and shoulders above others. These include 35mm screenings at Art Deco theatres, IMAX screenings on enormous screens, jaw-dropping 70...

Food & drink

Back in 1969 this unassuming Chinese restaurant opened its doors in London – now it’s the oldest restaurant in Chinatown, and one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in the city

If you’re after a taste of history in London, our fair city features a wealth of venues with impressive lineages. And if you’re specifically looking to explore the city’s culinary past, then you’re spoilt...