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.

Sports Wellness & nature

Did you know there’s a hidden outdoor pool in the heart of London? You can take an al fresco dip in the sunshine right by Covent Garden

London is a surprising city. Within its bounds, you'll find all manner of exciting sights - ranging from Japanese gardens to a traditional Hindu temple carved entirely out of stone. But even within our ca...

Secret Guides Things to do Wellness & nature

These are the exact dates that every lido in London will close for the season – and which ones will stay open all year round

With September creeping towards us, and the temperature (finally!) having taken a dip recently, it feels like the end of summer is approaching. And while there are still some high temperatures predicted f...

Things to do Visit London Wellness & nature

This stunning hidden nature walk in North London follows an abandoned railway line – the 2.5-mile green trail connects Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace

London is an ever-changing city. Restaurants open and sadly close down. Its occupants flock in and out of the city; some live here forever, some for little more than a year. And buildings, venues, and eve...

Food & drink Top news

A popular London foodie is joining forces with fried chicken legends for an enormous food festival this weekend – you can try some of the best chicken dishes from around the world

London loves a food festival. It's a chance for the city's hungry foodie denizens to try out top-notch food from around the city, country, and world, all in one convenient location. And a brand new one is...

Food & drink Top news

KFC is joining forces with the ‘Chicken Wine’ to open a pop-up wine bar in London – serving up buckets of fried chicken and bottles of wine

If you spend any time drinking wine in London, or just wandering around a supermarket in general, you're likely familiar with La Vieille Ferme. The ultra-popular wine has been nicknamed the 'Chicken Wine'...

Visit London

There’s a forgotten Grade-I listed gate to the Thames that is over 100 metres away from the water – and it reveals a fascinating part of London’s maritime history

On the northern bank of the Thames, situated over 100 metres from the water, near Charing Cross station, is a curious little gateway. In a city like London, with historic buildings and ruins everywhere yo...

Secret Guides Visit London

100 fantastic free things you can do in London – so you can explore the city without spending a penny

In a city like London, it can sometimes feel like you're being charged money as soon as you get off the train or step out of your front door. And you'd be forgiven for thinking the city has nothing afford...

Culture Things to do

Secret London’s Guide To The Hayward Gallery Lates: Anish Kapoor

If you’re at all interested in art in London, you’re likely well aware that a momentous exhibition recently landed in the city. Almost 30 years after his first major UK survey at the Hayward Gallery, Anis...

Cinema Food & drink

This secretive Thai kitchen in London is officially one of Tom Holland’s favourite places to eat in the city – and it’s tucked away in a charming dog-friendly pub

If you've ever wanted to eat like Spider-Man, aka Zendaya's husband, aka Tom Holland, then you're in luck. The London native isn't shy about sharing his picks and his favourite spots in the city. And ther...

London will experience punishing temperatures this week as the forecast predicts highs of 36°C – the Met Office has issued an amber alert for the extreme heat

If there's one stereotype about London that is inarguably true, it's that we love to complain about the weather. When it's cold, we moan and dream of summer, and in the midst of a sunny, warm day, we comp...