LONDONOPIA: celebrating all things London

Tucked away in the busy financial district of London, near Cannon Street Station, lies a curious relic of history—the London Stone. Enclosed in a protective display in the Bloomberg Building at 111 Cannon Street, this unassuming piece of limestone has been a part of the city’s landscape for centuries, carrying with it layers of mystery,…

Walk through certain neighborhoods in London, and you might find yourself seduced by the scent of steaming bowls of pho, the hum of a language as melodic as it is unfamiliar, and shopfronts proudly offering banh mi and bubble tea. This is the vibrant, resilient Vietnamese community of London, a testament to the city’s multicultural patchwork…

Starting Spring 2025, drivers will be required to pay toll charges to use the Blackwall Tunnel and its newly constructed counterpart, the Silvertown Tunnel. These charges aim to alleviate congestion, improve air quality, and contribute to funding the £2.2 billion Silvertown Tunnel project​. Toll Charges by Vehicle Type: If drivers fail to register with TfL AutoPay, they…

Before the days of smartphones, loud alarm clocks, and snooze buttons, there existed an unlikely profession that guaranteed people in London woke up on time. Meet the Knocker-Uppers—a group of hardworking individuals whose sole job was to make sure you didn’t sleep through your responsibilities.

Carlo Acutis, born in London in 1991 to an Italian family, is poised to become the first millennial saint. Known as “God’s Influencer” and the “Patron Saint of the Internet,” will be canonised next April. Born on May 3, 1991, in London, Carlo’s family moved to Milan, Italy, when he was still a child. His…

London may be a long way from Australia, but for decades, it’s felt like a second home to thousands of Aussies, who’ve set up a vibrant, sometimes rowdy, and always welcoming community in the city.

With Thomas Cromwell back on TV screens in the adaptation of Hilary Mantle’s The Mirror and The Light, Londonopia looks at Cromwell’s London and what still remains.

If you’ve ever sat on the top deck of a London bus you may have looked out the window and seen some bizarre objects on the roof of a bus shelter, that looks like a small spiky satellite. Londonopia set out to find what they are and who put them there? The Mystery of the…

Teeming with history, diversity, and drama, London has been the backdrop for countless iconic novels. From Dickensian alleyways to modern tales of urban life, these ten books capture the essence of the capital in ways that will make you feel as though you’re walking its storied streets.

The story of the Ayahs of Hackney is a significant chapter in British social and colonial history, highlighting the lives of Indian nannies, or “ayahs,” who accompanied British families returning to England from the colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries. The ayahs were employed as caretakers, nannies, or “amahs” to look after children on…

In the world of rock ‘n’ roll album covers, a few images stand out as instantly recognizable – the Beatles on Abbey Road, Nirvana’s baby in the pool, and Oasis’s unforgettable stroll down Berwick Street for their 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Captured during the peak of the Britpop era, this cover not only…

Imagine this: it’s a regular October afternoon in 1814 in the bustling streets of London’s St. Giles Rookery, a lively but rough neighborhood, when suddenly – out of nowhere – an enormous tidal wave of beer roars through the streets. That’s right, a flood of beer. While it sounds like a scene plucked from the…

In a music scene where the spotlight usually shines on the young and the trendy, two unlikely stars are stealing the show—and they’re not just seasoned; they’re downright vintage. Meet Pete and Bas, the UK’s favorite grandfathers of rap and drill. These two pensioners from south London are defying expectations and redefining what it means…

The Kenyan community of London brings a warm blend of rich traditions, amazing food, and a spirit that’s uniquely East African. From gatherings in “Little Nairobi” to Swahili-speaking church services, here’s a closer look at the Kenyan influence in London, where to find it, and why it’s worth exploring. How Kenyans Made London Home Kenyans…

The Real Demon Barber of Fleet Street: A Hair-Raising Legend or Murderous Myth? London’s Fleet Street, once the beating heart of the British press, has been home to many characters, but none quite as infamous as Sweeney Todd, the so-called “Demon Barber.” This isn’t your average ghost story; it’s a tale of throat-slitting, pie-baking horror…

Just south of London’s core lies the leafy borough of Sutton, which has quietly transformed into what locals have dubbed “Little Hong Kong.” Known for its suburban charm, good schools, and green spaces, Sutton has become an unexpected magnet for the growing Hong Kong community in London. As thousands of Hong Kongers have relocated under…

In 1981, London was buzzing with preparations for Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday parade. The traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony was in full swing, an event as British as tea and as grand as the Buckingham Palace balcony. But amid the pomp and pageantry of that June morning, a shocking event unraveled—a 17-year-old boy in the crowd raised…

Ah, Billingsgate Fish Market! If you’ve ever thought of yourself as a morning person, this place will put you to the test. Tucked away in the heart of East London, Billingsgate is the UK’s largest inland fish market, and it’s an iconic spot for chefs, seafood lovers, and the occasional bleary-eyed tourist who loves the idea…

the Brazilian community here is estimated to number around 50,000 strong, concentrated in neighborhoods like Stockwell, Kilburn, and Willesden. For anyone needing a little bit of Brazil in the heart of London, here’s a guide to experiencing their vibrant culture.

For Sri Lankans arriving in the UK capital, London offers both familiar tastes and new experiences, blending community, career opportunities, and neighborhoods where Sri Lankan culture thrives. Whether you’re here for work, studies, or adventure, here’s a guide to help you settle in, find a slice of Sri Lanka in London, and explore the city’s…

For over a century the grave of John Merrick was forgotten and abandoned …

The Royal Docks of London—comprising the Royal Victoria Dock, Royal Albert Dock, and King George V Dock—were not only crucial to London’s economy but also a stage for some of the most remarkable ships of their era.

London is home to a vibrant and close-knit Japanese community, which brings a unique slice of Japanese culture to the city’s cosmopolitan mix. From food markets to bookshops and cultural centres, the Japanese influence in London is distinct, and it’s thriving.