We challenge our contributors to reply to ten devilishly probing questions about their London and we don’t take “Sorry Gov” for an answer. Everyone sitting in the hot seat they will face the same questions ranging from their favourite way to spend a day out in the capital to their most hated building on London’s skyline to find out what Londoners think about their city. The questions are the same but the answers vary wildly.

Sam Roberts is a writer, researcher, and publisher with a special interest in the historical and contemporary aspects of the sign painting craft. He co-authored Ghost Signs: A London Story, the definitive contemporary book on the topic of fading painted signs.

He is the leader of the top-rated Ghostsigns Walking Tours. Sam currently lives with his young family in Sant Pere de Ribes, Catalonia, where he edits and publishes BLAG (Better Letters Magazine), the world’s only print and online publication dedicated to sign painting.

What’s your secret London tip?

Slow down, and look up. So many people are navigating the city via their phone, or are just plain on their phone, that they miss so much that London has to offer. Slow down, take new routes, and discover everything that’s hidden in plain sight. Even the most familiar streets can reveal new things when we are paying attention, and not locked into a screen.

What’s your secret London place?

It’s a bit of an open secret, but Clissold Park in Stoke Newington. I grew up just able to see its trees from my living room, and my formative years were spent idling away the long summer days in its green fields. Perhaps a little more off the beaten track is the Bake Street cafe and bakery on Evering Road, N16, which has the best brownies in town to enjoy with its outstanding coffee.

What’s your biggest gripe about London?

The expense of the place, in particular housing. There are so many better ways of providing this essential human right to shelter.

What’s your favourite building?

I have a soft spot for any building that hosts a ghost sign, but beyond that, I have always liked The Castle on Green Lanes that faces onto the reservoir—it’s a slice of grandeur in more prosaic surrounds.

What’s your most hated building?

Take your pick from any of the numerous unaffordable blocks of flats being thrown up along the banks of the river. If you want to narrow things down, then let’s go with those that now obscure many views of Battersea Power Station, especially from the train.

What’s the best view in London?

For me, it used to be from the hill with the Greenwich Observatory at the top, but now I’d go with Parliament Hill.

What’s your personal London landmark?

Ambler Primary School on Blackstock Road, N4.

What’s London’s best film, book or documentary?

If I can pick my own, then Ghost Signs: A London Story. If not, then Alistair Hall’s London Street Signs.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

The Bleeding Heart Tavern near Farringdon. My wife and I had a tradition of having a Christmas meal there before we left London.

How would you spend your ideal day off in London?

I’d take myself to a less familiar part of the city, most likely to the south/west, and go to see some ghost signs ‘in person’. I’d also use the opportunity to seek out some new cafes and bookshops, allowing serendipity to guide me.

We challenge our contributors to reply to ten devilishly probing questions about their London and we don’t take “Sorry Gov” for an answer. Everyone sitting in the hot seat they will face the same questions ranging from their favourite way to spend a day out in the capital to their most hated building on London’s skyline to find out what Londoners think about their city. The questions are the same but the answers vary wildly.

I was born in Lavender Hill South London in 1961. As a child, I had the good fortune of growing up on the streets of London slowly heading Southeast with my parents each time we moved home. Camberwell, New Cross, Deptford, Charlton & Woolwich. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am a Charlton Athletic fan. I met my wife in Charlton and as our own family grew (we were blessed with four beautiful children), we continued the migration southeast, Woolwich, New Eltham and recently a big step into the wilds of Kent, we moved to Gravesend. Pocahontas territory.

My wife (Barbara) and I started a company to raise money for charities close to the hearts of many. We decided to launch a ride-hailing app for London Taxis “UNIFY”, which is completely free of charge to drivers. Customers pay a regulated fixed £2 booking fee which we use to support our many charities. The customers pay the driver the metered fare. No surge pricing or hidden charges and our Taxis can’t cancel thus we ensure that once a ride is booked it will turn up. Sadly, my wife passed away with breast cancer just before we launched so she did not get to see her idea put into action. This app is now her legacy to all taxi drivers, and they need only sign up and register to become a part of this new style platform. No more exploitation of customers or drivers, and our profits go towards helping the communities in which we operate. You can find out more on our website www.unifylondon.com. Our company has reached the eyes and ears of people at the top and as such we received a “Point of Light Award” from the Prime Minister’s Office. Our company is going from strength to strength and no doubt you will see more of us in the coming months and years.

Picture of me taking Roy Smith, a veteran back to Sword beach because he always felt guilty about landing there in 1944 on D-Day and not getting his feet wet.

What’s your secret London tip?

As a cabbie, I get to drive all over London visiting many of our beautiful landmarks on a regular basis. My tip for anyone visiting our streets, whether tourist or local, is to look up. The architecture on offer covers a range of historical times going back many Centuries and even a Millennium or two. So, if you find yourself on cobbled streets, remember to look up.

What’s your secret London place?

We have a long a varied history established as Londinium by the Romans 2,000 years ago and there are many sites dotted around reflecting this. But for me, it must be a monument to one of our greatest playwrights, renowned around the world for his craft and to this day still unmatched. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre south of the river (where cabbies fear to tread) on Bankside. A must for any visitor to London.

What’s your biggest gripe about London?

Asking a Cabbie to gripe about London is going to bring forth a tirade of faults with the ever-changing road network. The current ethos of pedestrianisation, cycle routes & segregated lanes to reduce traffic and our reliance on the car, is causing total havoc on our streets. Restricted access and heavily congested roads are helping to contribute towards stagnating our once glorious city. We are now the slowest capital for traffic movement. People expect London Taxis to have full access to the road network as we are the only fully accessible form of public transport. Gripe over.

What’s your favourite building?

That really is a tough one to answer. I particularly like stained glass windows and there are many beautiful examples in our city. One that captured my soul was on an early Sunday morning at Westminster Abbey, the sun shining through the windows illuminating a colourful display of ancient artwork. There is truly something magical about stained glass.

What’s your most hated building?

As a child growing up in South London, I often had the pleasure of visiting Greenwich Park. The view from the top of the hill by the Royal Observatory was always a favourite then. Alas, one day someone built a monstrosity of a monument smack bang in the middle of the vista. Canary Wharf. A pointed brick monolith with zero character that had no place in our glorious city. Sadly, it was only the first of many that followed, and the London skyline has been developing upwards ever since.

What’s the best view in London?

This was easy to answer. Alexandra Palace of an evening in Springtime before the leaves are on the trees. The panoramic view over the city sweeping from east to west as the Sun settles down for the night. The lights all over the city start to come on, giving the viewer a show of London in its full majesty.

What’s your personal London landmark?

Two words, TOWER BRIDGE. It must be the most iconic image of the UK known all around the world. In truth, there is only one other iconic image that comes close to generating in our minds, this magnificent city, The London Black Cab.

What’s London’s best film, book or documentary?

There are hundreds to choose from in all these categories. For me an old film (1966) called Blow Up. This film captures images of the late 60’s and the explosion of the fashion industry. Some epic scenes as the Mystery Thriller unfolds. Plus, I grew up playing in the field where the murder in the film took place. No spoilers from me about the plot.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

This may surprise you. BOROUGH MARKET. Here you can wander among stalls and shops which offer speciality foods from around the world. The cuisine is very much street food rather than fine dining, but being there among the hustle and bustle of life is a privilege.

How would you spend your ideal day off in London?

For me, it’s a pleasure boat cruise along the lifeblood of our city, the River Thames. Starting at Westminster Pier, passing under the iconic Tower Bridge, Which looks even more spectacular from below, on our way to Greenwich. A stroll around the old Naval College, visiting the old sailing ship & tea cutter The Cutty Sark, The Maritime Museum, The Royal Observatory, or strolling among the stalls and shops in Greenwich Market. One day to do all this is not enough and as ever I always vow to return another day before returning back to Westminster as the evening draws in.

We challenge our contributors to reply to ten devilishly probing questions about their London and we don’t take “Sorry Gov” for an answer. Everyone sitting in the hot seat they will face the same questions ranging from their favourite way to spend a day out in the capital to their most hated building on London’s skyline to find out what Londoners think about their city. The questions are the same but the answers vary wildly.

I am a London-based graphic designer working for an architectural engineering practice. At 18, I moved from a tiny village in Portugal to come to study in the U.K. I have lived in Cambridge and Norwich, two beautiful cities which I completely took for granted. When I moved to London, I said to myself “Right, I am now in one of the world’s most incredible cities, and I am going to make the most of it.” I love all things London and, despite my best efforts, it feels like I have hardly scratched the surface. I am the creator of the London Underground Depth diagrams.

What’s your secret London tip?

Cycle everywhere. An unpopular answer for the CabbieBlog I am sure, but for years I only used public transport, and I hardly knew London. When cycling you can explore all the side streets, enjoy the parks much more often, and take your journey at your own pace. It makes travelling an enjoyable experience and it gives you a much better understanding of the rich fabric of the city.

What’s your secret London place?

Near the Museum of the Order of St John, just by the church, there is a quiet monastic garden that is open during the day. It is a little haven where every flower, herb and tree in there has a medicinal use – very much my sort of garden.

What’s your biggest gripe about London?

The vanishing independent shops that build communities and add charm to their immediate area. It’s increasingly rarer to find somewhere that is “just lovely” amidst all the chains and the curated brand experiences.

What’s your favourite building?

There are so many choices, it feels cruel to state just one. Away from the mainstream, I really enjoy The Standard Hotel, opposite St Pancras. It was Camden Town Hall’s annexe, and it’s an incredible Retrofit project that has brought new life into this tired old building. The bars are great fun, from the ground-floor library-style laid-back lounge area to the double standard bar, as well as the rooftop bar which has stunning views across London – right next to St Pancras.

What’s your most hated building?

The Strata Tower in Elephant and Castle. It looks like a villain’s HQ and the gimmicky wind turbines never worked. The whole of SE Zone 1 and 2 is seeing a huge change for the better, and this thing, which won’t age gracefully, is an embarrassment amidst it all.

What’s the best view in London?

The London Eye, seen from the bridge in St James’ Park, especially at nighttime when the lights are reflecting on the lake, and all is tranquil.

What’s your personal London landmark?

London’s first skyscraper, 55 Broadway. Working for London Transport’s art deco headquarters must have been so thrilling, the sort of “in the right place at the right time” experience – the speeding pace of life, the glamour of the building, the buzz of the crowded offices, the engineering marvel of transport running underneath. It’s such a shame that it is being turned into a hotel.

What’s London’s best film, book or documentary?

I enjoy watching films, but I’m not the world’s greatest cinephile – so please don’t judge me. I thought of a few: One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing, The Ladykillers, Legend, Paddington and Harry Potter are all films I enjoy, and 28 Days Later came close. But my pick goes to Fast & Furious 6 (groan). As a lover of cars I like the series, but what leads me to pick this one is the scenes shot in Coal Drops Yard and Battersea Power Station before these were restored into the exciting landmarks they are today. King’s Cross gas holders also feature in The Ladykillers.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

There are so many incredible establishments in London, it’s very difficult to pick. A current favourite is Casa do Frango. They specialise in Portuguese-style chargrilled chicken, and it always hits the spot. Their restaurants are nicely designed, and the experience is always relaxing and enjoyable – great to wind down at any time of the week, especially if you start with one of their cocktails.

How would you spend your ideal day off in London?

It depends on what I am in the mood for. If I am in the mood for culture, I’ll be heading into the V&A or the National Gallery. If I am looking to unwind, I’ll pack a sandwich or two and cycle to Kew Gardens. The most realistic is shopping at Borough Market (early, to avoid tourists!) and then spending the day cooking at home, or meeting up with friends at the pub.

We challenge our contributors to reply to ten devilishly probing questions about their London and we don’t take “Sorry Gov” for an answer. Everyone sitting in the hot seat they will face the same questions ranging from their favourite way to spend a day out in the capital to their most hated building on London’s skyline to find out what Londoners think about their city. The questions are the same but the answers vary wildly.

Toby is an Actor and Scriptwriter who lives in and loves London. He’s appeared in Game of Thrones as the Last Prince of Dorne, Summerland opposite Dame Penelope Wilton and 5* play Diary of a Somebody in Covent Garden. In Spring you can see him in Tennessee Williams’s The Rose Tattoo at The Arcola Theatre, Dalston and he has just completed filming on Moonquake which will be released in 2024. He lives on a boat, roams the canals and rivers of London fighting crime and wearing outrageous coats and in his spare time is a Royal Navy Reservist. You can find him on Instagram at mr.t.osmond.

What’s your secret London tip?

VAULT Festival – a surprising number of Londoners don’t know about this scintillating, months-long extravaganza of comedy, theatre and performance arts. It’s London’s answer to the Edinburgh Festival, and you only need to go to Waterloo station to get there! Even if you don’t watch a show there, the bars are an Alice in Wonderland-esque environment to get lost in and meet a wonderful cross-section of London’s nightlife.

What’s your secret London place?

There’s a chamber in Tottenham Court Road tube station, near the bottom of the escalators along the central line entrance route, with beautiful acoustics. If you ‘Ahhh’ as you walk from the entrance, as soon as you hit the centre of the chamber your Ahhh becomes an AHHH and it’s magnificent.

What’s your biggest gripe about London?

Currently the Canal and River Trust’s campaign to get rid of a lot of the wonderful canal boats. They want to monetise as much of the river as possible, despite having semi-charitable status, and they’re failing in their duties to large sections of the community of boaters as well as their responsibility to maintain our wonderful London treasure that is the canal and river network.

What’s your favourite building?

While BFI and the National Theatre are strong contenders, the Barbican takes it. The brutalist beauty is right up my street and if I’m there I usually see the Royal Shakespeare Company or a visiting company from abroad and I’ve yet to be let down by one of these touring productions. Truly wonderful art on the stage here – and I love it when all of the mechanical doors silently slide shut to usher in the beginning of the play.

What’s your most hated building?

Westfield Stratford. Everything about it.

What’s the best view in London?

Dusk or Dawn on the canals with the mists rising to join the smoke of the multitudinous beautifully unique canal boats while the sun rises or sets. I’d highly recommend walking the towpaths if you haven’t.

What’s your personal London landmark?

While the Canal Aqueduct that goes over the North Circular is a very strong contender (bet you didn’t know about that. I sure didn’t until I went over it!), it has to be the Islington Tunnel for me. This is London’s longest river tunnel and can’t be traversed by land. It feels like a scene in a horror film, like some kind of monster will rear out of the darkness at any moment. It’s 960 yards long, and going through by boat takes a little while. It feels like half an hour but it’s probably a couple of minutes. You can see it from the towpaths in Islington in the East and King’s Cross for the Western entrance. A semi-circle of pure darkness, even on the brightest day.

What’s London’s best film, book or documentary?

My current favourite is The Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitc. My mate John recommended the audiobook and as a born and bred Londoner, I love the descriptions of landmarks, lesser-known places and even the A-roads that go around the area I grew up.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Oi Vita Pizzeria South of Newington Green. A small and wonderful restaurant where you actually enjoy Limoncello outside of Italy.

How would you spend your ideal day off in London?

A cruise along Walthamstow Marshes followed by a trip to the National Theatre then hitting Soho. The French House for a couple, The Phoenix Arts Club for a show then Gerry’s, the Actors Club to see the end of the night in.

We challenge our contributors to reply to ten devilishly probing questions about their London and we don’t take “Sorry Gov” for an answer. Everyone sitting in the hot seat they will face the same questions ranging from their favourite way to spend a day out in the capital to their most hated building on London’s skyline to find out what Londoners think about their city. The questions are the same but the answers vary wildly.

I am a London blogger and former journalist – now working in comms. First generation ‘Sarf’ Londoner born to Irish parents. I have fond memories of hanging out on the South Bank as a child in the ’80s when there was nothing much except booksellers and ‘Cardboard City’ and spotting weird-looking ‘dinosaurs’ in Crystal Palace Park (every Londoner should visit at least once!). These days, I love cocktail bars, street art, galleries, museums, photography and history. I launched Memoirs of a Metro Girl, my London culture and history blog in 2012, but my blogging productivity (and leisure time) has taken a hit thanks to parenting a toddler and renovating our flat in the past 2 years.

What’s your secret London tip?

Somerset House runs a historical highlights tour where you get to see inside some of the building’s spaces usually off limits to the public, like the ‘deadhouse’ underneath the courtyard and the Miles staircase.

What’s your secret London place?

Bonnington Square in Vauxhall is a special neighbourhood. A square of Victorian terraces built for railway workers, it has two community gardens, a deli café and a friendly vibe. It has a fascinating history, having escaped demolition and was rescued by squatters in the 1980s, who eventually set up a cooperative and bought the houses from the council.

What’s your biggest gripe about London?

The housing market is depressing. There are many reasons why, but I think short-term holiday-letting sites like AirBnB should be restricted. There’s a shortage of rental properties and so many properties are being let for high rates to tourists instead. So many Londoners can’t afford to live in their own city and for those fortunate enough to buy, are having to move further and further out. The thought of potentially being priced out of London one day fills me with dread.

What’s your favourite building?

St. Pancras station and the adjoining Renaissance Hotel. Stunning inside and out. Can’t resist the starry grand staircase and the clock tower.

What’s your most hated building?

Architecturally, the Walkie-Talkie (despite enjoying the view from inside). It’s too top-heavy and completely ruins the view of the London skyline from Shad Thames looking through Tower Bridge.

What’s the best view in London?

The top of Gipsy Hill has a great view of St Paul’s and the City skyline.

What’s your personal London landmark?

Dulwich Picture Gallery. It’s a lovely building designed by Sir John Soane and was the first public art gallery in London. They have great exhibitions, as well as their permanent collection and I love the gift shop.

What’s London’s best film, book or documentary?

The best documentary was The Secret History of Our Streets on BBC in 2012. The best book (this is a hard one as there are so many!) is Lost London by Philip Davies, full of photos of London buildings which no longer exist.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

SushiSamba in the Salesforce (aka Heron) Tower. Bit pricey, but worth it for the views, the cocktails and the fusion menu are pretty special.

How would you spend your ideal day off in London?

I would start the morning off with a fry-up in a proper neighbourhood café, head to the river, the City or Spitalfields with my camera to get some photos before the crowds arrive, lunch at a street food market like Vinegar Yard or Borough Market, afternoon at a Tate or V&A exhibition, then dinner at SushiSamba followed by late-night cocktails at one of my favourite bars (admittedly 3 meals out, cocktails and an exhibition would be an expensive day!).