The amusements of London seemed as flat as soda-water that has been standing in the sun.

John Buchan (1875-1940), The Thirty-Nine Steps

. . . a duller spectacle this Earth of ours has not to show than a rainy Sunday in London.

Thomas de Quincey (1785-1859)

“I love walking in London”, said Mrs Dalloway. “Really, it’s better than walking in the country”.

Virginia Woolf (1882-1914), Mrs Dalloway

I do not at all like that city . . . Whatever evil or malicious thing that can be found in any part of the world, you will find in that one city . . . if you do not want to dwell with evildoers, do not live in London.

Richard of Devizes (c.1150-c.1200)

You must not expect much friendliness from a John Bull who does not see his way to get something out of you. On the other hand, for learning commerce, London is without exception the best school.

Georgina Meinertzhagen (1850-1914)