I journeyed to London, to the timekept City, / Where the River flows, with foreign flotations. / There I was told: we have too many churches, / And too few chop-houses.

T. S. Eliot (1888-1965), The Rock

London is a city that offers all kinds of temptations, and whenever I go for a walk I discover things that I would like to bring back as souvenirs. But my resources are very limited. I cannot buy anything, and I make a point of taking my walks a good distance from these riches.

Natsume Sōseki (1867-1916), Spring Miscellany and London Essays

London goes beyond any boundary or convention. It contains every wish or word ever spoken, every action or gesture ever made, every harsh or noble statement ever expressed. It is illimitable. It is Infinite London.

Peter Ackroyd (b.1949), London: The Biography

One thing about London is that when you step out into the night, it swallows you.

Sebastian Faulks (b.1953), Engleby

In London, love and scandal are considered the best sweeteners of tea.

John Osborne (1929-1994), Tom Jones