Our picks of secret spots span graffiti, philanthropy, astrology, and even a quirky art installation that promises great fortune.
The tapestry of London never ceases to amaze. As one of the oldest and most multicultural cities in the world, it bears countless secrets that echo its ambitious population, rich literary heritage, two-millennia history, and unparalleled cultural scene. Here, we share seven such secrets, delving into secret spots in London that appeal to both first-time tourists and longtime residents alike.
Attendant Coffee Roasters
Start your quest for the alternative in the heart of Fitzrovia, where speciality roaster Attendant has ingeniously converted a tiny men’s toilet from the Victorian era into a full-fledged cafe that pairs espresso and single-origin coffee with toasties and house-made granola — and it’s underground, too. Incidentally, it took two years’ worth of planning and restoration (as well as a thorough round or two of sanitisation) to create this secret spot in London, but the porcelain urinals now take centre stage on the long, wooden tabletop where Attendant loyalists caffeinate.
Where: Attendant Coffee Roasters, 27A Foley Street, Fitrovia, London, W1W 6DY
When: Daily from 8am to 4pm
Contact: www.the-attendant.com
Dennis Severs’ House
Painstakingly reconfigured by the late artist Dennis Severs to tell the story of an imaginary Huguenot family occupying the house since its construction in 1724, this fantastical property on Folgate Street is described as a “still-life drama”, and for good reason. Part immersive theatre, part time capsule, it invites visitors to tour in absolute silence, with the likes of ticking clocks, crackling fires, creaky floorboards, day-old bread, and even a full chamber pot lending to sensory overload.
Where: Dennis Severs’ House, 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6BX
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3:15pm
Contact: https://dennissevershouse.co.uk
Leake Street Arches
A dive bar, modern-day board games, live performances, hearty Polish cuisine, and perpetually changing murals collectively occupying eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo Station — Leake Street Arches is no ordinary hangout. Famed for the 300-metre-long Leake Street Tunnel (the walls of which were once graffitied by Banksy), this hub of urban culture is particularly appealing as no two visits are ever the same; the sheer number of artists who showcase their work here means that there’s always something new to discover.
Where: Leake Street Arches, Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN
When: Open 24/7
Contact: www.leakestreetarches.london
St Dunstan in the East Garden
There’s no shortage of secret gardens in London, but St Dunstan in the East stands out for its majestic ruins of a medieval church first built in 1100, the result of turbulent events such as the Blitz, the Great Fire of London, and World War II. Today, they’re dramatically enveloped in foliage, creating a green space that’s surprisingly tranquil — despite its proximity to major landmarks like Borough Market and the Tower of London.
When: Daily from 8am to 7pm
Where: St Dunstan in the East Garden, St Dunstan’s Hill, London, EC3R 5DD
Contact: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
Seven Noses of Soho
What started out as Rick Buckley’s way of protesting rising surveillance back in 1997 is now a scavenger hunt of sorts, dubbed the ‘Seven Noses of Soho’ — the artist reportedly affixed 35 plaster-of-Paris noses to walls across London, seven of which now remain in the West End vicinity. To reveal their exact locations would ruin the fun, especially as one urban myth claims that great fortune is promised to those who find them all.
Where: Seven Noses of Soho, Soho, London
When: Open 24/7
Contact: http://rickbuckley.net
The Astrology Shop
Don’t let the compact size of this ‘metaphysical supply store’ deceive you — The Astrology Shop in Seven Dials is a veritable treasure trove of books, tarot cards, healing crystals, feng shui chimes, incense sticks, and essential oils. The personal readings conducted by onsite astrologers come highly recommended; simply walk in and ask for an Equinox Character Portrait, a comprehensive report that interprets your birth chart, uncovers hidden talents, and unravels the nuances of your personality.
Where: The Astrology Shop, 78 Neal Street, Seven Dials, London, WC2H 9PA
When: Daily from 11am to 7pm
Contact: www.londonastrology.com
The Clink Restaurant
Between depictions in Oz, Prison Break, and Orange Is the New Black, the words ‘jail food’ rightfully evoke visuals of canned vegetables and mystery meat, but The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton is changing the narrative. At this fine-dining restaurant, located within a Category C prison, the food is lovingly prepared and served by inmates undergoing hospitality training, thereby changing attitudes and reducing reoffending rates in the process.
Where: The Clink Restaurant, HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, Brixton Hill, London, SW2 5XF
When: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 3pm
Contact: https://theclinkcharity.org