London is such an intriguing city and one you think you know everything about. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, the infamous private member's club, Home House and Black Cabs - these are some of the greatest and most well-known landmarks of all time. But, just when you think you have learnt everything you possibly could, what of the facts and stories that so often fall under the radar?
One of the most daunting 'realisations' for me was that 55% of the famous London Underground is actually above ground? Furthermore, one of the most popular tube routes through Leicester Square and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line is really pretty pointless as it's actually quicker to walk the distance instead.
When it comes to landmarks, I was also surprised to learn that Marble Arch was originally built as the entrance to Buckingham Palace, but was simply not used - makes sense I guess. Furthermore, the much loved Covent Garden is actually the product of spelling mistake - the area used to be the market garden for what is now Westminster Abbey monastery and convent. But perhaps it's the most recent landmark that's the most surprising of them all, the London Eye: the famous wheel, which now supplies a wonderful backdrop for the New Year celebrations, receives more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza here, in our little England.
Whilst visiting these notable sights, you can always find a superb little restaurant, eatery or bar to tantalise your taste buds. I knew our food was good, but I was astounded to hear that restaurants in The Big Smoke actually total a remarkable 22% of all restaurants in Britain, many of which are Michelin Star. In fact, the only other city in the world to boast more Michelin Star restaurants than us is Paris now that's not bad going at all.
And then we have some more curious facts - just for good measure: John Baird, for example, first demonstrated how television would work above what is now Bar Italia in Frith St, Soho incredible, huh? But what have Harrods? Until 1916, the well known luxury department store as we understand it today was selling medical kits for friends at 'The Front' which contained cocaine, morphine, syringes and needles. And last, but by no means least, there's our favourite London friend, Big Ben. Did you know that back in 1949 this world-famous clock actually slowed by 5 minutes when a flock of starlings landed on the minute hand? Even in the war, Big Ben kept on ticking and what slowed it starlings!
With all these intriguing facts, you cannot help but to feel London is one of the best cities to visit this side of Europe. Steeped in rich history and nostalgia, you're never a stone's throw away from an interesting story or two so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open at every given opportunity you never know what secrets may come to light.
One of the most daunting 'realisations' for me was that 55% of the famous London Underground is actually above ground? Furthermore, one of the most popular tube routes through Leicester Square and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line is really pretty pointless as it's actually quicker to walk the distance instead.
When it comes to landmarks, I was also surprised to learn that Marble Arch was originally built as the entrance to Buckingham Palace, but was simply not used - makes sense I guess. Furthermore, the much loved Covent Garden is actually the product of spelling mistake - the area used to be the market garden for what is now Westminster Abbey monastery and convent. But perhaps it's the most recent landmark that's the most surprising of them all, the London Eye: the famous wheel, which now supplies a wonderful backdrop for the New Year celebrations, receives more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza here, in our little England.
Whilst visiting these notable sights, you can always find a superb little restaurant, eatery or bar to tantalise your taste buds. I knew our food was good, but I was astounded to hear that restaurants in The Big Smoke actually total a remarkable 22% of all restaurants in Britain, many of which are Michelin Star. In fact, the only other city in the world to boast more Michelin Star restaurants than us is Paris now that's not bad going at all.
And then we have some more curious facts - just for good measure: John Baird, for example, first demonstrated how television would work above what is now Bar Italia in Frith St, Soho incredible, huh? But what have Harrods? Until 1916, the well known luxury department store as we understand it today was selling medical kits for friends at 'The Front' which contained cocaine, morphine, syringes and needles. And last, but by no means least, there's our favourite London friend, Big Ben. Did you know that back in 1949 this world-famous clock actually slowed by 5 minutes when a flock of starlings landed on the minute hand? Even in the war, Big Ben kept on ticking and what slowed it starlings!
With all these intriguing facts, you cannot help but to feel London is one of the best cities to visit this side of Europe. Steeped in rich history and nostalgia, you're never a stone's throw away from an interesting story or two so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open at every given opportunity you never know what secrets may come to light.
About the Author:
Dine in style at the best bars in London. Home House of Portman Square is the perfect place to spend an evening, weekend or working day, with a range of beautiful restaurants, bars, drawing rooms, bedrooms, gardens and exclusive events at Home House members only club in London.
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