London culture & sites to visit
London culture reviews, news and views
How London became the world's fashion capital
Hey, you stylish thing, you - you know our capital is a fashion epicentre. But what glamorous ingredients (and serious ones) made it thus?
6 massive multi-million-pound gambling disasters
Which big businessmen have found themselves bankrupted by the roulette wheel?
Royals to visit Harry Potter site as Warner Bros bring in £1bn a year to UK economy
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry are inaugurating the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden today.
London’s most popular surnames - revealed!
Two surnames dominate London, but it’s likely not what you think!
Don't use the P word! Pussy drinks ad banned for being 'sexually explicit'
A Pussy Drinks’ advert has created stir for stating ‘pussy’ in large bold text, followed by smaller text reading: “The drink’s pure, it’s your mind that’s the problem”.
Sir Winston Churchill's car up for sale on eBay for £500k
If you’re a car buff then this piece of motoring history might whirr your automobile fantasy.
Psy posts hilarious $40k job advert on YouTube for a personal chef Video
In true ‘Gangnam Style’, Korean pop sensation Psy has put up an advert for a chef on YouTube.
Beyonce and Jay-Z to become pop's first billion dollar couple
Beyonce’s new deal with H&M is set to make her and Jay-Z pop’s first billionaire couple.
Unbeliebable! Justin Bieber's Twitter followers are '50% fake'
Justin Bieber might boast of having the most followers on Twitter but around 50% of his ‘Beliebers’ are fake.
Jimi Hendrix pop-up shop opens in Soho to mark new album
A pop-up shop to mark the launch of rock-n-roll legend Jimi Hendrix’s posthumous new album has been set up in Ganton Street, Soho.
Medieval plague burial pit near City unearthed by Crossrail dig
A mass burial site for what are believed to be 14th-century plague victims has been unearthed near the City of London.
Red Nose Day events in London today, Friday 15 March
Have a fabulously fun Friday AND raise money for charity. Get involved!
Lewis Hamilton plans to build a London museum to himself
Formula One star Lewis Hamilton wants to silence his critics by building a London museum honouring his racing achievements.
Australia's "Best Job in the World" competition returnsVideo
Remember 2009, when London collectively groaned at the luck of Ben Southall, who beat 34,000 applicants from more than 200 countries to win the Best Job in the World?
Vin and Omi: Our London Fashion Week winners!
Our resident fashion designers Vin and Omi give us their pick of the best looks from London Fashion Week
Fresh hurdles for Abercrombie & Fitch London expansion plans
Savile Row store owners celebrated yesterday as Abercrombie & Fitch’s London expansion plans were dealt yet another blow.
London to get its own Hollywood-like Music “Walk of Fame”
Dame Helen Lydia Mirren and her Hollywood star in LA (January 2013)
Simms City: Braving London's blanket of white for Burns Night
Social butterfly Freya Simms gives us the lowdown on London’s happening spots this week
Time-travelling through Georgian and Victorian London at Dennis Severs' House
Asa Bennett goes back to the Georgian times in visiting 18 Folgate Street
Tracey Emin: Riots “worse than 2011” will hit London if arts side-lined in education
Controversial artist Tracey Emin has issued a stark warning that riots will break out on the streets - “worse than it was before” - if art is side-lined in the government’s overhaul of GCSEs.
Virgin Atlantic’s “first art gallery at 35,000ft” takes off
Virgin Atlantic has laid out its first in-flight art gallery which will exhibit works by London-based artist Ben Eine.
Let it snow! 10 amazing London snow facts
From when the Thames freezes over, to how many words Eskimos actually have for snow
Simms' City: Attenborough, Heston and defying dry January
Social butterfly Freya Simms gives us the lowdown on London’s happening spots this week
Pant-emonium hits London Underground
A loyal troop of underwear-only crusaders was not deterred by freezing temperatures yesterday, showing up en masse to celebrate annual No Pants on the Subway day.
Electrifying London events you can't miss in 2013
From the tube turning 150 in style, to Richard Branson blasting off into space, London is action-packed this year…
Where are the high rollers spending their Christmas?
From St. Barts and Necker to St. Moritz, we have a look where the glitterati will charter their private jets for the holidays
In pictures: London's best Christmas displays 2012Video
From Disney princesses to Santas in stilettos, take a look at London’s exquisite Christmas displays
Review: When the Siren CallsVideo
Asa Bennett reads the first of a new trilogy of “50 Shades of Grey meets business”
Simms' City: Pippa Middleton does some early Christmas shopping
Social butterfly Freya Simms gives us the lowdown on London’s happening spots this week
Vin and Omi: Where to hire spectacular outfits this party season
Fashion designers Vin and Omi lead us towards a money saving party season
Simms' city: Wine, diamonds and Frieze Masters
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
Now with added Botticelli. Frieze art fair is getting even bigger
The UK’s biggest contemporary art fair is stocking up on big name Old Masters
Vin and Omi: Quirktime with Katrantzou, Carlotta and Fred’s Sibling and a slice of Fam
Designers Vin and Omi take a walk on the quirky side of London Fashion Week
Vin and Omi: Feldering your Burberries in a Westwood with Minnie Mouse
Designers Vin and Omi select some of the shows that have popped at Fashion Week
The Fashion Week Blog: Day 1, queueing it and faking it
London Fashion Week 2012 kicked off on Friday. Fashion designers Vin and Omi tell us what it’s really like
Simms' city: Hanging out with the Made in Chelsea stars
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
The intimate details of the Fifty Shades of Grey classical album launch
Source: Agencia EFE/Rex Features Fifty Shades Trilogy author, E. L. James
Simms' city: From the best hidden pubs to the Little House in Mayfair
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
The heart of London’s commercial gallery scene in jeopardy
Cork Street has been the home to many of London’s top commercial galleries for the most part of 100 years.
Last of the summer pop-ups: 6 you don't want to miss
Get in there while you still can - our favourite temporary bars, breweries, barbecues, smokeries and a rooftop crazy golf course
London’s very best parks for the weekend of sun, sun, SUN!
Best for kids, for sport, for flowers, for fitty spotting. Our guide
What’s the new Fifty Shades of Grey? Fifty Shades of GRAY, natch
“The content gets darker and darker,” reads the tantalising blurb on the back of the book. It’s “the book everyone’s talking about”. Fifty Shades of Grey? Nope, Fifty Shades of Gray, the brand new book made up of 200 blank pages ...
Time to look towards Rio! Here's the best of Brazil in London
With the Olympic Games behind us, it’s time to soak up some Brazilian culture to prepare for 2016
Simms' city: Olympic cycling, Marylebone's treasures and more
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
Erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey becomes UK’s all-time best-seller
The English canon of literature just got officially ravaged. Twilight fan fiction novel and S&M and bondage tale Fifty Shades of Grey is now officially the all-time best-selling book in the UK.
Time Out London set for free distribution
Time Out London is being relaunched as a free distribution magazine later this year.
Simms’ city: Escape the Olympics with cheese, Hogarth and a hidden garden
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
Threatened Twickenham film studios bought by property magnate
The historical film Twickenham Film Studios has been saved from closure by Sunny Vohra, a Kensington resident and film magnate.
Leicester Square Hippodrome reopens after 7-year £40m investment
After seven years of refitting the world famous 112-year old Hippodrome in the West End, Boris Johnson is to officially reopen the casino tomorrow
Simms’ city: Jill Scott at Somerset House, diamonds and midsummer madness
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
The infallible guide to London’s private members’ clubs
They have shed their furtive cloaks to become hotbeds of entrepreneurialism, fine cuisine and even workplaces
13 amazing things you never knew about James Bond
To mark James Bond’s 50th anniversary and today’s opening at the Barbican of ‘Designing 007’, here’s some tremendous trivia about our favourite spy
Simms’ city: Hobnobbing with Tara P-T, Seb Coe, Wilbur Ross and the princesses
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
Tennis fans queue for two days for tickets to Wimbledon
The turnstiles are open, the sun is shining and the first fans have finally gained access to the tennis tournament having camped for two days.
Top 5 epic Wimbledon moments
‘Tis Wimbledon season and tennis lovers all over the world are itching to see their favourites fight for the title. Here are our all-time favourite tennis triumphs and, er, tunes from the tournament
Olympic culture! Our top 10 London 2012 events
The London 2012 Festival has started. Thousands of cultural events without a sport in sight are to take place over the next few weeks. Here’s our pick of the crop
David Beckham and Lennox Lewis to make Britain post-Olympic success
VisitBritain has enlisted the help of sporting legends such as David Beckham, Lennox Lewis and Boris Becker as it prepares for a post-Olympic marketing blitz.
McDonald's new uniform... and some blasts from the past
As Maccy D’s unveils its new, fully recyclable, uniform today as part of its campaign to turn itself green, we’ve taken a trip back through the uniform wardrobes of time to remember some other gems…
Simms’ city: Royalty, table football and Madness
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
It's official! A London night out is the most expensive in the world
A couple looking to enjoy an evening out can expect to pay more in London than any other major city in the world, according to a report.
In pictures: London's secret collection of amazing fossils and giant crystals
After 25 years scouring the globe for fossils, minerals and crystals, Dale Rogers’ clients include rock and roll stars and the world’s biggest art dealers. He let us in for an exclusive peek behind the scenes
Super-rich swap assets for adventure as Generation Y favours experience
Bespoke holidays and travel adventures are the latest status symbol according to a new report measuring consumer trends among the world’s mega wealthy.
In Pictures: Best Jubilee shop windows
Queen of cakes, Union Jack cars and Great Britain boxer shorts- take a look at these stunning Jubilee shop fronts
Pink Diamond Jubilee phone boxes pop up at Tower of London
If you head down to the Tower of London today you’d be in for a surprise. London’s iconic red telephone box has turned pink!
Eight of the best Jubilee street parties in London
The weekend is nearly here. But where to go? Here’s our pick of the best street parties taking place across London
Simms’ city: Fossilised dinosaurs, Sloane Street in bloom and L’Autre Pied
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
Boris to repoen Leicester Square tonight after £15.3m facelift
London’s iconic Leicester Square will be reopened on Wednesday evening after undergoing a £15.3m makeover.
Simms’ city: The South Pole, FA Cup Final and Bordeaux wine tasting at the Saatchi...
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly previews of her favourite London haunts…
London crowned the planet's best tourist destination
Hurrah! London’s beaten New York, Rome and Paris to be named the best place to visit on the planet.
Simms' city: Dabbous, Automat and masterpieces on Dover St
Our diarist Freya Simms shows us around her favourite London haunts…
London Dungeon to move to County Hall
Spooks on the move. The famously gruesome London Dungeon is set to relocate to the south bank as a proposal has been approved by Lambeth Council.
First new theatre in 30 years coming to West End
Theatreland looks set to welcome a sparkling new character.
Four day party comes to the Square Mile
A programme of music, art, film and poetry has been announced for the Square Mile. City slickers will benefit from a four day celebration of the City when the Celebrate the City festival kicks off on 21 June.
Best of British manufacturing celebrated with show at Science Museum
Top companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, BAE Systems and McLaren will show off the best of British manufacturing at an exhibition in London this summer.
On yer bike! London borough launches summer of themed cycling tours
Get fit and discover London at the same time
How Bollywood conquered London
What’s behind the glitzy romance between Bollywood and London and what does it mean for London’s economy?
Simms' city: The Mandarin Oriental and the highs and lows of Dover St's Arts Club
Our diarist Freya Simms shows us around her favourite London haunts…
In pictures: The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt is over, here's some of the best of your photos
The Big Egg Hunt is over. How many of the 200 did you spot? Here’s our pick of Londoners’ photos of the eggs from the photo sharing website, Flickr
Mad Men: Made.com's co-founder reveals her nostalgic muse
As Mad Men hits our screen once again, Made.com co-founder Chloe Macintosh reflects on how the cult series inspired her business
Simms' city: London's hottest cocktail bars, pop-ups and parties
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly reflections on her favourite London haunts…
Historic cinema and Vinopolis to undergo major refurbishment
Two popular London venues are set to undergo multimillion-pound refurbishment and restoration projects, it has been announced.
The top 10 most expensive movie flops of all timeVideo
Disney has just announced that its latest flick could be the worst movie bomb of all-time. What other phenomenally faulted films have flopped to the tune of $100m losses - or more?
Simms' city: French bankers, British bankers and flashing knickers
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly reflections on her favourite London haunts…
Simms' city: Art with Château Mouton Rothschild and a serious pub quiz
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly reflections on her favourite London haunts…
Vin and Omi: Flocks of Fast dinosaurs and behind the scenes of day 4 at LFW
Our roving resident designers Vin and Omi watch cardigan loving celebrities, flashbacks of fringing and sophisticated Dino designs
Peter Pilotto's collection wows crowds on day 4 of London Fashion Week
Take a look at Peter Pilotto’s chic collection of Asian-flavoured dresses that wooed many, including none other than the editor of American Vogue, Anna Wintour
Vin and Omi / Bo Peep on acid, Moomins and a new flag for Holland
Vin and Omi, our resident fashion duo, bring you a summary of what’s caught their eye over the weekend at London Fashion Week
15 astonishing facts about London to make you proud of being a Londoner
Londoners - you live longer than other Brits, one in three of you are foreign-born, and you live alongside the world’s most popular art gallery. Rejuvenated? You will be…
London Fashion Week starts with a bang
The eyes of the world have descended on the capital during what one blogger has called “London’s year” as the biannual fashion week gets under way.
London fashion week's young stars: CC KUO
Hurrah London Fashion Week is back! To celebrate we’ve scouted around to meet some of London hottest young fashion designers and see what’s on offer
The interview: Twiggy on London fashion and musical passion
It’s London Fashion Week people. Here’s Twiggy…
London Captured: Construction
Each month London-based photographer Dan J Austin captures an industry through a lens. This month it’s construction.
Valentine's Day: meaningless or meaningful? Business experts debate
We asked London’s business scene whether Valentine’s Day is a genius idea or just a commercial gimmick
Top 10 weird and wonderful niche dating sites
There are so many dating sites out there it’s hard to know which one to go for as a lonely Valentine. Unless of course, one of these rather more niche sites tugs on your heart strings.
The Londoner’s diary: 13 February - 18 FebruaryVideo
Lucian Freud paintings, the age-old Keynes vs. Hayek debate, the listed property show and more - there’s a lot going on in the capital this week
London in pictures: The BAFTAs, Abbey Clancey and a big red moon
We take a look at the less obvious perspectives of events in the capital - keep an eye out for Gary Barlow and Brad Pitt
In pictures: Charles Dickens celebrations and, er, Scully
Two hundred years ago Charles Dickens was born, and in case you hadn’t noticed, today marks the start of Dickens fever as people celebrate the writer’s legacy across the country. Here’s some of what happened.
The Londoner's diary: 6 February - 12 February
From boosting your sustainable living to enjoying a night of cabaret in the Old Vic tunnels, here’s what you can get up to in the capital this week
Simms' city: Keeping the winter blues at bay
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly reflections on her favourite London haunts…
West End theatres enjoy bumper year at the box office
Takings at theatres in London’s West End have increased for the eighth consecutive year with box offices recording ticket sales of £528m in 2011, according to figures.
The Londoner's diary: 31 January - 5 February
What to do in the capital this week, from a networking event in Mayfair to a holiday show featuring Sir Trevor McDonald
The Londoner's diary: 24-29 January Video
From a Bill Gates Lecture to the Chinese new year celebrations- there’s a lot going on this week..
VIDEO: World's first private jet showroom in Grosvenor Video
It’s access through appointment only - but LondonlovesBusiness.com secured a sneak peek inside this opulent playground for the superrich
Savile Row tailors report boom in long coats thanks to Sherlock Holmes
A high-end tailor with offices in the City, Canary Wharf and Savile Row, has reported a flood of enquires for calf-length, tailored coats as worn by Sherlock Holmes.
The Londoner's diary: 16 - 22 January
What to do in the capital this week, from networking events at golf clubs to buying art and finding a job in a start-up
In pictures: Tullett Prebon London Boat ShowVideo
Giltzy multimillion-pound yachts, “Billion Dollar Girl” Tamara Ecclestone and wakeboarding to make you go “woah!”
Simms' city: Richmond Park, L’Artisan du Chocolat and Gerhard Richter
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly reflections on her favourite London haunts…
Simms' city: Monet at the Savoy and Allegra Hicks
Last week Freya Simms gave us the first batch of her 12 musings for Christmas. In it partridges were swapped for prehistoric bear skeletons and the French hens transformed into French bankers. What’s in store for the final five? You need wait no longer…
Simms' city
In the first batch of her 12 musings of Christmas, Freya Simms finds ‘tis the season to indulge your taste buds, your wallet and friends while, hopefully, practising the art of seduction
VIDEO: Inside the world's first pop-up mall, BoxparkVideo
The world’s first pop-up mall opens to the public today, take a look around
Simms' city
Our diarist Freya Simms offers her fortnightly reflections on her favourite London haunts…
When is a boat not a boat?
Made.com co-founder Chloe Macintosh ruminates on the art world’s current fascination with the nautical world
National Poetry Day: Why London is no waste land
The commercial success of Faber’s iPad app highlights the vibrancy of the poetry scene across the capital
London’s best bookshops
After news of bookshop closures across the land, we celebrate London’s greatest in this useful guide
Simms’ city
Our new diarist Freya Simms offers the first of her fortnighly previews of her favourite London haunts…
London Fashion Week day 6: The verdict
Day 6: A bit of snake, multi-culture-colour and the Queen’s designer Hardy Amies
Chloe Macintosh: Fashion Week vs. Design WeekVideo
This week fashion and design go head to head. Made.com co-founder Chloe Macintosh reveals why it pays to look beyond the flashbulbs of fashion to the more welcoming land of design.
Fashion's future stars: Stephanie Grace Foy
To celebrate London Fashion Week we are profiling one emerging designer each day of the event
Burberry launch first ever Twitter catwalk show
The digitally-pioneering fashion house adds another first to its repetoire - will others follow?
Vin and Omi at Fashion Week
Dressers to the stars, Vin and Omi, will be reporting on London Fashion Week exclusively for LondonlovesBusiness.com, who exactly are they?
Book review: The Triumph of the City, by Edward Glaeser
There’s a scene in Crocodile Dundee where our hero is being driven through the Big Apple. The newspaper editor says: “New York City, Mr. Dundee. Home to seven million people.”
The School for Scandal at the Barbican Theatre
Just as Britain remains in the grip of super-injunction fever – where hairdressers no longer ask what holiday you’re taking but whether you know it’s Giggs or not – so this eighteenth century masterpiece is brought back to life
Rosie Boycott's 5x15 is coming back
“True stories of passion, obsession and adventure, recounted live with just two rules: no scripts and only fifteen minutes each” Rebecca Hobson’s review
