Leake Street Tunnel, more commonly known as the The graffiti tunnelis one of London's coolest street art venues.

Nestled beneath Waterloo station, it's an ever-changing canvas of colorful murals.

Focus on this popular venue for street art lovers.

The graffiti tunnel: article summary

The graffiti tunnel: in brief

The Leake Street graffiti tunnel is one of London's least hidden gems. This 300-metre tunnel is the largest legal graffiti wall in the city and is a bastion of London's street art scene since 2008.

If you want to see some of the city's latest street art, Leake Street Tunnel is the place to go.

Street art in London

London offers a wide range of street art venues. In fact, you can find exceptional pieces at :

• Shoreditch
• Camden
• Brixton
• Walthamstow
• Croydon

These places have made a name for themselves as great places to discover a constantly evolving range of work.

What makes London's graffiti tunnel so special?

First, there's its history. The Leake Street tunnel wasn't always a legal art wall. Before 2008, it was just a damp, grimy tunnel dug under the Waterloo station.

That all changed when British street art superstar Banksy decided to organize a street art festival called Cans Festival in the tunnel.

Banksy has invited the biggest and brightest names on the international scene in this artistic discipline to come and install a work in the tunnel.

Leake Street was no longer dank and grimy, but rather a bold, colorful and cool place where artists could showcase their work.

Where to eat around the graffiti tunnel?  

If you're going on a graffiti tunnel tour, you'll probably want to enjoy some time over a good meal. To help you make your choice, I've selected a few restaurants in the vicinity of the traction.

Banh Bao Club Risen

Nestled under the curved, beautifully lit arches, it would be hard to miss the Banh Bao Club Risen if you walked past it. I recommend that you stop here to enjoy an exceptional lunch.

You'll find a small Asian restaurant serving mainly Vietnamese dishes, as you may have noticed from the "bao" in their name.

The food is a little more "modern" than what you might find in some Vietnamese restaurants, but that just means they've presented it a little differently.

The graffiti tunnel: Draught

This is a board game restaurant/bar that also serves fairly decent food. On-site, the bar focuses mainly on board games.

Their website says they have over a thousand games on their shelves. They have another restaurant in Hackney. You name it spend a convivial moment around a good board game.

Visit bar offers all the beersThe bar is equipped with the usual lagers and IPAs you'd find in a typical London bar, and the kitchen prepares assorted dishes. You can find :

• Fried chicken
• Hamburgers
• Nachos.

Passyunk Avenue

What better place to house a bar than under the arches of a graffiti-covered tunnel? I think the owners of this venue have found the best place for them and their business.

This place fills up after dark with regulars. They organize many different events centered on one day of the week, including :

• Beeramid Wednesdays
• Beer pong Thursdays

They also offer a menu of American classics to fill your stomach. A perfect place to take a lunch break or spend an exceptional evening with friends.

Where is the Leake Street tunnel?

The Leake Street Tunnel is just a short walk from Waterloo station. It's about a five-minute walk from the station via York Road.

You can reach the tunnel from Lower Marsh Street, a nice little street with numerous independent boutiques, restaurants and cafés.

Lower Marsh Street is also home to a weekday market that turns into a flea market on Saturdays.

The graffiti tunnel is a famous place not to be missed on your trip to London. You'll be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the place and spend an exceptional afternoon in the English capital.

If you're visiting London, you may be wondering whether it's worth your while to take a tour. cruise on the Thames.

In this article, I invite you to discover this atypical way of visiting the city.

Here we go!

Cruise on the Thames: article summary

What can you expect from a cruise on the Thames?

If you're visiting London for the first time, you might want to spend some time on the River Thames. The famous Thames is very important to London and it's which made it the thriving capital it is today.

Enjoy spectacular views

A cruise on the River Thames offers some of the most breathtaking views of London's iconic landmarks, such as :

• Visit Parliament
• Visit Tower Bridge
• Visit London Eye

Cruise the Thames: enjoy a moment of relaxation

The gentle motion of the boat offers a relaxing and peaceful experience. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a moment of rest, surrounded by some of London's finest monuments.

What's more, the cruise offers a different perspective of London. You'll also discover eight different bridges on your journey.

What are the different monuments you'll come across?

The Thames cruise passes twenty-two different sites, including major attractions such as the Tower of London and the Saint Paul's Cathedral. Some of the monuments you'll come across are not to be missed.

Cruise the Thames: the Houses of Parliament

The cruise starts at Westminster Pier, close to the Palace of Westminster. It is the meeting place of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, collectively known as the Houses of Parliament.

The site has a long history, dating back over 900 years. Although part of its original medieval structure remains, most of which was destroyed by fire in 1834.

London County Council

This historic building on the south bank of the River Thames served as the headquarters of the London County Council until 1986.

The building then remained almost unoccupied for seven years, until it was bought by a Japanese company that transformed it into an entertainment center.

Today, it is home to the London Aquarium and the London Dungeon.

Cruise on the Thames: the London Eye

The giant Ferris wheel on the south bank of the Thames is called the London Eye.

Since its opening in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, it has become one of London's most popular tourist attractions.

The wheel features 32 capsules, one for each of London's 32 boroughs, and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Cleopatra's needle

This ancient Egyptian obelisk, located on Victoria Quay, was erected in Egypt around 1450 BC. It was presented to the United Kingdom by Muhammad Ali of Egypt in 1819, in recognition of Nelson's victory over the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.

Cruise on the Thames: the Royal National Theatre

The Royal National Theatre has been described as Britain's ugliest building. It opened in 1976 and houses three different theaters, as well as a restaurant and bookshop.

Somerset House

Somerset House is a magnificent neoclassical building on the north bank of the River Thames. It takes its name from the Duke of Somerset, who commissioned its construction. a palace on this site in the 16th century.

Today, the building is used for London Fashion Week. In winter, there's also a popular ice rink.

Cruise on the Thames: Saint Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is a magnificent Anglican cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century.

It is one of the city's most emblematic monuments and boasts a magnificent dome scarcely smaller than St. Peter's in Rome.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a faithful recreation of the original Globe Theatre, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were staged in the 16th century.

It is located on London's Southbank and offers a unique and authentic theatrical experience.

Cruising the Thames: bridges to see along the way

The Thames cruise passes under eight different bridges. These include the bridges of :

• Westminster
• Hungerford and Golden Jubilee
• Waterloo Bridge
• Blackfriars Bridge
• Millennium Bridge
• Southwark Bridge
• London Bridge
• Tower Bridge

How long does the Thames cruise last?

A one-way cruise from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge lasts 30 minutes. If you continue to Greenwich, it takes 1 hour in total.

Circular cruises from Westminster to Greenwich and back take 2 hours.

If you choose to book a cruise on the Thames, you will receive a list of departure times. Although this guarantees you a place on the boat at the time you choose, your ticket will always be accepted for same-day departures.

A cruise on the River Thames is a not-to-be-missed activity on your trip to London. From the boat, you'll be able to see the city's most beautiful landmarks, as well as some of its most famous monuments. enjoy a relaxing moment on the water.

English cuisine is famous for its hearty, healthy dishes, and the the country's most popular pastries are no exception..

Today, a gourmet focus on English pastries!

English pastries: article summary

English pastry: Bread and butter pudding

Few desserts are more typically British than bread and butter pudding. This hearty delight consists of buttered slices of bread, sprinkled with raisins and topped with egg cream before being baked until golden brown.

Vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and Other spices are also added to the blend for added flavor.

Like most hearty British desserts, people usually serve it with custard.

Le Jam roly-poly

Another classic British dessert is jam roly-poly, a flat-rolled pudding that's spread with fruity jam, then rolled up and steamed or baked.

Similar to a Swiss roll, it can be recognized by its pink appearance and light, spongy texture.

Historically, many families also like to share a roly-poly after eating a traditional Sunday roast.

Like many British desserts, it is usually served with a steaming hot custard.

English pastry: Victoria Sponge

No pastry is as delicious as Victoria Sponge. This typically British dessert occupies a very special place at the heart of the nation and is almost at summer festivals and afternoon tea parties all over the country.

In fact, it was one of Queen Victoria's favorite cakes, hence its royal name. The basic ingredients of this cake include:

• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Eggs
• Flour

The two halves of the cake are then fused together with a layer of buttercream and strawberry (or raspberry) jam.

Lemon cake

Lemon cake is another popular British dessert. a must at tea time.

Similar to Victoria sponge cake, the cake is prepared by mixing :

• Flour
• Some sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Milk
• Baking powder

However, for a more refreshing, tangy citrus flavor, lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest are added to the mixture before cooking.

Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, it's no wonder that lemon cake remains one of Britain's favourite desserts.

English pastry: apple crumble

Many European countries are fond of apple pie, but in Britain it's all about the crumble.

Although these come in many different forms and include various seasonal fruits, apples are the most traditional ingredient for making it.

Apples are the most diverse fruit in the UK, where over 2,500 varieties are grown. However, most people consider Bramley apples to be the best for cooking.

Banoffee pie

Those with a sweet tooth will probably fall for this sweet British dessert. The classic Banoffee pie is a combination of :

• Bananas
• Cream
• A thick caramel sauce

Depending on the degree of sweetness desired, you can also add dark chocolate to the mixture. On the other hand, add a teaspoon of salted caramel. will help soften the sweetness.

English pastry: rice pudding

This old-fashioned British dessert often evokes nostalgia. Rice pudding is simply rice mixed with water and milk and flavoured with ingredients such as :

• Vanilla
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon

To obtain a thick, creamy texture, the pudding is gently cooked in a saucepan over medium heat, then left to cool. Once the pudding has thickened, add vanilla extract for extra flavour.

Easy to prepare and hearty, this classic British dessert is one of the country's best-loved desserts.

Now you know which pastry shops to turn to on your trip to England. London has many traditional places where you can try these different dishes. All the ingredients you need to enjoy a pleasant stay.

Visit Indian restaurants in London steal the culinary spotlight like never before, showcasing Indian cuisine.

Today, let's discover the best of them.

Indian restaurants in London: article summary

Which London district has the best Indian cuisine?

It may seem surprising, but Mayfair and Soho are the hottest spots.

These two districts offer everything from Gymkhana, a Michelin-starred dining experience, to Kricket, a creative take on Indian cuisine. combining the flavors of Mumbai and London.

So, whether you're in town for a few days or an expat looking for Indian cuisine, you can't go wrong exploring the offerings in Mayfair and Soho.

Indian restaurants in London: The Tamil Prince

This very famous restaurant offers the best Indian dishes in town. The food is served as tapas, ready to use, fresh from the small visible kitchen. through a large bay window from the dining room.

Okra fries and onion bhajis kick things off.

Paneer masala is an explosion in the mouth, with tender chunks of Indian cheese topped with a rich sauce.

Choose Channa bhatura, a melting chickpea dish served with raita, the perfect complement to an Indian meal.

A wide choice of cocktails

Even if there's no room left for pudding, the long list of cocktails means meals can be extended.

Drinks are Simone Pugi's domain, former student of Bar Termini. While it may be a generic location, few Indian restaurants have as much character as this one.

Le Bibi

In the heart of Mayfair, Bibi's philosophy is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine as well as personal memories and the family history of esteemed chef Chet Sharma.

Opulent décor includes :

• Red-tiled kitchens
• Dark wood countertops
• A checkerboard floor
• Paisley-patterned chairs

The menu, designed for sharing, is divided into three sections, with seven or eight small plates, the ideal number for sampling a varied range of dishes.

I recommend that you order the oysters, which are lightly toasted. poached in lime and fermented chilli pepper.

Or turn to Orkney scallops for a creamier, more textured version.

Indian restaurants in London: Gymkhana

Gymkhana has an excellent reputation for fine dining that leaves you truly satisfied.

Inspired by ancient Indian gymkhana clubsthe dark polished wood and rich printed fabric transport you out of central London in an instant.

The tasting menu is a treat, but will require an empty stomach. The portions are generous and full of flavor.

As with many restaurants, it's the service that really sets Gymkhana apart from its competitors, so don't hesitate to ask for advice on your order.

Pali Hill

Named after one of Bombai's oldest neighborhoods, Pali Hill offers some of the city's most spectacular views. of the best tasty regional dishes from all over the country.

Sit out on the street-side terrace or cozy up among colorful cushions in an art deco-inspired interior, admiring the Indian artwork adorning the walls.

Start your meal with a well-watered lassi, a smooth and refreshing drink. made with yogurt, honey and fresh mango mixed with a shot of rum.

Accompany your drink with crisp, crunchy papadi topped with spicy yoghurt, red and yellow tomatoes, pomegranate, mint and tamarind chutney.

Another dish to try is the haras kebab, a falafel-style combination of spring peas and spinach with tamarind chutney.

Indian restaurants in London: Trishna

The Sethi siblings, owners of Michelin-starred Trishna in the heart of Marylebone, offer their customers the best of the city's Indian dishes.

In this restaurant, you explore the country's coastline. A true trip from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu.

Everything is done creatively, in a simple, contemporary space: whitewashed brick walls, wooden chairs and not a tablecloth in sight.

Helpful staff

Waiters are attentive without being intrusive, recommending dishes and their favorite cocktails. Sommeliers guide guests through a wine list highlighting English producers.

The delicious curries you find here include :

• Iyengar Aubergine Varuval with coconut, dried red pepper, shallots and curry leaves
• Makai Saag, a cream of spinach and sweet corn, served with lentil dal and truffled mushroom pilau.

Amaya

After opening the doors of the very popular Chutney Mary in 1990, Camelia Punjabi, accompanied by Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi, launched Amaya in 2004 in elegant Belgravia, winning a Michelin star and changing London's Indian culinary scene along the way.

Everything is prepared to order - think spicy Indian tapas. The emphasis is on seafood. Expect an array of dishes such as:

• Rock oyster bhajitas
• Grilled king scallops
• Wild tandoori shrimp
• Grilled sea bass
• Crab with ginger and lime

There are many fine Indian restaurants in London. When you visit, if you want to enjoy these flavors, I recommend that you go there and order one of the dishes offered by these restaurants.

There are countless London concert.

The city's reputation as the cradle of live music has been a hallmark since the 1960s.

Today, we focus on the different concert halls you can find in London.

London concert hall: article summary

London concert venue: Brixton Academy

The Brixton Academy is a must for concert-goers and bands in the capital. On site, you'll find nearly 5,000 seats.

Bands such as Idles, The xx and The Specials have all played here, while it's the London venue of choice for DJ and producer Four Tet's frenetic parties.

Originally opened as a cinema and theater, the venue has gone through several incarnations. The O2 took it over in 2008 and its reputation continues to grow.

The Smiths played their last concert in this venue in 1986, while numerous bands such as Moby, the Fratellis and New Order have all recorded albums here.

The Royal Albert Hall

Few places in the capital are as prestigious to enjoy a concert as the Royal Albert Hall.

The auditorium, with its fiberglass acoustic diffusers suspended from the auditorium ceiling, celebrated its 150ᵉ anniversary in 2021, showing how he has overcome many challenges over the years.

Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, the venue hosts hundreds of events every year.

Everyone from the Arctic Monkeys to Sheffield, Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé and Shirley Bassey, and many, many more took place in the main arena.

London concert venue: the O2 Arena

Originally built as the controversial Millennium Dome to usher in the new decade, the O2 Arena has become one of the UK's largest and most important stadiums.

Located near Greenwich, next to the new Design District, many musical icons have made the venue their own, including the brilliant Prince, who did a 21-night residency in 2007 to announce the venue's opening.

After nearly 30 years of separation, rock titans Led Zeppelin used the O2 as their venue for their 2007 reunion concert.

Other artists performing on site included :

• Jay-Z
• Lady Gaga
• Robbie Williams

Union Chapel

Union Chapel is located in Highbury and Islington, but is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. tranquility from the hive of activity nearby.

Built in the late 1800s, this chapel was originally a popular church before falling into decline after the Second World War.

However, the local community worked together to keep its doors open, the space now being a working church and a choice venue for concerts in the city.

Among the artists who have performed at this venue are :

• Tori Amos
• Bjork
• Elton John

London concert venue: EarthH

Originally housing a cinema and then a snooker hall, this new venue opened to great fanfare in September 2018 in the heart of Hackney's Kingsland Road.

The place to be for hipsters and music lovers alike, the space works hard to ensure it doesn't just recruit brilliant talent, but also to ensure that its mode of operation is inclusive.

A new place to discover, already home to many local artists.

Le 100 Club

The 100 Club is one of of London's most iconic concert venues. Founded as the Feldman Jazz Club in the 1940s, it has hosted artists such as :

• BB King
• Sex Pistols
• Clash

Before that, it hosted the very first punk festival in 1976, but it was also the best place to see reggae concerts in the seventies.

Super star Paul McCartney is also a fan of the place and gives regular concerts here.

London's concert halls are numerous. In these venues, you'll find local and international artists sharing the bill year-round. What have a great time on your London vacation.

If you want to know what you can take back from your trip to Londonthis article is for you.

There are many beautiful, pleasant and even delicious things you can buy in London.

What to bring back from London: article summary

What to bring back from London: an umbrella from James Smith & Sons

England is famous for its constant drizzle and gray weather, so it's not surprising that there's a store dedicated to umbrellas.

James Smith & Sons has been selling umbrellas since 1830, housed in a quirky Victorian store near the stations of metro Tottenham Court Road and Holborn.

What better way to stay dry than with an iconic London umbrella? What's more, they always use traditional methods to create these durable umbrellas.

A basket from Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason played a major role in London's history, opening in 1705 and trading prosperously at the time. in the sale of Queen Anne's half-used candle wax for profit.

Later transformed into a grocery store, they showcased their famous baskets. Since the baskets can be quite large, taking one home will depend on how much luggage space you have.

Baskets for every taste

Their tea baskets are very popular with tourists, but they also offer a whole range of products for you to choose from.

If it's a special occasion, you can even personalize your own basket! You're sure to please! to the person you're giving it to.

What to bring back from London: buy Whittard and Twinings teas

The English love their tea and there's no better classic souvenir than this. Whittard and Twinings are the brands I'd recommend.

Traditional British tea has an assortment of flavors. For those who don't like tea, Whittard also offers an incredible hot chocolate. There's nothing better to enjoy on a cold winter's night.

The stores are located around London and make up a great thing to buy when you're in the English capital. What's more, it's a lightweight gift that's easy to pack in your luggage.

Enjoy Harry Potter merchandising

Head for Kings Cross station to the platform 9 ¾ and you'll magically pass through the gates of the Hogwarts Express.

Go to Olivanders to choose your wand or browse the corridors for school uniforms.

Primark is another good place to buy products from the world of Harry Potter at a modest price.

Got some extra time in London? Don't forget to visit the Harry Potter studio, where you can buy as many Harry Potter souvenirs as you like.

What to bring back from London: buy typical English souvenirs

Classic things to buy in London have everything to do with :

• The Union Flag
• Big Ben
• Buckingham Palace

In central London, you'll find tons of these stores! Here are a few ideas of things to buy.

A decorative Union Jack cushion

Add a little British style to your living spaces with a decorative Union Jack cushion.

It's easy to carry and you can add an English touch to your interiors.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has an official gift store offering a wide range of palace gifts.

You can even buy a Corgi, a famous animal associated with Her Majesty the Queen and her family. their favorite breed of dog in the royal family since 1933.

Big Ben

You can buy items representing Big Ben. There are many stores in town ready to sell you reproductions. miniatures of the famous monument or T-shirts bearing its effigy.

Buy souvenirs at the museum

Museums will always have gift stores, and even if they offer predictable souvenirs, you can also buy other unique items.

Visit British Museumand the Victoria & Albert Museumcreate limited-edition pieces based on their exhibits. Bring a piece of the museum home with you!

What to bring back from London: London gin

Londoners love their gin, and what better souvenir than a gin from a micro-distillery? There are plenty of distilleries to explore in London, and you'll find that some are right in the heart of the city, while others are a little further out.

Among the most popular distilleries, I recommend :

• Gin Half Hitch
• Bimber London Dry Gin
• Sipsmith VJOP
• Jensen's

Enjoy a craft beer

The scene of the craft beer in London is incredible! It's not an ideal souvenir if you don't have much luggage space, but if you do, be sure to bring back a few bottles.

My favorite breweries are on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. However, you can also find good establishments in :

• Gipsy Hill
• Southey
• Beaver Town
• Camden

There are lots of things you can bring back from London. During your trip, I recommend you visit the city's souvenir stores and buy some of the followingbuy some of the most typical objects of the English capital.