7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local
7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Regent's Canal Waterside Stroll
Stretching 8.6 miles, the canal's scenic path allows visitors to discover charming houseboats, historic bridges, and vibrant street art, while also offering a range of dining options along the way.
Whether you choose to explore the canal by foot, bike, or boat, this non-touristy spot promises an authentic taste of local London life, away from the crowds.
The canal's towpath is home to over 2,000 species of flora and fauna, including the elusive Eurasian water vole, which is listed as a protected species in the UK.
Historically, the canal was used to transport over 50 million tons of freight annually, ranging from coal and timber to household goods and even live animals destined for the city's markets.
Interestingly, the canal's unique architecture features a series of elegant cast-iron bridges designed by celebrated engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, known for his pioneering work on the Great Western Railway.
Recent studies have shown that walking along the Regent's Canal can significantly lower stress levels and improve mental well-being, thanks to the calming effects of the waterway's peaceful ambiance.
Unbeknownst to many, the canal's banks are home to a thriving community of urban beekeepers, who maintain over 50 hives along the waterway, producing delicious local honey.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Regent's Canal Waterside Stroll
- 7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Bermondsey Brewery Crawl
- 7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Evans & Peel Speakeasy Bar
- 7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Sketch's Whimsical Interiors
- 7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - O2 Arena Rooftop Climb
- 7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Old London Gaol Bird Tours
- 7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Chinatown's Authentic Asian Flavors
7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Bermondsey Brewery Crawl
The Bermondsey Brewery Crawl, also known as the Bermondsey Beer Mile, is a popular route in London that features 15 breweries and bottle shops.
The crawl includes notable stops like The Kernel Brewery, known for its traditional brewing methods, and Bianca Road, which brews West Coast-inspired beers.
EeBria, a bottleshop, offers beers from virtually every decent brewery on the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
The Bermondsey Beer Mile has become a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts in London, offering a unique and exciting experience with many taprooms to explore in one day.
The Bermondsey Brewery Crawl, also known as the Bermondsey Beer Mile, is the highest concentration of craft breweries in Europe, with over 15 breweries and bottle shops located within a 1-mile stretch.
The Kernel Brewery, one of the iconic stops on the crawl, uses a traditional open-top fermentation process, which is a rarity in modern brewing and results in a distinctive, complex flavor profile in their beers.
Bianca Road Brew Co. sources its water from the River Thames, which flows just a stone's throw away from the brewery, giving their West Coast-inspired beers a unique mineral profile.
The Barrel Project, a collaborative brewery located on the Beer Mile, uses a diverse array of oak barrels, including those previously used for aging whisky, wine, and even tequila, to impart complex flavors to their barrel-aged ales.
Hawkes Cidery & Taproom, known for its innovative cider-making techniques, utilizes a unique "keeving" process that naturally reduces the cider's sugar content, resulting in a drier, more complex flavor.
The Bermondsey Beer Mile's railway arch setting is a nod to London's industrial past, with many of the breweries and bottle shops occupying historic railway arches that were once used for storage and transportation.
7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Evans & Peel Speakeasy Bar
For a truly unique speakeasy experience, seek out the hidden Evans & Peel Speakeasy Bar.
Step through a detective agency's façade and enter a world of prohibition-era cocktails and speakeasy ambiance, offering an off-the-beaten-path glimpse into London's past.
The bar's name is a nod to actor Chris Evans, who played the iconic role of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the famous American film producer Robert Evans, known for his work on classic films like "Chinatown" and "The Godfather."
The speakeasy-style entrance to the bar is hidden behind a bookshelf, requiring guests to provide a secret password to gain access, adding an element of exclusivity and mystery to the experience.
The bar's interior design pays homage to the Prohibition era, with vintage-inspired decor, including leather armchairs, dim lighting, and a hidden piano lounge where live jazz music is often performed.
The cocktail menu features innovative twists on classic drinks, such as the "Captain America," made with gin, blue curaçao, and a touch of lemon, as a playful tribute to Chris Evans' Marvel superhero role.
The bar's extensive collection of rare and vintage spirits includes a 1920s-era bottle of Bacardi rum, which is used to craft a unique and aromatic version of the classic daiquiri.
Evans & Peel Speakeasy Bar has been awarded the prestigious "Extraordinary" rating by the Michelin Guide, recognizing its exceptional service, attention to detail, and exceptional cocktail craftsmanship.
In a nod to the bar's secret society-like atmosphere, the establishment hosts exclusive members-only events and tastings, where guests can indulge in rare and limited-edition spirits and participate in intimate cocktail-making workshops.
7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Sketch's Whimsical Interiors
Sketch, a popular spot in London's Mayfair neighborhood, is known for its eccentric and whimsical interior design that pays homage to its creative past as the former home of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Sketch's building was originally constructed in the early 20th century to house the Royal Institute of British Architects, lending a unique architectural pedigree to the whimsical interiors.
The building's façade is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that pay homage to the creative professions, setting the stage for the eclectic and imaginative design found within.
The restaurant's kitchen is encased in a transparent, glass-walled pavilion, allowing guests to observe the culinary team at work as they prepare the inventive dishes.
Sketch's iconic afternoon tea menu features a range of unique and playful offerings, such as Earl Grey-infused marshmallows and foie gras lollipops, elevating the traditional tea experience.
The venue's diverse art collection, curated by founder Mourad Mazouz, includes pieces by celebrated artists like Martin Creed and Sir Peter Blake, transforming the space into a whimsical art gallery.
7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - O2 Arena Rooftop Climb
The O2 Arena Rooftop Climb offers an exhilarating outdoor experience with panoramic views of London, including historic Greenwich, the Olympic Park, and Canary Wharf.
Climbers can choose from various packages like daytime, sunset, or twilight climbs, with the 380-meter-long walkway providing a unique perspective on the city from 52 meters above ground level.
The O2 Arena's roof is made of a unique, lightweight material called ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), which is more durable and flexible than traditional glass or metal roofs.
The rooftop climb takes climbers on a 380-meter-long pathway that ascends to a height of 52 meters, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
The fabric walkway used for the climb has a maximum incline of 30 degrees, making it a thrilling yet accessible challenge for both experienced and novice climbers.
The O2 Arena's roof is designed to be aerodynamic, with a curved shape that helps to minimize wind resistance and ensure stability during the climb.
The rooftop climb is equipped with advanced safety systems, including a continuous safety line and harnesses, to ensure the utmost security for participants.
The O2 Arena's structure is capable of supporting the weight of the rooftop climb, with a total weight capacity of up to 2,000 people on the roof at any given time.
The rooftop climb offers a unique perspective on the city's landmarks, allowing climbers to see historic Greenwich, the Olympic Park, and Canary Wharf from a bird's-eye view.
The O2 Arena's roof is designed to be energy-efficient, with a system of solar panels that generate renewable energy to power the building's operations.
The rooftop climb experience is complemented by a variety of dining and entertainment options within the O2 Arena, making it a comprehensive day out for visitors.
The O2 Arena's rooftop climb is a popular destination for corporate events, team-building activities, and special occasions, offering a thrilling and memorable experience for participants.
7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Old London Gaol Bird Tours
The "Gaol Birds of Old London" tour, provided by Herstorical Tours, offers a unique experience exploring the stories of London's female criminals from the 1800s.
The 2-hour guided walking tour uses theater, comedy, and costumed actors to bring the stories to life, with participants visiting places where crimes took place as well as prisons and execution sites.
The tour has a distinctly feminist angle and is suitable for those aged 18 and above, receiving generally positive reviews on Tripadvisor.
The tour route includes stops at the actual sites where crimes took place, as well as former prisons and execution sites, allowing participants to walk in the footsteps of these historical figures.
The tour has a distinct feminist perspective, shedding light on the often-overlooked stories of women in London's criminal underworld during a time of significant gender inequality.
The tour is organized by Herstorical Tours, a company that specializes in delivering unique historical experiences with a focus on underrepresented narratives.
The "Gaol Birds of Old London" tour has received consistently positive reviews on TripAdvisor, with many visitors praising the tour's ability to bring the past to life in a memorable and educational way.
The tour is suitable for adults aged 18 and above, as some of the content may be unsuitable for younger audiences due to the mature themes and historical violence involved.
In addition to the "Gaol Birds of Old London" tour, Herstorical Tours offers a variety of other unique walking tours that explore different aspects of London's rich history and culture.
The tour's focus on female criminals from the 1800s helps to shed light on a lesser-known aspect of London's past, challenging the traditional male-centric narratives often found in historical accounts.
7 Non-Touristy Spots to Experience Authentic London Like a Local - Chinatown's Authentic Asian Flavors
London's Chinatown is a vibrant enclave that offers a diverse range of authentic Asian cuisines, from traditional Cantonese dim sum to bold Lanzhou-style noodles.
With its history, culture, and range of non-touristy spots, Chinatown presents a unique opportunity for food lovers to experience the true flavors of London's Asian heritage.
The original Chinatown in London was located in the Limehouse district in the late 19th century, but it has since relocated to its current hub in the West End.
Tai Tung, one of the oldest Cantonese restaurants in London's Chinatown, has been serving authentic dim sum and roast meats since
The Gerrard Street arch in London's Chinatown is a replica of the famous Paifang arch in Chinatown, Beijing, serving as a symbolic gateway to the neighborhood.
Many of the ingredients used in Chinatown's restaurants are imported directly from China, ensuring the dishes maintain their traditional flavors and authenticity.
Bubble tea, a Taiwanese specialty drink, has become increasingly popular in London's Chinatown, with several specialized shops offering a wide variety of flavors and toppings.
The Chinatown Community Centre, located on Gerrard Street, hosts regular cultural events and performances, including Chinese New Year celebrations and lion dances.
Several Chinatown restaurants, such as Four Seasons and Ba Shan, have been awarded prestigious Michelin stars for their outstanding Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine.
London's Chinatown is home to the largest Chinese supermarket in Europe, Chinatown Supermarket, which stocks a wide range of authentic Asian ingredients and products.
Many Chinatown bakeries, like Wah Yuen Bakery, specialize in traditional Chinese pastries and baked goods, such as egg tarts and mooncakes.
The Chinatown area is also known for its diverse range of specialty stores, including traditional Chinese medicine shops, herbal tea houses, and martial arts supply stores.
The annual Chinese New Year celebrations in London's Chinatown are a major event, featuring vibrant parades, traditional lion and dragon dances, and a variety of cultural performances.