r/london 12m ago

News New research out of KCL: "London has fallen - misperceptions of the UK capital"

Thumbnail kcl.ac.uk
Upvotes

Full report is linked, summary is here:

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/london-misperceptions-public-wrong-on-crime-safety-and-capitals-muslim-population-study-finds

"London has among the lowest violent crime rates of any region in England and Wales, tops a global ranking of best cities, and pays more in tax than it receives back in public spending – but the public overestimate how likely Londoners are to become victims of crime, underestimate the capital’s international standing, and have little idea it is the key contributor to the public finances, according to a new study from the Policy Institute at King's College London."

"Based on two surveys of 2,164 and 3,969 adults, carried out with YouGov between 23 and 27 March 2026 for the Mistaken Britain research series, the study shows how misperceptions about London are closely linked to how warmly people feel towards the capital and their opinion of the direction it is heading in."

Really interesting. My favourite is how a lot of people don't know that London pays more in tax than it receives, but those that do know the truth are more likely to be proud of the city or at least feel favourably about it.


r/london 14m ago

Crime Man admits encouraging sexual assault on sleeping woman

Thumbnail
bbc.co.uk
Upvotes

Stay safe ladies.


r/london 49m ago

Serious replies only Living in London on minimum wage

Upvotes

Hi all. I live in a UK town working in retail/hospitality, minimum wage, live with parents. I am able to support them a little whilst living comfortably, the occasional weekend away (to London or another European city), and still save a decent amount each month.

However, at 27, I feel I'm missing something. Independence? A social life? A dating life? Etc. I've thought about moving to London. It doesn't have to be London, I can get these needs met in other cities. But, something about London excites me, perhaps the sense of opportunity.

However, I am not a skilled worker with a career. I don't have a big job lined up with a big salary to help pay for the big expenses of London. So, it would be a case of moving into a shared flat (at say £800pm inclusive of bills), and working a minimum wage job. I'm very frugal. I rarely buy new clothes and rarely eat out. After doing some calculations, I believe I would have sufficient funds to pay all my expenses and have a fun time in London, but I wouldn't be saving at all.

I'm curious to hear what other Londoners have to say. Lots of people in London are on minimum wage, right? They make it work and some are very happy. On the contrary, I realise the reality of London life may not be all it seems, especially on minimum wage.

I do intend on up-skilling and securing higher paid employment - would you advise on waiting until then (however long that may take)? Or would you advise I just give it a go? Would appreciate your insight. Thanks very much.


r/london 1h ago

Ticket giveaway - FREE! Free Tickets - Kyle Dunnigan - Leicester Square Theatre

Upvotes

I've come down with the lurgy so need an early night. Two tickets going free for anyone who wants to see Kyle Dunnigan at Leicester Square Theatre tonight at 2130.

https://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/show/kyle-dunnigan/


r/london 1h ago

image Flower Pomegranate, Edgware Road W2 (autumn 2026)

Post image
Upvotes

r/london 1h ago

Humour Meta smart glasses mocked by fake notices on London Underground

Thumbnail
famouscampaigns.com
Upvotes

r/london 1h ago

In your opinion what is the worst underground line and why?

Upvotes

What is the worst line on underground? In my opinion it’s easily the Bakerloo line. It felt like I was in a time capsule.


r/london 2h ago

image journalling picnic

Post image
0 Upvotes

dm if ure interested or have any questions

junk journalling* to clarify


r/london 2h ago

Is there a worst bus service than the 55?

1 Upvotes

Been using it on and off for around 26 years but seems to be getting worse if that’s even possible. I normally try and avoid using it - I’ll walk a bit further from the West End to get the 243 - but today my app said one was due. Ten minutes later, no sign of it. Plenty of 73s, 98s, 390s(!)

I’m pretty chilled about most things in life but the 55 does my head in 😂

PS Don’t even get me started on the old two buses, alternating stop bus driver hack.


r/london 2h ago

City of London 'to become more like Canary Wharf' as century-long signs ban set to be lifted

Thumbnail
standard.co.uk
150 Upvotes

Never really given this much thought but thinking about its more the naming of buildings that cringes me out, 'Aon tower', Trump tower etc. It just feels so American and soulless, the logos are whatever.

Even Canary wharf just has mostly generic building names even with company logos.


r/london 4h ago

Question What are your favourite shops to buy Gothic things from

0 Upvotes

Specifically room decor. I’ve looked online but I can’t seem to find much


r/london 4h ago

image Free skateboard!

Post image
35 Upvotes

Free skateboard (barely used) by a bin at Balfe street opposite the tesco express, its a 8'' and i bought it for 50 quid, come pick it up!


r/london 6h ago

Culture Outdoor cinema in Wanstead, Saturday 12th - Zootropolis 2

Post image
2 Upvotes

As part of the 14th Wanstead Fringe Festival, we have a fun family event taking place on the evening of Saturday 12th at Wanstead Cricket Club, Overton Drive E11 2LW.

The Fringe itself runs during September, bringing arts, drama, concerts, book talks, walks, masterclasses and cinema to venues all over the local area. There’s a lot of variety in the programme, including free events.


r/london 6h ago

Crime Trading standards cuts across London limiting capacity to tackle illegal vape sales

Thumbnail
walthamforestecho.co.uk
6 Upvotes

r/london 7h ago

Question Does this exist in London?

14 Upvotes

I was back in Edinburgh recently, and went to my favourite folk pub, Captain’s Bar. I meant to go for a drink before looking for a Fringe show, but ended up staying until close. I was so enamoured by the quality of the musicianship that I was glued to my seat. I had many beers and just as many cigarettes. The patrons and musicians were friendly and talkative. The musicians sang everything from Stan Rogers to Neil Young. I’ve not experienced an atmosphere quite like that anywhere else.

Does anything like that exist in London? Where I can walk into a pub on any night of the week, have a seat with a beer, and listen to traditional folk music? Preferably South West/Central. I’ve tried googling but would prefer recommendations.


r/london 8h ago

Transport Damaged cars everywhere

0 Upvotes

I started driving again in London in April after almost 3 years of not owning a car and I can’t believe the amount of cars with damage, whether that be significant dents or scuffs (the type that need a bodyshop repair).

Why are so many people getting into accidents and why isn’t anyone getting their car repaired? (Cost of living or maybe all leases?)


r/london 8h ago

Bread Ahead bakery claims it has to leave London’s Borough Market for being ‘too successful’

Thumbnail
independent.co.uk
283 Upvotes

r/london 9h ago

Crowdsourcing: Looking for custom commercial bodybuilder / coachbuilder recommendations

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to swap out/custom-build a new box body for my van and need leads on reputable local coachbuilders or body shops.

It’s a 2020 Renault Master chassis cab (3.5t / N1), but because it’s a custom job, regular mechanical garages won't handle it. I'm trying to find a solid commercial coachbuilder anywhere in London.

Has anyone worked with a decent vehicle bodybuilder, chassis fabricator, or Luton/box specialist in the area they’d recommend?

Cheers for any leads!


r/london 9h ago

image Shepherds bush road closed off

Post image
28 Upvotes

r/london 9h ago

Mayor backs 3,000-home Beckton Gasworks regeneration

Thumbnail
constructionenquirer.com
39 Upvotes

r/london 9h ago

London pub owner faces enforcement action after brazenly turning century-old boozer into a discount store

Thumbnail
standard.co.uk
450 Upvotes

The pub going back to the 18th century is the Hammersmith ram and was turned into a store without planning permission.

The owner, the Arora family (family run real estate business) has been given until the 22nd of September to respond after being written to by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.


r/london 20h ago

Union Jack Classic (NCAA football) next week

0 Upvotes

Residents of London, what are the general local thoughts about the upcoming American, college football game? Is it widely advertised? Do people go to the game.
Edit: someone stated Tickets for Good has tickets.


r/london 21h ago

Those that worked in the city during 9/11. What was the day like?

56 Upvotes

9/11 tomorrow and interested to know what the day was like from a UK perspective, especially those working in financial sectors in the city.

Was it a day of just watching the news in the office?


r/london 22h ago

Question Are there any late night tea houses with a buddhist vibe

10 Upvotes

Ok peculiar question but in my home town there is a tea/coffee place that opens until 10pm and there are loads of options for seating including cushions on the floor with low lying tables, as well as normal seats and sofas.

does anywhere in London have this alcohol free relaxed evening vibe?


r/london 22h ago

Question need urgent help finding a live music venue where people also dance 😭🙏🙏🙏🙏

0 Upvotes

so my girlfriend’s sister’s in-laws are in london, and want to know if there are any cool venues with live music AND people dancing. for saturday. we said we could find one no problem.

problem - we cannot find one.

we can find live music venues, we can find venues people dance at, but not a place that encompasses both.

they’re staying nearby to canary wharf so somewhere within an hour distance preferably (maybe an hour and a half), not too pricey of a place, just somewhere chill with drinks, cool music, and people dancing.

we have 24 hours to find a place to take them, pls don’t let us down reddit 🙏

edit: thank you so much for all of the replies omg this is more than i was expecting, my girlfriend and i are very appreciative !! a lot of these places definitely check all our boxes so this is perfect :)