The hottest London Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

The Vittles Knafeh Guide

Vittles • 148 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink London
  1. There’s a short list of the best traditional knafeh in London, plus two excellent examples from elsewhere in the UK.
  2. Knafeh varies by region — Palestinian (Nabulsi), Syrian, Turkish (künefe), and Egyptian styles all have different textures and spark strong debates about which is best.
  3. Truly authentic, steel-pan-fresh knafeh is much more common in the Middle East, so it’s rare in the UK, but a few shops do manage to get it right.

The 1746 Rocque Map Of London... Now In Colour

Londonist: Time Machine • 718 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration London
  1. The 1746 Rocque Map of London is the first detailed map of the city, showcasing individual alleys, courts, and more in color.
  2. John Rocque used meticulous techniques for accuracy in his map, and aimed to record street names for detailed insight into 18th-century London.
  3. Adding color to the map helps reveal the complexity of land use, highlights water channels, and brings out details that were difficult to interpret in black and white.

The 99 Best Restaurants in London, Part 2: No 75–41

Vittles • 292 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink London
  1. London’s top restaurants range from tiny, formal tasting rooms to busy neighbourhood canteens, so you can find both haute cuisine and homestyle dishes.
  2. Specialist, immigrant-run places that focus on regional traditions are often the most memorable. They deliver deeply authentic dishes from across the world, from kaiseki and khoresh to tiffin and phở.
  3. The dining scene is constantly changing, with openings, moves and chef changes meaning recommendations can shift quickly.

The 99 Best Restaurants in London. Part 3: No 40–11

Vittles • 256 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink London
  1. London’s top spots are very diverse, ranging from a Syrian booza ice cream parlour to Ivorian seafood, Jamaican jerk smokehouses, and contemporary British brasseries.
  2. Chefs focus on confident technique and big, elemental flavors — whole-animal butchery, smoke and grill, careful braises and inventive condiments show up again and again.
  3. The best places marry tradition and invention, serving comforting classics executed brilliantly alongside bold, experimental dishes that push culinary boundaries.

London's First Vegetarian Restaurant

Londonist: Time Machine • 539 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink London
  1. London had its first vegetarian restaurant as early as 1879, way before the trend of vegetarianism became popular in the 1960s.
  2. The Alpha Food Reform Restaurant reflected eccentric health beliefs of its founders, Dr. Thomas Low Nichols and Mary Sargeant Gove Nichols, who also promoted questionable health practices like using water baths for curing diseases.
  3. The success of London's first vegetarian restaurant led to the rise of many more vegetarian restaurants across the city, marking the start of a sustained movement that continues today with a growing number of vegan and vegetarian eateries.
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The 99 Best Restaurants in London, Part 4: No 10–2

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink London
  1. Ikoyi delivers bold, inventive food that layers tiny, perfume-like flavours and giant ingredients into thrilling, highly technical dishes; it’s expensive but stands out as a pinnacle of virtuoso cooking in London.
  2. Kaieteur Kitchen (Faye Gomes) offers reliably excellent, comforting Guyanese food where even a regular meal feels special; the pepper pot is a legendary highlight and the cooking’s quality feels permanent even through venue hiccups.
  3. St. John Bread and Wine applies a simple, nose-to-tail philosophy to a flexible menu with many perfect routes to a great meal, serving timeless, intensely memorable dishes whether you’re dining alone or with others.

How To Collect The Lost Churches Of London

Londonist: Time Machine • 359 implied HN points • 15 May 24
💾 History London
  1. The Lost London Churches project offers 110 collectable cards depicting City of London churches, encouraging exploration of historic buildings and supporting maintenance through donations.
  2. Collectors can visit surviving churches to pick up packs of five random church cards for free, promoting a sense of discovery and community engagement.
  3. In addition to the cards, a Collector's Booklet provides detailed information about the churches and includes a beautifully reworked version of the 1677 Ogilby and Morgan map, offering a rich experience for London history enthusiasts.

Flying Squad: 90 Years Since London's First Police 'Helicopters'

Londonist: Time Machine • 239 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💾 History London
  1. The concept of police helicopters has roots dating back to the 1930s in London, with the use of autogyros for aerial surveillance and traffic management.
  2. Autogyros, precursor to helicopters, were notable for their innovative design, flight capabilities, and utility for police operations.
  3. The early days of police autogyros involved significant milestones such as monitoring public gatherings, assisting in traffic control, and capturing aerial images for police work.

Into the Sewers: Exploring London's Historic Bowels

Londonist: Time Machine • 339 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏝 Travel London
  1. The post explores London's historic sewers, an underground network rarely seen by the public, despite its importance in daily life and discussions about wastewater issues.
  2. The author shares personal experiences and history about their trips into the London sewers, providing a unique perspective on a usually overlooked topic.
  3. Readers can access more of the author's content and explore the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

A Deep Dive Into The Colourised Copperplate

Londonist: Time Machine • 379 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💾 History London
  1. The article provides a detailed exploration of 90 locations mentioned on the Tudor map's eastern plate, discussing the history and significance of each label.
  2. John Stow, a key London historian from the 16th century, played a crucial role in deciphering the information on the Copperplate map, offering valuable insight into the city's history in that period.
  3. The map reveals interesting historical information about various streets, churches, and landmarks in Tudor London, showcasing how the city has evolved over the centuries.

Dear AI, Please Draw me Historical London Christmas Scenes

Londonist: Time Machine • 659 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration London
  1. Londonist and Matt Brown collaborated to create historical Christmas scenes of London using an AI image generator.
  2. The festive edition of Londonist included these AI-generated images, deviating from their usual historical content.
  3. To view the full post and access the archives, readers were encouraged to start a 7-day free trial of Londonist: Time Machine.

Dickensian London

Cosmographia • 778 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature London
  1. Charles Dickens' portrayal of 19th century London captures the essence of the city through its streets, alleys, and society, reflecting the city's ongoing metamorphosis.
  2. 19th century London experienced significant growth due to the Industrial Revolution, resulting in a juxtaposition of opulence and poverty with challenges like pollution and overcrowding.
  3. Dickens' unique approach of portraying the reality of London's streets with characters from all walks of life sets him apart as a literary great and keen observer of the city's resilience and spirit.

Horse Vs Car: They Called It 200 Years Ago

Londonist: Time Machine • 259 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
💾 History London
  1. In the early 20th century, London rapidly transitioned from a horse-drawn city to a city flooded with cars and motor-buses, a change that had been predicted for nearly a century.
  2. The transformation from horses to cars in London was seen as a significant and swift evolution, presenting challenges that were not foreseen by many in the past.
  3. Over generations, people in London anticipated the shift from horse-drawn transportation to motor vehicles, hinting at the changes that were to come in the city's future.

"Life on This Earth in the Year A.D. 2000"

Londonist: Time Machine • 179 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💾 History London
  1. In 1954, there was a competition predicting life in the year 2000, with a focus on London's transport future.
  2. The competition attracted a diverse group of participants from various backgrounds and regions around the world.
  3. Transportation was the most popular topic in the competition, with the winning proposals envisioning rooftop roadways for London in 2000.

On Barbie and Oppenheimer, inevitability and guilty

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 530 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture London
  1. _Barbie_ and _Oppenheimer_ films are compared with a focus on the inevitability and guilt associated with historical events.
  2. Film _Oppenheimer_ explores themes of guilt and responsibility regarding the Manhattan Project and the use of atomic bombs.
  3. Population shifts in London over the decades have seen fluctuations, with various factors influencing the city's growth and decline.

Five... London Statues of Extraordinary Women

Londonist: Time Machine • 139 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration London
  1. The post discusses five London statues of extraordinary women who have significantly contributed to shaping the city's history.
  2. The importance of recognizing and commemorating women in public statues, considering the historical disparity in representation compared to men.
  3. Women's History Month serves as a reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women who have made a difference.

Five... Things about the 1715 Solar Eclipse in London

Londonist: Time Machine • 99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
💾 History London
  1. The 1715 solar eclipse in London, known as Halley's Eclipse, marked a significant astronomical event during the Enlightenment period.
  2. Edmond Halley's accurate prediction of the eclipse's timing and path highlighted the importance of science over superstition in the 18th century.
  3. The 1715 solar eclipse coincided with a time of political uncertainty and doubt about the monarchy, emphasizing the intersection of science, superstition, and politics.

Five... Historic East End Pubs

Londonist: Time Machine • 79 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
🏝 Travel London
  1. Explore historic East End pubs in London for a unique experience with centuries-old charm.
  2. Visit The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, London, known for its riverside terrace and long history of serving beer since 1520.
  3. Discover the rich history of The Prospect of Whitby, where famous individuals like Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys once visited.

Five... History Walking Tours You Can Join in June

Londonist: Time Machine • 39 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🏝 Travel London
  1. June 1, 2024 marks the start of the 20th London Festival of Architecture with various activities like talks, walks, tours, and workshops celebrating the city's architecture.
  2. Walking tours during the festival offer a chance to explore hidden historical sites such as the lost Walbrook River, providing insights into London's rich architectural history.
  3. The festival includes a mix of well-known landmarks and lesser-known architectural wonders, making it a diverse and exciting event for architecture enthusiasts.

The death of a pub: Rochester Castle, N16

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture London
  1. Pubs are important social spaces that foster community, diversity, and human connection. The disappearance of pubs in London reflects a broader issue of losing social spaces in cities.
  2. The Rochester Castle, despite being a Wetherspoon, has historical significance and unique charm that has made it a cherished gathering place for diverse locals.
  3. The potential sale of the Rochester Castle threatens to displace many regulars, including vulnerable groups like pensioners, highlighting the negative impact of commercial decisions on community interaction and well-being.

Five... of London's Historical Musical Instruments, in Action

Londonist: Time Machine • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration London
  1. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment performs on historical instruments or faithful replicas, bringing a unique sound experience to their chamber music gigs in London pubs
  2. The Musical Museum in Brentford houses a remarkable 1929 Mighty Wurlitzer Cinema Organ, a rare piece used for silent films and currently looking for crowdfunding to avoid closure
  3. Exploring London's historical musical instruments offers a glimpse into the city's rich musical past and the unique experiences these instruments can provide

Five... Moments from London's Baseball History

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 24
🎾 Sports London
  1. London has a surprisingly rich history of baseball dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  2. One of the first large-scale baseball events in London involved teams from Boston and Philadelphia in 1874 at Lord's.
  3. The UK's first recorded baseball game was in 1749 in Walton-on-Thames, involving notable figures like the Prince of Wales.

Five... Things about the History of Eels in London

Londonist: Time Machine • 39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
💾 History London
  1. Eels have played a significant role in London's history, from being a vital food source after the Great Fire to a currency and social indicator.
  2. The trading laws of Billingsgate Fish Market included a monopoly on trading eels for Dutch fishermen, showcasing the importance of eels for supplying food in London.
  3. Over time, the market for jellied eels in London has shrunk and moved towards the coast, reflecting wider social shifts.

She Drove The Tube Train 100 Years Ago: How a Woman Launched a Rebuilt Northern Line

Londonist: Time Machine • 99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
💾 History London
  1. The Bank branch of the Northern line was rebuilt in 1923, including widening the tunnels, in a remarkable engineering feat.
  2. The reconstruction involved meticulous planning and a terrifying explosion, highlighting the challenges faced during the project.
  3. Despite the significant efforts and historical importance of the project, this story is often overlooked and forgotten in history.

You Won't Believe What I Found Down The Pub

Londonist: Time Machine • 119 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
💾 History London
  1. London's historic pubs hold a variety of surprising and unusual objects, like a stuffed Victorian parrot, a fortune in dollar bills, and old baps.
  2. Exploring the city's drinking dens can lead to unique discoveries of historical artifacts and curiosities.
  3. Consider subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine for more intriguing stories and access to full post archives.

Doomed! The Prophecy That Spooked London... Twice

Londonist: Time Machine • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
💾 History London
  1. London has been evacuated multiple times due to events such as fires, plagues, enemy actions, and superstitions.
  2. In 1750, a prophecy led to a significant portion of the population fleeing to the hills.
  3. To access the full post archives and continue reading, a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine is available.

Past Futures: Predictions For London In The Year 2000

Londonist: Time Machine • 119 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
💾 History London
  1. Past Londoners predicted 21st-century London to have multistorey towers, epic commutes, verdant roof gardens, and Manhattan-like skyscrapers.
  2. The past future predictions for London in the year 2000 included aspects of urban development and technological advancements.
  3. Londonist's 'Past Futures' explores how people from the past imagined what London would be like in our current time.

Every writer should edit a magazine (at least for a year)

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature London
  1. Editing a literary magazine can provide a valuable understanding of the literary world and help writers avoid self-absorbed behavior.
  2. The novel 'Scamp' by Roland Camberton offers a glimpse into bohemian late-1940s London and the struggles of launching a literary magazine.
  3. Starting and maintaining a literary magazine can be a rewarding experience, offering a platform for writers and fostering a sense of community.

Slouching towards dystopia in London

Wrong Side of History • 384 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics London
  1. The gap between rich and poor in London is widening, leading to a dystopian portrayal in media and reflecting real housing crisis issues.
  2. London faces a severe housing crisis with 1.2 million people waiting for social housing, causing downstream consequences like overcrowding and undesirable living conditions.
  3. Housing costs in London are impacted by supply and demand imbalances, making the problem both complex and simple to understand.

London is Open

Wrong Side of History • 356 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics London
  1. London is facing a housing crisis with high costs and limited supply in certain areas.
  2. A recent property development meant for the open market was taken over by Camden Council to house Afghan refugees.
  3. The decision to allocate housing to refugees sparked controversy over prioritization for housing resources.