I’ve been in London for 32 and a half years, most of my life, and definitely longer than I have lived anywhere else. I don’t know if Samuel Johnson was correct, but I am not yet bored with London; there is always something new to discover.
I love the city and think it rewards curiosity and an open mind. Naturally, London became an integral part of my writing, but here I’ve tried to select pieces that capture the heart and soul of the place: the good and the sad. Generally, it’s a place that will put a smile on your face, whether you’re a visitor, a resident or a true sound-of-the-bells Cockney.
Two Minutes Silence
At 12 noon, a bus stopped across the junction, and the driver switched off the engine. A silence descended upon London.
Hidden London: Clapham South Deep Level Shelter
Going down 180 steps at Clapham South was hard on the knees, but it was a fascinating glimpse of the London hidden below ground.
Trafalgar Square Vigil
It was a united city saying, "We will not back down in the face of your bombs. You will not break us", while the television crews behind us got on with getting their story.
Old Compton Street At Night
Late on a Tuesday night, Old Compton Street was relaxed, friendly and fun. Maybe I should be less judgemental about the place.
Handed Down from 2012
Four years after London 2012, I went looking for its legacy — and found that some of it was more about a feeling.
A Quieter Life
I was having one of my ‘why do I stay here?’ days. Luckily, I was heading to Soho with friends that evening.
Dawn Traders
At 5am, London was already busy: bus queues, street cleaners, a fruit stall and a man pasting up a billboard.
For The Love Of London
Years after arriving, I am still finding reasons to love London: the South Bank, the Tate, Tower Bridge and even an ice rink.
Tower of Technology, London
After years of walking past the BT Tower, I finally got to the top. It was as incredible as I’d expected.
What’s Your Moment of 2012?
At the rehearsal for London 2012’s opening ceremony, 965 drummers entered the stadium. That was the moment I knew London would deliver.
Browse more of my writing about London.