Discover a different side to one of the world's most infamous capital cities.
When most tourists (whether visiting for business or leisure) come to London, they head straight for the usual hotspots: Buckingham Palace, the London Eye or the Tower of London. While these iconic landmarks are worth a visit, the city's authentic side awaits. It's filled with tucked away art galleries, intimate wine bars, tranquil parks and quirky cafés that locals love and guidebooks often skip.
Get a taste of the real London with these hidden gems that deliver a 'propa' British vibe.
1. Art Fix: Hidden Galleries You’ve Never Heard Of
The Approach Gallery – Bethnal Green
Tucked above a traditional East End pub, this small gallery showcases contemporary British art with a daring edge. The curators are known for launching rising local talent before they hit the big time. After your visit, grab a pint downstairs at The Approach Tavern for a proper British pub experience.
South London Gallery – Camberwell
Founded in 1891 but still under-the-radar for many visitors, this nonprofit space features rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art. The adjacent café serves fresh, seasonal British eats, perfect for lunch or tea.
2. Caffeine Fix: Quirky Cafés Locals Love
Kaffeine – Fitzrovia
Not to be confused with the Aussie coffee chains, this independently run spot is a London staple among serious coffee aficionados. Great espresso, minimalist decor, and a bustling, neighbourhood feel make it an ideal pit stop away from the Oxford Street madness.
Catalyst – Holborn
A sleek, minimalist café near Holborn that flies under the radar. Known for precision-brewed coffee and a science-meets-design aesthetic, Catalyst is where local creatives and students linger over pour-overs, baked eggs, and airy interiors. It’s calm, refined and just far enough from the bustle to feel like a secret.
3. Sip Like a Londoner: Under-the-Radar Wine Bars
The Winemakers Club – Farringdon
Hidden in the railway arches beneath Holborn Viaduct, this candlelit bar offers natural wines from small European producers. The exposed brick, jazz playlist, and curated bottle list create an atmosphere that’s more “underground speakeasy” than typical wine bar.
Sager + Wilde – Hackney Road
A favourite among East Londoners, this cosy bar serves rare and unusual wines by the glass. Bonus: their grilled cheese sandwich is legendary.
4. Green Escapes: Parks That Feel Like Secrets
Postman’s Park – City of London
A true hidden gem near St. Paul’s Cathedral, this peaceful garden features the Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice, a moving tribute to everyday heroes. Most tourists walk right past it. Stop here to reflect and unwind.
Peckham Rye Park & Common – South London
A lush, expansive park where Londoners go to picnic, jog, and catch sunsets. Wander further and you’ll find a serene Japanese garden tucked inside. Nearby Bellenden Road offers great indie shops and casual British eateries.
Beech Hurst Gardens – Haywards Heath
A little further out but worth the trip, Beech Hurst Gardens offers a peaceful, distinctly local escape from the London pace. Expect beautifully kept lawns, a charming miniature railway, and families enjoying cream teas at the café. It’s the kind of spot where time slows down and weekends feel wonderfully British.
5. Time for Tea: Modern Twists on a British Classic
Tea House Theatre – Vauxhall
Set in a restored Victorian public house, Tea House Theatre is refreshingly down-to-earth. Forget the stuffy silver service - here it’s all about loose-leaf teas, hearty slices of cake, and honest conversation. Locals treat it as their living room, and the mismatched furniture and bookshelves add to the charm.
Postcard Teas – Mayfair
Tucked behind Oxford Street, this tiny tea shop is easy to miss, which makes it all the more special. They only stock teas from small, family-run farms and serve them with quiet reverence in a serene tasting room. It’s not afternoon tea, it’s a ceremony.
6. Hidden Markets: Shop Like a Local
Maltby Street Market – Bermondsey
Tucked under Victorian railway arches, this compact weekend market is a food-lover’s dream without the chaos of Borough Market. Think small-batch gin, artisan bakes, and raclette melting straight onto your plate. Locals sip craft coffee while browsing everything from charcuterie to vintage homewares.
Camden Passage – Islington
Not to be confused with Camden Market, this little lane near Angel is a goldmine for antiques, vintage fashion, and independent boutiques. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, traders set up along the cobbled street offering everything from 1940s glassware to rare vinyl. It’s quiet, classy, and wonderfully browseable.
Netil Market – London Fields
This East London market is the definition of creative cool. Open on Saturdays, it hosts a mix of street food stalls, independent designers, secondhand finds and handmade jewellery - all with a backdrop of DJs, murals and warehouse-style energy. Perfect for picking up something one-of-a-kind.
Stay just Steps Away
To truly live like a local while exploring London’s hidden gems, stay with Portland Brown in one of our premium serviced apartments in central London. Whether you’re discovering creative neighbourhoods like Shoreditch or unwinding in leafy Kensington, our handpicked properties in Mayfair, Soho, Clerkenwell, and beyond offer a stylish and convenient base. With thoughtfully designed interiors, fully equipped kitchens, and the comfort of a home away from home, Portland Brown lets you experience the city like a local with ease.