When asked about London, the same thoughts always come to mind; Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, the famous private member's club, Home House and Black Cabs - the list is endless! But what of the facts that so often fall under the radar?
For example, I had no idea that 55% of the London Underground is actually above ground, no idea at all. And the travel shockers don't just end there either as I was even more stunned to find out that the most popular tube journey between Leicester Square and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line, is actually quicker to walk instead - unbelievable, talk about carbon footprint!
From travel to landmarks, did you know that Marble Arch was originally designed to be the main entrance into Buckingham Palace? I never really thought about it, but it makes sense if you look at it with fresh eyes. Covent Garden is also an interesting one as it's actually the product of a very silly spelling mistake: it was supposed to read Convent Garden as the area used to be the market garden for what is now Westminster Abbey monastery and convent. Saying that, the most surprising landmark fact of them all has to be in relation to the London Eye. Researching further into this modern day creation, I was surprised, to say the least, to find that the famous wheel receives more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza!
Whilst visiting these notable sights, you can always find a superb little restaurant, eatery or bar to tantalise your taste buds. I knew our food was good, but I was astounded to hear that restaurants in The Big Smoke actually total a remarkable 22% of all restaurants in Britain, many of which are Michelin Star. In fact, the only other city in the world to boast more Michelin Star restaurants than us is Paris now that's not bad going at all.
And then we have some more curious facts - just for good measure: John Baird, for example, first demonstrated how television would work above what is now Bar Italia in Frith St, Soho incredible, huh? But what have Harrods? Until 1916, the well known luxury department store as we understand it today was selling medical kits for friends at 'The Front' which contained cocaine, morphine, syringes and needles. And last, but by no means least, there's our favourite London friend, Big Ben. Did you know that back in 1949 this world-famous clock actually slowed by 5 minutes when a flock of starlings landed on the minute hand? Even in the war, Big Ben kept on ticking and what slowed it starlings!
With all these intriguing facts, you cannot help but to feel London is one of the best cities to visit this side of Europe. Steeped in rich history and nostalgia, you're never a stone's throw away from an interesting story or two so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open at every given opportunity you never know what secrets may come to light.
For example, I had no idea that 55% of the London Underground is actually above ground, no idea at all. And the travel shockers don't just end there either as I was even more stunned to find out that the most popular tube journey between Leicester Square and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line, is actually quicker to walk instead - unbelievable, talk about carbon footprint!
From travel to landmarks, did you know that Marble Arch was originally designed to be the main entrance into Buckingham Palace? I never really thought about it, but it makes sense if you look at it with fresh eyes. Covent Garden is also an interesting one as it's actually the product of a very silly spelling mistake: it was supposed to read Convent Garden as the area used to be the market garden for what is now Westminster Abbey monastery and convent. Saying that, the most surprising landmark fact of them all has to be in relation to the London Eye. Researching further into this modern day creation, I was surprised, to say the least, to find that the famous wheel receives more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza!
Whilst visiting these notable sights, you can always find a superb little restaurant, eatery or bar to tantalise your taste buds. I knew our food was good, but I was astounded to hear that restaurants in The Big Smoke actually total a remarkable 22% of all restaurants in Britain, many of which are Michelin Star. In fact, the only other city in the world to boast more Michelin Star restaurants than us is Paris now that's not bad going at all.
And then we have some more curious facts - just for good measure: John Baird, for example, first demonstrated how television would work above what is now Bar Italia in Frith St, Soho incredible, huh? But what have Harrods? Until 1916, the well known luxury department store as we understand it today was selling medical kits for friends at 'The Front' which contained cocaine, morphine, syringes and needles. And last, but by no means least, there's our favourite London friend, Big Ben. Did you know that back in 1949 this world-famous clock actually slowed by 5 minutes when a flock of starlings landed on the minute hand? Even in the war, Big Ben kept on ticking and what slowed it starlings!
With all these intriguing facts, you cannot help but to feel London is one of the best cities to visit this side of Europe. Steeped in rich history and nostalgia, you're never a stone's throw away from an interesting story or two so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open at every given opportunity you never know what secrets may come to light.
About the Author:
Dine in style at the best dining club London. Home House of Portman Square is the perfect place to spend an evening, weekend or working day, with a range of beautiful restaurants, bars, drawing rooms, bedrooms, gardens and exclusive events at Home House members only club in London.
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