The City, also known as the Square Mile, isn't known as a place you visit for fun; as a financial district, it's more thought of as a concrete jungle made up of skyscrapers and people in suits working long hours, occasionally escaping the office to grab lunch from a little French cafe called Pret a Manger.
Once you know where to look, though, there's a lot of interesting spots, often down unsuspecting little side streets, that make the borough worth a visit that though most City workers don't even know about.
Here are a local's top 10 hidden gems in The City that I've found so far...
1. The Gilt of Cain
A memorial commemorating the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807 - one of the only ones in the UK. A group of columns surround a podium that resembles slave auctioneer’s stance, whilst the columns evoke stems of sugar cane and are positioned to suggest an anonymous crowd gathered to listen to a speaker. Each of the columns has a quote from Lemn Sissay MBE’s poem ‘Gilt of Cain’ engraved into it.
2. Paparazzi Dogs
These sculptures are just outside the entrance to the Royal Exchange, although you won't see them until you go up to the entrance of the building. They were made by world-renowned sculptors Gillie and Marc Schattner, who named the Pap Dogs Charles, William, Harry and Tom after the Royal Family - they wanted to use them to reflect on the handling of the death of Princess Diana. They intentionally used a group of dogs to expose the pack mentality of the media and how we hunt down celebrities to get that dangerous “behind-the-scenes” glimpse into their private lives.
3. Garden 101
Not as high as the Skygarden but with equally good views, this roof garden is free to visit and still isn't very well-known, so no need to book in advance and you're unlikely to encounter queues.
4. St Dunstan in the East
Now a pretty garden, the church was originally built in around 1100, severely damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666, patched up and then rebuilt entirely in 1817, then severely damaged in the Blitz, and in the reorganisation of the Anglican Church in London after WW2 it was decided not to rebuild the church - in 1967, it was turned into a public garden.
5. The Royal Exchange
The Royal Exchange is a luxury shopping centre that not many people know about. Even though I most likely can't afford anything there, I still recommend visiting it just to have a look around because it's such a pretty building.
It was officially opened 1571 by Queen Elizabeth I, was a commercial market place founded by English merchant and financier Sir Thomas Gresham, and consisted at the time of a trading floor, offices and shops around an open courtyard where merchants and traders could meet and conduct their business.
The original Royal Exchange building was completely destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, and as part of his re-building of London, Charles II laid the first foundation stone for the second exchange to be built on the site.
6. Leadenhall Market
This market is a Grade II listed building that started in the 14th century, making it one of London's oldest, and it is perhaps now best known for standing in for Diagonal Alley in the first Harry Potter film. The ornate roof structure, painted green, maroon and cream, and cobbled floors of the current structure, designed in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones (who was also the architect of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets), are what make Leadenhall Market an increasingly popular a place to visit for tourists.
7. The Wallbrook Club
The Wallbrook Club is The City's most exclusive private club next to Bloomberg's European Headquarters, so while I'm not recommending going inside the building, it's worth having a look at the pretty building designed by Mark Birley, the same man who designed Annabel's in the West End, because tucked in between an ancient church and a massive modern office, it's a great example of the juxtaposing architecture in the area.
8. Skygarden
One of the most well-known spots in The City is the Skygarden, London's highest public garden, in the Walkie Talkie building - although I don't think anyone really goes there just to observe the plants.
You do have to book a ticket in advance even in non-COVID times, but it's free to do so and the venue provides amazing views over London - I actually prefer it to the view from The Shard - and there are a few cafe, bar and restaurant options that are perfect for a meal/ cocktail at any time of day.
9. The Monument
Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic views from the top of the Monument, adjacent to the intersection of Monument Street and Fish St. Hill.
The 202ft column was designed by Dr Robert Hooke and Christopher Wren to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666, which started just 61 metres away.
Not a lot of people know that you can go up the Monument for a small cost (£4) and willingness to walk the 330 steps to the top, but at 202ft high, it's worth it for the breath-taking views from the top.
10. The East India Arms
The East India Arms has a lovely atmosphere good beer and down-to-earth staff, and it's has been serving workers in The City since 1829. It’s believed to stand on the same site in Fenchurch Street previously occupied from at least 1645 by The Magpie Ale House, hence the banner calling it’s Britain’s oldest brewery.
The pub takes its name from the British East India Trading Company, whose old premises are right next door.
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