London is full of strange sights. Where was a king of Corsica buried in Soho? Which wine dealer has records of its customer's body weight? Can a subterranean cycle route lead to Scotland? And why was a high-rise block designed by James Bond's mortal enemy? London is a vibrant and colourful city full of life where cultural boundaries blur. There are long-standing regal boutiques next to trendy fashion stores, palaces, other historical buildings, exclusive Gentlemen's clubs, and - last but not least - cozy Pubs welcoming both first time visitors and regulars.

John Sykes was born in Southport, Lancashire, studied in Oxford and Manchester and lived in London before moving to Germany and making his home in Cologne. He has written and translated books about London, including one in the form of a Sherlock Holmes mystery, and is the author of several travel guides about the British Isles.
Birgit Weber, born in Menden in Germany, studied in Aachen and lives in Cologne. She has provided illustrations and photographs for a number of books, and has edited travel guides to London. For more than 20 years she has regularly visited Britain, and loves London for its cultural diversity and its mix of historical and modern oddities.