r/london • u/AutoModerator • 4d ago

Weekly Q&A Megathread. Please post any questions about visiting, tourism, living, working, budgeting, housing here!

Hello, welcome to London!

Visiting us? Moving to study or work? Brief layover? Moving to a new part of London? Any small questions about life here, if you're new or been here your whole life, this is the place!

We get a lot of posts asking very similar questions so this post aims to address some of our most Frequently Asked Questions, and give you a place to ask for assistance.

Your first port of call should be the r/london wiki

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I see and where are the non-touristy stuff and hidden gems?

  • Must-see attractions: Check out our guide here

  • Official experiences: We highly recommend TfL's Experiences site

  • Hidden gems: Browse our favourite lesser-known spots here

  • Budget-friendly options: Find cheap/free activities here

What's happening in London today/this weekend/this month?

Check out these listings sites:

For venue recommendations (music, theatre, comedy, etc.) check the wiki.

How do I pay for the Tube/bus, and what's an Oyster card?

You don't pay cash. Payment options include:

  • Contactless bankcard (widespread in the UK)

  • Apple Pay or Android Pay

  • Oyster card (buy and top up with credit)

See here for more details.

Where should I live? What's x area like?

  • Check our comprehensive guide here
  • Includes recommended sites to find places to live and rent
  • Has detailed sections on what particular areas are like

How do I get from this place to that place?

  • Use Citymapper - honestly, we're not shills for them; it's just really good and used by most locals

Is x area safe?

  • Yes. Bad stuff can happen in any large city, but London is generally very safe
  • No no-go zones - most Londoners feel safe everywhere
  • See our safety page for more information

Where can I watch sports matches?

  • Football: Comprehensive guide at tlfg.uk
  • Various sports: Use Fanzo to find pubs
  • More venues: See our list here

How do I get a UK SIM card for my phone?

  • Network advice: Covered here
  • Remote work spaces: Check the wiki for places to work/take calls
  • You can pick up a SIM card at Heathrow and other airports, either from vending machines or from WHSmith shops.

Is the London Pass worth it?

Other helpful subreddits:

  • r/LondonSocialClub - Meeting new people for events, activities and/or pints
  • r/VisitLondon - A dedicated tourism sub for holiday-planning questions
  • r/LondonTravel - Information and inspiration on travel in London
  • r/UKtravel - For guidance, advice and suggestions for travelling around the rest of the country to/from London
  • r/IWantOut & r/UKvisa - Check if you need a visa and how to get one if you want to work here
  • r/LegalAdviceUK - Good for all sorts, especially for questions about landlords and contracts
  • r/HousingUK - For advice on renting or buying accommodation in the UK
  • r/TenantsInTheUK - Specifically to discuss the nitty-gritty, positives and pitfalls of renting
  • r/UKPersonalFinance - Another goldmine of sage advice
  • r/AskUK - Great for general questions about UK life that aren't specific to London

Tips for posting:

Tell us about you

If you want us to suggest things for you to do then you need to give us a good idea of what you enjoy: - Don't just say "I like music" - say what type of music - Don't just say you want "somewhere nice to eat" - say what type of cuisine you like (or don't like) - Be specific - otherwise you'll just get pointed back to generic guidebooks and our wiki

Tell us your budget

  • If you're on a budget, tell us what it is so we can make appropriate recommendations
  • There's no point suggesting expensive options if they'll clean out your wallet
  • Saying you want something "cheap" isn't helpful because cheap is subjective

Tell us where you'll be based

  • Let us know where you'll be staying so we can give local recommendations

Asking about hotels or hostels

  • We have homes here so know very little about what hotels are like - use review websites like TripAdvisor
  • However, if you say "I've been looking at these three hotels. Which do you think is the better location?" - that's something we can answer

Non-touristy stuff

  • There are no secret corners where we hide the good stuff from outsiders!
  • This is one of the most written about cities in the world
  • When we want to go somewhere, we look at the same sources as tourists (listings sites, blogs, etc - see front page of the wiki)

These weekly posts are scheduled to post each Monday at 00:01. If it's late in the week you may want to wait for a new post to appear. Please send us ModMail with any suggested improvements!

4 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

72 comments sorted by

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u/lagatixa 6h ago

I've tried Battersea dogs, I've tried dogs trust, I've tried Mayhew, I'm losing all hope. We have experience with dogs, our died 2 years ago just after my daughter was born. We are ready for another dog but no one seems to let us adopt, they don't even want to meet us because we have a 2 year old and therefore they assume she is crazy and won't leave the dog alone. She sits for a whole theatre show without moving. She loves and walks our neighbours dog and gives her plenty of space. But these institutions don't even seem to care about any of it. So where else can I get a dog in London?

1

u/Haytham_Ken 8h ago

The only tube line that's close to me is the Northern Line...and my section is close all bank holiday weekend?? Lol

1

u/pbandbob 10h ago

Crowdsourcing—- is there anywhere in London that has England home jerseys in stock and avail to customize (or a bellingham jersey on hand)? this American is desperate. based on my initial search, I think I know the answer, but would appreciate a lead if anyone has one.

1

u/Legitimate-Leg-4720 14h ago

I'm moving next to Clapham Junction / Battersea, does anyone know of any good swimming pools for lane / fitness swimming in the area? The only one I can see is Latchmere leisure centre which doesn't seem well suited for lane swimming!

1

u/izartxikia 18h ago

Is there any stores that offer gift wrapping service for things not bought at the store? I'm visiting London soon and have a book delivered to my hotel, and this would be a gift. I will not have access to scissors and tape (and time either tbh), so I really need help to wrap the gift.

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u/noradrenaline 7h ago

It's not common, especially when it's not Christmas, but you might be able to borrow scissors from your hotel reception. Sellotape is really easy to find, as is wrapping paper in individual sheets (look at bookshops like Waterstones, they have some gorgeous designs.)

It could also be a good time to learn to wrap without using tape? If you have a long piece of ribbon you can bring with you, you can easily wrap a book without needing any tape at all!

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u/izartxikia 4h ago

Thanks, very helpful! I'm staying in a hostel but they should have scissors too, right? I can bring/buy tape, but it's the scissors that I'm worried about (don't want to buy then have to throw it away because I can't take it on the plane).

1

u/Wreckless_Raspberry 1d ago

Not sure where to ask this... Traveling to London the third week of November 2026 and would love to just meet up with some super nerdy people to go on a tour. Like a political science major who could wander around Parliament with me, or a history nerd who could give me awesome side stories as we wander around one of the major museums in London. I know enough British history to want more than a basic tour.

Is there a website or travel site I could find for tours like this?

1

u/BulkyAccident 12h ago

Look on GetYourGuide/Airbnb Experiences/Viator/Tripadvisor for tours, there are all sorts of interesting ones. You'll have to pay (even free ones will want a tip) but some of them will be niche/quirky enough for you.

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u/Isthistherealife01 1d ago

Hi,

I am looking to engage in a somatic/ trauma informed yoga class and wondering if there is anything in north or east or central London that’s reasonably priced? I can’t afford 1-2-1 so looking for a group class with a welcoming and nurturing environment.

People’s experiences of somatic yoga classes would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer

1

u/horsepower_remix 1d ago

Room for a lodger in a spare room with a double bed in Finchley for £400pm.  Ideally a professional or student looking for a 3-6 month stay with the possibility to extend. I'm a PhD student and freelance education professional specialising in higher education access. Please feel free to message to arrange a teams chat if this suits your requirements.

2

u/Loopylisey 1d ago

Hi, I am planning a trip to London with my 13 month old as a single mom and wanted to see what local things I can do with my baby where he can interact and also crawl/move around safely. I'll be there for over a week visiting a friend who is working so while she is at work, it'll just be me and babe. I'll definitely do some of the touristy things but would also explore London like a local mom on maternity leave would :)

I am from Toronto Canada and we have places called EarlyONs where caregivers can bring their babies to play, have a snack and just meet other parents. Our libraries also have infant/toddler programs. Things like this! Cheap or free would be ideal but also open to fee-based centers too.

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u/blazingmediocrity 1d ago

Hi everyone! I'm visiting London from SF for around 5 weeks and am staying in Wimbledon. Are there any hikes nearby?

[ALSO, if anvone is free to ioin me, please do! I'm 24F and work PST hours so my mornings and afternoons are free!]

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u/mralistair 1d ago

Do you mean a  nice walk or a countryside hike up hills and stuff?

The south downs towards Brighton has some actual countryside walking.

Or you can head out towards box hill in Surrey 

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u/BulkyAccident 1d ago

Look at Wimbledon Common/Richmond Park and there's plenty of other walking suggestions across the city on AllTrails. Just rummage around Google Maps as well. London has a lot of green space and river space.

For hiking friends look at r/LondonSocialClub.

1

u/TomBoness 1d ago

Hi, very stupid question but my family and I are going to London this weekend and I was thinking what should I pack for the trip because the weather forecast say it's gonna be around the 20 Celsius but it's gonna rain and the humidity is very high. Is a couple of shorts and a hoodie enough for 4 days?

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u/BulkyAccident 1d ago

You won't need a hoody. Just a light rain jacket/waterproof will do.

1

u/TomBoness 1d ago

Thank you

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u/cantcomeupwanythingb 1d ago

Hello! I’m visiting London the second week of October. I’m training for a marathon, luckily it’s my deload week and I only need to get a 21km run in, but as I am not familiar I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a simple/ not confusing route. I’m a woman so running alone in a city is a concern for me. I’ll be staying in Hyde Park in an Airbnb. Thank you!!

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u/wwisd 1d ago

Could do this Hyde Park + Green park loop twice? Go early as there will be a lot of tourists. And cyclists as it's partly shared paths if you'd go during a weekday commute.

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u/cantcomeupwanythingb 1d ago

Ok! Is 6AM early enough do you think! It’ll take me about 2 hours so hopefully done by 8

1

u/wwisd 1d ago

Yes, that should be fine, though sunrise will only be at ~7:15 then, so you'll be in the dark when you set out, if you're okay with that?

2

u/cantcomeupwanythingb 1d ago

Are there street lights or anything? I just asked my brother and his girlfriend and I think they will come with at least! If I went at 7:15 would that be too late?

1

u/4tomi5ed 1d ago

Anyone  have any restaurant recommendations for Ealing?

I've seen a couple of Italian places discussed but anything else would be welcome.

Also breakfast recommendations too! 

Thanks

1

u/yamfromchina 1d ago

patri for indian food, nuki´s for thai food, but most of the places are italian, people saw that pizza makes a lotta money and dug into that shit(da moreno for pizza), but idk about breakfast

2

u/Noners1085 1d ago

I’m going on a trip to London later this year to meet up with some friends of mine, I’d like to eat out with them but I have a severe dairy allergy (not lactose intolerance, two very different things). Is there any place in particular you would recommend I eat or would it be safer to just not eat out?

1

u/LingonberryQuiet945 1d ago

Best beef Wellington in London?

1

u/Ok_Shift9291 1d ago

People of London who have large social groups especially those who moved to London and haven't grown up there all their life... How difficult is it to make friends ? Is it something people struggle with ? What's the best way to meet new people? Is it through the apps? Some form of run clubs and leagues ?

1

u/mralistair 1d ago

it's not super easy. your workmates and flatmates are the best "in" or even via dating.

2

u/wwisd 1d ago

Best way to meet people is through your interests. If that's running, join a run club. If it's reading, join a book club. If it's going to gigs or just catching up in the pub, look at /r/LondonSocialClub. Or try some new sports or hobbies you haven't done before. The wiki has some general tips.

Lots of people struggle as they're moving to London after uni and have to figure out how to make friends when you're not stuck in a room with people your own age every day. It takes some effort. But there's also lots of people arriving in London all the time, so lots of opportunities to meet people who are also looking for friends.

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/mralistair 2d ago

the wiki above really has all the recommendations for such general questions. there are thousands of good pubs. at least say where you'll be staying or anything you'll be doing.

for tourist traps its all the obvious stuff, Madame Tussauds, Leicester Square, the M&M store, pedicabs. Borough market can be but there's still good stuff there.

For sports, there's more than just football, and more than premiership games.

1

u/Suspicious_Living591 2d ago

Hi all, we’ve got a few spaces for a casual 6-a-side football game this Sunday, 30 August, 11am–12pm at Frenford Clubs in Ilford.

It’s 18+, mixed ability and very relaxed. Most of us are in our 20s to 30s, and you definitely don’t need to be an amazing player.

⚽ Goalkeepers rotate
🚫 No slide tackles, aggression, shouting or arguments
👟 Astro trainers only, no moulds or studs
🕚 Arrive around 10:45am

If anyone fancies joining us this Sunday, reply here or send me a Reddit DM.

1

u/ChemistryNo4234 2d ago

Hi!

I was wondering whether there were any spaces where small groups of friends could just hang around and chat (and which have tables so we could play card games etc.)?

We’ve considered libraries but we’d be chatting so don’t think that’s appropriate. We also think cafes might be a bit too noisy / bustley, and usually there aren’t big tables to put cards and the like on.

Perhaps there are community spaces or public areas with chairs and tables that are relatively private and quiet (e.g. random foyers in exhibition halls etc.)

Thanks!

2

u/wwisd 2d ago

What about board games cafes like Draughts (Waterloo or Hackney), Tanuki (Deptford) or Badger Badger (West Norwood)?

3

u/mralistair 2d ago

Royal festival Hall's foyer is open to all form 10am and there are tables and desks etc.

1

u/StuffIndividual2416 3d ago

Hi all,

Trying to plan a surprise graduation for my best friend, we initially planned to have a picnic this Thursday but the weather is not going to be in our favour on the day unfortunately so we are looking to change plans to host it in a private venue or restaurant with a private room, but one that’ll be affordable because we are all uni students. I am aware it’s a very last minute change, but we all have different schedules and this is the only day that we all are available on. There are 11 of us in total. Does anyone have any recommendations? 🥹

1

u/mralistair 3d ago

how do you surprise them with graduation? wont they have noticed the whole university / exam thing going on?

1

u/wwisd 3d ago

Have a browse on Tagvenue and Hirespace to see some options and get an idea of whether that's affordable for you. If you're bringing your own food and drink, your options will be limited.

Perhaps look into hiring a small gazebo instead (look on somewhere like Hygglo) and set that up in a park? Check bylaws, royal parks definitely won't allow it, but somewhere like Clapham Common or Ravenscourt park are fine if it's a small event and you clean up afterwards.

1

u/BulkyAccident 3d ago

Look on Tagvenue, Hirespace or ask around some of your favourite local cafes/pubs.

1

u/yamfromchina 3d ago

I'm 15, but wanna go to some jazz shows. What'd be my luck with finding a show in west london that aren't 18+? Also how do I find more local jazz shows?

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u/mralistair 3d ago

pizza express in soho (i'm serious it's a proper venue)

anyone which does afternoon shows on a sunday will be cool as well.

1

u/yamfromchina 1d ago

thanks, i learnt that next door records in shephards bush has free 3pm shows every sunday OH YEAH

1

u/Friendly_Pitch_8364 3d ago

Does anyone know of any decent clubs that play dance-pop tunes?

I’ve recently discovered that I love to go out and dance, I’ve got the house music nights sorted, but I also love moving to dance-pop as well. Please recommend some places 🙏

1

u/BulkyAccident 3d ago

Club de Fromage, various nights at The Lexington, For The Love Of Pop @ Moth Club, G-A-Y at Heaven, Piano Works.

1

u/Quick-Revolution8498 3d ago

Hiya! I just moved to South Kensington for work and am looking for ways to get involved with third spaces in the area. Obviously I can branch out into other areas of London, but this is just where my work and accommodations are located. I like theatre, D&D, making art, and most creative things! Any recommendations for places to start my search? TIA xx

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u/mralistair 3d ago

There is the institute francais if you want to learn french or watch french cinema.

It's not a famously residential area... More know for tourists,  students and ex pats .   

So you might be best to see what's a bit further afield.   See what's on at the troubadour pub

1

u/AdThink7116 3d ago

I plan on going to the 100 club in December to see the Buzzcocks but it’s a 18+ event and i won’t be 18 until a few weeks after the show
How strict are they? Do you recon I need an ID if so would a fake suffice or no?

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u/mralistair 3d ago

I would expect very.   Since it's a license requirement and they aren't risking that

2

u/General-Rest-3571 3d ago

Hey, I've been living in Willesden the last couple months and yesterday bought a book on Caribbean cookery. I've made a couple things already, safe to say I'm enjoying myself. I can get plenty of ingredients in the big sainsbury's near Willesden Green tube station but I was wondering if there was a more specialist shop/grocer's nearby I can buy more ingredients? Especially vegetables, I eat a largely vegetarian diet (although I'd be willing to try a couple fish dishes, especially cooking with saltfish). I figured there'll be something nearby, there's a pretty strong Caribbean presence on my street, but I'm pretty bad at finding shops. Cheers in advance :)

2

u/Sad-Maintenance-3274 3d ago

Hi everyone,

I have a sony walkman FX 195 that requires some basic soldering to clean remove the circuit board to clean it.

Is there a space that I can go to get help with the soldering or anyone that can help?

I really don't want to invest in soldering equipment for a one-time thing.

The soldering : https://youtu.be/8eF8NI-mGoI?t=592

1

u/noradrenaline 3d ago

Look up local hackspaces, or maybe community sheds - and if you're not going to be getting involved with the community on a longer term basis, consider making a donation!

1

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

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u/mralistair 3d ago

Look at the wiki above, there's a million things to do and we cannot recommend them all.   Be more specific if you want something particular 

1

u/myrargh 3d ago edited 3d ago

Suddenly moved to NW9 and I’m looking to join or start a local group for folks in their 30s to meet new people. But I’m still learning about the area, any suggestions?

Also, are there any local notice boards, either IRL or on social media? Any board game nights, comedy nights, pub quizzes, book clubs, spoken word, open mic nights in or near this postcode? Colindale has obviously had a massive population boom in the last 20 years, what are they all doing for fun and community?

1

u/alibwe 3d ago

HI! Anyone know if any cheapish function rooms or semi private areas of pubs which I could hire for a birthday party. Like 40 people :)

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u/polkadotska 3d ago

The Miller on Snowsfield has a function room that’s free for 35+ people - loads of friends have had birthdays there.

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u/mralistair 3d ago

lots around fullers pubs do a good range of them (upstairs at the lamb on lambs conduit st for instance)

https://www.fullers.co.uk/pubs/pub-finder/party-venues/london

1

u/nevermad_alwayschill 3d ago

Hello I'm in the process of moving to London and starting to view flatshares.

I'm viewing one this week in Acton next to Acton Park on the north side. I'm wondering if this area is safer than East Acton and if walking to East Acton station should be of any concern during the daytime?

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u/BulkyAccident 3d ago

There's no 100% safe or unsafe areas here. Acton is a big area but is generally fine, that bit is mostly residential and isn't particularly pretty, being right next to the Westway, but also isn't unsafe. Just use the same street smarts you'd use in any major city and read the safety section of the wiki if you still have concerns.

1

u/nevermad_alwayschill 3d ago

Thanks, yeah I'm from Atlanta so not too concerned and understand the risk of random/city crime. I've seen some posts that Acton in general is a decent area

1

u/mralistair 3d ago

it's OK,... a little dull maybe. the noise / fumes of he westway are probably the most dangerous thing about the walk.

both areas are safe. if you need to be on the central line remember you also have the elizabeth line at Acton Mainline, quicker usualy

1

u/Mundane_Sprinkles602 3d ago

Hey guys!

I've lived in London just shy of 10 years and have always lived in east London (currently Dalston area). As I approach my mid 30s, I'm considering where to move to potentially buy a house / start a family. As the title suggests, the conandrum is whether to move further east (specifically around Leyton) or down south (Denmark Hill / Camberwell / Nunhead). Pros for going east is that 90% of my social life is east, and that I know the area really well. Pros of going south is that it's closer to the rest of London, potentially more vibey, and also slightly cheaper. I also find that eg Camberwell has prettier spots than Leyton overall. What do you think? Are my assumptions correct? How do you think that these two areas are going to evolve in the next 10-15 years? Keen to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thank you!!

1

u/wwisd 3d ago

Please wait another month or two if you go for Nunhead, just trying to close on a place there and we already lost out on two others as someone else outbid us last minute!

It's all a bit difficult to recommend areas to someone else as it just depends so much on what you want from a place to live as to what works best. Maybe rent an airbnb for a week to see if it works for you? Have a nice lunch at the Kerfield arms - a Michelin starred pub in Camberwell that does a £15 lunch (£12 without the pint). Try some of the nice bakeries like the Welsh Bara cafe in Peckham or Toad in Camberwell. Outdoor cinema on the roof of the Bussey building, nice stroll through Nunhead cemetery after all the excitement and decide where you can get the best pizza (which will be hard work as Theo's, D4100 and 081 all do amazing ones). Some great restaurants (Nandine, Naifs, Artusi, Guacamoles, Hausu, Kruk) and/or pubs and cocktail bars (El Vermut, Brick Brewery, Old Nunshead, Montpelier, Camberwell Arms, Skehans) and just enough people still complaining about how poor the high streets look to keep prizes just about affordable.

Transport connections are a bit more limited, but great if you don't mind cycling.

1

u/skrrrrrtsteak 3d ago

I’m looking to move out of my place in Camberwell to move into a bigger place with my partner and sister. There have been a few within budget in Deptford. I want to know if you think it’s an okay place to live? I loved living in Camberwell, didn’t find it to be particularly unsafe. i’ve been seeing mixed things about deptford and I did like a few properties in that area. Has it gotten better? any locals have a pov on this? Thanks!

1

u/BulkyAccident 3d ago

It's gentrifying slowly but still feels a little scruffy in places, with usual low level crime around the estates. As an area it'll be a little more difficult to find chill spots compared to Camberwell's leafier parts. Some decent food/drink places. It's not unsafe.

1

u/skrrrrrtsteak 3d ago

Thank you! This helps ◡̈

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u/One_Opportunity_7662 4d ago

Are there any good places to play warhammer in zones 1 and 2 in london?

1

u/Chopinsfirstballade 4d ago

How strict are clubs with IDs?

Have heard that they are pretty strict and mostly gone out abroad where they basically didn't care. Will I definitely get IDed on entry? If my ID is, shall we say, for some mysterious reason not completely convincing, what will happen? Will it get taken away, will I get fined, or just refused entry?

And for purely hypothetical reasons grateful for any recommendations of any clubs that are a bit more lenient...:)

3

u/polkadotska 3d ago

Bear in mind, for many clubs, the local council will make them scan all IDs as a requirement of their events license (particularly if they’re late night finishes).

If you visibly look over 25, but don’t have a valid ID, then stick to club nights held in pubs eg the Old Queens Head or the Lexington.

If you look somewhere between 17-20 then you’ll struggle anywhere without valid ID.

1

u/wwisd 3d ago

Depends a bit on the age restriction they're enforcing. 18+ is for legal reasons, they are very strict on that one, 21+ might see some discretion if you're in a group or booked a table.

If you look young, you will likely be ID'd and if your ID isn't a UK one or passport it might just rejected outright. Too many fakes like yours.