Things That Exist Only in London (From Slang to Zebra Crossings to Blue Plaques)
London isn’t just a city. It’s a universe.
There are things you’ll find here that don’t quite exist the same way anywhere else — things that make you stop and go, “Yep. That’s so London.”
From quirky words and pedestrian pride to royal nods on brick walls, here’s a fun deep dive into things that are uniquely, wonderfully, London.
1. “Peng Tings” and “Wastemen”: Only in London Slang
You haven’t truly lived in London until you’ve heard someone call a chicken shop “peng” or roast a mate as a “wasteman.” London slang is its own rich, constantly evolving dialect.
Rooted in Caribbean, African, and British influences, you’ll hear:
Peng = attractive/good-looking/good food
Safe = thanks / cool
Mandem = group of lads
Bare = a lot
Ends = your area/neighbourhood
Outside London, you might get blank stares for using these. But in the capital? They’re pure poetry.
2. The Abbey Road Zebra Crossing (and the Tourists Risking Their Lives On It)
Sure, zebra crossings exist elsewhere.
But only one has tourists holding up traffic all day for that Beatles-style photo.
The Abbey Road zebra crossing in St John’s Wood is a world-famous pedestrian zone protected by heritage status. That’s right — even the crossing lines are preserved!
3. The Blue Plaque Trail: London’s Star-Studded Wall Game
London’s blue plaques are the city’s low-key celebrity flex.
Managed by English Heritage, these circular blue markers honour people who lived or worked in particular buildings — artists, scientists, activists, writers, even spies.
Notable examples:
Virginia Woolf – Gordon Square
Bob Marley – Camden
Alan Turing – King’s College
Freddie Mercury – Feltham
They’re free to see, hidden in plain sight, and turn a casual walk into a treasure hunt.
4. West End Theatre Culture (With Standing Ovations for the Ushers)
Broadway may be big, but London’s West End is on another level. Theatres like the Old Vic, Globe, and Palace Theatre are not just venues — they’re institutions.
And nowhere else will you hear someone say:
“I saw it at the National and cried before the interval.”
Plus, West End ushers have cult followings and social media fanbases. True story.
5. Chicken Shops With Names Like “Morley’s,” “Perfect Fried Chicken” or “Texas”
A staple of London life — the independently-run fried chicken shop.
They don’t just serve food. They’re cultural landmarks, often run by immigrant families who’ve built tight community followings. Every area has its own favourite.
And the unofficial rule?
Londoners have fierce loyalty to their local Morley’s — and no two shops taste the same, even if the logos look identical.
6. The London Eye (But Not Just for Tourists)
Plenty of cities have Ferris wheels. But only London has The London Eye, the one that:
Tells the time (kind of — depending on colours),
Hosts speed-dating pods on Valentine’s Day,
And lights up for royal babies, election results, or rainbow flags.
It's so iconic, it’s often mistaken for Big Ben by tourists. Oops.
7. Changing of the Guard — With That London Swagger
Ceremonial military stuff exists everywhere — but only in London can you:
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace,
Get told off for getting too close by a stoic horse guard,
And then see them instantly become a viral TikTok.
They may be all pomp and tradition — but they also don’t flinch when tourists try to make them laugh.
8. Pirate Radio (From Tower Blocks, Not Boats)
While pirate radio has roots in ships off the British coast, London gave it a whole new twist — broadcasting grime, garage, and jungle beats from tower blocks across East and South London.
Stations like Rinse FM and Déjà Vu started as underground operations and helped birth an entire music genre and culture. Pirate radio is now part of London’s sonic DNA.
9. The Tube Map as Art
London’s Tube Map, originally designed by Harry Beck in 1931, is not geographically accurate — and that’s the genius of it.
No other city has a transport map that’s:
Been featured in art galleries,
Inspired tattoos and tote bags,
And sparked philosophical debates about where the river should go.
It's not just a map. It’s a cultural artefact.
10. The Tower Ravens (and the Prophecy That Keeps Them There)
Only in London would a flock of royal ravens be considered national security.
According to legend:
“If the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall.”
So they’re kept, fed, and even given a title — Yeoman Warders oversee them, and yes, they each have names and personality profiles.
Final Thoughts: It’s a London Thing
London’s charm lies not just in its landmarks — but in its strange traditions, odd slang, and fiercely loved local quirks.
You don’t just live here. You absorb it.
So next time you walk past a blue plaque, cross Abbey Road, or hear someone call their mate a "neek", remember — you’re witnessing something that doesn’t exist quite like this anywhere else.
What's something you've seen in London that made you think "Only here..."?
Drop it in the comments of threads or tag @Londonyaar — we might feature it in the next round.