Discover Real London

London’s vast scale, along with the sheer volume of things to see and do, often leaves visitors with headache-inducing dilemmas as they create their itineraries. When staying at The Egerton, one of the best ways to minimise these dilemmas is by making the most of our cherished partnership with Discover Real London, the ultimate London tour guide. Here, we’ve taken the time to learn all its creator, Oliver Crane.

What inspired you to set up Discover Real London?

As a London taxi driver, I grew tired of seeing tourists squinting at maps and missing out on the city's charm, so I thought ‘why not share my insider knowledge and give folks a proper London experience?’ Thus, Discover Real London was born, aiming to showcase not only the city's big sights but the unexpected corners of London that only us locals know. All aboard a 21st century panoramic taxi.

Tell us a bit about your career as a taxi driver and how you got into that profession.

Before I donned the tour guide hat, I was navigating London's labyrinthine streets daily, transporting passengers from all walks of life around the capital. I studied the legendary ‘Knowledge of London’ for nearly four years (for those of you unfamiliar with this, it involves learning every major street in the city, along with memorising all the characteristics and the points of interest – theatres, hotels, museums, etc.). I loved the fact that every day was different; you never knew who you may meet, what you might learn, and where you could end up.

Do you have a range of different tour options, or a way to tailor the tour for the interests and ages of individual guests?

Absolutely! Whether you're a history buff, a Harry Potter fanatic, or someone who just wants to see where King Charles shops, we've got a tour for you. If you have children in tow, we'll throw in some fun facts and maybe even a special stop with a bit of spray painting just for good measure.

How do your tours offer unique experiences that show a different side to London?

While others might stick to the usual suspects, we veer off the beaten path. With the benefit of a vehicle, we can cover a wide area during our tour. Some examples of wonderful yet hard-to-reach places we love to showcase are Abbey Road, where the famous Beatles album cover was photographed, the colourful streets of Notting Hill, an Instagrammer’s paradise, Wapping, a home to cobbled streets and rustic wharfs that was once known as ‘Sailor Town’, and Primrose Hill, offering unrivalled views of London's skyline.

Which of your tours is most popular and why?

The Discover London Tour takes the crown. Why? It's like the ultimate mixtape, featuring Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Westminster, plus all the best backdrops for those must-have souvenir photos.

What is the most eccentric tour request you’ve received?

Oh, we've had requests to trace family histories, find filming locations of obscure 80s sitcoms, tick off all the London Monopoly board streets … you name it, we've had it.

Would you say there’s a best time of year to visit London and, more specifically, go on a tour of London?

London is an incredible destination all year round. Spring and summer offer lush parks and vibrant festivals, with long days and plenty of sun. Christmas is also incredible, with all the lights. However, for me, September is my favourite month. With mild temperatures and long(ish) days, it's a joy to cruise around the city witnessing the transition from summer to autumn.

Have there been any particularly unforgettable moments during your time as a tour guide?

Countless! From impromptu sing-alongs at Abbey Road to seeing monarchs drive by. But the best moments are when guests' faces light up as they discover London's secrets.

What’s your most interesting fact about London that people may not know?

One of the most surprising facts we often tell on our tours is about our famous four-sided clock tower. Did you know it’s never technically been called Big Ben? It’s actually the name for the bell inside. To make matters even more curious, the origin of the name Big Ben is not known, although two different theories exist.

The first is that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works, and a large man who was known affectionately in the house as ‘Big Ben’. The second theory is that it was named after a heavyweight boxing champion at that time, Benjamin Caunt, also known as ‘Big Ben’. Back then, this nickname was commonly bestowed on anything that was the heaviest in its class.