John Vane: London Stories

Farringdon chuggers

Their flattery was energetic but it failed

Sep 1 • 

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August 2025

Whiteleys revisited

It was one of London's first and most prestigious department stores and has a rather colourful history

Aug 14 • 

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Cleveland Street: Two famous addresses, no dream connection

A very Victorian scandal occurred there in the 19th Century, but during a different part of it from when a legendary writer was a local resident

Aug 4 • 

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July 2025

Man kicks Lime Bike

An unexpected assault on a mis-parked e-bike prompted a bout of speculation

Jul 30 • 

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At Liberty

It's a West End emporium renowned for its distinctive good taste, but its exterior has a different sort of appeal

Jul 23 • 

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May 2025

Strand songs

It's an inspiring sort of street

May 27 • 

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April 2025

London Fiction: Fiona Keating's East End Smoke and Silk

An entertaining crime novel that provides new angles on the Victorian East End

Apr 18 • 

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Retro Gaggia and feather fascinator

He'd never seen so many tampons. He'd never seen so many bras

Apr 7 • 

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March 2025

The missing Italian

They knew Covid was coming, but for an absent colleague it already had

Mar 9 • 

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February 2025

Ward evacuation

A close encounter with a sick man and his bowels

Feb 16 • 

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John Vane: A police car and a view of the Emirates

A little slice of north London residential street life

Feb 9 • 

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January 2025

Nervousness on WhatsApp Street

A London neighbourhood watches and wonders about strangers seeking favours at its front doors after dark

Jan 6 • 

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