introducing matthew
Writer, historian and broadcaster Dr Matthew Green is a world expert on the history of London. He has a doctorate from Oxford University and is the author of the critically acclaimed book London: A Travel Guide Through Time which has been described by the Londonist as ‘easily the best social history of London for a decade’. No dry academician, he is passionate about bringing London’s richly layered history to life in the most vivid way possible, revealing its hidden treasures and offering memorable perspectives on the present-day city.
Matthew founded Unreal City Audio in 2012 which produces immersive tours of historic London, highly praised for their originality and energy. When not researching, Matthew can be found in Hampstead with his tuxedo cat, Buster, and his collection of London diaries through the ages strewn across the floor (he has an aversion to shelves!).
his experiences
HISTORIC TOURS
Matthew would love to take you on an immersive whirlwind tour of the greatest city in the world. He will guide you through London’s labyrinth of cobbled alleys and snarling thoroughfares, and through the centuries, showing you a side of the city rarely featured on conventional tours of chocolate-box London. From a stimulating Coffeehouse Tour to a Medieval Wine Tour, see a different side of London.
Seasonal Tips
1. GORDON’S WINE BAR
Perhaps my favourite place to while away a summer evening is Gordon’s Wine Bar in Embankment. You may sit at the tables outside, the Thames glistening in the distance and London’s stell mountains soaring into a turquoise sky, or, better still, venture into the 17th-century interior, shadows spilling out, clinking and chattering coming from within, and embrace the wall of heat that engulfs you as you make your way to candlelit table in London’s oldest wine bar with an appropriately exquisite, but affordable, wine list. It is as though nothing has changed for 400 years.
2. PARLIAMENT HILL
If you are after a panorama of the city, eschew the touristy London Eye for nothing compares with the view from Parliament Hill, atop which you can stand, in the summer breeze, and gaze down at the metropolis splayed out beneath your feet, with Sir Christopher Wren’s St Paul’s, symbol of London’s resurgence from the ashes of fire, and another plague, clearly visible in the centre.
Matthew’s new book Shadowlands unveils a forgotten history of Britain through its drowned cities, ghost towns and buried villages. A fab read!
favourite spots
TATE MODERN
The home of the United Kingdom’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art, famed for its vast Turbine Hall with its large-scale displays.
GORDON'S WINE BAR
Established in 1890, London’s oldest wine bar is set in candlelit, vaulted cellars with original Dickensian-style décor.
HIGHGATE PONDS
One of London’s best open air swimming spots, the perfect place to cool down on a summer’s day.
ST JAMES'S SQUARE
For many years the impressive, Georgian garden square was one of the most fashionable residential streets in London with its statue of William III presiding over it.
Curate your stay
Get in touch to talk to our knowledgeable Concierge to create a One Aldwych experience inspired by Matthew that is completely tailored to you. Give us a call on +44 (0)20 730 1000 or drop us an email to tell us more about what you would like to do during your stay.
