This is part of a growing series of opinionated guides which offer no-nonsense insider's advice on what to do and see in cities around the world

This book is like a finely reduced sauce. It takes the best of our guides to the capital and tells you where to go and what to do in this vast, multicultural, chaotic city. London has pockets of wilderness complete with open-air swimming and free-roaming deer; art galleries and museums stuffed with masterpieces; restaurants serving outrageously innovative food; history at every corner; hundreds (no, thousands) of pubs and plenty to entertain overly energetic kids.