We posted this on our twitter feed on Friday, but it was such a fascinating video, I thought it deserved a bigger write up.

A visual tour around London’s most quirky ‘hidden’ landmarks by Youtuber ChrisCLondon, it’s full of incredible facts and quirks and features locations that even most lifelong Londoners won’t know about. My Londonphile geeky brother only got 8 out of 10, failing on his knowledge of the Victorian Pet Cemetery and the minature bronze St Paul’s Cathedral…

My personal favourite story is the one about the tank – A property developer was denied planning permission by the council to build a block of flats on the Old Kent Road. Infuriated, he reapplies, but this time with plans for a tank. Thinking he means septic tank, the council grant permission, only for the man to install a genuine T34 tank from the First World War on the patch of land. Painted bright pink. With the gun tower pointing towards the council offices.

We found this video on the VisitLondon blog. Aside from posting cool videos, VisitLondon have helped Metrotwin considerably by adding loads of great places and lists to our site. These are some of the best:

Toy Shops – There is more to London than Hamley’s y’know..

Arts and Craft Shops in London – To help you stand out from the Primarni crowd.

City Farms – Escape from the rat race and pet a pig.

Eco-Friendly London – Glorious ways to go green.

Unique Cinemas – For when you want to see something that didn’t cost billions and doesn’t feature Adam Sandler, a talking monkey and a highly implausible series of events.

This might be a tad confusing to US readers as Mother’s Day in the US isn’t until May 10th, but in the UK,  ‘Mothering Sunday’ (which sounds like it should be followed by ‘Smothering Monday’)  is this weekend.

Wahanda, our wonderful partners who, although  based in the UK, are a global health and wellness community, have created a great new list to help you find the perfect relaxing, pampering place to take your dear old Ma for a bit of ‘r and r’.

Mother’s Day Must-Haves

Because let’s face it, a bunch of broken daffodils and a pasta painting were really cute when you were six, but now you know the difference between al dente and al forno, you really should have upped your game.

Photo by kbeil used under a Creative Commons License

I jest, I jest! After many requests (which implies that Metrotwin readers are faaar more sophisticated that Metrotwin Editors) we have created a new list of the top members clubs in London and New York.

Check it out HERE – it includes many infamous dens of revelry such as The Groucho Club, Soho House and  Milk and Honey.

As ever, if there are any places, lists or twins you would like to see on the site, from Wes Anderson-esque dens of eccentricity to to Thai restaurants with one way mirrored toilets, do let me know and we will try and oblige…

Photo by we_need_unity used under a Creative Commons License

One of the greatest things about London and New York is their diversity – it makes life (and this dear website) so much more interesting. Today, for example, we have four new lists for you that are all completely different in theme, but are united in helping you to discover something new in your city. Oh, but if you happen to be a gay Australian ice skater with a weakness for cake you may be particularly pleased!

Going Down Under – Who knew there were so many Aussie/Kiwi places in New York? Whether you’re wanting to watch the Wallabies thrash their opponents at some ungodly NYC hour or relive your travelling days by chowing down a meat pie, this list by NYKnifeAndFork is for you!

London’s Best Afternoon Teas – A world away from great hunks of antipodean steak and larger, this list by Bon Vivant is full of cucumber sandwiches, scones and exquisite blends of tea served in fine bone china. Think it’s just for girls? Think again – the Mandeville Hotel specialises in a men’s afternoon tea – you’ll get whisky and a selection of games alongside heartier-than-expected portions of chai and cake.

The Cutting Edge – Why not take advantage of New York’s rather bracing clime and attempt a spot of al fresco ice skating? After which, you can take advantage of this useful list and find a nearby place to warm your feet (and fill your stomach)

Gay London – Finally, Metrotwin has a list for all you confirmed bachelor/bahelorettes out there. Compiled by fruit-fly extraordinaire moi (with a little help from my friends) it’s a mixture of fun, legendary and ‘hot right now’ places, that hopefully won’t be distinctly ‘over’ before you finish this paragraph. We want to do an accompanying Gay New York list, so please, send us your suggestions, and we’ll put them on the site!

Photos by alisonlongrigg and darrell berry used under a Creative Commons License

As mentioned previously on the blog, it is currently Chinese New Year, and in recognition of this, NotForTourists have written a really interesting list of Chinese places in New York. There are obviously a couple of great dim sum and noodle restaurants on there, but some other more unusual choices – a transvestite karaoke bar? A Chinese ice cream parlour? Also, why not take something away from the Year of the Tiger other than a slight headache from monosodium gultamate overload, and visit the Museum of the Chinese in America?

Photo by digitalink used under a Creative Commons License