How we pick
What London Picks looks for before picking a business: proven expertise, customers who would recommend it, contact details that work and a convenient location.
Every London Picks list asks what you would ask before handing over your keys, your pet or your Saturday.
Do they specialise in it?
We look at what each business mainly does. A general builder is not a damp specialist, and a high-street optician is not an eye surgeon, so each is judged alongside its real peers.
Would customers recommend them?
Star ratings only mean something next to the number of reviews behind them. We also read what people say about turning up when promised, fair prices and how complaints were dealt with.
Can you reach them?
We check the address, phone number, opening hours and website. If a business looks to have closed or never picks up, it isn’t picked.
Are they nearby?
London is big, so we note the area and, for mobile services, which postcodes they cover. A plumber in Wood Green is no use to you in Wimbledon on a Sunday night.
Kept current
We go back to every list: closed businesses come off and ones that have earned it go on. If only a few deserve a place, the list stays short.
Worth knowing
Gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, so ask to see their ID card. Solicitors can be checked on the SRA’s register, and it’s worth getting any building quote in writing.