Know Your Neighbourhood: Fitzrovia | London Festival of Architecture 2026

What makes a neighbourhood feel like home?In this episode of Talking Place's Know Your Neighbourhood series, host Tanisha Raffiuddin visits Fitzrovia with Marcos Gold, Director of Policy and Place at The Fitzrovia Partnership.Recorded as part of the London Festival of Architecture's 2026 theme of Belonging, this conversation explores how one of central London's most dynamic neighbourhoods balances change, heritage and community.From hidden streets and independent businesses to stories of activism, public space and local identity, discover why Fitzrovia is often described as the place locals tell you to visit.In this episode you will discover:• Why Fitzrovia feels different from other central London neighbourhoods• The power of discovery in shaping memorable places• What belonging means in a constantly changing city• Fitzrovia's connection to Princess Diana and AIDS activism• Why green space matters for urban wellbeing• The role of people in creating successful placesKnow Your Neighbourhood is produced in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture 2026. Five neighbourhoods. Five conversations. One question: what does it mean to belong?Chapters• 00:00 What is Fitzrovia?• 01:00 Where it sits in London• 02:00 What creates a sense of belonging• 03:20 The BT Tower & place identity• 04:00 Hidden restaurants & local favourites• 05:30 Discoverability & navigation• 07:20 Why people keep coming back• 09:00 Community & connection• 11:00 Fitzrovia’s untold history• 13:00 The future: green spaces & wellbeingMentions:• BT Tower • Fitzroy Square • Charlotte Street • Great Titchfield Street • Alfred Place • London Festival of Architecture • Find Fitzrovia programmeSubscribe to our channel for more conversations exploring the future of cities, placemaking and belonging.Support the showTo learn more about host Tanisha Raffiuddin:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanisharaffiuddin/Website: www.conceptculture.coInstagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcastWebsite: www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcastInstagram: @talkingplacepodcastBluesky: @talkingplaceTikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-ukWebsite: www.conceptculture.coSign Up to Our Newsletter — mailchi.mp/conceptculture/newslettersignup