About Iya London

My name’s Joanna Oyediran. I’m Iya London’s founder. I trained as a barrister and ended up working as a human rights researcher, primarily focusing on the Middle East and East Africa. 

I grew up in rural Kent and fell for London as a kid. My best childhood moments were spent exploring its streets, while my mother was at work on Ludgate Hill. As an adult, I travelled the world until I finally found a home in Shepherd’s Bush in 2010. I remain a wanderer, intrigued by the backstories of London neighbourhoods.

I am a qualified Open City guide with a five-star Google review rating. I organize walks myself and also lead walks for clients. They have included Open City, Imperial College London, the Royal College of Art, the LSE and ITV. I also make time to lead free walks for my local community.

I like to share what intrigues me about this city. I’m fascinated by how London grew to become the world’s largest metropolis by the 1830s, by the impact of the British Empire on the city and its people, and by Londoners at play.

My focus is West London where you find less guided walks and have the chance to hear many intriguing but overlooked stories.

In 2024 I wrote a pocket guide for Open City on the architecture of White City. This year I wrote the text for a  fun photobook about the history of Askew Road, Shepherd’s Bush.

Walks are based on my own research.