Overview: In theory, you may busk in any public space in London, because freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. In practice, it's much more complex than that. And the rules online aren't relevant when compared to the rules you find with boots on the ground. All the online sources reference a busking website that is down for remodeling, so there's basically no good online info.

Old London: There is no busking allowed in the original ancient London, the "square mile". Blanket prohibition, don't even try.

Camden: The borough of Camden has a paid licensing system. It's understood to be unconstitutional but no one is fighting it. Those who have paid the license support it as a means of keeping other buskers out. I've been advised to avoid the whole mess.

Southwark: Bankside in the general area of the Globe, is where I had in mind to busk. Every good spot, there is a no busking sign of some sort. There are some designated spots but they do not suit me, or indeed anyone, as I never see anyone else on them. I am told the signs are unenforceable and that when the security guards threaten to call the police, you can smile and tell them you intend to stay and they should call, then nothing happens. Well, that sounds lovely but I don't see anyone else doing it.

Leicester Square: This is a well known spot, and there are two corner pitches. The northeast corner, there's a queue system, the simple rule is your gear holds your place in line, and as you start your show, you are considered to have a place at the back of the line to go again. You get 45 minutes of stage time, to use as you see fit. The guys call this "Amsterdam Style". The Northwest corner, similar rules but they don't follow them; they are an insular bunch and basically hog the pitch. The Northeast guys recommended that as a new guy, I stick with them and give Northwest a miss. Nice as that offer is, the pitch is just too big, too noisy, for me to work without a real amp, which I don't have.

Chinatown: Technically wide open, with people wandering about, and some of the streets are pedestrian only. But in practice busking there is controlled by a gang of Romani. I may give it a try, as I know of a magician who uses the area. And it's walking distance from Magician's Corner if the queue there is long. But I have mild safety concerns about it. We'll see.

Covent Gardens: There are several pitches in that area, all tightly regulated by an audition system. But as a magician, I'm eligible to work Magician's Corner, which is a lovely pitch just my size, probably good for 50 or so audience members, 70 if I seat the children on stage, which is my usual approach. I like that people are kind of wandering that area, rather than rushing from A to B. There's a signup sheet, which means you can put your name in the queue and then wander off to try other areas. And, quasi-amsterdam, as you take the stage, you may write your name on the queue again.

Kensington: This area includes the V&A Museum and the Natural History Museum. They passed ordinances just today, locking down the area, and I'm not sure how it's going to pan out. There are complaints of buskers playing the same song all day long, amplifier wars, etc. They are talking about £1000 fines. I think there's going to be concessions for statues and unamplified magicians, but it will take time for the dust to settle.

Hammersmith: There's a pitch outside the White Swan pub, across the street from the tube station. People are in a bit of a hurry there, so it's really a good spot for an amped musician if they're good. I think it would be hard to hold an audience for one of my shows. On the other hand, I am now friends with the White Swan, and they are eager to have me work the pitch to keep away bad musicians, and if it's a rainy evening and I want to work inside table to table, they have made me welcome.