The London Eye is one of the essential must-see attractions in London for any tourist, and indeed for any self-respecting Londoner. But is it really worth the high ticket price, the long queues, and the few minutes you spend up in the air? Luckily, there is a little-known cheap (i.e. free) alternative, in a location where you don’t have to take pictures through persplex glass and you can stay as long as you want!

The River Room is the principle state room of the House of Lords. Normally, it is not open to the public, with the room mainly hosting events of a parliamentary nature. Here are some rare pictures from an undercover reporter working for catering at one of the events hosted in this amazing room inside Parliament.