Rob Crossan
Rob is a writer, broadcaster and playwright who lives in Brixton, South London. He regularly contributes to publications including the Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and Conde Nast Traveller. Rob is the Special Correspondent for the BBC Radio Four programme Feedback and can also be heard on the From Our Own Correspondent programme on BBC Radio Four and the World Service. His first play, 'The Gaffer', premiered at the Underbelly Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023.
-
'Sometimes, it’s about the journey, rather than the destination': The fascinating history of the double-decker bus
The first covered double-decker buses made their debut on the streets of the capital 100 years ago. Rob Crossan steps on board and goes up top to trace the evolution of a true London icon.
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Salt of the earth: The secret history of the pub peanut
Having profited from the downfall of the oyster as a bar snack, the salted peanut itself is now in danger of being usurped.
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Curious Questions: Which person has spent the most time on TV?
Is it Elvis? Is it Queen Elizabeth II? Is it Gary Lineker? No, it's an eight-year-old girl called Carole and a terrifying clown. Here is the history of the BBC's Test Card F.
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Curious Questions: Who wrote the Happy Birthday song?
There are few things less pleasurable than a tuneless public rendition of Happy Birthday To You, says Rob Crossan, a century after the little ditty came into being
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Why does BBC Radio 4 broadcast 'the pips' at the top of the hour?
The Greenwich Time Signal has been an ubiquitous part of BBC Radio for a century, but few know what it really is and where it came from
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Britain's most eccentric crooked buildings, from the pub that looks tipsy to the church that leans more than the Tower of Pisa
Warped, twisted and wonderfully wonky, who can fail to be intrigued by the quirky glory of Britain’s medieval buildings? Rob Crossan explores the asymmetrical charm of the crooked house.
By Rob Crossan Published
-
The iconic American bars in London perfect for lifting a Thanksgiving cocktail
Glamorous American bars were once a familiar sight in London, catering to US and British citizens alike, but only two of the historic ones remain. On the eve of Thanksgiving, Robert Crossan goes in search of both.
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Curious Questions: How do you make the perfect slice of toast?
Lightly golden, charred at the edges, hot and dripping with melted butter or cold with a thick topping of the stuff? Rob Crossan evaluates the ultimate way to make toast — and pays tribute to the men and women who made it our go-to snack of choice.
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Curious Questions: What does your flat cap say about you?
You might think a flat cap is just something to keep your head warm and dry. And in some circumstances you'd be right – but there's a minefield of meaning out there, according to Rob Crossan.
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Red telephone boxes: 7 fantastic alternative uses for a British icon
Distinctly British, but rendered obselete by the march of the mobile, the red telephone box is finding new purpose, as Rob Crossan discovers.
By Rob Crossan Published