The difference between London and, say Paris, Amsterdam or Berlin is that the UK hasn't had a democratic revolution since Cromwell or land reform. Its entire political, legal and economic structure is organized to protect the interests of the aristocracy starting with the Queen, including such things as draconian libel laws whose intent is illustrated by the jailing of Oscar Wilde for daring to importune a Marquess. The hereditary aristocracies of every other European country have been successfully defanged. No wonder why Russian oligarchs felt so congenial (except for the old money turning its nose down at them).