Top 6 FOOH examples in London

London. A city that already feels like a movie set. It’s cinematic, familiar, and instantly recognizable. The mix of old-meets-new architecture provides the perfect backdrop for a new creative advertising format that’s been on the rise recently: fake out-of-home (FOOH) advertising.

FOOH advertising combines CGI with real-world footage to create hyperrealistic digital ads. And when paired with a strong marketing strategy, a killer FOOH ad slices through the noise of the millions of ads audiences scroll past every day - earning organic engagement, attention, and shares. 

It’s a piece in the mosaic of making yourbrand unforgettable.

London, with its globally recognized landmarks and distinct vibe, can take this potential even further - transforming ordinary advertising into extraordinary viral moments. Imagine the Tower Bridge splitting apart as two giant Lego characters emerge from the Thames to battle across London’s skyline, their epic clash illuminating the city as the game’s title blazes across famous landmarks. 

These are the kinds of impossible, attention-grabbing scenarios that FOOH makes possible. In this article, we’ll show you five of the best FOOH ads that used London as their stage. Then we’ll break down what made them work and what you should keep in mind if you’re planning your own.

5 Must See FOOH Ads in London

Here are the top five campaigns in London that took it to the next level using Fake Out of Home ads: 

1. Big Ben Turns Into Marge Simpson for Disney+ UK

CGI transforms your wildest and most out-of-this-world ideas from drawing board to reality. Disney+ UK demonstrated this perfectly in March 2025. To promote the new season of The Simpsons, Disney+ created a FOOH ad for Instagram that opens with a wide shot of Big Ben. 

Then it zooms in to reveal the iconic clock wearing a giant blue wig symbolizing Marge Simpson. Under the clock sits a poster of Marge promoting the new season. This ad expertly blends something classic like Big Ben with something fresh and new like The Simpsons. It’s clever and playful. The fact that so many people commented “I’m in favor of calling it Big Marge” proves how well it worked.

Got curious about how FOOH can transform TV campaigns? Read our blog on how FOOH is changing TV & Movie Marketing. 

2. Giant Bag Reveals BOSS Store at Piccadilly

A good FOOH ad embraces a city’s unique culture and story without overshadowing it, this next ad does just that. 

This ad cleverly promotes the BOSS store on Regent Street by using the city’s cultural landmarks as the perfect backdrop. It showcases the brand’s bold and elegant experience in such an iconic location, proving the power of simple yet effective storytelling. The ad pulled in over 7.2 million views and 123k likes, showing how effective FOOH ads can be in a culturally and historically rich city when you make them a part of your statement.

3. London Tube Gets Maybelline Makeover

This famous Maybelline FOOH ad transforms the ordinary hustle of taking the tube into something extraordinary. 

It’s a clever mix of reality and fantasy - taking something as everyday as your commute and turning it into a mini beauty event. With 76 million views and 2.9 million likes, this ad is one of the most viewed FOOH adt; it sticks - showing that when FOOH is done right, it can make even the most mundane moments unforgettable.

4. Semrush’s Massive Tea Party on Bridge Street

If there’s one thing people in London are serious about, it’s their tea. SEMrush clearly got the memo. 

A giant SEMrush-branded teapot gets lifted by a crane, pouring steaming tea into the cup until it spills over. It’s weird, funny, and surprisingly effective. The ad plays on a classic British habit while hinting at how SEMrush “spills the tea” on digital strategy and marketing for Instagram and beyond. Definitely not something you’d expect to see in central London.

5. JD Sports x The North Face dresses Big Ben

What happens when fashion meets London’s most iconic landmark? JD Sports and The North Face answered that question with a FOOH ad that showed Big Ben zipped into a puffer jacket.

The ad worked not because it was overly complex, but because it nailed the formula: one iconic object + one unexpected twist = endless reach. The CGI visual blurred just enough lines between real and fake to get people commenting, resharing, and debating whether it actually happened. Within hours, it was everywhere – reposted by fashion accounts, meme pages, and news outlets alike.

6. Federer’s Tennis Match on Tower Bridge

Last on our list is a FOOH ad for Prime that took over London’s Tower Bridge in July of 2024.

This creative use of CGI made the ad fun and unique, while also celebrating Federer’s legendary career. It’s a cool way of combining a modern movie like Federer: Twelve Final Days with one of London’s most famous landmarks. And with over 7.4 million views and 324k likes, this ad clearly shows how well FOOH Ads London can amplify impact, blending heritage with emerging marketing trends.

Want to see more examples of Fake Out Of Home Ads in London? Explore the full collection of London-based CGI ads in the FOOH Library!

3 Reasons London Is Built for Impactful FOOH Ads

FOOH ads in London deliver exceptional engagement due to the city’s perfect blend of iconic architecture, cultural significance, and global recognition. The contrast between historic landmarks and digital innovation creates visual tension that captures attention instantly. Here are three key reasons why FOOH ads in London are especially effective:

1. Globally Recognized Landmarks

• Instant Recognition: Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye - you really can’t go wrong. These landmarks are basically visual shorthand for “London,” which makes them perfect for ads on social media, where attention spans are short. You see the clock, the red buses, or that huge Ferris wheel, and boom - you know exactly where you are.

• Copyright Considerations: Before featuring iconic landmarks in your FOOH campaigns, ensure you’ve researched applicable copyright and image rights. Some London landmarks have specific usage restrictions for commercial purposes, particularly for night-time lighting displays like the London Eye’s illumination or Tower Bridge’s light show. 

• Marketing Value: That kind of instant recognition is priceless in digital marketing. You don’t need to explain anything or build context. The setting already tells a story, which gives brands more room to be playful, clever, or unexpected.

• Impact Factor: Plus, these spots are so well-known that even a little twist - like a blue wig on Big Ben - can make a huge splash.

2. Central Hub for Global Brands

Walk through Soho on any given afternoon and witness creative directors from Wieden+Kennedy pitching concepts over flat whites, while Netflix executives scout locations near St. Paul’s Cathedral. Global advertising powerhouses like WPP, Publicis, and Omnicom have transformed London into their creative playground, with headquarters nestled between historic landmarks. 

When Playstation used the Tower Bridge as their playground or Samsung unveiled their projector using Big Ben, they leveraged the city’s robust production ecosystem built over decades. These spectacular campaigns create ripple effects across social media, establishing London as the badge of honor for brands seeking global recognition and creative credibility.

3. Iconic Visuals & Versatility

The city presents an unmatched visual tapestry where Victorian architecture stands shoulder-to-shoulder with modern glass monoliths. Places like Westminster Abbey, Abbey Road’s iconic zebra crossing, or Big Ben’s towering presence create instantly recognizable settings that need no introduction. 

This rich visual diversity means brands can select precisely the right atmosphere - romantic, edgy, futuristic, or classic - without ever leaving the city limits.

London offers distinctive visual signatures across neighborhoods - from Shoreditch’s street art to Notting Hill’s colorful houses. This recognition transcends language barriers, giving FOOH ads immediate global appeal.

3 Things to Know Before Creating FOOH Ads in London

Creating impactful FOOH advertising in London requires navigating regulations, understanding visual identity, and planning for unpredictable elements. Master these essentials to maximize your campaign’s effectiveness:

1. Navigating London’s Filming Permits

London’s most iconic locations operate under strict filming regulations that protect these historic and high-traffic areas. When planning your FOOH campaign, consider these critical permit factors:

• Borough-Specific Requirements: London comprises 33 boroughs, each with its own Borough Film Service (BFS) responsible for managing filming requests on local authority-managed locations, including streets and public spaces. Application lead times can vary significantly between boroughs; for instance, the City of London requires Traffic Management plans and insurance documents to be submitted at least six weeks in advance, with road closures needing a minimum of 12 weeks’ notice. ​

• Royal Parks Distinction: Royal Parks such as Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens are managed by the Royal Parks Authority. Filming in these areas necessitates a separate permit process, and fees may be higher compared to borough-controlled locations. It’s essential to contact the Royal Parks Authority directly for specific guidelines and application procedures.​

• Transportation Authority Coordination: Filming on Transport for London (TfL) property - including the Underground, buses, and related infrastructure - requires permission from TfL. This includes obtaining a valid film permit and may involve specialized risk assessments. Notably, filming equipment exceeding 1.8 meters in length or 25 kilograms in weight requires special arrangements, and certain equipment may not be permitted in operational public environments.

• Security-Sensitive Zones: Areas surrounding landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, and other government buildings are subject to heightened security measures. Filming in these zones requires additional security clearances, and restrictions may apply to certain equipment, including drones. It’s crucial to consult with local authorities and adhere to any specific guidelines or restrictions when planning shoots in these sensitive areas.

Working with London-experienced production teams who maintain relationships with film offices across the city can streamline these processes and prevent costly delays or location changes. Also, very small startups like those typically used in FOOH productions can often qualify for permit exceptions or simplified approval processes in many London boroughs, so be sure to inquire about these options.

2. Drone Restrictions & Workarounds

Due to strict airspace regulations in the city, if you want to film around the prime spots for FOOH ads, you’ll need to acquire several requirements:

• CAA Authorization: Operating drones in controlled airspace requires approval from the Civil Aviation

• Security Clearance: Flying near landmarks necessitates additional security permissions. ​

• Application Fees: The CAA charges a minimum application fee for commercial drone operations. ​

• Processing Time: The approval process can take 2 to 4 weeks.

Smarter Alternatives: Many creators bypass complex regulations by:​

• Capturing footage from the ground and adding simulated aerial perspectives during post-production. This approach creates a more authentic, UGC-like feel that enhances the hyperrealism of FOOH content.

• Stock Footage: Purchasing aerial shots as base plates to incorporate into your projects.​ There’s plenty of drone stock footage. Just make sure that the drone footage matches your second shot (if you have one).

3. Working with London’s Unique Light & Weather

London’s distinctive lighting conditions and variable weather patterns create both challenges and opportunities for FOOH productions. Understanding these elements helps maximize shooting efficiency and enhance visual impact.

Lighting Advantages:

• Overcast skies in London create soft, even lighting that makes blending CGI easier.
• Natural grey tones in London help CGI to stand out, making it easier to draw focus to the product.
• London’s iconic fog adds cinematic depth, giving your visuals an extra layer of mood.

Preparation is key when it comes to FOOH productions. Here’s a quick guide to the best (and worst) times to shoot in London.

Why FOOH Ads in London Are Worth It

Fake out of home ads in London can transform how brands connect with audiences in the digital landscape. 

Here’s why:

• Measurable Engagement Boost: FOOH ads are designed to spark interactions and shares, making them highly effective at boosting engagement.
• Instant Global Recognition: London’s status as a global hub ensures your ad will be seen by both locals and international audiences, amplifying brand visibility.
• Cross-Platform Versatility: These ads seamlessly integrate with social media and other digital channels, allowing for a consistent brand presence across platforms.
• Algorithm-Friendly Content: Creative, shareable content is favored by algorithms, giving your campaign an organic push and increasing its reach.
• Reduced Production Costs: FOOH ads can deliver high-quality, visually stunning content without the expense of traditional OOH setups.

With the right production partner guiding you through permits and weather conditions, your FOOH campaign can leverage the city’s unique visual identity for maximum impact. London’s iconic status transforms ordinary advertisements into extraordinary viral moments that resonate globally - making every pound invested deliver exceptional returns as a powerful supplement to your existing digital marketing strategy.

For forward-thinking brands, London-based FOOH ads don’t just capture attention - they transform your digital presence into an unforgettable global conversation.