Infection figures for London 05 August 2020 - 11 August 2020 = 152, that's hardly anything to shout about is it now ?
London didn't benefit in the slightest from being hit hard from the get-go, no one in their right mind would have wanted that to happen but as you rightly say given the circumstances unavoidable.
Infection rate fell fast in London because it had farther to fall, a degree in rocket science is not required to understand that one. Many have claimed places like London, Brazil & New York now have herd immunity because the infection rate is low, but considering nobody knows what herd immunity is that's impossible to predict.
As for my claim that infection rates fell when the populous woke up being BS, well that's what happened throughout the UK so why would you believe London would be any different ?
Unless your memory is in a state of fail too you should recall my earlier postings that I could see from my window at the beginning of lockdown people were carrying on unconcerned, but that all changed when as is said " they started killing their grannies " it changed in London too, you can check the timeline. Again you live there so you should be well aware of it.
Infection rate is really low in my neck of the woods and apparently in the city of Portsmouth along the coast as well, it always was because people acted earlier and therefore, to quote the Gov " saved lives " If it kicks off again big time we'll see who's immune and who isn't
On a slightly different note .. there was an elderly chap on the radio recently having a right old rant. He didn't believe in wearing a mask and said if he's going to get it then he will, a mask wont help him so he wont be using one. When he'd calmed down the interviewer reminded him the main purpose of using protection was to help others not just yourself but he'd have non of it.
Now I see that guy as some one who probably lives alone possibly widower who no one cares about sadly. Unfortunately what's reflected back is he's doesn't care about anyone else in return either and it shows, I'm different because I was brought up to care, so I do .. hence my position and the way I behave remains absolutely rock solid.