Clouds, chilly winds and widespread cynicism about the world leaders' ability to overcome hardships embrace the Group of 20 (G20) Summit which opens in London today.

A cab driver, dropping off passengers a stone's throw from ExCel, the venue of the summit, said: "I seriously doubt they can do any good, even though I hope they can."

Inside century-old buildings, which house the city's top financial institutions, government offices and universities, there is tremendous anxiety about the results the historical event can bring about.