Posts Tagged ‘Islington’
Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
As Americans moving to London begin the search for London neighborhoods for themselves, or their family, there are several factors that should be considered, only one of which is location. Depending on the location of one’s employment and any schools children may attend choosing from the many ideal London neighborhoods changes. One neighborhood that is a favorite among all of the London neighborhoods and should be looked into is Islington.
Islington is located in the Northeast area of the greater city of London. In the earlier part of the last century it was considered a poor remnant of its once grand splendor. All that changed however in the 1990s as old Victorian homes (which fill Islington) became all the rage. At that time a major gentrification project overtook the neighborhood making it now one of the premiere London neighborhoods.
Like many areas of London Islington offers quirky and unique shops. Residents and tourists alike enjoy its impressive antique store selections and quaint cafes. There are many benefits to choosing Islington as a possible place to live after an international relocation.
1) Location, location, location – There are many Tube stations, train stations and bus stops in Islington making it accessible to just about anywhere in the city.
2) Highgate Wood – a 28 hectare green space popular with the locals. Especially if one is moving with a family living near a park is a bonus.
3) Arsenal Football Club – One of the most famous London football clubs will be in one’s backyard if they move to Islington. There is no better way to acclimate to a new city than to join in the local sports craze.
4) Art galleries galore – There are several art galleries and workshops located in Islington making this a hot neighborhood for art enthusiasts.
There are probably a hundred reasons for a person or family to consider Islington when narrowing down London neighborhoods. It is one of the few London neighborhoods well suited to both families and young couples or singles. With housing prices ranging from very low to very expensive there surely will be something in everyone’s price range. One can’t go wrong by considering Islington when searching London neighborhoods.
Tags: corporate relocation, Islington, London, London Neighborhoods, Moving to London
Posted in Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, Relocation to London, Relocation to London With Family | No Comments »
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Image by Ewan-M via Flickr
Author: Colleen
A relocation to London can be a frightening prospect when even the unseen challenges of moving overseas are an ongoing presence weighing on your mind and heart. Hey, I understand—just like all the London Relocation agents, I’ve been there and done that. My relocation to London from the US was fraught with heartache over what I was leaving behind and sheer fear of what would lie ahead; for as much as you can anticipate in advance, there’s always something lurking in the shadows waiting to leap out at you or prey on your mind in the night as you try to sleep. I’ve lived to tell my horror story and love living in London as a result, but it’s a fact that having a relocation company with the heart and soul of our London Relocation agents on your side is an invaluable resource for exposing any monsters hiding under the bed (i.e., shady landlords, lettings agents, or lease terms) and warding off evil through the goodness of expat empathy and genuine compassion.
The stress of relocating to London shall pass into the annals of your own personal history, but the intrigues of London’s past forever lives on in its present. Even London’s pubs have interesting histories, and as I’ve been describing the last couple days, they bear the emotional baggage of some long-term “tenants” of their own… To continue my series, here’s a few more haunted London pubs to check out:
Morpeth Arms – 58 Millbank, Westminster, SW1P. This pub’s cellar used to hold prisoners before they were shipped to Australia and is now haunted by the ghost of a man who died trying to escape. Pub staff feel presences and see cloaked figures.
The Old Bull & Bush – North End Road, North Hampstead, NW3. This 1721 public house has been haunted by a dark Victorian figure for over a hundred years…and no wonder: a skeleton and Victorian surgical instruments were discovered bricked up behind its cellar wall!
The Old Queen’s Head – 44 Essex Road, Islington, N1. Sir Walter Raleigh used to frequent the pub once standing on this site, but the present-day building is haunted by a Tudor woman and her weeping child. Listen for their footsteps running down passageways and look out for doors opening and closing.
The Rising Sun - 38 Cloth Fair, Smithfield, EC1. A former 18th century hostelry, this establishment was, according to local legend, a meeting place for body snatchers. Because of its proximity to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, there are tales that these men used to drug and murder pub patrons to sell their cadavers to doctors, but the truth of this is not known. What staff does know, however, is that there are several presences running about, as experienced through such phenomena as tugging on bedsheets and shower curtains, the feel of an icy hand, and the sound of footsteps.
The Spaniards Inn - Spaniards Road, Hampstead, NW3. 18th century highwayman Dick Turpin’s father was the landlord of this property, so Dick is believed to haunt its upstairs quarters while his horse, Black Bess, haunts the parking lot. The pub is also graced by the spirit of “Black Dick,” a moneylender who was run down by a coach on the road outside and who’s been reported to tug on patrons’ sleeves.
Scared much? Are you going to have to sleep with your nightlight on tonight? Well, London Relocation’s honest and quality service is why its employees can sleep at night, and they’ll give you sweet dreams, too—by dispelling your worries over the nightmare that can otherwise be an international relocation and giving you a lovely London apartment rental for resting your weary head.
Tags: Dick Turpin, halloween in london, Hampstead, haunted london pubs, haunted places in london, international relocation, Islington, London Relocation, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Public house, relocation in london, relocation to london, relocation uk, Walter Raleigh
Posted in Americans Moving to London, London Food & Beverage, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Friday, May 13th, 2011
Living In London – American Moving To London? How To Blend In.- Image via Wikipedia
When you’ve been living in London for a couple of months, you’ll wonder what all of the fuss was about. It can be a challenging and scary experience to be living in a big city, in a foreign country, especially if it is your first time abroad. Going to Hawaii for your holidays or Vancouver for your vacation does not count as ‘overseas’! While many millions of people living in London are foreigners, you’ll want to get accustomed to the ways of the city as fast as possible, so you don’t stand out like a tourist. Not only will you feel better, but it is safer in a big city to blend in a little.
This little guide is completely tongue in cheek, but you may find some pearls of wisdom amid the swine!
- Always walk with purpose while you’re living in London. Look like you know where you’re going and need to get there fast. Don’t worry about rubbing shoulders with people on the pavement or sidewalk; they’ll be shoving as well.
- Learn the names of the tube lines. Don’t refer to them by their color. Real Londoners know which line they’re getting on and nothing makes you stand out like telling everyone you use the Red Line to get to work.
- Don’t make eye contact with strangers on the tube. Read something, play Sudoku, do a cross word or keep your head down. If someone kills themselves by diving in front of your train and you’re delayed, don’t be shocked, just mutter to yourself and click your tongue in irritation that YOU have been inconvenienced.
- Never, ever stand still on an escalator. If you are too tired to barge your way up the left side of the escalator, then move to the right. Real Londoners are ALWAYS in a hurry, even when they’re not, sometimes they even pretend to be in a hurry, just to fit in.
Living in London is an adventure that has to be experienced. So get out of your London flat and become one with the city. I promise you; in a few weeks you’ll be just as rude and rushed as the rest of us.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Building, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, fun facts about london england, Islington, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Underground, Moving to London, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, things to know about london, tips on living in london, Travel and Tourism
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues | No Comments »
Thursday, May 12th, 2011
Living In London – The London ‘Underground’ – The Hidden Treasure of London Part IV-Image via Flickr
Tranquility and Calm
Despite its reputation as a massive city, living in London is going to give you an opportunity to live in one of the greenest cities in the world. There are dozens of parks and open spaces. Of course you’ll want to visit the grand parks of central London: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and Regents Park. There are however a number of smaller parks and gardens that are known only to Londoners. A respite from a weary working day or a great place to spend an afternoon in spring time. Some of the real treasures of London are not on the tourist maps.
Culpepper Community Garden
Right in the heart of a busy shopping and business area, Culpepper community Garden is a delightful oasis of tranquility and calm amid the bustle of modern London. The garden is located in Islington and is considered a city park as well as an environmental centre. The garden is focused on the community and is entirely organic. There is a large section of vegetable plots that are maintained by community gardeners and volunteers. These small gardens, including two raised gardens for the disabled are for the local community to enjoy the magic of growing and cultivating a garden. Community groups, school children and people who do not have gardens in the neighborhood, all come to lovingly tend the gardens all year round.
Different habitats and ecological environments have been cultivated to ensure the diversity of the area, and there is an abundance of birds, butterflies and frogs that make up the wildlife in the garden. Culpepper Community Garden hosts a number of functions throughout the year and annual membership of the garden is a paltry £10. You can be as involved as you want to be. From cultivating your own plot, to using the garden as a welcome sport away from the madding crowds in Hyde Park. This garden is truly for the community.
You’ll find that after you’ve been living in London for a while, you are struck by the sense of community that Londoners have for their neighborhoods and their city. You’re one of us now, so join in!
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, communitygarden, fun facts about london england, Garden, Hyde Park, Hyde Park London, Islington, Kensington Gardens, learning about london england, living in London, London, London flats, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London England, Regent's Park, relocating to London, rent london apartments, things to know about london, tips on living in london
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Relocation Guest Bloggers, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Living In London – The London ‘Underground’ – The Hidden Treasure of London Part III - Image via Wikipedia
Alternative Architecture
When you’re living in London, one of the defining characteristics of this fascinating city is the architecture and the buildings. History has had a way of imprinting itself in the city, and even after years of development and urban renewal, you can still find some magnificent and alternative buildings that are well worth a visit while you’re out and about in London.
Some of the buildings are mere monuments to the history of the city, while others have been pressed into use for different functions. They all have a history and more importantly, a story to tell…
The Old Turkish Baths
The introduction of Turkish baths to England came at the height of the Victorian era. The Turkish bath is quite distinguishable from other types of baths by the use of dry hot air instead of steam or sauna. The popularity of Turkish baths was unsurpassed during the reign of Queen Vitoria, when it was considered an absolutely acceptable way of passing an hour or two in the company of like minded people. From over 600 Turkish baths down to a mere handful today, the building is a fine example of the architecture of the time as well as the splendor of a bygone era.
Built in about 1895, the ornate building was one of the most popular Turkish baths in London. Its ornate façade gives you a hint as to the type of buildings that were popular during this time. Today the ‘Old Turkish Baths – Ciro’s Pizza Pomodoro’ is a popular restaurant in the heart of the financial district in London. Is it a restaurant or a historical site? It seems out of place amid the glass skyscrapers and lunchtime suits that amble past, but as a historical attraction it is a fascinating place to visit and a quirky place to enjoy a pizza treat. Located on Bishopsgate Churchyard, the closet tube station is Liverpool Street
If you’re looking to experience a Turkish bath while you’re living in London, and it is a rejuvenating and interesting experience, then there are only a couple still in operation. York Hall has single sex and mixed session for the baths, and the Ironmonger Row Baths in Islington offer a remarkably quirky way to spend an afternoon.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, Damascus, England, flats to let in london, fun facts about london england, Ironmonger Row Baths, Islington, Istanbul, living in London, London, london apartment, london apartments, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, tips on living in london, York Hall
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Monday, April 25th, 2011
Living In London – London In-Depth By Area – North London- Image via Wikipedia
When you’re moving to London you’ll want to get a good idea of the area that you’re going to be renting a London apartment in and what sort of amenities there are in the area. Prices are quite a lot more expensive than the rest of London, but if you are careful about choosing the right London rental you can be living in London in one of the more stylish postcodes for less than you think.
North London – Islington
Rental prices in Islington range from about £1000 per week for a small bachelor apartment to £3,000 per week for a three or four bedroom, semi-detached home. It is close to central London which makes it a popular suburb for people who have to commute each day into the city centre.
Transport: Angel Station in Islington is found on the Northern Line of the London Underground and the Highbury and Islington Station is located on the Victoria Line. A journey into the centre of London will take less than ten minutes from Islington. The most direct buses into the centre of London are the number 205 to Paddington and the 38 to Victoria. There are over 20 bus routes through Islington into London and beyond.
Council Information: Islington falls under the Council Borough of Islington and you can expect your annual council taxes to range from £900 to about £2800.
Shopping: All of the major retail outlets are found in Islington with Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose in the area and you can also find a number of excellent health food and whole food stores as well as smaller grocery stores offering a range of foods.
Doctors: If you’re looking for medical centers and dentistry services in Islington then the internet is going to be our best resource. Remember that nearly all GP visits on the NHS are free for all residents, so be sure and register at your local surgery as soon as you have moved into your new London rental.
Other Amenities: As in all of London there are restaurants and bars on many streets in Islington. If you’re looking for great dining try Fredericks or Fifteen, which is the home of top celeb chef Jamie Oliver.
Tags: Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, Highbury & Islington station, Islington, living in London, London, london facts, London flats, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london england from canada, Tesco, tips on living in london, Victoria Line, Waitrose
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Transportation, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions | No Comments »
Monday, March 7th, 2011
Living in London – Historical Gem-Image via Wikipedia
If you want to know more about the history of London, then in moving to London you have come to the right place. Living in London is a cornucopia filled with historical and cultural gems, and just as soon as you are settled into your new London rental you’ll have to get out an explore this magnificent city. London is characterized by its churches, parks, London flats, and palaces and the many people who visit the city seek out those attractions. The city’s Roman legacy is reflected in the ground at the London Wall as well as the faces of every church which are imprinted. With the aide memoire of the time during which London was attacked by the Germans during World War II, referred to as the London Blitz. London wears every period of its long history for the present to see; to walk from east to west is to watch the city unfold through time.
Christopher Wren’s work continues to marvel all around the City of London. Holborn’s Fleet St. was long associated with the London press and the Royal Courts. Down in Westminster, you will hold court with the regents, royals, and ruffians who run this fair capital, and up in Bloomsbury you’ll mingle with the students and youth who hold the future of London in their eager grasp.
Unlike London’s museums, sights tend to be expensive. There is no reason to spend £30 on tourist trips to the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye, only to be left wondering what to do for the rest of your day with just pocket change to spare. Be your own tour guide. From avant-garde architecture in Islington to the urban wilderness of Hampstead Heath, the best of London’s sights are often those seen via excursions on foot. No matter what path you choose, whether you’re strolling down small cobblestone streets or briskly marching down a modern thoroughfare, your exploration will be rewarded. There is no wrong turn.
London is a place to be experienced, not toured so while you are living in London, you need to be a part of the fabric of life in order to really experience this fascinating city.
Tags: Bloomsbury, Christopher Wren, City of London, Hampstead Heath, Islington, London, London Eye, World War II
Posted in Living in London | No Comments »
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Before I continue yammering on about Americans relocating to London, allow me to bid our fine Canadian expats a happy Canada Day! Festivities in London are underway: http://www.canadadaylondon.com/
And now, to conclude my brief series on where Americans like to live in London:
(This excerpt is adapted from my 17 May guest post on Anglotopia.net, a brilliant, comprehensive resource on all things UK that I highly recommend to all Anglophiles!)
St. John’s Wood
Perhaps the most blatant draw to St. John’s Wood for Americans is the American School in London (ASL). The only American school located within the city of London itself, ASL’s American curriculum automatically attracts families relocating from the United States to provide children with continuity in their education.
Regardless if one’s child is not enrolled in ASL or one does not have children at all, the neighborhood has a ready network of Americans (the St. John’s Wood Women’s Club being one resource) and meets a high standard of living. It is certainly one of the more expensive areas to live (Paul McCartney lives there), with a gorgeous brass-fixtured Tube station and darling cafes and shops to wander around in a safe, quiet, and family-friendly environment.
Perhaps one of the more fun features of SJW is Lord’s cricket ground, the “Home of Cricket.” American sports enthusiasts can attend a match there and figure out first-hand whether cricket moves more slowly than baseball 
(And since this post first published on Anglotopia.net, a helpful commenter added that Panzers Deli is a big draw to the neighborhood for its American foods!)
Islington
Now, this is not one of the more obvious choices for Americans, but I would be remiss not to mention Islington as a neighborhood of growing attraction. It has an edgy, artsy feel mixed with increasing gentrification (think Chicago’s Bucktown/Wicker Park or New York’s Greenwich/West Villages), so its great social scene (commencing immediately along Upper Street just outside of Angel Tube station) ranges from super-casual pub to super-swank club.
In addition to the nightlife, this North London neighborhood’s closer proximity to the city center renders it desirable by expats wanting a shorter commute to work.
Moving to London
Regardless of where you decide to live in London, opportunities to network with other Americans abound. The expat community is spirited and open-minded, so you’ll be deeply enriched by the global experiences of others who have relocated like yourself.
While this empathy is great (and vital for some), a major part of the expat experience is also to cast off a bit of what you knew at home to take on the new challenges and joys of a different cultural environment. In this case, don’t worry that living in a popular American neighborhood will mean sheltering yourself from the international community—such couldn’t possibly happen in a city as diverse as London!
Tags: American School in London, Americans moving to London, Americans relocating to London, Anglotopia.net, Canada Day, Islington, London Relocation Services, north london, Panzers Deli, St. John's Wood, west london relocation
Posted in London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips | 5 Comments »
