Posts Tagged ‘living in London’
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Living In London – Moving Your Family Across The Pond - Image via Wikipedia
If you have been offered the opportunity to spend a couple of years living in London, then you should grasp the opportunity. Many people with young children and growing families are worried about uprooting their children and don’t know how they are going to raise their children in “The Big Smoke”.
Moving to London with your family can be one of the most enriching times that you will share. It is always great for children to get a different perspective on life in other countries. As soon as you are settled into your new London rental they can be enrolled in a local school. Education in England and London in particular is of a high standard and they will benefit by being enrolled in a local school. School entry is determined by where you live in London, so be careful about choosing your suburb if you have school age children.
Many people think that London is a huge city and their children will not have the benefits of a small town atmosphere. Yes, London is a big city, one of the largest in Europe, but the unique aspect of London is that it does have a feeling of being in a village at times. The city of London is divided by massive parks and green areas which provide a huge amount of entertainment and exercise for the whole family. Within most neighborhoods you can find quaint little parks and gardens to explore. Everything is so close, that your kids will be out and about discovering the neighborhood in no time at all.
Most of London is extremely safe and well managed. You will find that there is a great system of social activities for children in schools that encourage cultural diversity and interaction. London is also a city of travelers, so there are literally thousands of people from every country in the world to welcome you to the expat community.
Don’t hesitate to move your family to London if you get the opportunity. Living in London will be an experience that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Tags: England, living in London, London, London apartmen, london flat, Moving to London, Relocation (personal), Relocation service
Posted in Living in London | No Comments »
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Whitechapel Gallery-Relocation to London – Saving Money, Having Fun -Image by coolinsights via Flickr
Your relocation to London is going to cost you more than you imagined. There are always hidden costs and extra charges when you are moving to London that you didn’t expect and possibly didn’t plan for. In spite of all your careful relocation to London planning and budgeting, you may find that you’re a bit strapped for cash during the first few weeks of living in London.
When you are moving to London you don’t want to be stuck at home watching telly after you have arrived in one of the most exciting cities in the world. London is not just about the tourist attractions and famous sights that you have to pay to visit. The intricacies and excitement of the city is available for next to nothing, if you know where to look.
Relocation to London – Out and About in October on a budget
Planning your relocation to London should continue even after you have made the physical move. Getting settled does not merely mean unpacking boxes and learning where the grocery store is. Part of relocation to London is the opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of history, modern style, and the life that Londoners live. If you’re living in London, you’re not a tourist anymore. Just this week you can get out of your new London apartment and enjoy some of the fall activities that are planned for the city.
The First Thursday Art Bus is a tour that unsurprisingly runs on the first Thursday of each month. You can join a number of art fundis, writers and artists on a guided tour of a number of interesting art galleries. This month the tour will be visiting Degree Art, Next Level Projects and Gallery Café. The tour leaves from the Whitechapel Gallery at 7pm on Thursday 6 October. You have to arrive by 6.45pm. There is no charge for the tour but tickets are allocated on a lottery system. You can apply on the First Thursdays website before midnight on Monday 3 October.
On Sunday 9 October you should head down to Roots and Shoots in Kensington to help celebrate Apple Day. There are loads of different workshops and sights and it’s a fabulous fall activity for the whole family. Entry fee is a rather frugal £1 which will help with any restricted relocation to London sightseeing budget.
Tags: England, Kensington, living in London, London, Moving to London, Relocation service, relocation to london
Posted in Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Thursday, September 29th, 2011
Relocation to London – Headhunters for Jobhunters – the Basics - Image via Wikipedia
If you’re planning on moving to London as part of a relocation jobs program then your new employers will handle many of the details of your move. Many Americans moving to London are seconded by their American companies to work in the city for a few years. Most people will probably be working for American companies with offices in the UK. Being transferred is quite different to taking a job with an English company.
Relocation to London – Job Searching for Partners
It does not automatically follow that the partner of an American moving to London is given the right to work. You can easily obtain a visa to stay in the country as an accompanying spouse, finding work however can be trickier. While it might sound fabulous to have time on your hands and a city like London to explore, one can only visit the London Eye so many times before you scream with boredom.
Living in London is very different to visiting London for a vacation. Partners of people who have been transferred to London often find it hard to be out of work, and even harder to find a job. Americans are restricted as to the kind of employment they are able to take when they are planning their relocation to London. An American citizen may only accept an offer of employment if they can secure a work permit. What this means for the layman is that an English company will have to satisfy the government that they could not fill the vacancy with a citizen of the UK or even the EU (that’s nearly ALL of Europe).
You may be able to take a job that requires American expertise that cannot be found in the UK. Law firms are the best example of this as well as the myriad of American financial institutions that operate in the city. Unless you can get a sponsor for your work permit, you will not be eligible to work.
It’s not all bad news though. Applying for a work permit should be done before you start your relocation to London process. You can also consult with recruitment agencies and recruitment websites before you arrive to get a good idea of employment opportunities after your relocation to London.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Employment, England, living in London, London, Moving to London, relocation jobs, Relocation service, relocation to london, Work permit
Posted in Relocation to London | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
Relocation to London – Seven Reasons You’ll Love Moving to London - Image via Wikipedia
Many Americans who are planning their relocation to London want to know what it will be like to be living in London. It’s an impossible question to answer, but there are several excellent reasons that make relocation to London one of the best decisions and opportunities you’ll ever make.
Seven Super Pros of Relocation to London
1. You get to fully experience a different culture without having to struggle to learn a foreign language.
2. London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Over 300 languages are spoken in the London alone. It is a cultural melting pot of people from all over the world.
3. Quality of Life. While people in the UK work every bit as hard as their US counterparts, they take their off-time seriously. No one hangs about the office after 5pm in London. Vacations are longer, and time off is sacrosanct. The pace is somewhat slower compared with major cities in the USA.
4. You’re very unlikely to get sued. The corollary of course, is that you will find it hard to bring a nonsense suit if your coffee is too hot. Health and safety have not yet gone mad in the UK.
5. Pubs. Once you have experienced the joys of your local watering hole, you’re going to want to stay. Pub culture is an important part of life in the UK. It is not considered an offense to visit the pub during your lunch hour or for your boss to take the entire team to the pub for a ‘meeting’. Pubs are not like “bars”. They are friendly, comfortable and very much a part of the culture.
6. You can get to Paris for a weekend away. In fact, you can access all of Europe easily and cheaply whenever you feel like a quick jaunt to the continent. It’s one of the biggest advantages of relocation to London.
7. What you get out of your relocation to London will be entirely dependent on what you put into it.
Look at your relocation o London as an adventure. Get settled as fast as possible using a professional London relocation agent, and then get out and experience life as a Londoner. Just as soon as you have an address, you can call yourself a Londoner!
Tags: England, living in London, London, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Relocation, Relocation service, relocation to london
Posted in Relocation to London | No Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Living in London: Hyde Park Has So Much to Offer - Image via Wikipedia
As expensive as living in London can be, particularly for the Americans moving to London who seek popular expat areas to live like South Kensington we’ve been highlighting as of late, there are great things to do free while living in London. Hyde Park is just one of the many of Her’ Majesty’s Parks that offers everything you could want in a park that spans 350+ acres. Right in the heart of the city there is food and recreation of all types at the park.
No doubt that London relocation agents will drive you near Hyde Park if you’re an American moving to London and looking at London flats. It’s rather expansive and offers many activities from sports to boating, from ice cream vendors to three course meals. Worth seeing, and close to the hearts of many is the Diana Memorial Fountain. The fountain runs in a circular shape and is made completely of granite. It is said to symbolize her life as well as her openness towards others. You can even sit on the edge and dangle your feet in weather permitting. It also has three bridges that enable you to go to the center of the fountain. I’ve been and it is very serene and moving.
The boating is another fun thing that I’ve taken advantage of in Hyde Park. Living in London you wouldn’t expect that you could go paddle boating (they call it pedal boating which is probably more accurate). The Serpentine allows for row boats and pedal boats and they seat up to six, though we only went out with two. It’s a relaxing summertime day, but you must get a ride on the only solar powered boat around on the lake. The Solarshuttle holds up to 40 and it is a silent ride gliding along the lake, it’s very different to be moving in a boat that has no motor.
Yes Hyde Park is just one of the many free things to do on a London summers afternoon or evening. For you Americans moving to London, particularly if you’re interested in living in the Kensington area, Hyde Park is one stop you want to make, while living in London.
Tags: Americans moving to London, England, living in London, London, london relocation agents, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, South Kensington
Posted in Living in London | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
L'Entanger- Living in London: The French Influence in South Kensington
Chef owner Jerome Tauvron has trained with some of the top French chefs in all of France and has been head chef at many exclusive restaurants (his profile is worth reading), and this is his flagship place as an owner. With full creative license to put anything fresh on the menu, Jerome combines his love for fresh herbs and bold spices in wonderful combinations and pairings for some really fabulous food. The word is truly out about L’Etranger as its booked each night of the week fully, so you definitely want to call ahead for a table a few days in advance, trust me, it’s worth it!
Chef Tauvron shows his passion not only with the unique menu, but with an extremely impressive wine list. The surprising thing about the wine list was it was very affordable and offered excellent pairing options. The commitment and passion is also applied to the front of the house as the service is spectacular. And extremely knowledgeable staff that really recommend just the right combinations and menu items to make your meal perfect. Yes the only thing not French was the service I’m happy to say. However don’t overlook the Japanese influence.
Head Chef , Sang Keun Oh has brought the level of value up with his offerings, and may I suggest the caramelized Black Cod with Miso, to die for! The sushi was also very fresh and well prepared, each plate was styled and the food looked as good as it tasted. Once you have finished your relocation to London, you must check this restaurant find out for yourself.
Tags: Americans moving to London, living in London, London, Relocation service, relocation to london, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, South Kensington
Posted in Americans Moving to London | No Comments »
Monday, September 12th, 2011
Relocation to London: Preparing Your Children for Relocation to London- Part 4
We’ve discussed the London Pass, and that’s a great way to get them to see the sights and get integrated into the city and all its history. But it’s also important to take them to open markets and throughout the new London neighborhood where you’ll be living. Take them exploring so that they can become more familiar with where they are living in London. Now that this is home you want them to feel as comfortable in their new surroundings as possible, and that can only happen with repeated exposure to their surroundings.
In our last post in this series we discussed the importance of letting them keep in touch with friends back home through mediums such as Skype and via the internet. In the beginning this will be more prevalent and something you want to encourage and allow (even though the time difference may keep them up a bit later), until they meet their own new group of friends locally. Attending places and meet ups with other people who have relocation to London experience and if they have children gives you a built in way to meet people you and your children will feel comfortable around. It also gives them the opportunity to share with other expatriate kids their own age who have already acclimated after their relocation to London.
The key is to really put emphasis on keeping the lines of communication open between you and your teens throughout the entire relocation to London and afterwards while living in London. The settling in phase is the most important time and the time of the highest anxiety for them, new friends, new school, new home, new country, it can be very overwhelming for kids, so they will need more positive support than ever. Should your teen take the negative approach to all of it don’t be too surprised, this is just fear of the overwhelming unknown for them, your understanding and patience will be vital at this time for them.
You really need to focus on truly listening to your child. You don’t need to have all the answers or deduce solutions for all that they are feeling and facing, but you do need to listen and be supportive during this time. Regardless of their attitude keeping communication lines open between you is vital. The positive emotions of adventure and excitement during your relocation to London can easily be fear and anxiety, let them know this is normal and that you are experiencing these feelings somewhat yourself at times. Again, it’s about opening up and truly communicating with them so they will talk openly as possible, the overwhelming newness and the lack of support or acquaintances outside the family right now leaves them little choices but to lean on you. This can create anger that they feel they have no one, so be understanding and again, take them out places, get them out of the apartment and integrate them into your new London living as soon as possible. Keep letting them know that you know what a terrific person they are and that soon those they meet their own age will discover that as well.
While this may be a bit overwhelming for you as you have just experienced your own feelings and anxieties about your relocation to London keep your focus on empathy and not sympathy. Being supportive during this uneasy time for them is so important, they really need your support regardless of the fact that they won’t come out and ask for it directly. Remember, they are still teenagers and things still come out sideways most often. Don’t be too surprised if they are rebelling and experiencing a lot of mood swings, this is normal and you will want to prepare for it so you can keep your cool. Those are really just cries for help that you need to help them through the adjustment period.
A great outlet for them to do that is online support from other teens experiencing their own relocation. Ask your London relocation agent where there are family meeting places in the neighborhoods surrounding your London apartment. Many Americans moving to London end up living in just a few boroughs with others from the states. But for online support, have your teens check out sites like “Teenxpates.com” and “TCKid.com”, these are sites with great resources for teens by other teens, all who have experienced similar situations as your kids who have finished their relocation to London.
Tags: Americans moving to London, England, living in London, London, london apartment, london flat, London Living, London neighborhood, London Relocation, london relocation agent, london relocation agents, Relocation service, relocation to london
Posted in Relocation to London With Family | No Comments »
Friday, September 9th, 2011
Site of the scaffold at the Tower of London. Relocation to London: The London Pass Series, The Tower of London Part 2Image via Wikipedia
After your relocation to London we’ve suggested you snatch up a London Pass whilst living in London. Today we are exploring the Tower of London and the many things to see there, part one of this post covered the first part of your day at the Tower, let’s jump into the second half.
The Medieval Palace is a great place to start your afternoon. Life in St. Thomas’s Tower was surprisingly luxurious and palatial for the time of medieval days. They have recreated Edward the I’s bed and all its outfitting. During this period of time to have such excess was truly worthy of only the top sovereigns’.
Next up is the Fusilier Museum which depicts the story of a British army regiment started at the Tower of London by King James II in 1685. The current aristocratic was originally the Officers’ quarters for the British army. Still today the building houses the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, the Regimental Headquarters and the Officers’ Mess, often used for any kind of formal or ceremonial occasions. Must sees in the Museum is the collection of 12 Victoria Cross Medals won by the Regiment, the Uniform and Bearskin of King George V (who was a former Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment). King George the V was also an Eagle Standard of the 82nd Regiment of the French Line captured by the Royal Fusiliers during the Napoleonic Wars.
You will see the quote, “The Bold and the Old” that refers to the longstanding history of the Fusilier regiments that have served since their inception in the seventeenth century. The nicest feature that they have is actual letters and correspondences from real soldiers and officers of the time of each war effort. It offers a lot of insight into how conditions were at the time and the many battles and challenges they faced during times of war and unrest.
The Fortress itself is something to be toured whilst living in London. You will be able to walk about and pace the battlements that mark the Tower’s past as a tough royal fortress. The fortress walls were breeched however, in 1381 during the peasant revolution. It was and still is the only time the fortress walls have ever been breached; guess it takes an Englishmen to be able to claim that feat. They even have an in-depth profiling questionnaire that will tell you based on your answers which side of the revolution you would have been on, which is neat (I was a revolutionary). Beginning in 1238 through 1241 Henry III invested 5,000 GBP to fortify the Tower fortress which in today’s cash equivalent would equal 2.5 million pounds, whoa!
They do have replicas of the weapons of the age that were used to defend the Tower. They are called, “Siege Engines” and both types they display look extremely formidable. The Springald was the weapon of mass destruction during medieval times. Back in 1313, around the time of the revolution, five of these springalds were mounted atop of St. Thomas’s Tower and used to shoot anyone approaching the fortress. Springalds work like a cross bow only ten times bigger and with much greater force. They had a range of a quarter mile, but were used mainly as a deadly close range weapon. It is said that at the time of the mounting just one springald bolt was shot and impaled 5 men at once. The Perrier is the oversized slingshot for throwing rocks and boulders over the walls of the fortress. Delivered with as much strength of the 5 men it took to operate it, the weapon was very effecting and you get that sense standing beside the 17 foot slingshot arm apparatus.
Walking about the fortress you will want to stop in four of the other 8 Towers. The East Wall Walk will take you through the massive defensive inner circular wall and the four towers: The Salt Tower, The Broad Arrow Tower, The Constable Tower, and the Martin Tower. This was all part of the improvements during the refortification investments of Henry III in the mid- 13th century.
And finally it’s “Off With Her Head”, the Tower Green, where all the executions in the Tower of London took place. Only the upmost in stature were ever executed there, sort of an “Upper Class Execution Area”. The upper class and those that had too strong of public support under which unrest may be started by a public execution. More than one Queen of England has lost her head there (actually 3 did), and countless other executions and enemies of the crow were to meet their final moments there.
All in all the Tower of London offers a full day of one of the most famous buildings on Earth. Living in London after your relocation to London now makes you a part of the history that is London, and England.
Tags: England, living in London, London, relocation to london, Tower Green, Tower of London
Posted in Relocation to London | No Comments »
Friday, September 9th, 2011
Relocation to London: The London Pass Series, The Tower of London Part 1 - Image by stewartmorris via Flickr
After your relocation to London there is so much you must see as a citizen living in London. The Tower of London and it’s infamous past is definitely a full day’s use of your London Pass. There’s so much to see there that we will have to break your visit down in two posts. We’ll cover all that there is to view and the exhibitions on display there, so let’s begin.
Likely the landmark that comes to mind when you think of the Tower of London is the White Tower. One of the most famous castle keeps in the world it was built to awe both Londoner and foreign invaders. The White Tower has instilled fear into many a citizen and all of its prisoners. Inside the Tower is the exhibition “Power House” which chronicles the beginnings of national institutions founded there. This is also where the national armory is located, it covers 500 years of armor and shows definitively the size and stature of the previous British Kings, (it also gives you an idea of each King’s personality).
Next you simply must see the Crown Jewels while living in London, your relocation to London makes it all possible. There are 23,578 different gems in the collection (not including what’s kept at Buckingham Palace) and it’s a dazzling display of some of the most famous diamonds in the world. In the Jewel House you will see Crowns of Sovereigns’, Consorts and Princes of Wales (both past and present, scepters, orbs, rings, swords, spurs, bracelets and robes.
Also included in the Crown Jewels collection is the largest cut diamond in the world, “The Star of Africa” as the diamond is called is mounted atop the Sovereigns scepter. The oldest object in the collection dates back to the 12th century and is a gold “Anointing Spoon”. The British monarchy is the only monarchy in Europe that still uses it’s Crown Jewels in coronation ceremonies. But as splendid as the Star of Africa is, nothing beats the Queens’ Imperial State Crown. The Crown itself contains 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies; it is a sight not to be missed while living in London.
Next stop the Ravens; it was King Charles II that first started the fable that if the Ravens ever leave the palace the fortress will fall. The Tower keeps 7 Ravens on site (the required 6 plus an extra one just in case). The Ravens wings have been clipped just in case the legend should be true. And to round out the first half of your day at The Tower of London is the Yeoman Warder tours. The Yeoman Warders became the Tower Guards in the eighteenth century and have been guarding the Tower ever since. The Yeoman Warder tours are great fun as they recant stories and legends of happenings within the Tower, the prison, the prisoners as well as Palace life inside the Tower of London’s walls.
Stay tuned for the afternoons agenda of the other not to be missed sights within the Tower of London, as now after your relocation to London is complete, you’ll want to be sure to learn some of the history behind living in London.
Tags: Crown Jewels, England, Imperial State Crown, living in London, London, reloctation to London, Tower of London, Yeomen Warders
Posted in Relocation to London | No Comments »
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
The Paralympic Symbol. Living in London with 2012 Paralympic Games Image via Wikipedi
Started in 1948 the last time the great city of London hosted the Olympic Games the Paralympic Games kicks off with only a year to go to the beginning of the games. In 1948 the World War was over and many of the British soldiers had become disabled in battle. The Olympic Games of course gave the city of London a chance to shine and be the center of the world for a celebration of excellence, as it will in 2012. In 1948 Dr. Ludwig Guttmann of Stoke Mandeville Hospital hosted a sporting competition for the veterans with spinal cord injuries, hence the start of the Paralympic Games. Never again has the games been hosted in London until this coming year when it coincides with the Olympic Games in 2012.
Looking at photos of the Athletes Village, the Aquatic Center, and the stadium show that the city’s infrastructure has really coordinated everything in unison. As builders and construction crews work against the clock for the start of the games. While tickets will go on sale beginning tomorrow, the city is sure to be electric with excitement and jubilant in welcoming all the athletes beginning early next year. Those living in London now may not be so affected, depending on the Borough you live in, but there are sure to be increases in public transportation and many of the tourist areas in and about London. Many of the said tourist attractions are in the areas that Americans moving to London end up living in London in.
London is not a stranger to the Paralympics, in the summer games of 1984 the event was held in the Stoke Mandeville, United Kingdom. In fact the games became an international event in 1952 when the Dutch entered athletes. The pre-cursers to the Paralympics these games were also held in Stoke Mandeville at the same location and have been also referred to as the “Stoke Mandeville Games”.
Tags: Americans moving to London, living in London, London, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games
Posted in Living in London | No Comments »
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Relocation to London’s South Kensington Borough: Corporate Relocation - Image via Wikipedia
As a London relocation services company we see a lot of people who are beginning a relocation to London due to a job in London. High paid professionals make up a lot of the South Kensington area residences and it’s where many Americans moving to London choose to live. Even though they are living in London it’s nice to have familiar people and be in an area that is populated by other people familiar with your culture and less reserved in nature. Americans are certainly more outwardly gregarious in gestures and speech patterns than those of a London lineage. The English are just more reserved than most Americans, so being located in one area does have this cultural slant that is just more welcoming.
For those relocating to London are facilitating a corporate relocation from a professional standpoint , and they generally stand to gain financially both in the short and long term. As the cost of living in London is somewhat prohibitive, relocation services paid by ones employer is sometimes an option. While the pay floor will be set higher in an upscale location and international headquarters such as a London office provides, the career benefits to be gained for adding such a work period in this location are also an asset in future employments and experience factors.
Rarely can a top level executive, or a high level sales position get the opportunity to raise their income by 50-100% under the same company or business entity. It is extremely unlikely that an employer will increase one’s salary or commission pay to that kind of extreme. However, large ceilings restricting income earned can be broken in such high percentages should one find a new employer. Industry professionals in advertising, technology, and education can all find many high level opportunities for advancement and employment while living in London.
So perhaps a relocation to London is the perfect solution to making oneself more valuable in their chosen profession while gaining real world international business experience in a global hub such as London .
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, job in London, living in London, London, London relocation services company, relocation services, relocation to london, South Kensington
Posted in Relocation to London | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
Royal Naval College.jpg - Image by sfquixote via Flickr
Head south of the river and leave your London apartment and really enjoy living in London this week, it’s the Greenwich Comedy Festival and it’s sure to delight and lighten the end of summer moods of Londoners everywhere. In its third year running the Greenwich Comedy Festival kicked off on the 5th and runs through this Sunday the 11th.
Tonight’s line up is absolutely certain to bring belly laughs (if you can understand what’s being said J ) Micky Flanagan, self-proclaimed Cockney geezer is going “out and out”. The south eastern Cockney comedian recently appeared on the Royal Variety Performance, Live At the Apollo, ad Have I Got News For You. The program boasts:
“Micky draws on his East End background as he ruthlessly deconstructs the Cockney myth with razor-sharp observational wit. Micky now comes to Greenwich fresh off the back of his sell out 60 date tour of some of the largest and most prestigious theatres around the country.”
You can just imagine how hilarious that will be, you can check on tickets for tonight, but likely with his last 60 shows selling out unless you have a seat you may be hard pressed to get one. The festival is offering 2 for 1 ticket to some of the other acts for this weekend’s shows, check here. The 2 for 1 is good only for Stephen Amos and Adam Buxton and the discount code to enter is: csg2011. Many of the shows are sold out, so if you do go, look for your London relocation agents there as a couple of us have tickets to some of the sold out acts. Living in London is a gas this week with all these huge talents in town, the acts are sure to set the place roaring with laughter each night the rest of this week.
You Americans moving to London take note for next year’s festival, but for those whose relocation to London is complete, leave that London apartment and get out and have a laugh!
Tags: Americans moving to London, England, Greenwich Comedy Festival, living in London, London, london apartment, london flat, london relocation agents, relocation to london
Posted in Relocation to London | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
Living in London: South Kensington and The Wedge Card for Discounts Locally
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are combined as they are close in proximity. For all the Americans moving to London, as this is a highly settled area for Expatriates from America, you will want to become acquainted with the area. Finding ways to stay living in London while taking advantage of discounts is important in keeping down expense. London relocation agents will tell you, rents in South Kensington tend to be on the high side as it’s such a desirable area. Saving where you can on everyday items and local shops is a good bet while living in London.
There is actually a discount card that is good throughout London and South Kensington and the Chelsea area is no exception. The card is called the “wedge card” and its members (London shops, and merchants) extend special discounts to those that present the wedge card. You’ll get to see the common black and yellow stickers on the front door or inside any storefront window. While it may seem a little inconvenient to pull out your card at all the places that have offers, it will pay for itself if you do in a very short timeframe. The card is 10 GBP and is good for a year, two trips to a pub and your discounts will cover the cost of the card for the year. If you register your card with the wedge website than you are also eligible for other special offers in the area, via email.
In the Kensington High Street area and Earl’s Court, the map makes it look as if almost every local business is in on the Wedge discounts. From Moxton’s Fish Market to the honorable mention spot of yesterday, the Americans moving to London’s favorite spot, Janet’s Bar. Your relocation to London can find you right in the heart of your community which is the founding reason for the Wedge card, to keep locals shopping in their local area and to give merchants the chance to network within their respective neighborhoods; really a good deal for the users of the cards. Many places just offer a straight 5-10% discount, others have specialty deals. You can check out the participating merchants in the South Kensington area even prior to your relocation to London, just visit this link South Kensington area (opens another page). Make sure you scroll through the five pages of establishments on the left side of the screen that shows the merchants who are separated by categories. The categories are:
- Entertainment and Leisure
- Food and Drink
- Home and Lifestyle
- Services and B2B
- Community Associations
- Online Only
These offerings are pages and pages of merchants so it’s really worth a little research to find the shops in the South Kensington neighborhood and familiarize yourself with what discounts each merchant has to offer. The Kensington and Chelsea areas were one of the latest neighborhoods to be added. So now there are more resources for your searching before or after your relocation to London, to learn about living in London, and the South Kensington neighborhood. Want to know more? Call or email your London relocation services company for a complete listing of London apartments for rent in the area.
Tags: Americans moving to London, England, Expatriate, Kensington High Street, living in London, London, london relocation agents, London relocation service company, Relocation service, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, South Kensington
Posted in Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
Living in London, the London Pass Series : Thames River Cruise - Image via Wikipedia
To revisit our summer plans for those of you that have completed your relocation to London. We’ve discussed the London Pass, and its ability to save on the many attractions it includes from our London Pass series. Well let’s look at the number one attraction of all the attractions included, look no further, its the river Thames boat cruise. The river Thames sightseeing cruise is likely the most compact deal of the London Pass inclusion ticket. It certainly is worth the trip and a really great way to see London.
Even for those of us living in London, the Thames River boat cruise passes by some of our most beloved landmarks, such as the tower of London, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, and the retired battle-cruiser – HMS Belfast. The Thames river cruise also includes free passes to St. Paul’s cathedral, The Millennium Footbridge, Westminster Abbey, and the symbol of London itself, Big Ben; recognized worldwide as an iconic symbol of London itself.
The Thames river cruise is an absolute must on your sightseeing tour of London. Any day of your pass you can ride free on the river boat and see all the sights you want to hit while living in London. The boats are two deck cruisers, with open air seating on the top deck, and indoor covered seating on the main deck, which has such great views, a true camera worthy trip!
You can pick up the Thames river cruise at Westminster Pier beginning every day except Christmas, at 10:00. Boats also depart from the London Eye Pier, Tower Hill Pier and Greenwich Pier. Other things you should put on your after relocation to London list near the boat cruise are:
HMS Belfast
London Bridge Experience
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Tate Modern London
Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower of London
Westminster Abbey
Enjoy the Thames river boat cruise and get to see each of the famous landmarks from the waters of the River Thames. As you pass by the splendor taking in all living in London has to offer, it’s rich, deep history and its remarkable buildings that have stood the test of time, remember, living in London is fulfilling your dreams.
Tags: England, living in London, London, London Pass, relocation to london, River Thames
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Sunday, September 4th, 2011
Relocation to London: The Most Culturally Tradition of the Weekend- Sunday Roast - Image via Wikipedia
I can’t believe I’ve been amiss in not mentioning before now the most important meal and part of the English culture as the “Sunday Roast”. It’s the most traditional and regularly served meal in all of the United Kingdom and particularly in mainland England. There are multiple explanations for when the tradition began. Some believe it’s a left over tradition from the medieval times when squires worked six days a week and on Sundays after service they would practice their battle techniques in a big field and be rewarded afterwards with roasted oxen over an open fire.
Regardless of what you believe about the origin of the Sunday Roast, one thing is for sure, it’s a huge cultural tradition in England and after your relocation to London you will be taking part if ever you go to a restaurant or pub on a Sunday afternoon. The meat is usually put in to roast slowly in the morning hours and the after church hours, so early afternoon is about when it begins to be served.
If moving to London has you a bit confused let’s break this tradition down. You’ll hear it called a number of possible names while living in London, like:
- Sunday Dinner
- Sunday Lunch
- Sunday Tea
- Roast Dinner
- Sunday Joint (after the joint of meat to be cooked)
The meat could be any meat and the fact is most pubs in London offer a choice of beef, pork, or lamb. One should really try each time given the chance, mix it up and taste the different presentations and preparations.
Sunday Roast is much like the American Thanksgiving each week’s end, and like Thanksgiving there is “all the fixins”. Specifically despite which meat you choose it will be served with stuffing, roast or mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, and of course Yorkshire pudding.
There isn’t a pub in England that doesn’t serve Sunday Roast, and in fact it’s the one meal most UK citizens go out to enjoy. After all, once you have finished your relocation to London shouldn’t you jump right in and start living in London the way the English do. Try a different pub each weekend and soon you’ll find a favorite to the meal no traditional Englishman misses.
Tags: England, living in London, London, Relocation service, relocation to london, Sunday roast
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