Posts Tagged ‘Oxford Street’
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Author: Colleen
If you’re relocating to London, you’ll find that it’s a massive city to navigate, and one of the fun challenges of it is trying to acquaint yourself with as many of its dynamic streets as possible. In my previous post, I just started a series on some of the delightful side streets in London not far at all from the more trafficked ones you’re likely to hit first.
As west London is a popular destination for tourists and North American expats in London alike, I’ve started with the London shopping mecca of Oxford and Regent streets. Last time, I mentioned the street network to the east of Regent Street, so now let’s skip on over to the west of it. A popular night-spot for drinks and dinner here is Heddon Street, so keep a careful eye out for this little alley between the shops along the main Regent Street thoroughfare—The Living Room, Ice Bar, and Strawberry Moons draw the dressy after-work crowd, and there’s some good casual Italian fare to be had in this little pocket as well. Running parallel to Heddon Street right to the west is Savile Row, famous for its high-end tailoring; it also used to be the location of The Beatles’ Apple studio. Wandering even a little further west of that brings you to the Burlington Arcade, one of the world’s first shopping malls that has rather bizarre origins…(perhaps I’ll write a post just on that next week).
In any case, another particular pocket I’ve become acquainted with that I find far more appealing than Oxford Street itself is if you walk east of Regent Street on Oxford and hang a left at Great Titchfield Street. You’ll ultimately stumble on a cute little nook of shops and restaurants (granted, predominantly chain ones, but good ones)—my personal favorite there is Pho, which serves Vietnamese cuisine and delicious weasel poop coffee (you heard me). Berners Street just a couple streets down from there is also a nice row of restaurants—try Stef’s if you like Italian. Alternatively, if you walk west of Regent Street on Oxford, escape the mania near Bond Street by ducking north of Oxford Street into St. Christopher Place, a super cute and cozy nest of restaurants and bars where you’ll still encounter plenty of pedestrians but can avoid the street traffic.
Rest assured, as we enter the holiday season, Oxford and Regent Street are going to become increasingly insane with Christmas shoppers. Definitely do check them out for their spectacular Christmas light displays, but try to catch a breather by ducking down an alleyway or two—they’re nothing to shy away from. If you’re interested in learning more about this particular area of London as you seek to rent a London apartment, just ask your London Relocation agent for more details about residences and amenities nearby.
Tags: Burlington Arcade, Great Titchfield Street, Heddon Street, international relocation, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, office relocation London, Oxford Street, Regent Street, relocation company, relocation in london, Savile Row
Posted in London Food & Beverage, Relocation to London, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Author: Colleen
If you’re moving to London, England or have visited before, you may already be familiar with some of west London’s well-renowned streets: Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Knightsbridge, and of course the Piccadilly Circus are all shopping, dining, and entertainment hot-spots for locals and tourists alike. What I’ve come to appreciate since my own international relocation to London, however, is the discovery of side streets just off those major ones. Among locals, they’re perhaps just as popular for night-time outings if not more once the crowded bustle of the main streets gets old. Other side streets, on the other hand, are more surprisingly quiet and residential—you’d never guess that they could exist so close to the action; truly the best of both worlds if you can score a London apartment there!
This is a new series that I suspect I can run with for quite a long time when you consider all the streets in London! Let’s get started, though, with some of those that are just off the well-beaten west London paths listed above. While everyone else who visits this part of London makes a beeline to those streets, make a point to sneak off when no one’s looking…
Well, one popular spot right off Regent Street is Carnaby Street, a cute little network of streets filled with shops and restaurants that you can find just through the archway of Liberty department store, another destination in itself well worth stepping off Regent or Oxford streets for. Just south of this area past Beak Street you enter another nice and hidden spot for grabbing a libation or contemporary cuisine: if you’re exiting the Piccadilly Circus tube station, instead of circumnavigating the Circus or spinning off onto Regent Street, try cutting up Glasshouse Street instead to Warwick Street or Brewer Street. I personally recommend Nopi restaurant on Warwick Street (where I just had a most delicious lunch last weekend) and Mark’s Bar on Brewer Street (hint: there’s no street sign for this intimate bar, so enter the HIX restaurant and head downstairs right inside the door). Tucked away just northeast of the intersection of Warwick and Brewer is Golden Square, which was a recent residential discovery of mine—its peacefulness blew me away, as it’s a truly lovely and upscale square surrounded by London apartments, cafés, galleries, and boutiques (I’m personally very curious to return just to visit the Nordic Bakery there).
Join me in my next post as we hop across to the west side of Regent Street and pop up just north of Oxford Street. You just might be inspired to ask your London Relocation agent to find you a London apartment to rent near these areas!
Tags: Bond Street, Brewer Street, Carnaby Street, international relocation, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, office relocation London, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, relocation company, relocation in london
Posted in London Food & Beverage, Relocation London, Shopping in London Places | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
Relocation to London: Americans Moving to London Feel Right at Home on Oxford Street - Image via Wikipedia
Americans moving to London, as well as others who plan to relocate to London that has visited the UK most likely have made a visit to Oxford Street. Famed for its shopping since the early nineteenth century it remains one of the largest tourist attractions in the UK. With most retailers having their flagship stores on the street its congestion is literally in the air. This is due to all the diesel fuel run buses that run the street. Yes transportation to Oxford Street is readily available. The shopping district is served by four tube stations and is accessible from that many lines as well.
This area is a favorite for expat Americans moving to London, for that matter, Canadians moving to London as well, and who is surprised? With all the retail happening in such a tightly situated neighborhood literally everything you could want is within walking distance and available to buy. I’d run down the list of my favorites, but it turns out that Wikipedia does this even better [and with less interjection 
]
- Selfridges, the second-largest department store in the UK and flagship of the Selfridges chain, it has been on this site for over a century
- John Lewis, the third-largest department store in the UK and flagship of the John Lewis chain, opened in 1864
- Marks & Spencer, the famous retailer’s flagship store of 170,000 square feet (16,000 m2), at the junction of Oxford Street and Orchard Street, is known as Marks & Spencer Marble Arch and is the company’s largest store. A second branch is located between Regent Street and Tottenham Court Road and stands on the site of the famous Pantheon building. Its fine polished black granite frontage completed in 1938 was awarded Grade II Listed Building status in September 2009.
- Debenhams, the flagship of the national department store chain. Originally known as Marshall & Snelgrove, the store took the name of its parent company in 1973 after the store was rebuilt. The original Debenham & Freebody store was located in nearby Wigmore Street
- House of Fraser, the London flagship of the national department store chain. The store traded as D H Evans until 2000. It is located in an art-deco building completed in 1935; the first department store in the UK to include escalators serving every floor
- HMV, the music retailer has three stores on the street including a concession within Selfridges and its shop at 150 Oxford Street, which is Europe’s largest music shop at 50,000 square feet (5,000 m2)
- New Look, features the largest shoe department and both women’s and men’s clothing ranges of the entire chain in the country.
- Schuh, the largest shoe store on Oxford Street, with the biggest range of branded footwear in London
- Topshop, claimed to be “the largest fashion store in the world”
- Primark, London flagship store
- Zara, London flagship store
- Gap, London flagship store
- Niketown, London flagship store
As those of us who have completed our relocation to London know, it’s not the fanciest area in London to shop, but certainly is the most dense when it comes to the number of stores. Combine the neighboring Regent Street, and Bond Street and you’ll need a week just to cruise through all of what retailers have to offer. There are literally hundreds of little shops in addition to those above that together will have any type of wares you seek. And for all ladies who suffer beside me, chin deep in shoe-addiction, New Look’s shoe department is breathtaking! Of course if you have anything in your wallet left there’s always Schuh, which I would take up residence in if allowed.
All kidding aside, your relocation to London is not complete until your living in London, and have spent a complete day immersing yourself in all the famed Oxford Street has to offer. There is a reason after all, that Oxford Street is included on the English version of the Monopoly board.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Bond Street, elocate to London, England, London, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Relocation service
Posted in Americans Moving to London | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 16th, 2011
Relocation to London is a Surefire Fashion Immersion - Image via Wikipedia
If you are a lover of style and moving to London, I am sure you are excited about being part of the greatest fashion scene on earth. London has long been known for the fashion sense of its inhabitants, and your relocation to London is a surefire way to add some cool to your own wardrobe and style.
You should brush up on the latest British fashion trends before moving to London. Your local book store offers a wealth of resources, as does the internet. Pick up a copy of British Vogue or check it out online at www.vogue.co.uk. Look through a book about British fashion designers, such as Encyclopedia of British Fashion and Designers or British Fashion Designers, and learn about such icons as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano.
Blogs are another great source for information on the British fashion scene. Check some out before your international relocation to get aquainted for your move. Trends for men and women are blogged about daily on www. britishlifestyle.co.uk. A popular fashion photography blog, www.stitsh.co.uk, shows that animal prints, floral, and all shades of tan seem to be very “in” right now!
Pick up some of these trends before moving to London. The website of Topshop, a very popular British store for the fashion-forward, has plenty of great pieces at bargain prices.
After your relocation to London, the streets of London are the best place for fashion inspiration. One weekend day, perch yourself on one of the walls overlooking Camden Lock and soak in all the style that the ultra-cool shoppers and retailers offer at this diverse and popular market. “Camden Girls” are renowned for their fashion. Check them out on a Sunday, the market’s busiest day, by taking the tube to the Camden Town or Chalk Farm stops.
If you are feeling stressed because of your recent international relocation, head over to world-famous Oxford Street and engage in some retail therapy! Over 300 large retailers are located on this street, along with shopping of every other variety. If you have seen it, you will find it here. The hugely popular Selfridges department store is an anchor on Oxford Street, where you can buy almost anything you need for your home along with high fashion clothes.
Whatever your level of immersion is into the London fashion scene, there is no doubt your wardrobe will be more stylish because of your relocation to London. There are many London relocation service companies that will be happy to supply you with information or maps on other London shopping districts. Happy shopping!
Tags: Camden Lock, England, international relocation, London, London relocation service companies, Moving to London, moving to London England, Oxford Street, Relocation service, relocation to london
Posted in Relocation to London | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
Living in London – Kitting out Your London Flat - Image via Wikipedia
Living in London, are you? Stands to reason that you must have a London flat or an apartment of some sort. If you’re going to be living in London for a few years then you don’t just want a place to live in and come back to after touring the sights of London. A flat isn’t just a flat. It’s meant to be a home. A place where you can put your feet up, laze around and have friends and family over for a party. Smartening up your place with all that makes it worth living in, goes some way to making it feel like your home.
Let’s consider what you plan on doing in your London flat. Sitting around doing nothing or reading a book means having something to sit on. Don’t just go the IKEA route like so many others have. Hunt around for the wealth of stores selling furniture dotted all over the city. Islington’s Twentytwentyone and Aria should do you quite nicely for a comfy setup in your lounge, and you really do want it to be as comfortable as possible for those blisteringly cold winter nights. I know from personal experience that there is nothing quite as pleasurable as sitting snugly in the comfort of my sofa (with or without someone) while a flurry of snow lashes the double glazing. If you’re a bookworm, a bookshelf can also help give your place a homely feel , instead of having mini stacks of books scattered all over your London flat. Remember that not many flats have fitted cupboards, so you’ll want to invest in some wardrobes and closets as soon as you move in.
Of course, sometimes you really do want a bit noise in your place, some music or from the TV (get used to calling it the telly if you want to be a true Londoner). As any real Londoner should know, the best place to get electronic equipment to kit out your place is Tottenham Road. Conveniently, for the purposes of furnishing your home, Tottenham Road is divided into two parts; the Southern half at Oxford Street has any number of stores selling electronics, and the Northern half at the Warren Street side has a variety of stores devoted to home furnishing.
Remember, you’re living in London. It’s not just your London Flat. You want it to be your London home.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Apartment, canadians moving to london uk, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, Oxford Street, relocating to London, rent london, rent london apartments, things to know about london, tips on living in london
Posted in Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Apartments: What to Expect in a London Flat, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Living In London – Three Reasons Why You’ll Love Living In London - Image via Wikipedia
Just in case you’re still deciding whether or not to move to London. I thought I’d give you five excellent reasons why London is one of the best places in the world to live. Moving to London will be one of the biggest adventures that you may ever have and whether you stay six months or six years you’re going to love it!
- Cultural Melting Pot: London is a city of travelers and many Londoners are not from London or even England. Living here will expose you to people from different countries, different cultures and a diverse range of interests. Meeting people from all over the world has to be one of the top reasons for spending time in this fantastic city. London is one of the most social cities in the world, so get out just as soon as you have moved in and meet the world!
- Culture Club: Not only is London a cultural melting pot, it is also one of the most important cities in the world if you are looking for a little culture in your life. Most of the museums and art galleries are free in London and the city of London is the art capital of Europe. From community theatre to the blazing lights of Shaftsbury Avenue in the West End, there is always theatre, music, and art that will thrill you, challenge you and give you a good dollop of culture.
- Sensational Shopping: If you have some cash to splash then London is a dream city. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can have some fun shopping. Oxford Street, Bond Street and Knightsbridge are the premier shopping destinations. This is where the well-to-do and the well-heeled come out to play. If you’re looking for something unusual and different, then head to the smaller markets and neighborhoods for your shopping experience.
You won’t be living in London for long before you realize that you’re a part of one of the most vibrant cities in the entire world; now get out there and live in it!
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Bond Street, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, English language, Knightsbridge, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London England, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, Oxford Street, relocating to London, River Thames, Travel and Tourism
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Living In London – London Neighborhoods – West London- Image via Wikipedia
Many an American moving to London looks at the suburb of Mayfair as the first choice in residential accommodation. West London, being central London in effect, is the closest to many of the top tourist attractions and many of the suburbs have a famous history as well as famous inhabitants.
West London – Mayfair
Although Mayfair falls into the area called West London, it is actually the most central London suburb in the city. It is certainly one of the most expensive areas of the city, but if you have cash to splash then W1 is the premium address in London. A studio London apartment in the suburb of Mayfair will set you back £1000 -£ 4000 per month. Homes can costs you up to £10 000 per month.
Council Information: Mayfair falls under the Council Borough of Westminster with annual taxes ranging from £500 – £1400.
Transport: Although there are no overland trains in W1, the London Underground has several stations including Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Regents Park and Bond Street. W1 has the most amounts of buses and night buses in the city of London.
Shopping: Not just one branch of the popular grocery stores in W1, this area of London has two or more of the top grocery stores in England. Tesco Express, Tesco Metro as well as Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer’s are but a few of the top shopping destinations in this area. It is also within walking distance of some of the up market high street shopping experiences in the world. Bond Street, Oxford Street; this is a place where the rich and famous drop their dosh on designer labels, jewels and priceless art and antiques.
Doctors: When you are registering for a GP in Mayfair you’ll have a number of surgeries to choose from. Mayfair is the home of doctors with the famous Harley Street being right in the middle of this suburb. The Mayfair Medical centre can be found on Weighhouse Street in Mayfair. If you’re looking for private specialists, than this is the area of London that you’ll find them.
Other Amenities: There are over 40 primary schools and number of excellent state secondary schools in the area, with dozens of amenities including some of the biggest parks in London. Hyde Park, Regents Park and Green Park make up a border of green spaces and open land for the city of London. You’re within walking distance of many of the London hotspots when you’re living in London W1.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Bond Street, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, Harley Street, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Mayfair, Moving to London, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Regent's Park, relocating to London, west london
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Monday, February 21st, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
There is a difference between strolling down Oxford Street on a Saturday morning looking for a place to splash your cash if you are a tourist and getting to grips with living in London, which will mean shopping in London, unless you are considering living in takeaways for the entire time that you are there. At some stage, you are going to have to take the plunge, leave your new London rental apartment, and brave the grocery store. It might take some getting used to, but after you have done it a few times you’ll be happily into the swing of things and calling it a supermarket instead of a store before you know it.
The Difference between Grocery stores and Supermarkets
It’s not just the name. You will find that there are a number of differences between grocery shopping in London and grocery shopping in the States and you would be wise to be prepared for some of them. If you are looking for a huge store or a mall then you are going to have to head out of central London and into the suburbs to find them. Most shopping in London is done in smaller stores and even the open-air markets, if you are looking for fresh food. One of the more pleasing differences is that many stores offer a grocery delivery service. They’ll even carry it into your house and put it on your kitchen table if you’re not around. The biggest factor governing the way people shop in London though is transport. People in London only buy as many groceries as they can carry home on the tube or bus. Lugging 10kg’s of rice on the train during rush hour is not fun, so people tend to only shop for a couple of days worth of groceries at any time.
If you are absolutely craving the American style mall experience then the biggest mall in London is Westfield (Tesco and Whole Foods offer huge groceries as well in Kensington), but after you have been living in London for a while you might just come to appreciate the personal service and community feel of your corner shop.
Tags: Kensington, living in London, london apartment, london flat, london rental, london stores, Moving to London, Oxford Street, shopping in london, where to shop in london
Posted in Living in London, London Food & Beverage, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 25th, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
Author: Colleen
Just returned from a delightful afternoon tea with a few fellow American expats who have moved to London recently. The locale: Liberty, on Great Marlborough Street.
Set just off the main thoroughfares of West London’s bustling Oxford and Regent Streets, Liberty of London greets you with its classic English Tudor facade expanding the stretch of a full block. Don’t let its exterior fool you that it actually dates back to the 1600s—this department store building was constructed in the 1920s, when Tudor-style was making a comeback.
The Liberty store itself was founded during the Victorian era, however, by Arthur Liberty. Starting out with the space of only half a shop on Regent Street, it did not take long for the business to expand given its exotic products procured from all around the world and the high standards of quality Mr. Liberty enforced. Its original focus was interior decor, and its fashionable, patterned fabrics—for which it’s still famous—began to be purchased for apparel as well as home furnishings. By the 1880s, Liberty was designing clothing to rival Paris fashion.
Two different ships (the HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan) contributed their timber to the Tudor building that stands so prominently near the quaint alleyways of the Carnaby Street area. This London icon is not only a pleasure to behold from the outside, but, I think, gets even better when you step into the opulent woodwork of its surprisingly cozy interior. Despite its immense proportions, Liberty is divided into separate rooms that flank its central atriums, which gives it an intimate feel that is by no accident—Arthur Liberty aspired for his store to feel like walking through one’s home (sheesh, if ONLY my home looked like that!), an effect that showcases its textiles and dishware optimally. While I dare not ever let myself roam among the divine clothing (sticker-shock is rough on my heart), my favorite departments to explore are the books, bath goods, tea cups, furnishings, and fabrics. And if you’re a crafty one, whoooaa boy, talk about Craft Central. Such an interesting place that allows you to purchase the goods already made or provides you with the raw materials to start from scratch and have it your way!
When I describe Liberty to friends and family back home in the States, the best description I’ve been able to come up with is, “It’s like if Anthropologie was a department store.” (If that store reference is lost on you, then follow the link for some serious eye candy—actually, there are new Anthropologie shops in London now on Regent Street and the Kings Road in Chelsea! Sadly, their stuff seems to cost the same number of GBPs as USD 
). Knowing Liberty’s history, it seems it has preserved its original vision of providing exotic, eclectic products possessing varied colors and patterns and vintage charm, making you feel like you’re purchasing something rather unique. Even walking around and taking in its atmosphere for free is unique in its own right.
So when you’ve relocated to London and are looking to add some classic touches exuding character to your new London apartment, Liberty is worth a look—and then some if you stay on for tea!
Tags: Carnaby Street, colleen, flats to let in london, home furnishings in london, liberty story in london, london apartments, london department stores, London History, london move, London Relocation, Moving to London, Oxford Street, places to shop in london, Regent Street, relocating to London, rent london, where to shop in london
Posted in Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Recreation, London, England History, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 21st, 2011
Author: Colleen
If you’re visiting London on holiday or in preparation for an ultimate London move, a helpful resource to know about is the Britain and London Visitor Centre (BLVC) located in west London’s shopping mecca—the Oxford and Regents Street area:
1 Regent Street
London SW1Y 4XT
Speaking of shopping, this center is your one-stop shopping location for a variety of services. You can book tickets for transportation, attractions, tours, and entertainment and thereby avoid waiting in separate queues if you’re trying to line up multiple travels/events. There is also an internet lounge for your communication needs, as even if you’re moving to London, you may be without your own phone or internet service initially until everything is arranged with your London apartment and utilities.
What’s more, the BLVC has a bureau de change in house for converting any currencies. A more recent development to make currency conversion even easier for you was the installment of a Thomas Cook ATM here last summer that offers both Pound Sterling and Euros, perfect for if you’re continuing your travels onto the Continent. The cash station (FYI, they call them “cash points” here) supposedly offers a very good exchange rate and charges no service fees.
For more information on hours and transportation to get to the BLVC, see the enjoyEngland site. It should prove a most helpful, centralized resource for those of you who are visiting or first relocating to London and wanting to get oriented—or, if you’ve already settled yourself in after a London move, it’s a great place to refer your out-of-town guests!
Tags: americans relocating to london england, britain and london visitor center, british pound sterling, canadians moving to london uk, colleen, currency conversion in uk, currency exchange rate, flats to let in london, london apartments, london move, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Oxford Street, Regent Street, rent london, sterling to euro conversion rate, Thomas Cook, usd to euro conversion rate, usd to gbp conversion
Posted in Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues | No Comments »
Monday, January 10th, 2011
Living in London – A ‘Green City’ Part II- Image via Flickr
Author: Belinda
If you have recently settled in after moving to London, you will probably be looking for some respite from the hustle and bustle of city living and will want to get out of your London flat and explore some of the parks and green areas that London has. This city is one of the greenest in the world and Londoners are all outside at the first hint of sun. Walking, lazing under a tree, horse riding and sports are just some of the activities that you can find in the numerous parks and green belts that the city has to offer.
Regents Park
This is a park that is seriously devoted to sports and has some of the best sporting facilities in London. This is a large area of land, spanning 166 hectares and it contains a lake as well as some of the most interesting walks and nature activities. Once owned by King Henry VIII as a space for hunting, it was later landscaped into a spectacular garden with houses and country villas, creating some country style living right in the middle of the city.
Today, the park is devoted to nature and recreation. It is the home of the London Zoo and has a number of nature walks where it is possible to see different types of nature right in the heart of the city. It is also the home to a number of excellent restaurants and cosmopolitan eateries, which are frequented by thousands of people during the summer months, when the sun only sets after 10 pm each night. There are musical concerts on most weekends during the summer and the lake has boats for hire, which are perfect for the long summer afternoons. The open-air theatre produces spectacular shows throughout spring and into summer and is the home of the only outdoor professional theatre company in eth United Kingdom.
As only the English can do, the park is maintained and kept verdant by hordes of volunteers that range from celebrities, to recognised scientists, to classes of schoolchildren who are all dedicated to keeping the area green and promoting a culture of science and nature working together. The Botanical Gardens that have been laid out in Regents Park are some of the most spectacular in England and are well worth a visit.
Londoners takes their outdoor time seriously, and the amount of parks is testament to the amount of time that Londoner spend outdoors, especially in the summer months when the blazing heat drives people out their homes and offices to look for a shady patch of grass to while away a few hours. Whether you are looking for some fun in the sun or just a spot that you can call your own in this busy city, you will find one at Regents Park.
Tags: Arts, Botanical garden, England, English Heritage, London, london move, london moving, Oxford Street, Regent's Park, relocating to London, Theatre
Posted in Living in London, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Sunday, December 26th, 2010
Living in London – Shopping in Different Places: - Image via Wikipedia
Author:Belinda
Once you have settled down into your London flat, and you have seen most of the tourist sights, braved the crowds on Oxford Street on a Saturday morning, you can start moving further afield and begin exploring the fascinating markets that London is famous for. Moving to London should be all about making this city your home while having as much fun as possible and there is nothing more interesting that the London flea markets, each of which has its own character and identity.
Portobello Road
Portobello Road is found in the Notting Hill area of London, made famous by the film Four Weddings and A Funeral. Fruit and vegetable stalls are open all week but the main market is open on Saturdays from 8am -5pm and specialises in antiques of all descriptions, and the second hand market runs on a Friday at the same time. The market is based along two miles of Portobello Road, which is lined with a variety of independent boutiques and antique shops. If you are interested in antiques look out for the PADA sign on shops and stalls. This stands for the Portobello Antiques Dealers Association and ensures prices are always displayed and good accurately described. The Association also has a stand where you can get maps and up to date information and suggestions about where to find that elusive antique you’ve been searching for. Speciality stalls include vintage clothing, handbags, sports equipment, books and jewellery. Grab a bite to eat from one of the food stalls in the middle of the market, which feature fine foods from around the world. Portobello gets very busy and is best visited in the morning as many of the stallholders start packing away at 4pm. The nearest tube station to the antiques end of Portobello road is Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove.
Petticoat Lane
Petticoat Lane is the scene of one of London’s biggest clothing markets, in the Tower Hamlets area of London. It is open on Monday-Fridayfrom10:00am-2:30pm and on Sunday from 09:00am-2pm. Although Petticoat Lane itself has been renamed(Middlesex St), the Petticoat Lane market is still devoted to clothing of all varieties from designer to outré club and street wear, leather goods and bargain buys of all varieties. The market specialises most in women’s clothing, and there are a variety of fabric shops and stalls selling CDs, luggage and electrical goods. Most of the clothes are at knockdown prices, and this is a genuine market for locals, not just a show for tourists! Bear in mind that you may struggle to find a stall where you can try clothes on. The top end of the market, near Aldgate East is where the leather jackets and other leather goods can be found. There are some traditional Jewish food places around here, and the ties to the local Jewish community explain why the market is closed on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Main tube stations are Aldgate, Aldgate East and Liverpool St, and this market is fairly close to the markets at Brick Lane and Spitalfields.
Tags: Business and Economy, England, Ladbroke Grove, London, london facts, London Living, London Relocation Services, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Petticoat Lane Market, Portobello Road, Relocation London, tips on living in london
Posted in Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
Relocating to London:London Shoppinga – Getting Started At The Shops Westfield London shopping centre - Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
If you are relocating to London, one of the first things that you will need to know is where to shop, and we’re not talking about running to the corner shop to get a pint of milk and a loaf of bread type of shopping. If you are going to be in London for a while then this is that chance to indulge yourself at some of the world finest department stores. London is one of the greatest shopping centres in the world, with a massive variety of shopping experiences for you to choose from. Big department stores to bespoke designer outlets. High streets fashion to funky flea markets. London has an entire world spread out for you to enjoy.
Top Tips for Shopping in London
- Some of the high-end department stores are quite expensive and if you are a newcomer to London then you might find it useful for a time to convert the prices that you see back into your own currency so that you have an idea of the actual cost of items compared to back home.
- Value Added Tax is added to all items in the shops and it is usually included in the marked price, but be sure to enquire. VAT is set to rise quite sharply in 2011, up to 20%, which may make a huge difference to the price.
- If you are buying electronic goods like televisions and DVD’s as well as computer games that you will take back to your home country, you might find that they do not work in the States or Canada. Just be sure to check that they are able to work before you buy them.
- Al stores accept most major brands of credit and debit cards. MasterCard and Visa are the most popular as well as American Express and Diners Club. England operates on the ‘chip and pin’ system, so ensure that you have set this up before you leave home. Most major US banks will be able to advise you on how to go about this.
- When you are out shopping in London, it always pays to be aware of your surroundings. For all its charm, London is still a big city and there is always a risk of bag snatchers and pickpockets. Just keep your eyes open and your cash close.
There is nothing like steeping into the world of traditional shopping in London and some of the worlds classiest stores are to be found in the heart of London. The best places to shop in London are Bond Street, Regent Street and of course, the world famous Oxford Street. London is also filled with smaller, more contemporary areas such as the Camden Market and the other flea markets around London. If you are looking for fresh produce and groceries, then the best bet is to browse through some of the most famous markets that offer fresh food from all over England and Europe on a daily basis.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Camden Market, canadians moving to london, Flea market, London, London Living, london move, London Relocation, Moving to London, Oxford Street, relocating to London
Posted in London Recreation | No Comments »
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
Relocating to London: London Shopping – Where To Go First? The opulent clothing department at Harrods, London - Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
Getting settled after relocating to London can be a slightly daunting task and one of the best ways of rewarding yourself for the move is to get out there and drop some cash in the world’s greatest stores. London offers a myriad of shopping experiences to choose from and you will never be bored with exploring all that London has to offer. London truly is a shopper’s paradise, and the fact that so many of the stores have such a rich tradition and history behind them, makes each trip into a sightseeing and experience never to be forgotten.
Bond Street is the area to head for if you are looking to do some serious spending. This street is lined with all of the big name designers such as Louis Vuitton and Tiffany. A jewellery lovers Mecca, Bond Street also has many great fashion designers offering the best and the latest designer fashions and original clothing. For men’s fashion, you simply have to head off to Jermyn Street or Savile Row, which has a rich tradition in men’s bespoke tailoring and handmade leather shoes. These suits might be pricey, but until you have had your suit designed and tailored to fit you exactly, you just won’t realise the value of this experience. Londoners, especially the men from ‘the City’, which is the financial district of London, like to dress in the best suits from the gentlemen’s tailors.
Regent Street is home to the most famous toy store in the world. Hamleys has over seven floors of toys and entertainment for children and it has been a British institution for hundreds of years. Oxford Street is ‘the’ high street to visit if you are looking for the best department stores. Huge shops like John Lewis and Debenhams provide a unique and interesting shopping experience that will have you coming back for more. Alternative fashionistas should head off to Camden Market, which is the home of all punk, goth and club wear for the trendy set in London. Camden Market is the 4th most visited tourist site in London, so you should make a day of it and browse through everything they have to offer.
There is one other store that is a must see if you have relocated to London. The store that carries the most prestige and history of any other store in the world. Harrods is the ultimate in London department stores and is to be found in the ultra fashionable address of Knightsbridge. This luxurious store has been open since 1834 and is situated on five acres of prime London real estate. With 330 separate departments and 32 restaurants that serve up treats form around the world, you can spend days just exploring and gawking at the phenomenal displays.
The best place to find edible treats is at the famous Harrods Food Hall, and if you are in London over Christmastime, then the Harrods Christmas lights are a time-honoured tradition. A small point to remember: Harrods has a strict dress code for its customers, and you will not be allowed into the store wearing shorts or t-shirts. Dress up a little, you will feel right at home in a flash!
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Bond Street, Camden Market, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, Harrods, London, London Relocation, Louis Vuitton, Moving to London, moving to London England, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Relocation London
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
This one’s for the ladies. While my last bundle will bring you by an assortment of darling boutiques to enhance your wardrobe and accessories, if you want to get really hardcore, follow me…
Today we start at Oxford Circus Tube station, not to be confused with its far more obnoxious neighbor, Piccadilly Circus,
Photo: David Rose
although you could as easily start from there if you please and make your way to Oxford Circus via Regent Street; I won’t stop ya. Beginning at Oxford Circus, though, presents you with the immediate option of initiating your shopping extravaganza on either Oxford or Regent Streets (SO fun to visit during Christmastime when they close the streets to traffic for holiday shopping!). I personally like to go South on Regent Street, down to the 250-year-old Hamleys of London toy store (go on, pop in and play! And if you want grown-up toys, it’s near the Apple Store); from here, you can keep wandering down into the Piccadilly Circus tourist trap.
Or, if it’s starting to look too Magnificent Mile or 5th Avenue and you want some old London atmosphere, cut off of the high street at Great Marlborough Street to the left and immediately see the Tudor-style Liberty department store. To the left of Liberty, you can then enter Carnaby Street. You’ll think you’re in the quaint little Epcot World Showcase for England or Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley when you wander into this intimate network of streets offering an array of shops and restaurants.
From here, we’re on to Knightsbridge! I leave it entirely up to you how you choose to get there–you can cut over to Hyde Park‘s Northeast corner from Oxford Street (Marble Arch area)—you’ll pass Selfridges department store on the way—and enjoy a relaxed walk through the greenery until you reach its South end at Hyde Park Corner. Or, if you do follow Regent Street down to Piccadilly Circus, you can follow Piccadilly Westward to Hyde Park Corner and ultimately onto Knightsbridge (check out the Ritz on the way). OR, you can zigzag through the posh Mayfair streets that contain some of London’s most expensive properties and fine dining (might I recommend Gordon Ramsey’s Maze off Grosvenor Square—across from the U.S. Embassy—for contemporary ambiance and small but flavor-packed portions or The Guinnea, a historical pub that serves high quality steaks in its rear restaurant—Guy Ritchie’s Punch Bowl is nearby there as well if you’re thirsty). If you’re game to window-shop for cars, you’ll find Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and Porsche dealerships in the area to gawk at.
However you get there, once you hit Knightsbridge, just walk on along for more high street shopping, drinking, and dining…all three of which activities you can do right inside the infamous Harrods, level upon level of garish opulence and high prices, well worth a look even if you are, in fact, only looking versus buying. Walking further West along this road (or cutting Southwest onto Brompton Road) will ultimately bring you into South Kensington, the vicinity of my Kensington Gardens Gallivant bundle, if that helps you get your bearings.
Tags: Carnaby Street, Hamleys, Harrods, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, London Relocation, Mayfair, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Selfridges, west london
Posted in London Food & Beverage, London Recreation, London, England History, Miniseries: London Bundles, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | 7 Comments »
