Posts Tagged ‘Regent Street’
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Author: Colleen
High-end shopping vs. far-flung rubbish! - London Relocation Services - Image by Not forgotten via Flickr
A relocation to London UK will acquaint you with the odder corners of history for sure. This ancient city has hosted a quirky population in its day, and it never ceases to amuse me how these quirks are often responsible for some of its more charming features.
Last week, I started a series on London’s side street surprises; that is, relatively off-the-beaten-path pockets of the city where you can try to dodge the tourists. In my second post on this topic, I’d mentioned the Burlington Arcade just off Regent Street and how its origins were rather bizarre. Well, as promised, here’s a snippet on this interesting row of teeny Georgian-era shops (well preserved since their completion in 1819!), as related by Tom Quinn’s London’s Strangest Tales:
“Visitors often think the Georgian planners who built these little shops were simply building to make a profit. In fact they built the arcade to cover a narrow alley that ran alongside Burlington House, now the home of the Royal Academy but in the early nineteenth century still a private home. The owner of Burlington House was Lord George Cavendish, who had complained for years that while sitting in his garden he was constantly hit on the head by oyster shells, apple cores, old bottles and even an occasional dead cat. These unpleasant items were thrown over the wall between the garden and the lane which then existed at its side. Cavendish decided that a row of shops would put paid to the nuisance and so he had them built and the alleyway vanished forever.”
Oh, London…I love ya. So thanks to Lord Cavendish, those relocating to London today can still enjoy the tiny but high quality boutiques found within the arcade and feel like you’re stepping into the city’s past. And as you search for your own property to rent, you can feel confident that your London Relocation agent will avoid showing you any London apartments with gardens that serve as trash receptacles. 
Tags: Burlington Arcade, Burlington House, international relocation, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, Lord George Cavendish, Moving to London, office relocation London, Regent Street, relocation company, relocation in london, Tom Quinn
Posted in Living in London, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
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 »
Saturday, November 5th, 2011
It can be a little confusing to have to adapt to all of the different holidays and events after your relocation to London. If you haven’t quite got the hang of what you’re supposed to be doing on the 5th of November and don’t really feel like making a “Guy” to burn in your garden tonight, there are loads of other exciting events happening in the city this weekend.
The Regent Street Motor Show
This is a fun event in the heart of London; especially if you like vintage motor cars or a taste of what motoring and motor vehicles may look like in the future. Regent Street will be closed to traffic today from 09:00 to 17:30 in between Piccadilly Circus and Conduit Street. There are cars and vehicles of all types from the 19th century through to the concept cars of the 21st century, right now and into the future. With over 300 motor cars as well as presentations and shows, the Regent Street Motor Show is the prelude to the world famous London to Brighton Car Run which is being held on 5 November.
The London to Brighton Car Run
If you don’t make it to the motor show you can get out tomorrow and see the vintage cars and the future concept cars take to the streets at the start of this historic motor race. Both the Regent Street Motor Show and the start of the London to Brighton Run are free for all to visit and enjoy. The website link will take you directly to the map which shows the best vantage points in London if you’re keen to get out and enjoy the crisp winter air and the chance to see some of the world’s most interesting and treasured cars head off to Brighton for the day.
You’ll have to get up quite early to catch the start of London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. They will be heading off from 07:00, staggered until about 08:30, which is perfect time for a stroll through Hyde Park and then a little Sunday brunch at one of the park restaurants.
A perfect Sunday out after your relocation to London.
Tags: Hyde Park London, London, London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, Moving to London, Regent Street, relocation to london
Posted in London Recreation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions, Relocation to London | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
Relocation to London – Family Fun - Image via Wikipedia
If your international relocation to London includes younger children, you need to start making a list of places that you can take them during the winter. It’s not always possible to get outdoors, especially when it rains for days on end, but London is a city of travellers so it’s superbly geared up to handle even the most hardened of expat children.
If you make a list and take advantage of some of the amazing discount offers for pre-booking, you can have an entire winter season of events lined up with just a couple of clicks of your mouse.
Hamleys of London
This might not be the ideal place to take your children right before Christmas, as it could have a significant impact on their Christmas list. It’s a London landmark though and one of the most enjoyable days out that you can share as a family. Hamleys is a toyshop that has been around for over 250 years. It’s not a dusty little establishment though. It’s a treasure trove of interactive fun for the whole family. You can host a birthday party at Hamleys or join in with one of the special events that are happening throughout November and the festive season.
Located in Regent Street which is at the very heart of London’s shopping district which makes it a perfect place for a day out if you’ve just completed your relocation to London. Entertaining over five million tourists per year, Hamleys has got to be on your list of places to visit, even if you don’t have children. With seven floors of toys, education, entertainment and interactive events, you may have to prepare for very tired kids after a day out in London at Hamleys.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be showcasing a list of the very best winter wonderland experiences for younger children in London. You don’t have to worry that you’re moving to a big city; London is, in fact one of the most child-friendly cities on the planet, and the very experience of moving to London will enrich your entire family.
Tags: Christmas, London, Moving to London, November, Regent Street, relocation to london
Posted in London Recreation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Relocation to London, Relocation to London With Family, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
Author: Colleen
Londoners shop 'til they drop along Notting Hill's Portobello Road Market - London Relocation Services - Image via Wikipedia
A relocation to London is more than just moving from Point A to Point B and having new experiences. It’s also accomplishing the same everyday stuff you’ve always done and will still need to do. Ask any expat: figuring out where to buy what is tough. Luckily, London Relocation knows the best places to shop and can advise on what’s available in the area of your new London apartment.
Clothing
Most London neighbourhoods have what is called a “high street,” which is a main street lined with mainstream chain stores. To centralize your shopping, Westfield has massive malls located in Shepherds Bush and now Stratford City in London. Designer and vintage boutiques likewise scatter the city—it’s all a matter of knowing where to look, from the fanciest to funkiest of neighbourhoods. You’ll discover so much on your own, but your London Relocation agent can point some out in advance during your flat search.
Groceries
Top London grocery chains include M&S Simply Food, Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and The Cooperative. Expats from the States also seek out stores like Partridge’s that import American foods. (London has specialty stores accommodating many other cultures, too, so let your London Relocation agent know your food requirements.) Another alternative that makes for a pleasant outing is finding fresh produce and meats at any of London’s farmer’s markets—most renowned is Borough Market near London Bridge.
Best Values
High streets usually feature clothing shops like H&M, Zara, and Topshop that offer the latest trends at reasonable prices. Market stalls can offer cheap deals on clothing, too. Consider those on the east end around Brick Lane, in the west along Portobello Road, or north at Camden Market. UK online shopping sites like ASOS.com sell clothing at less than retail prices. Grocery chains like Asda, Morrisons, and Iceland offer cheaper prices, as do online grocery shops like Ocado.com that keep prices competitive. Online discounts also abound to keep London groceries affordable:
www.hotukdeals.com
www.supermarketvouchercodes.com
shoppingcodes.co.uk
www.savacode.com
supermarketcoupons.co.uk
www.nectar.com
Best Quality
Some of London’s poshest clothing shopping to be had is found on and off streets like Regent Street, Knightsbridge, Sloane Square, and the Kings Road. For food, the world’s largest Whole Foods is located on Kensington High Street. M&S Simply Food and Waitrose arguably offer highest quality bang for the buck versus non-chain specialty food stores.
There’s loads more shopping alternatives out there, though. And quality, prices, and locations will vary, so your London Relocation agent will let you know what’s available in your specific London neighborhood.
Tags: Camden Market, international relocation, Kensington High Street, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, london shopping, Marks & Spencer, Moving to London, office relocation London, Portobello Road, Regent Street, relocation company, relocation in london, relocation jobs London, relocation to london, relocation uk, shopping in london uk, Tesco, Waitrose, where to shop in london
Posted in Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Saturday, October 8th, 2011
Relocation to London – Foreign festivals in London - Image via Wikipedia
We can get started again on the intricacies and challenges that you will face during your relocation to London, next week. Today is Saturday, it’s a little cloudy and temperatures will probably only reach about 15 degrees Celsius, and you need to get out and enjoy autumn (fall) while the weather is still considered crisp.
One of the fantastic aspects of relocation to London is the chance to enjoy a city that is one of the most culturally diverse and exciting in the world. With over 350 foreign languages spoken in the city, and dozens of cultural groups, you can experience a world in one city. One of the best ways of learning about and experiencing different cultures is through food.
Relocation to London – Regent Street Food Safari
From 3 – 17 October 2011, the Regent Street Food Safari will be bringing the world to tantalize your taste buds. It’s a gastronomic food festival that will give you the opportunity to sample food from around the world with a dollop of culture on the side. The Food Quarter of Regent Street has dozens of excellent international restaurants all offering special meals at reasonable prices during the festival. You can partake of small sample menus that allow you to taste and move on, just like a grazing safari, or enjoy one of the signature dishes prepared by award winning chefs at top restaurants.
Restaurants that are participating in the Regent Street Food Safari include:
‘Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill’. Offering a plate of six oysters and a glass of Picpoul de Pinet for £9.95
‘National Geographic Café’. International cheese platter, Spanish tortilla with mushrooms, and grilled peri-peri chicken are just some of the special items on the menu. All prices for food festival lovers are under £7, which is a cuisine cut-price special just for this period only.
‘Sartoria’ offers up Italian cuisine while ‘tidbits’ gives vegetarians the chance to enjoy plate of food from the huge food boat.
The trick with a food festival is to experience as much as you can, don’t overload at your first restaurant. Amble through the festival and enjoy being out in the city after your relocation to London.
Tags: Americans moving to London, London, Moving to London, Regent Street, relocation to london
Posted in Americans Moving to London | No 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, June 21st, 2011
Moving to London offers a range of lifestyles, from the prudent to the extravagant. Image via Wikipedia
Author: Colleen
When my husband and I planned for moving to London, we’d have never anticipated that we could live in walking distance from where once upon a time lived two princesses before they were princesses. Where we would walk down the road and drop our jaws at the Aston Martins and Bentleys just parked casually along the curbs. Where a reality TV show about young socialites would be filmed. Where a major music awards show would be broadcast a few minutes away and we could attend. Where if we walked a bit further we’d arrive at a palace that housed even more princesses that became Queens.
We’re middle class folks, nothing special where income is concerned, but such is the juxtaposition of classes in London that makes it such an interesting city of new experiences. Everyone of all walks of life are intermingled here (recall the ease of spotting stars that I wrote about last week: “Relocation to London – The Secret to Celebrity-Spotting in London“); one need only walk a block or two for the dynamic to shift. And it isn’t all about being posh; for as much polish as London has, it has grit, and the diversity across the economic spectrum adds a lot of flavor to your every day once you, too, have made the London move.
In any case, if you are looking to feel a bit posh as you emerge from your London apartment and get about town, it’s as simple as taking yourself for a walk in the nice locales of London’s west side neighborhoods like Mayfair, Soho, Marylebone, Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, Sloane Square, Chelsea, and South Kensington. Bop into the shops on Regent Street and around Knightsbridge and Sloane Square. If you can’t afford a meal at some places, you can still treat yourself to an inexpensive coffee, tea, or cocktail at any number of opulent dining options—five-star hotels that you’d perhaps never stay at like The Dorchester or Claridges can be fun for afternoon tea or cocktails at their bars, Harrods has a surreal food court, and there’s never a shortage of trendy cafes and restaurants that attract the socialites in these areas.
Not being able to afford a certain postcode doesn’t mean you’re forbidden to share in the glamour; sure, maybe you can’t get on the list of some super exclusive clubs or get to sit to tea with the Queen, but otherwise London’s venues are open to the public, remember. An international relocation to London makes you a resident here, so the city is yours for the taking, and London relocation agents like London Relocation Ltd. can situate you as closely within the posh places as possible while staying within your budget.
Tags: international relocation, Knightsbridge, london neighborhoods where to live, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, Mayfair, Moving to London, Notting Hill, office relocation London, Regent Street, relocation agents, relocation companies, relocation company, relocation in london, relocation jobs, relocation jobs London, Relocation service, relocation service london, relocation services, relocation uk, Sloane Square, South Kensington, west london relocation
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | 1 Comment »
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 »
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
Posted in London Recreation | No Comments »
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 »
