Continuing with our series drawing from the Londonista discussion board on our London Living social network, MarshaMoore (author of 24 Hours: London) has shared her own blog that includes a page on Hidden London. She writes:
The Man and I made a voyage to Hatton Garden, London’s centre for diamonds, yesterday. We were on a hunt for wedding rings, but I knew Ye Olde Mitre was around there somewhere, so we decided to try to find it. After looking at some exorbitantly priced rings and wandering the streets for awhile, we finally decided to ask a jeweller where on earth this elusive drinking hole was to be found.
Turns out he was the perfect person to ask. He had a drink at that pub when he came to interview for his diamond apprenticeship at age 14. He pointed us in the right direction, and off we trotted.
Sadly, the pub was closed (it’s only open on weekdays), but it was definitely worth a look. Apparently part of the bar is an old cherry tree that Elizabeth I danced the maypole around.
What hidden treasures will YOU discover in your new neighborhood once London Relocation Ltd. places you there?
This one will be a quickie, but most definitely addressing what you’ll frequently hear and perhaps say yourself. I’ve repeated the old saying before that English and Americans are divided by a common language, and this certainly brings that point home–it is not merely a matter of having alternative words/phrases meaning the same thing between the two languages, but in some cases using the same words that sound slightly differently beyond the expected softening of the vowels (and finishing words that end in ‘R’s with ‘ah’ sounds). Below is just a sample:
In these first two cases, there is actually an extra vowel in each word that affects its pronunciation—
aluminium (AL-OO-MIN-EE-UM) = aluminum
speciality (SPESH-EE-AL-IT-EE) = specialty
vitamin- has a short sounding ‘I’ (as in the the word ‘it’) rather than a long sound (as in the word ‘bite’).
shire – pronounced SHER, not SHYER.
Gloucester – pronounced GLAWSTER, not GLOWCHESTER as a lot of Americans tend to say for some reason.
Leicester – pronounced LESTER, not LYE-CHESTER.
filet – in this case, Americans are true to the original French pronunciation with the silent ‘T’ (FILL-AY), whereas the English who live right next door to France say it as FILL-ET. They also place stress on the 1st syllable rather than the 2nd.
advertisement – again, we hear a short ‘I’ sound (as in ‘it’), and stress is placed on the 2nd syllable (ad-VER-tisement) rather than the 3rd (ad-ver-TISE-ment). Related to this word, I may as well mention the common usage of the abbreviation ‘advert’ instead of ‘ad’.
Pantene – okay, this is a brand name that may not figure into your daily language, but you will hear on the ads (pardon me, adverts) how the English do use the French pronunciation in this case: PAN-TEN, as opposed to PAN-TEEN.
Hyundai – again to roll with a brand name, in the States we’d say something like HUN-DYE, whereas here they add an extra syllable: HY-UN-DYE.
respite – RES-pit rather than res-PITE (see the pattern of shortened versus lengthened ‘I’ sounds? You can apply this to many other cases).
weekend – stress is on the second syllable (week-END), not the first.
Z- ZED instead of ZEE
These are just a selection off the top of my head…as I think of others, I’ll add them here, but hopefully this is enough to get the idea across. Meanwhile, London Relocation Ltd. speaks your language, so never hesitate to ask our guidance when needing to ‘translate’ the language of the property market to find your ideal home.
Author: Colleen
Perhaps you are a modern-day fashionista. The sidewalks of London are indeed like long-running and intersecting catwalks (less-so now in the winter, I’ve noticed, simply because it’s cold and people are bundled up! But come spring, be prepared to be dazzled with the creative combinations). So, as you walk among the many Victoran buildings–built during Queen Victoria’s reign when London had a massive population explosion–what would you have been wearing then?
Ladies, in the middle of the 19th century, you have already cast-off your natural, flowy, transparent muslins for heavier fabrics like velvet and silk tailored much more tightly about your waist and chest. To help you suck it in, the corset is your new best friend. You also have the liberty to pimp yourself out with crazy-busy accessories like feathers and a lot of jewelry. That might sound garish in addition to the vivid colors of your dress, but it really doesn’t come across that way–the candle/gas light is dim. Because the lighting is also much yellower, many ladies like you will wear blue to counteract it.
If it’s the 1850 -60s, you might be wearing a fashionable red flannel petticoat this time of year for both warmth and to cover your bum in the horribly embarassing event that you fall over with your awkward, dome-shaped crinoline leaving you exposed to all. This birdcage-like contraption is what helps support and billow out your dress’s heavier fabrics, but it’s brutal to walk in, especially when you’re trying to pass through a doorway or sit down! Luckily, this look will go by the wayside, leaving behind just the bustle. A delightful hat has replaced your bonnet, and you always wear your gloves outside (and most of the time indoors as well).
image from http://blog.hku.nl/RTM-students/?cat=9
Gentlemen, you are wearing a frock coat by day that extends down almost to your knee. It is black and the same in length all the way around (as opposed to having tails–that sort of dress coat, like today’s tuxedo, is saved for evening). Like the ladies, you also wear gloves outdoors, and, indoors, you bring out your nice white pair for dinner parties and balls. Your outer clothing is mainly made of wool, and, being before the invention of trouser presses, you are likely walking around looking like you’ve just climbed out of your hamper. Your undergarments and shirt are made of linen to keep you cool, but require frequent washing. Indeed, if you are always spotted by peers in clean linen, you will be accorded high status, as it shows you can afford enough of it.
If it’s the first part of the century, you will be clean-shaven, and on your feet will almost always be boots. They are not only considered more formal than shoes, but they’re also far more practical given the dirty road conditions and the fact that you often need to hop onto your trusty steed. But beyond the 1850s, you are wearing a beard if you want to look like anyone who’s anyone, but of course. Adding to your respectability is the cane or umbrella that you carry, which is the Victorian version of the sword that the 18th-century gentlemen of noble birth carried around with them. (These days, you’ll carry that umbrella simply because you never know when the sky will open up, but pretend that it’s your sign of a gentleman; that’ll be more fun.)
Regardless of your style, we want you to just dress comfortably when London Relocation Ltd. takes you out on your viewing day. We will still treat you like the ladies and gentlemen that you are!
Author: Colleen The London Eye was erected as a big Year 2000 gift to the city, granting residents and visitors alike a lofty, bird’s-eye panoramic vantage of its vast territory. Now that you’re planning to relocate to the UK or perhaps have already moved to London, 2010 is the time to descend and look the city in the eye within its street-level intricacy. Even better, capture the sights to behold for a permanent memory of your time here–no need to feel too touristy toting that camera. Come on, that’s right, out with it! The structures we see in place here may have withstood the decades if not centuries, but Time, that fickle mistress, is fleeting for us, so we need to preserve our moments.
Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer, Frui holds photography socials all over London throughout the year. Meet fellow expats and locals for casual outings of picture-snapping and pint-sipping for only a tenner (10 GBP, to translate it for us Yankees). This month’s photographic destination: Soho. Tutors are on hand to offer pointers on your technique and composition if you genuinely seek to develop your craft, and it’s all conducted in an easy-going, non-intimidating atmosphere along the London streets. And better yet, there are PRIZES! Woohoo!! Check out this January 28th event at: http://www.frui.co.uk/. If you’re more serious about cultivating your photography education, also consider Frui’s photo courses, which always partake in scenic locales either right here in London or exotic destinations like Marrakech (be sure to book early, though, as these can rapidly fill!). The next scheduled course is January 23rd at Hampton Court House in London.
When you move to London, the guests will follow, to be sure. My present visitors to this fine city of London have inspired today’s post, as when I left for work this morning, they themselves were about to depart for their day-long bus tour of Stonehenge and Bath. Wanting to see the former attraction, I had recommended they bundle it with something else (as most bus tours do in an array of combinations) to make the venture out into the country truly worthwhile. Now before anyone gets worked up that I may have just implied Stonehenge would not, on its own, be “worthwhile,” that is not my personal opinion; however, I have known enough people who have shrugged it off as just so, rendering it one of those experiences that truly differs for everyone. “To each his own” and “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” as they say time and again.
At any rate, no one can avoid being awed by the history of Stonehenge that is communicated so efficiently via the audioguides you are given upon entry (admission is often included in the price of your tour–check to be sure). Okay, no, you can’t touch the stones, and for much of your circuit round the boulders you are viewing from a bit of a distance, but it’s all in the name of preservation. In total, this visit takes less than an hour.
You can't bathe here, but try just up the street at the new thermal spa.
As for Bath, this well-preserved bounty of Georgian architecture and Roman history makes for an enchanting daytrip. The Roman Baths (also usually included in your tour) and Abbey are the primary attractions; otherwise, just stroll along the river, browse the shops on Pulteney Bridge, or make an atmospheric climb to the Circus and Royal Crescent to feed your eyes (and to feed your belly, on a little side street just near the Crescent is delightful strudel bar, Hansel Und Gretel…PERFECT on those cooler, drizzly days to warm you in body and soul). Do as the British aristocracy once did and “take the waters” to cure what ails you in the Pump Room that adjoins the Roman Baths, getting the resultant terrible gritty taste out of your mouth with tea and scones in this opulent setting.
And then? Just sit back and relax to the dynamic green landscape that whirs by outside the bus windows as you return to London.
This doesn’t just have to be a recommendation for guests. When you relocate to London (hopefully with the aid of London Relocation Ltd.), take advantage of all the convenient day tours available–they make for ideal weekend getaways.
Stunning raised ground floor Studio with a private patio-garden. The property has been newly refurbished throughout, combining period features with fully-fitted modern appliances. Situated a short walk from the popular Westbourne Grove, Royal Oak (Hammersmith & City Line) and Notting Hill Gate (Central Line and Circle & District Line)
These are some hidden streets in W8. The fantastic little alleyways take you way back to Old London. The Swiss cheese-like passages of W8 are truly amazing. London Relocation services, apartments can be found in this area but always difficult to achieve low rents.
Moreover, it’s just difficult to find anything under 300pw available at all. When people move to W8, they stay.
The area is quite yet in the middle of the city and close to everything. Please take a walk from Kensington High Street up north through Campden Hill Rd to Notting Hill Gate. The visuals of this area are stunning and the walk, you’ll not regret
Moving to London is not an easy task. One must be educated in order to make the choice of a home right.
Taking time out to plan flat hunting is the right way to handle this situation, please feel free to email or call London relocation services. We will guide you through a needs assessment and make sure your getting to know the market prior to the London move. Furthermore, learning your needs makes the whole experience worth it. Please make sure you make a wish list of what’s important for your property. London relocation services will then take the burden away by only showing areas where safety commute and lifestyle suite you.
Making the most of your time in London is what’s important
rings, but I knew Ye Olde Mitre was around there somewhere, so we decided to try to find it. After looking at some exorbitantly priced rings and wandering the streets for awhile, we finally decided to ask a jeweller where on earth this elusive drinking hole was to be found.
