Why Do We Feel London Like Our Own
I travel globally, the kind of comfort I enjoy in exploring London, I do not have in any other city, the only exception is the city of New York and my own Bombay. An average Indian like me feel at home here in London, it is partly due to our shared past and English language. Visit any other European city or town, you will definitely feel language barrier.
The fact is that one can spend a lifetime exploring this city, and every time feel surprised from Pinner to Kensington and everywhere in between, London’s diverse districts have distinct personalities but all retain The Big Smoke’s energetic approach to life and quirky charm.
London is cosmopolitan to its core , it is British with people from around the globe drawn to the city. Such diversity has seen London become a place of endless possibilities. See a film at a French cinema? No problem. Brunch at a Nordic bakery? Pure Vegetarian or Vegan lunch at Ethiopians Food joint, Dinner at an authentic Indian restaurant? Take your pick. It’s not just food where London has benefited from diversity – over the years diversity has helped to drive creativity, making the capital an international leader in a variety of fields.
City works like a magnet for creative people for centuries. From William Shakespeare to Jimi Hendrix and J.K. Rowling – the great and the good of the art world have been inspired by London. It still attracts the very best in music, theater, art and literature. Endless works of fiction have been set and continue to be written about the streets of London with the likes of Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, and Mary Poppins all calling the city home.
London moves to its own, distinct soundtrack. From Ed Sheeran and Adele to The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, London nurtured countless artists who have shaped the international music scene. You can see an artist every night of the week – choose from superstars at the O2 Arena, Wembley Arena and indie rockers at the historic Brixton Academy, to up and coming bands in the bars of Camden. The city boasts a number of summer music festival with the British Summer Time festival at Hyde Park and Wireless at Finsbury Park being two of the biggest.
No two nights need ever be the same in London. Take in a spellbinding musical in the West End or watch some of Hollywood’s biggest names tread the boards at the big movie theater at Leicester Square. Head to the hippest pop-up bars and restaurants in East London, or get a taste of London’s legendary club scene or sing your heart out at a gig featuring London’s hottest new bands or big name acts in Soho or Shoreditch.
Pubs or Public Houses are also a part of London culture, They are really a great British institution and as you’d expect the capital is absolutely packed full of them. From pubs that have been around for centuries to modern Michelin-starred gastropubs, every corner of this city is packed with places to grab a pint or two .Do not forget to visit The Marksman, it was named Michelin Pub of the Year for 2017, becoming the first London pub to earn the title, so it will give you a strong indication of its quality.It also has the traditional wood-panelled bar area, Their is also an upstairs dining area, added by chefs and owners Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram. They serve classic British fare and knockout Sunday roasts.Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a Fleet Street institution, having been standing since just after the Great Fire of London when it was rebuilt (and actually there was a pub on the same site before that too). Explore the many nooks and crannies of this historic pub before settling in with a pint or two of Sam Smiths.There’s no better way to finish off a walk on Hampstead Heath than with a drink in The Spaniards Inn, It has the feeling of a country pub (and is especially cosy in winter) but is very much a part of the city, even getting a mention in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers. Their selection of cask ales rotates regularly so you’ll always find something to pair with their gastropub food offering.The May Flower is a quintessential English pub and has the distinction of being the oldest pub on the Thames – you can still spot the point where The Mayflower was moored in 1620 before it sailed onto the south coast and eventually America. Old church pews adorn the charming interior but there’s little better than enjoying a pint overlooking the river from the terrace.But this is not end of the best, few days back I visited Imperial College, near it I found The Queens Arm hardly 100 Meter away , fancy, traditional as well contemporary not so heavy on pocket. Loved it's choice and range of beer.
British cuisine might be the punchline of many jokes, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what London has to offer. Swanky restaurants, delicious street food, and experimental dishes in quirky settings all contribute to London’s constantly evolving, global cuisine. That’s not to say you can’t get a traditional full English breakfast or a Sunday roast – which is not for the calorie conscious- just head to a traditional cafe or gastro pub for your taste of British cuisine.
It’s not just football that London excels at, although it’s home to some of the biggest clubs in the world. Wembley Stadium hosts national football matches as well as NFL games that sell out the 90,000 seater stadium. The deafening roar of Twickenham will be louder than ever this year as it, Wembley and the Olympic Stadium help host the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The 2012 Olympics also left a lasting legacy on London – you can bring your towel to Stratford and take a dip in the pool used by Michael Phelps or, if you are feeling brave, take the plunge off the very diving boards Tom Daley sprang from. Brits are sports mad, and events don’t come any more English than spending a day watching the tennis at Wimbledon or trying to understand the rules of cricket at Lord’s.
You may have heard of the British Royal Family- they’re kind of a big deal in the UK, especially in London where royal sightings are never far away. Take a stroll along The Mall – the famed tree-lined road leading to Buckingham Palace. Here, you can witness all the pomp and ceremony of British regal tradition with the changing of the guard. From Buckingham Palace, take a walk through Hyde Park to Kensington Palace where you might catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
London is a great place to start with the city’s acclaimed ensemble of museums, which are free and perfect for rainy days. The National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain are home to renowned collections of classical art while the Tate Modern is a world-leader in modern art. Take a step back in time at the British Museum and the National History Museum without spending a penny. When the sun is shining, simply walking the streets and experiencing the city’s markets, which come in all shapes and sizes, selling a weird and wonderful array of products, are a great way to get to know London. At night, you can take your pick from free gigs and comedy stand-up shows located all over the city.
London might move at a million miles per hour, but it’s simple to take a step back and take a tranquil break from its hectic pace. The city’s parks, just like the city itself, are full of surprises – they’re home to zoos, outdoor theaters, and swimming pools. Dining alfresco in one of the eight Royal Parks, cycling through Holland Park to unwind in Kyoto Gardens, or snapping the skyline from Greenwich Park or Primrose Hill all reveal a softer side to London, but a side that’s no less exciting, especially during the summer months.
The fact is that one can spend a lifetime exploring this city, and every time feel surprised from Pinner to Kensington and everywhere in between, London’s diverse districts have distinct personalities but all retain The Big Smoke’s energetic approach to life and quirky charm.
London is cosmopolitan to its core , it is British with people from around the globe drawn to the city. Such diversity has seen London become a place of endless possibilities. See a film at a French cinema? No problem. Brunch at a Nordic bakery? Pure Vegetarian or Vegan lunch at Ethiopians Food joint, Dinner at an authentic Indian restaurant? Take your pick. It’s not just food where London has benefited from diversity – over the years diversity has helped to drive creativity, making the capital an international leader in a variety of fields.
City works like a magnet for creative people for centuries. From William Shakespeare to Jimi Hendrix and J.K. Rowling – the great and the good of the art world have been inspired by London. It still attracts the very best in music, theater, art and literature. Endless works of fiction have been set and continue to be written about the streets of London with the likes of Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, and Mary Poppins all calling the city home.
London moves to its own, distinct soundtrack. From Ed Sheeran and Adele to The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, London nurtured countless artists who have shaped the international music scene. You can see an artist every night of the week – choose from superstars at the O2 Arena, Wembley Arena and indie rockers at the historic Brixton Academy, to up and coming bands in the bars of Camden. The city boasts a number of summer music festival with the British Summer Time festival at Hyde Park and Wireless at Finsbury Park being two of the biggest.
No two nights need ever be the same in London. Take in a spellbinding musical in the West End or watch some of Hollywood’s biggest names tread the boards at the big movie theater at Leicester Square. Head to the hippest pop-up bars and restaurants in East London, or get a taste of London’s legendary club scene or sing your heart out at a gig featuring London’s hottest new bands or big name acts in Soho or Shoreditch.
Pubs or Public Houses are also a part of London culture, They are really a great British institution and as you’d expect the capital is absolutely packed full of them. From pubs that have been around for centuries to modern Michelin-starred gastropubs, every corner of this city is packed with places to grab a pint or two .Do not forget to visit The Marksman, it was named Michelin Pub of the Year for 2017, becoming the first London pub to earn the title, so it will give you a strong indication of its quality.It also has the traditional wood-panelled bar area, Their is also an upstairs dining area, added by chefs and owners Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram. They serve classic British fare and knockout Sunday roasts.Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a Fleet Street institution, having been standing since just after the Great Fire of London when it was rebuilt (and actually there was a pub on the same site before that too). Explore the many nooks and crannies of this historic pub before settling in with a pint or two of Sam Smiths.There’s no better way to finish off a walk on Hampstead Heath than with a drink in The Spaniards Inn, It has the feeling of a country pub (and is especially cosy in winter) but is very much a part of the city, even getting a mention in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers. Their selection of cask ales rotates regularly so you’ll always find something to pair with their gastropub food offering.The May Flower is a quintessential English pub and has the distinction of being the oldest pub on the Thames – you can still spot the point where The Mayflower was moored in 1620 before it sailed onto the south coast and eventually America. Old church pews adorn the charming interior but there’s little better than enjoying a pint overlooking the river from the terrace.But this is not end of the best, few days back I visited Imperial College, near it I found The Queens Arm hardly 100 Meter away , fancy, traditional as well contemporary not so heavy on pocket. Loved it's choice and range of beer.
British cuisine might be the punchline of many jokes, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what London has to offer. Swanky restaurants, delicious street food, and experimental dishes in quirky settings all contribute to London’s constantly evolving, global cuisine. That’s not to say you can’t get a traditional full English breakfast or a Sunday roast – which is not for the calorie conscious- just head to a traditional cafe or gastro pub for your taste of British cuisine.
It’s not just football that London excels at, although it’s home to some of the biggest clubs in the world. Wembley Stadium hosts national football matches as well as NFL games that sell out the 90,000 seater stadium. The deafening roar of Twickenham will be louder than ever this year as it, Wembley and the Olympic Stadium help host the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The 2012 Olympics also left a lasting legacy on London – you can bring your towel to Stratford and take a dip in the pool used by Michael Phelps or, if you are feeling brave, take the plunge off the very diving boards Tom Daley sprang from. Brits are sports mad, and events don’t come any more English than spending a day watching the tennis at Wimbledon or trying to understand the rules of cricket at Lord’s.
You may have heard of the British Royal Family- they’re kind of a big deal in the UK, especially in London where royal sightings are never far away. Take a stroll along The Mall – the famed tree-lined road leading to Buckingham Palace. Here, you can witness all the pomp and ceremony of British regal tradition with the changing of the guard. From Buckingham Palace, take a walk through Hyde Park to Kensington Palace where you might catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
London is a great place to start with the city’s acclaimed ensemble of museums, which are free and perfect for rainy days. The National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain are home to renowned collections of classical art while the Tate Modern is a world-leader in modern art. Take a step back in time at the British Museum and the National History Museum without spending a penny. When the sun is shining, simply walking the streets and experiencing the city’s markets, which come in all shapes and sizes, selling a weird and wonderful array of products, are a great way to get to know London. At night, you can take your pick from free gigs and comedy stand-up shows located all over the city.
London might move at a million miles per hour, but it’s simple to take a step back and take a tranquil break from its hectic pace. The city’s parks, just like the city itself, are full of surprises – they’re home to zoos, outdoor theaters, and swimming pools. Dining alfresco in one of the eight Royal Parks, cycling through Holland Park to unwind in Kyoto Gardens, or snapping the skyline from Greenwich Park or Primrose Hill all reveal a softer side to London, but a side that’s no less exciting, especially during the summer months.
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