So, you’ve booked that awesome long term rental space in a land famed for its fantastic cuisine and you’re ready to test your culinary talents. It’s a foodie’s dream scenario, until you realize that you’ll be leaving your home kitchen and most of your gourmet tools behind. Well, fear not: Any country with a celebrated gastronomic history got its reputation way before there was electricity to power up your stand mixer. You just need to shake up your kitchen game to be more in tune with your new digs.

• Simplify: When you’re living in long term stay accommodations, it’s likely that your kitchen will be stocked with basic gadgets – and that’s all you’ll need. Simple cooking is the best cooking because it allows the flavors and essences of the ingredients to shine through; plus, good, clean eating has numerous health benefits. Make sure you’ve got a sharp knife and a couple of decent-quality pans, and you’ll be prepared for anything in the kitchen.

• Get Friendly with Local Sources: Living abroad, you’ll definitely find the neighborhood butcher, fishmonger, produce supplier, bakery, and so on – just like at home. The difference is that they may not all be under one roof. Local purveyors often have a stand-alone shop where they sell their offerings, enabling them to give you more personalized attention. Get to know these owners/operators! These folks are a wealth of information about what’s fresh, what’s good, and how to prepare it

• Be Prepared to Shop Daily: In most long-term rentals abroad, you’ll find that the fridge and icebox are smaller than what you’re used to. Less space for storage means you’re not likely to do the once-a-week, stock-up grocery trip like you do at home. You may even find that you’re shopping as often as daily, so food doesn’t go bad before you can prepare it. This is a good thing! When you hit the market daily, you get your ingredients at the peak of freshness – and your cooking will reflect that.

With these tips, you may just find that you don’t miss your kitchen at home while living in an extended stay space. Do you have any recommendations for people heading abroad? Please share your thoughts.

You’ve got your passport in order, airfare is booked, and you’ve arranged awesome accommodations for your extended stay in a foreign country. And as you check items off your packing list, you breathe a sigh of relief. If there’s anything you’ve left behind, you can always buy it when you get to your destination, right?

Not so fast. In the excitement, many unfortunate travelers forget a critical item as they embark on a long-term trip abroad – one that isn’t so easy to replace upon arrival: A healthcare portfolio. Few things are more important than your health, so make sure you include these essentials on your packing list.

Health Insurance Information: Carry your health insurance card with you wherever you go, both your regular plan and supplemental travel health insurance policy information. In the event that you need to make a claim, it’s handy to have copies of claim forms as well.

Meds: Of course, you’ll pack up the prescription medications you take regularly, but you may also need special treatments for your trip. Talk to your doctor about prescriptions for malaria, diarrhea, or a general antibiotic – depending on where your journey is taking you. In addition, consider taking some basic over-the-counter meds that can be more expensive abroad. Stock up on pain relievers, allergy medicine, cough and cold drugs, antacids, and others you may use frequently.

First Aid Kit: You don’t need to take along a snake-bite and suture kit, but it’s smart to carry the basics. Make sure to include bandages, elastic wraps, gauze, antiseptic, tweezers, sunburn ointment, and anything specific for your destination.

My Medical: Download the My Medical app for Android or iPhone and you’ll have a comprehensive database of your personal medical information whenever you need it. It’s an ideal way to take along important medical information without dragging paper records around during your trip.

Planning an extended stay abroad takes some time, effort, and patience, but you can rest easy when it comes to making arrangements for accommodations. At Myrooms, we’ve got you covered with lodging options you can search by budget, location, and accommodation type. Please contact us or visit our website to check out our current listings.

You may not be able to fully understand all the British dialects, know The Tube like the back of your hand, or comprehend the intricate rules of rugby right away, but there is one thing you can do upon your arrival in London: Get to know your neighborhood. Whether your extended stay is a few months or a year, you’ll need to become as familiar with your surroundings as you are when you’re living in your own home town. Fortunately, it’s easy – and, even better, it’s a ton of fun!

Figure Out All Public Transportation Options: Doing ALL of the stuff below is a breeze when you know how to get around town. So, your first priority is to become one with the London Underground, a.k.a., The Tube. This massive subway network is the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to get around town, and it pretty much goes anywhere you need to be. Become familiar with the bus lines as well, for the rare spots The Tube may not reach – or just for fun to see the city. For longer trips, consider local train service that offers transportation to London’s outlying areas.

Play Tourist for a Day: As you’re settling in, hit the town like a tourist. Check out the historical landmarks like Big Ben, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Grab a bite at a street vendor in Soho or Chelsea. Do some window shopping at the Piccadilly boutiques. Belly up to the bar for a pint at the pub on the corner. Try to walk as much as possible to really experience London, or rent a bike for long-distance adventures. Check out the London Cycle Hire service that provides you with the first half hour for free!

Locate Your Basic Essentials: In a single afternoon, you should be able to locate all the places you’ll frequent on a regular basis. Find a coffee shop, casual dinner, your local pub, grocers and markets, more upscale spots for fine dining – and any other type of establishment you visit habitually.

Know Where To Go For Fun: No matter what your interests, London’s got you covered – it may just be a matter of finding the spot for your favorite activities. Take a stroll around your neighborhood to pinpoint parks, running paths, biking trails, shopping districts, museums, library or book store, dance clubs, etc.

Here's a quick, basic guide to London:

With these tips, it won’t be long before you’ll be seeing your London neighborhood through the eyes of a resident – not just a visitor. Not sure which neighborhood you want to call home during an extended stay trip? Please contact a specialist at Myrooms. We can help you find the best fit for accommodations in any part of town. You can also visit our website to review available lodging options.

Londoners definitely like to enjoy a good pint when winding down, but ales and lagers can get a little old after a while…especially if you’re not a big fan of brews to begin with. Never fear – there’s more than beer in this town! Check out some of these quintessential London cocktails when you’re out and about, and try out the corresponding recipes the next time you’re hosting a shindig.

Pimm’s Cup: A brand of fruit liqueurs first produced in 1823, the inaugural Pimm’s Cup is the most popular version of this cocktail. The No. 1 cup is a smooth, deep brown color with red undertones, and it tastes like blend of rich spice and citrus. Typically, it’s mixed with ginger ale for a Pimm’s Cup No. 1. Enjoy it at The Avalon in a gorgeous outdoor setting that features greenery and plants cascading down a rustic brick wall.

• Make It Yourself: This cocktail is best concocted in a pitcher for sharing with mates as you take in a polo match. Combine 1 ½ cups Pimm’s No. 1, orange and lemon slices, and a few sprigs of mint; allow to chill and marinate for 10 minutes. Then, add an equal part ginger ale, toss in some cucumber for garnish, and serve over ice.

The Collins: There’s no consensus on the true story behind The Collins, but many believe this fizzy gin and lemon beverage was first served at Limmer’s Hotel in the Mayfair district – which is why you should experience it at the source. The Westbury Hotel sits at that spot now, and their take on The Collins focuses on the star ingredient: Premium quality gin.

• Mix Your Own: Combine 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a 1 tablespoon of simple syrup. Mix in a shaker, then pour over ice and top off with club soda.

Black Velvet: This origins of this beer-based cocktail are rather gloomy. The drink is rumored to derive from the black velvet that Queen Victoria wore for the rest of her life after the passing of her husband, Prince Albert. A gentlemen’s club in. St. James’s Street served this stout and champagne cocktail out of respect. Black Velvets are available at almost any Irish pub in London, but try it out at the Auld Shillelagh for a bona fide version.

• DIY This Cocktail: This super-easy recipe starts by pouring champagne into a flute-shaped glass; slowly pour Guinness over the top, using the back of a spoon to diffuse the stout and maintain the separation between the two ingredients.

There’s a fantastic hot spot for quintessential cocktails around every corner in London. But if you prefer to make these concoctions at home, the folks at Myrooms can help you find an awesome space to perfect your mixology skills. Please contact us for more information on our lodging options for extended stays in London, or check out our website to search available accommodations.

London is a book-lover’s dream, especially considering the vast number of excellent writers that have called Britain home – dating all the way back to Chaucer, Shakespeare, and whoever wrote Beowulf. Whether you’ve got a few days or you’re one of the lucky ones calling London home for an extended stay, there’s no shortage of hot spots where you can feed your literary inner child. Check out a few of our favorites.

• The British Library: Yes, the British Libraryis massive. With more than 14 million tomes competing for space with journals, newspapers, magazines, and every other format of the written word you can image – and three million new items added every year – it can be overwhelming to try and take it all in. Fortunately, wise librarians have curated a collection of the most popular and well-known works. A permanent exhibit called “The Treasures” features early Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” selected Beatles’ lyrics, and early bibles.

• Westminster Abbey: At the South Transept of Westminster Abbey lies Poet’s Corner, where visitors can pay tribute to such literary greats as Chaucer, Robert Browning, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, and many more of the literary greats who are buried or commemorated there. You’ll note a creative array of memorial forms, from the basic slabs bearing the writer’s name to sculpted busts to elaborately carved stone works of art.

• The Folio Society: Don’t let its size fool you: This diminutive shop in Central London is big on all-things-literary, with rows of shelves carrying a mammoth load of big, heavy hardcover books. The Folio Society is as much a tribute to British literary tradition as it is a dedication to the visual arts. The organization's pride itself on publishing beautifully crafted versions of the world’s best literary works, so – even if you can’t afford the hefty price tag on these one-of-a-kind pieces – you can stand in awe of the splendor as you gaze up at the stacks.

Well, that’s the short list of London for literary gurus. What did we leave out? Tell us your favourite place to kick back with a book or celebrate the greats of British literature.

It’s exciting and fascinating to spend an extended stay in London, but even residents who adore the city love a quick getaway from time to time. The bonus of living in this great town is that there are tons of excellent highlights that don’t require you to spend a fortune on flights and lodging. Plan your adventure to one of these awesome day trips from London, and don’t forget to pack your camera.

Stonehenge: Mystery shrouds this rock landmark, one of the most famous in England. Is it a circle that offers a glimpse at an ancient civilization, a type of calendar used by primitive tribes, or just a group of rocks someone set up as a prank? Stonehenge is a real treat for history lovers and conspiracy theorists alike.

Canterbury: The cathedral at Canterbury’s city center is the highlight, with its soaring Gothic ceilings, colorful stained glass windows, and intricate carved statues. Keep a lookout for the sword sculpture dedicated to Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket – who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170. History buffs could spend hours strolling the grounds, then take a walk through narrow streets of the old city.

The Cotswolds: For outdoorsy types, The Cotswolds are a must-see. The quaint villages look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale, and the beautiful rolling hills offer a picturesque glimpse into Merry Olde England. Some highlights are the charming towns of Upper and Lower Slaughter

Stratford-Upon-Avon: Of course we wouldn’t forget you, literature buffs – especially when The Bard himself hails from just outside of London. Make Stratford-Upon-Avon a day trip to see the birthplace and home of William Shakespeare, open to visitors. You’ll learn more about his life and can even see his works on stage at one of world’s most famous theaters: The Royal Shakespeare Theater.

For more suggestions check out this video:

Perhaps the best part of living in London is the central location that allows you to explore the surrounding region – which is just a quick day trip away. At Myrooms, we specialize in helping travelers find and book long term accommodations throughout the London area. Please contact a travel specialist with questions or visit our website to review current listings.

You’ve definitely seen that person around town. The one whose wardrobe screams “tourist” – from the college-logo sweatshirt and Nike shoes to the backward baseball cap and camera around the neck. Not only is this look tacky, but it can get you barred from certain attractions and upscale hot spots in London. Plus, attire that demonstrates your visitor status can even be dangerous, making you a target for pickpockets and more violent offenders.

If you’d rather stay home than don some get-up that pegs you as a tourist, read on. There are three wardrobe pieces you’ll need to buy, beg for, or borrow to dress like a Londoner.

1.A Wool Scarf: A cozy scarf will keep you warm in winter, but you’ll want it to face the London chill at other times of the year as well. Choose a lightweight wool that works well under a coat and can also work as a wrap over clothing. If you prefer to buy when you arrive, hit up H&M to check out their huge selection of wool scarves for men, women, and children.

2.Black Trousers: If there’s one wardrobe essential to spend some serious cash on for a London trip, it’s the classic black trouser. You can dress these pants up or down, so they make an easy transition from an office or professional setting to a night on the town. They also hide the urban grit and grime that make your khakis look nasty. Black trousers come in every size, in many different cuts, you can get them in a wide variety of fabrics, and they go with literally everything.

 
3.A Lightweight Sweater: For most of the year, you’ll be perfectly comfortable in a lightweight sweater – either on its own or over another shirt. Because it’s relatively thin, you can easily incorporate a sweater as a layer … and layers are critical sometimes-brisk, often-rainy London. Hint: Pair your lightweight sweater with the wool scarf, and you’re set for 7-8 months of the year!

You should definitely experience London as a tourist, especially when enjoying an extended stay in the city. But that doesn’t mean you need to look like one. With these three pieces, you’ll blend right in along with the long term residents. For more information on life in London, check out the Myrooms blog or contact a travel specialist to review available lodging options around town.

In many parts of the world, the price marked on an item is just an invitation to enter into negotiations. Haggling is accepted – and often expected – as a way to reach a compromise between the buyer hoping for a bargain and the vendor seeking to make a sale. But if you’re on the purchasing side, you can’t just jump in with both feet and start shouting numbers. Haggling can backfire if you don’t have a plan, especially since the merchant has a very good idea of an item’s fair price. With some practice and a few tips, you can get the best bargain and have a fun time doing it.

• Can You – and Should You – Haggle? Attempting to strike a deal isn’t appropriate in all situations. If you stroll into Harrods in London and try to haggle over a leather jacket, you can bet security will showing you the door. If you can, do some advance research and talk to people in-the-know. If that’s not an option, start off by casually showing some interest – but then pucker your brow at the price. At this point, you’ve got the vendor on the hook to throw out the first offer. If they come down around two percent of the price, you’ve got a little wiggle room.

• WWLP – What Would Locals Pay: In some markets, you may not see any prices posted. This is a possible sign that one number applies to you – and another one is offered to locals. Merchants typically assume that, if you’ve got the money to travel, you can afford what they quote you. The best way to figure out the price that locals pay is to check their national minimum wage and compare it to yours. Adjust accordingly and you’ll get WWLP.

• Bundle Up: A vendor may not give you a great deal on a set of earrings – but you might get their attention if you’re buying a few. Merchants know their margins and are usually willing to work with you if you’re open to bundling up. The more they think you’ll buy, the more accommodating they become on price.

• Pay Cash: Leave the credit cards at home, because any vendor agreeable to haggling isn’t too keen on absorbing the fee charged for processing a transaction. Take your cash and know how much you’re spending in your own currency. XE has an awesome currency converter for both iPhone and Android.

This video should give a little bit more insight into haggling:

Even if you walk away empty-handed after trying out these tips, you did get something of value: You had fun and learned a lot from a memorable experience. Now, get ready to go shopping!

Whether you’d prefer accommodation with a living room comes down to how much interaction you’d like with the people you share the space with. If you are new to London or looking to make friends, having a space where you can gather with your housemates makes for a more sociable lifestyle. Having the ability to sit down on the sofa and have a chat on evenings and weekends can broaden your social circle and help build a new ‘family’ of friends. Plus, if guests come around, you won’t have to congregate in the kitchen and run the risk of annoying your hungry housemates; or have the awkward job of hosting visitors in your bedroom!

Of course, many tenants are happy just engaging their housemates with a polite nod in the hallway or having a quick chat while they make a coffee in the kitchen. In which case, you could happily forego the living space.

It’s worth noting as well that the more living space you share, the more potential there is for tension over personal levels of tidiness. Nobody can see their housemates’ junk behind closed bedroom doors. If it gets spread across a communal living room it’s a lot more obvious - and annoying. Not to mention the potential for clashes if you have a communal television. If your taste in TV programmes varies wildly, you may need to rotate command of the remote control!

Flats with living rooms are, however, in the minority: only 11% of the properties listed on Myrooms.co.uk at the time of writing have a living room available for tenants. If you want your accommodation to offer more opportunities for ‘living’, you’d best be quick.

The YouGov survey of more than 4,500 private renters suggested that many are too scared of losing their accommodation to complain. As competition for rented rooms in London is fierce, it appears some tenants are willing to put up with unsatisfactory conditions rather than risk being replaced by someone less willing to rock the boat. Their fears aren’t entirely unwarranted - the research noted that one in 50 (2%) private sector tenants said they had been evicted or served with an eviction notice because they had complained to their landlord or letting agent about something that was not the tenant's responsibility, such as a repair that needed to be made.

As well as providing a fast and efficient service for sourcing and booking rooms in the heart of the capital, Myrooms.co.uk wants to ensure its clients have a positive experience throughout their stay. In addition to contracting with reputable landlords, it has taken the pain out of asking for assistance. Tenants can use its online maintenance form to lodge queries concerning repairs, maintenance and problems with appliances. Tenants can even upload photos to illustrate their concerns. Alternatively, Myrooms.co.uk staff can be contacted on info@myrooms.co.uk to assist - meaning tenants can get on with enjoying a hassle-free home.

Sure, it’s fun to head out on the town with friends to celebrate the holidays, but staying in can also be a blast. If you’re worried that living in a long term space has to hold you back from the festivities, think again: You can host a shin-dig at your temporary home with a few tips on making your event the sensation of the season.

• Forego What You Know: Obviously, you want to serve some killer food, but don’t count on finding all the ingredients you need for your famous dip. In a new neighborhood – and especially in a different country – you may be out of luck in locating that special spice mix or indispensable sauce. Instead of relying on your time-honored dishes, create new traditions. Hit up a farmer’s market, fix up a cheese plate, or try your hand at cooking up a local specialty.

Even Easier: Have party-goers bring their favorite home-made specialty. That way, you don’t labor in the kitchen all day and end up too tired to enjoy the party.

• Develop a Versatile Punch: Equally important at your get-together are beverages. You could always make your fete a BYOB, but go the extra step by fixing up a tasty punch. There’s less mess and your fridge space won’t be occupied by miscellaneous bottles and cans.

A Few Brew Recipes to Try: The holidays call for a festive drink, so take advantage of the flavors of the season. The folks at Epicurious have prepared a long list of punch options, or you can take off the chill with one of these winter warmer cocktails. And If you're the type to prefer videos:

• Get Creative with Seating: Chances are you don’t have enough chairs for a crowd, but there are plenty of other options for seating. Move a bench from the bedroom, plop down on the cooler, borrow some folding chairs or – for simplicity’s sake – just toss some pillows on the floor.

Upcycle a Spot to Squat: With a little time and a few basic materials, you can create your own seating that will last more than just the night of the party. Check out a few ideas on how to turn an old tire into an ottoman on the cheap.

Are you hosting a bash in your extended stay space this holiday season? We’d love to hear your tips on how to make it a stunning success.

Yes, it’s the holiday season once again – only this year, you’re in London. Whether you’ve got just a week or the entire month of December, you’ve got to set some priorities for your activities over the winter holidays. If you try to do it all, you’ll wake up in a daze in early January, wondering how all the magic floated by so quickly. The key is to commit to one or two big-deal events, then let the other fetes casually fall into place. Here are our picks for major attractions in London this season (Hint: They’re ongoing, allowing for maximum flexibility)

• Harrods: Holiday Window Displays. In true form, Harrods goes all-out for Christmas, creating elaborate winter scenes that tell a story within each window display. For 2017, the store has joined with the creative minds behind Dolce & Gabbana, lending some Italian flare to the spectacle. And, if the windows aren’t enough, you can also stroll through 2,000 square feet of retail space, with almost every inch devoted to holiday joy. There’s even a Christmas parade and grotto where you can meet the man in red himself.

• Trafalgar Square: Christmas Tree. Every year, Trafalgar Square gets dressed up for the holidays, with a show-stopping Christmas tree at the center of it all. Since 1947, a massive Norwegian spruce tree is the star of the season, a show of thanks from the city of Oslo, Norway to the British for their support during World War II. The tree is selected up to several years in advance, before being felled and transported to London via sea and truck. Don’t expect the extravagance and glitz of other holiday celebrations: The décor is simple, yet elegant, in keeping with Norwegian tradition.

• Tower of London: Ice Skating. Yes, you can strap on some skates and enjoy a few turns around the ice – surrounded by the majesty of a medieval fortress. The Tower of London is the city’s most iconic historical landmark, and it freezes up a rink in the center of the action every holiday season. Mornings are great for beginner skaters and families, but it’s the evenings when the attraction really comes alive. The lights are turned on, illuminating the ice and casting long shadows across the stunning architecture.

If you’ll be in London for the winter holidays and need a long-term space, visit our accommodations options at MyRooms. No matter what, when, or where within London, your extended stay home away from home is waiting.

Many reports claim how unstable, insecure and sometimes unsuitable renting can be for people. But renting a property can be a great solution to somebody who’s unable to get onto the housing ladder or who wants more flexibility in their life. And while it’s a landlord’s job to protect their tenants and provide a safe, secure and comfortable home, renters can also make the process more plain sailing…

Here’s how you can be the perfect tenant for your landlord and have a successful renting experience:

Just be a good person

It all comes down to basics at the end of the day. If you’re friendly, responsible, trustworthy, reliable and approachable, your landlord will be more inclined to treat you in the same way. If you’re not all of those things, you may find that you have clashes with your landlord or it becomes harder to communicate, which can have an adverse effect on your housing situation – if you’re difficult to deal with, your landlord may be less likely to renew your tenancy, for example.

Simply being polite when communicating with your landlord and reliable when it comes to your responsibilities should ensure that you get the same treatment in return, which makes for a much more pleasant lettings journey for all.

Communication is key

It’s that same old cliché, but good and clear communication really is important with your landlord. Always be open with them and keep everything you’ve said on record – this way, you’ll have evidence if a dispute ever does arise. Just Landlords recommends following up every phone call or face-to-face meeting with an email, just so that you have proof of what was said and when.

If you have a good relationship with your landlord, it should make it easier to speak with them about your requirements and requests, which could make the whole renting experience a bit more enjoyable for you.

Stick to your duties

The tenancy agreement is there for a reason – it outlines everything your landlord must do and everything you must do as the perfect tenant in return. When you sign that contract, you are pledging to stick to your side of the agreement, so make sure that you do. If you comply with all of your responsibilities and you can prove it, your landlord cannot raise a successful dispute against you.

Not only this, but your landlord will also be grateful that you’ve protected their property and have been the model tenant, which will make them more likely to renew your tenancy again at a good price.

Be accommodating

As a tenant, it’s not only you that has duties to fulfil – the property owner also has responsibilities regarding your health and safety and the security of the property. If you want to get repairs completed quickly, raise issues with your landlord or get some maintenance finished, you need to give your landlord or their letting agent access to the property.

Remember that you have the right to quiet enjoyment of your rental home, but your landlord will use denial of access to the property as evidence as to why repairs weren’t completed in the event of a dispute.

Look after your home

With so many people living in their rental homes for years now, the private rental sector is increasingly becoming a permanent source of housing. For this reason, it pays for you to treat your rental property as if it’s your own home and look after it. Although you may be restricted on decorating or owning pets, the more you look after the property, the more likely your landlord will be lenient.

While your landlord has a duty to keep the property in a good state of repair, you are essentially the one that’s living there, so it’s your responsibility to look after it on a daily basis. Your landlord will thank you if you do!

Time for a thorough clean? Check out these excellent bathroom cleaning hacks.

Being a perfect tenant isn’t rocket science, but it is important to understand your duties and always show respect when communicating with your landlord. These simple steps will make the whole renting process easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved – and they won’t cost you a penny!

There is perhaps no better way to truly immerse yourself in a culture than to relax and watch passers-by as they go about their daily business. But to get the most out of people-watching, you need to steer clear of the tourist traps and attractions: Though these destinations are an absolute must-do when you’re visiting a new place, you’re not likely to come across the people that actually live there. After you hit the tour guide hot spots, try these on for size.

The Bustling Street Café: Every neighborhood has a java joint where locals stop by to get to get some fuel for their day of work, school, errands, or fun. Kick back with a cup of coffee at a street café and watch the magic unfold.

• Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Coffee makes a great first date, so look for couples meeting up for their initial, introductory get-together. The ensuing awkwardness is both delightful and charming.

The Humble Park Bench: We recommend getting out in the fresh air whenever possible when you’re traveling, and it just so happens that the great outdoors also offers excellent people-watching. Pop a squat on a park bench and take in the view.

• Be on the Lookout: Parks are a popular destination for school groups on educational jaunts, and younger children are especially fun to watch when they’re out of the classroom. Their joy is contagious.

The Sports Pub: Kill two birds with one stone as you enjoy refreshments and people-watch at the corner sports bar. Every culture has its favorite athletic pastime, and you’ll have a blast observing fans as they cheer on their teams and engage in the wacky rituals sure to bring a victory.

• Belly Up Next To: Anyone enthusiastically watching cricket. Not only can they explain the rules, but you’ll be entertained for the entire afternoon – matches last several hours over multiple days.

Where do you enjoy people-watching when traveling? We’d love to hear your ideas.

If you have played Monopoly you will know that Mayfair comes right at the end, is part of a two set instead of the usual three in the game and is the most expensive. Although just a game, it gives a surprisingly accurate pointer to what this luxurious area of London is all about.

Literally named after a fair that ran fortnightly between 1686 and 1764, this area has become the playground for the influential and rich. It’s where you will find luxury shops, top restaurants and classy clubs plus the biggest concentration of five star hotels in the whole city. It is one of the most expensive and sought after areas to live in and to celebrities it is the place to be seen and they are often spotted enjoying the sights of this famous area.

It is considered a millionaires playground and the high quality of the socialising choices reflects this. There are many Michelin starred restaurants crammed into this tiny area of central London but there are also some good choices that won’t break the bank too much. For the top end of the spectrum, you should visit The Greenhouse which is an immaculate fine French dining experience but also does a reasonably priced set menu for £35, which is unreal value for the area. For a cheaper option The Market Brasserie should be on your list where people go to for their lobster.

Of course Mayfair isn’t just about stuffing your face and drinking the night away. Burlington Arcade is the place to go for shopping in the area and has been selling upmarket good since 1819. It’s worth a visit purely for the history, if you can’t stomach shelling out the pounds for a new David Duggan watch. The Royal Institution is based here, which is a charity funded place to connect you with all things science and their exhibitions will expand your mind, if only a little.

This classy part of London is infamous on Monopoly, known around the world and it shows no sign of losing that reputation and I’m sure you want to get involved.

You can find the rooms to rent in Mayfair here.

A.H

The best part about working remotely is the ability to do it anytime, from anywhere with high-speed internet access. The downside: Getting cagey after you’ve been staring at the same walls – and people – all day long. Sometimes, you’ve just gotta get out of the house to be productive doing your work-from-home thing. Fortunately, London has plenty of cool cafes right outside your front door.

Timberyard: Covent Garden Station

The remote working crowd isn’t just tolerated at Timberyard UK; you’re actually encouraged to come into work and play as long as you want. And you’ll have plenty of refreshments to fuel your day – from filter coffees and specialty teas to Croque Monsieur and Goat Cheese & Chutney Sandwiches. Grab a seat in one of the overstuffed armchairs, plug in, and get to it.

Bean & Hop: Wimbledon Park Station

There are a few essentials freelancers look for in a quality working café: Comfy seating, speedy WiFi, and outlets galore. Bean & Hop delivers on all of them. And as a bonus, you can start your day with an Espresso or Latte … then transition into a happy hour by enjoying a beer, wine, or cocktail when you finish up. Plus, With the Bean & Hop Loyalty App, you can get your first coffee free and earn points toward future cups of Joe.

Look Mum, No Hands: Old Street Station

This hip café deserves a visit for the name alone – but once you’re there, you’ll be hooked on other features. Look Mum, No Hands offers free Wifi, with power outlets around the comfortable sofas in the seating area. The breakfast menu is expansive, with both large dishes and smaller snacks. For lunch, check the specials board or try the LMNH Burger.

Where do you spend the day working from home – while not at home? We’re always on the lookout for new hotspots!

Shepherds Bush may not have the reputation as one of London's best nightspots. The majority of people flock here to shop at the impressive Westfield shopping centre. But don’t just judge an area on its reputation alone.

Look further in to Shepherds Bush and you will be pleasantly surprised. The area is awash with great pubs to drink in, impressive shopping options and places to eat on the spectrum from street food right up to serious top end restaurants.

If you enjoy a drink? Try the locals favourite The Princess Victoria. A real classic British boozer that does great food or maybe you can be tempted by the ever popular brewery BrewDog that serves their own craft beer. For food there is the small but excellent Hummingbird Cafe which is independently run and is famous in the area for their coffee. If you want culture - Shepherds Bush Empire boasts a 2,000 capacity and one of the better sounds of the bigger venues in London plus an ability to attract a solid selection of acts across the genres. Theatre wise, look no further than the Bush Theatre which is world famous for its focus on new writing and raw talent and encouraging playwrights from every background possible.

The main heartbeat of the area is the Shepherds Bush Green, which is a vibrant eight acre park flanked by trees that is perfect for summer chilling and outside eating. To the greens Northwest is where you’ll find the juggernaut shopping centre, Westfield which is packed, full of all the expected high street brands. But if you are looking for a more independent feel - you can’t go wrong - with the Shepherds Bush Market which is a 95 year old local institution. The market is the polar opposite to the modern day high street shopping experience you will find at Westfield, with everything from butchers and world food to home-made outfits and bric-a-brac.

It seems East is the word in London at the moment but Shepherds Bush is a solid example that the West still packs a punch.

You can find our Shepherds Bush properties here.

Belgravia is a district of London that is home to some of the grandest architecture in the city. Lying just South West of Buckingham Palace, this classy area is dominated with grand terraced white Stucco houses, magnificent squares and immaculate streets.

This West London district is one of the richest not just in London but in the whole world. Most of the property is still owned by the Grosvenor Estate which work on behalf of the Grosvenor family who have owned the area since the 18th century. The properties and rooms to rent in Belgravia are among the best in terms of location.

Here, you will  find many of the worlds embassies and world renown designers who have their flagship stores located in the heart of Belgravia.  As you walk around, it has a much quieter feel almost like a village compared to the more bustling areas nearby such as Knightsbridge or Chelsea. However, spending time here you begin to see what really is under its shell.

Coming here you have to visit the many grand squares that dominate the area. Walking along the road following the houses of Belgrave Square is worth a sight to witness arguably the most grandest residential houses built in the whole of this great city, which is some achievement.

Looking for things to do other than admiring all of Belgravia’s magnificent buildings? The Punchbowl will always be recommended and it was once owned by the director Guy Ritchie, who was behind Lock Stock and the recent Sherlock Holmes films. The pub serves brilliant ales, single malt whiskies and classic British food like fish and chips to a stunning level. They also have a dining room above which caters for fine dining British dishes and has a proper wine list put together by wine master Tim Atkin. Sloane Square is worth a look and you will find the 950 seater Cadogan halls based here, where you can listen to only the best in classical and jazz music.

Belgravia is one of the classiest, original and grand areas of London. There isn’t much more you can say that can top that.

You can find the rooms to rent in Belgravia here.

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We love London’s Underground for public transportation, with its speed, reliability, and expansive coverage of pretty much everywhere around town. But even The Tube can grow tedious at times, especially when you want to actually see where you’re going. The next time you’re out – whether for work or fun – check out these alternatives that offer a new twist on public transportation around London.

Thames Clippers:

This boat service transports about 8500 people every day – both commuters moving between the city’s East and West Sides, and visitors looking for a leisurely sightseeing cruise. No matter which camp you belong to, the Thames Clippers treat you to breathtaking views of London…without the hassles of traffic or cramped Tube cars. The service is frequent (a high-speed vessel departs about every 20 minutes), fast, and affordable. You can even check the website for itinerary suggestions if you’re looking to turn your trip into a special occasion.

Regents Canal Waterbus:

Take in some London history as you ride on it, traveling between Camden and Little Venice on long, narrow boats that enjoy historic status in the city. Waterbus is a relaxing excursion along Regents Park, taking you past 19th Century architecture, Camden Lock Market, London Zoo, and other stops during your journey. Note that you cannot pay cash – it’s card-only, so bring your Oyster Card.

Emirates Air Line:

Gaze upon London from above by taking a ride on the Emirates cable car that connects the North and South Sides of the city over the River Thames. You’ll get a one-of-a-kind view of the entire metropolitan area – and beyond, on a clear day – as you travel at a height of almost 300 feet (90 meters). The trip is about 10 minutes, but speeds up to around half that during rush hour, so plan accordingly.

Crowded airports. Lost luggage. Hours-long layovers. They’re all the worst, but there’s one thing that travelers dread every time they face a long distance journey: Jet Lag. Whether it’s a trip for business or pleasure – or even the vacation of a lifetime – your internal clock doesn’t care. You’ve just crossed multiple time zones and your body will catch up when it feels like it, thank you very much. Not so fast, Circadian Rhythms: We’ve got the tips you need to beat jet lag before it ruins your next trip.

Before Your Flight:

Comfort is king, so splurge when booking your seat. Whichever your preference – aisle or window – get the spot you want, even if it means spending a little more. You can also start adjusting your bedtime by a few hours to ease the transition to a new time zone. When packing your carry-on, include an empty water bottle that you can take through security. You’re going to need it.

At the Airport:

Arrive on time, so you’re not rushed – but not so early that you end up hanging around the airport with nothing to do. Boredom is exhausting. You probably already know to avoid drinking too much booze before your flight, but steer clear of coffee as well. Dehydration is already an issue on long plane trips, and both will make it worse. And while we’re on the topic, fill up that water bottle.

In the Air:

Dress as comfortably as you can without looking like you just stepped out of bed. Even if you can’t sleep, binding clothes will make it impossible to relax. Continue to avoid caffeine and alcohol, and eat light during the flight. A full stomach is 10 times more uncomfortable at 40,000 feet. Remember that water? Sip it early, sip it often. That whole dehydration thing.

When You Arrive:

First thing’s first: Set your watch to the local time zone, or make sure your smart phone is set to do it automatically. It’s easier to adjust when you can convince your brain what time it is. Upon arrival, do your best to stay awake until around your regular bed time – head to a place where the commotion is rampant and the energy is contagious if you need to. Forcing your body to get on a regular sleep schedule today makes for a better tomorrow.

What did we miss – do you have any tried-and-true tricks for beating jet lag?

Tenants looking to rent in central London are seeing rents rising to an extent that most of the sought-after postcodes are now out of reach for even high earners.For this reason, increasing numbers of people are looking for rooms to rent, rather than whole flats or houses, in order to maintain a lifestyle in the capitals top hot-spots.

Unsurprisingly, west Mayfair tops the rental stakes, where every square foot of a modest two-bedroom flat earns nearly £80 a year in rent.

Renters must find £1,000 a week to have any hope of being a tenant in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square hinterland, the W1K postcode.
It shows that, for those without seven-figure salaries, homes in Zone 1 and much of Zone 2 are now out of bounds, and comes amid mounting calls for the Government to introduce rent caps in the capital.

The second most expensive option would be a property around Belgrave Square Garden in Belgravia — the SW1X postcode — priced at an average £63 per square foot per year, or almost £40,000 for a year’s rent on a typical two-bedroom flat.

Properties in south Mayfair, W1J, cost £58 per square foot, while in Belgravia south of Eaton Square, SW1W, they cost an average of £55 per square foot.

Russian and Japanese tenants are some of the most common newcomers to the city’s top rental properties.

Other places that make the top 20 are a mixture of traditional prime central London locations, including Kensington, Chelsea, Marylebone and Notting Hill, and some more newly fashionable development zones such as Fitzrovia, Soho, Bloomsbury, Paddington and Earl’s Court.

With this in mind, rooms in London are now an increasingly popular option for people longing for the capital’s high life, but without the unaffordable costs involved. A list of some of the rooms in London’s top postcodes can be found at myrooms.co.uk.

With warmer weather approaching, Londoners are shaking off their winter hibernation and preparing for a summer of festivals and fun. Where is the best place to base yourself in the city centre to take advantage of what’s on offer? Myrooms.co.uk has the hottest deals on the best flatshare and house share accommodation in the capital’s Zone One. What kind of activities could you discover on your doorstep?

The More London Free Festival takes place June 4-September 26, bringing an impressive line-up of events and performances to the amphitheatre that sits below the Mayor’s office on the South Bank. Kicking off with a four-day street party of Latin and Caribbean food and fun, entertainment will then focus on music, theatre and film. An LED screen will also show Wimbledon tennis coverage from June 23-July 6. All events are free, just bring a cushion!

Meanwhile, the annual City of London Festival returns June 22-July 17 with a host of events in some of the capital’s grandest settings, from orchestral concerts in St Paul’s Cathedral, to jazz gigs in the Gherkin. The Bowler Hat, a pop-up venue in Paternoster Square, will present a variety of kid’s theatre, stand-up comedy, circus and cabaret, while a series of festival events under the banner of Seoul in the City showcases a wealth of upcoming classical talent from South Korea.

If your new flatshare accommodation doesn’t have its own garden, why not take a peek at some famous London lawns? On June 14-15, the Open Garden Squares Weekend takes place, allowing access to around 200 communal gardens not ordinarily open to the public, from traditional squares to roof terraces and allotments, as well as gardens belonging to historic buildings, schools, shops and cafes. One ticket allows entry to all venues over the weekend. Public ballots are being held for entry to Highbury Square (the former home of Arsenal Football Club) and to the gardens at Number 10 Downing Street.

 North London music lovers can groove along to the legendary Camden Crawl, now revamped as ‘CC14’, on June 20-21. More than 25 venues spanning a two-mile stretch of NW1 will play host to more than 200 live artists, DJs and specialist fringe events, showcasing the best emerging live music talent. The ticket price includes a lanyard programme guide and 2014 compilation album.

Sports fans in the city’s centre can take a stroll down The Mall to see the world’s top cyclists competing in the Tour De France. On July 7, the cyclists will be riding into London from the north east, before heading for central London, racing past London landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. London will host three official fan park sites with live coverage, cycling experiences, entertainment and French cuisine.

And it’s not a summer in London without Europe’s biggest street festival. The streets of West London will come alive with Caribbean flavour this August Bank Holiday weekend (August 24-25) for the Notting Hill Carnival. Packed with steel bands, Calypso music and fabulous food stalls, amazing floats and costumed performers wind their way through the streets – if you’re a local resident, you will become part of the party!

 If you want to enjoy this hot summer fun in your new central London neighbourhood, visit Myrooms.co.ukfor the latest flatshare and house share accommodation offers.

It’s hard to compare another area that has a facelift as momentous as Shoreditch has over the past twenty years. It is an area that is bursting at the seams with art and culture and most of the creative industries have made this eastern area of London their home.

Shoreditch was already there before the creatives moved in, but they certainly injected some much needed character into the area. Before the Second World War, this inner city district was a rough working class area that only survived on the small industries based there. After the conflict ended though this all changed as technology advances moved the industries out and the area deteriorated into crime and poverty. The only remaining odes to the past were the desolate factories and warehouses that became the heart of what Shoreditch is today.

The term hipster goes hand in hand here and although this is often made as a joke, there is no denying how vibrant and fun this place is. There are endless art exhibitions, live gigs, fashion shows and awesome venues to drink, eat and party in. It simply is associated with all of the above and people can’t stop coming back. You will never get bored here.

For recommendations this is more of a needle in the haystack one. But for food, a place that embodies the innovation of Shoreditch is Dishoom, which serves Bombay cuisine cafe style on small plates and it has an atmosphere almost as good as the food. For music, Village Underground is one of the bigger venues that puts on eclectic line ups from touring bands, to techno right across to dub and reggae. For a place to stay, the rooms to rent are affordable and benefit from good standards. A room to rent in Shoreditch meets medium prices and you will not think twice before renting in Shoreditch. There also is The Old Blue Last, the Vice magazine owned bar that can be an interesting option to catch smaller alternative live acts. There are so many decent bars around that simply taking the plunge and bar hopping will guarantee you find somewhere up your street.

When the morning comes and you need that extra zip to get ahead with your day, head to Allpress coffee which is an independently run coffee house, that roast their own beans and employ only the best baristas that not only know how to make proper coffee but also have an encyclopedic knowledge of all the science behind it.

So there you have it, Shoreditch has become the home for all things creative that has branched out and now is a magnet for anyone looking for some culture or just a good time.

You can find the rooms to rent in Shoreditch here.

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As the name may suggest, Angel gives off an almost divine feel when you are there. It has so much to offer, amazing central location, tasteful socialising and beautiful scenery and this area of Islington is part of London’s illustrious history.

Within the boundaries of North London zone 1, Angel takes its name from the Angel Inn that used to dominate the area however it shut just twenty years after the tube station was opened in 1901. In the main shopping area, cast your eyes to the 15 metres by 18 metres across Angel sculpture by Wolfgang Butress which remains the obvious but impressive ode to the area.

A main gem of Angel is Upper Street which has earned the nickname of ‘Supper Street’ due to the many upmarket pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants littered along it. There are so many options to eat and drink here and it is without doubt one of the best areas in London for this and its Londoners flock are here just for that.

For eating, you should make Café La Divina your first stop. The family run Italian restaurant serve hearty food from the home country that it is honestly priced and the locals love it. If you fancy an after dinner drink, head to The Ladybird Bar which serves innovative cocktails in amongst a small but chic interior.

If cocktails aren’t your thing but music is. There are plenty of bars that host live music throughout the week but the pick of the bunch would have to be Round Midnight. This place shows live blues and jazz every night of the week, and the Tuesday jam night frankly is unmissable as it always has a wide range of music being played by random musicians off the street but it is always good.

Myrooms is proud to offer you these comfy warm feeling rooms within this great location.  You really can find anything you’d ever need in Angel. If you lived here you rarely would need to leave its famous surroundings and that’s exactly why the locals love it here. And you will too.

You can find the rooms to rent in Angel here.

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Not many places in the world are as uniquely charming and exciting as London, so you’re among the lucky ones if you get to spend an extended time in The City so great it gets a capital “C.” But your luck could run out quickly if you don’t properly budget for your stay. Some of your income and expenses may be the same as home, while other finances are going to be very different from what you’re used to. Whether your stay in London is business or pleasure, a month or a year, make sure to account for these fiscal factors.

Lodging: The cost of long term accommodations will vary by neighborhood, but the typical range for a one-bedroom flat starts around $1400. You can cut rent in half by sharing a place with flat mates (rates run from $850 on up), but that’s not always practical for your needs. Plan on ponying up a refundable security deposit and first months’ rent when you do find the right fit.

Monthly Services: Some rentals will include basic utilities like power and water, while others don’t offer these services. Double check with your landlord or agency to determine whether internet access and cable is provided. And don’t forget about your smartphone: You should work out international coverage with your provider before you take off, or look into pay-as-you-go providers when you arrive in London.

Transportation: Driving around an unfamiliar town can be a harrowing experience, especially in a city the size of London – and especially if you’re used to driving on the right side of the road. Gas prices are just as scary: Expect to pay $1.50 per litre in gas, so multiply by four to get a rough idea of cost per gallon.

So if you’re like most London dwellers, you’ll use public transportation to get around. The most economical option is to purchase a Seven Day TravelCard, though One Day Anytime and One Day Off Peak cards are also available. The rates are based upon Zones: 1-4 are Central London and attractions, while 5-8 include all of the city and airports.

Of course, the budget for your extended stay in London will depend on why you’re there, the duration of your trip, and your lifestyle. What are some other things to factor in if you’re going on a long term stay? We’d love to hear your insights.

Even in a city as energetic and welcoming as London, it can be a challenge to find friends that share your interests and lifestyle. If you’ve moved into town on an extended stay for business, you might be short on time to meet new people. You might have more flexibility if the purpose of your trip is pleasure, but let’s face it: You can’t spend every night at the pub trying to start up a chat with other patrons. Instead of putting your social life on hiatus during your long term stay in London, try a few of these options on for size.

Get Active: Going social with sports or outdoor activities is an ideal way to meet people that share your enthusiasm for activities. The British Cycling Federation can match you up with a local chapter and the clubs accommodate all levels of bicyclists. Like to run? Check out these free running clubs. Go kayaking on the Thames, join a walking group, or become a volunteer for the London Wildlife Trust – anything that allows you to be active and interact with other like-minded people.

Take a Class: Language lessons, wine tastings, cooking classes – London has something for just about everyone. But why not learn more about a hobby you never even knew existed? Try your skills at pyrography (the art of burning wood) at the London Craft Club or create a living terrarium during classes at London Terrarium. You can create something beautiful to brighten things up and give a personal touch to your long term accommodations.

There’s an App for That: You can do just about anything online these days and meeting new people is no different. There are a few mobile apps dedicated to that purpose. MeetUp London allows you to join an activity or create one of your own, or check out the calendar for what’s going on this weekend. CitySocializer is another app for getting together with others to enjoy the city through various activities. Mobile apps are a great option for people who really come out of their shell in a group environment.
While it may take some effort to make new friends when you’re in London on an extended stay, there are plenty of options all around town. If you’re considering a long term trip and need assistance with accommodations, please contact a travel specialist at Myrooms or visit our website to review available lodging options.

While it is a common aspiration to get a foothold on the property ladder, you could argue that,  in the current climate, the smart money rents in London. Indeed, Market Watch columnist Brett Arends recently stated this may be the case in The Wall Street Journal. Moreover, those who rent a room rather than a whole flat or house, such as those using the services of Myrooms.co.uk, can save extra money towards a deposit to buy their own place when the property market becomes less volatile.

While prices for buying prime central London property soar – house prices in the capital’s centre have doubled in the past 10 years and are currently rising 1% per month according to estate agents Knight Frank – the average cost of renting these places is going down, Arends argues. Property owners are receiving less yield for their rentals. Added to this, when interest rates inevitably rise, mortgage borrowers are more vulnerable. Is it worth buying now if the property price bubble is still inflating?

While news stories trumpet spiralling property prices, particularly in London, private rental prices paid by tenants in London increased by only 1.4% in the 12 months to March 2014, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics.

Which is not to say that renting is cheap in the capital; a prime position in one of the world’s most desirable cities comes at a price. A study by HomeLet has found the average cost of renting a home in Greater London stands at £1,316 – half of the average Londoner’s take-home monthly salary of £2,603. Unless wages rise substantially by 2016, this ratio will increase as rents in London are predicted to reach an average of £1,625 a month within the next two years.

With that in mind, what is currently the best way to keep more of your money in your own pocket? Take the sting out of renting by taking a room in one of Myrooms.co.uk’s central city houses or flatshares. Pitched at the young professional, they allow you to make friends, remain flexible and save more of your own money for the future.

For the latest flatshare and house share opportunities in prime central London accommodation, visitwww.Myrooms.co.uk

Notting Hill has always had a reputation of leaning towards the more arty and alternative. It has become something of a style icon and is famous for being the setting for a very popular Hollywood rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

But one of its biggest attractions is the Notting Hill Carnival, that crams this part of West London with over one million punters in August. Celebrating all things afro-Caribbean it is one the biggest parties in the world, let alone just in London.

It has come a long way to get where it is now, and the area is a melting pot of culture. You will find a brilliant ode to how cosmopolitan London has become and the streets are always a draw for all walks of life, exploring the quirky backroads taking in the unique vibe Notting Hill has. But it was not always this way. In 1958 the area was not a hotbed of culture but a place of crime and no hope and this reached the boil when the race riots kicked off after the Teddy Boys tacitly attacked five black men on the streets.

Visiting Notting Hill now, you could not be further from those dark days. There are incredible restaurants to eat, classy original shops to browse and more than your fair share of venues to drink and socialise in this picturesque part of West London. The rooms to rent in this area are affordable and they look pretty amazing. Nice properties and rooms can be found in Notting Hill and they have this specific colours know to the area.

For shopping, you would be silly to not take in the legendary Portobello Road Market that sells everything form antiques and vintage clothes to everyday needs like fruit and veg and is an excellent spot to grab some bargains. For risking something a little different for eating? There is the artisan Raw Food restaurant NAMA that serves only organic and vegan style dishes and has its own cold press juices and smoothies.

If live music is more of your thing? Head to Mau Mau Bar on Portobello road, which has an excellent sound system and a community-party atmosphere to match. Fans of theatre-look no further than The Gate Theatre which although more on the small and intimate spectrum it is one of the best places to catch a play.

With its rich and powerful history, great vibe and with tones to do, Notting Hill is way more than just a setting for the festival. It is a place that both Londoners and tourists appreciate and want to experience.

You can find our Notting Hill properties here.

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Traveling within a foreign country is a major adjustment, especially when your trip will involve an extended stay in unfamiliar territory. The good news is that there are tools that will help you get around – resources that you already use regularly for personal and professional use: Mobile and smartphone apps intended to assist travelers during their adventures abroad. Here are a few to consider.

1.Google Translate: The app version allows you to translate printed text from one language to another simply by taking a picture with your smartphone camera. Open the Google Translate app, set the original language and your own language, and the point your camera the target. With a click, you’re able to read signs, notes, or other written words in a foreign language.

2.Viber: An essential for staying in touch with friends and family throughout the world, you’ll appreciate this app even when at home. Viber is a communication tool that allows you to text and make phone calls with your smartphone whenever you’re connected to Wi-Fi. For best results, users on both ends of the communication should install the app; however, there is a feature that allows you to call contacts even if they don’t have Viber.

3. iMetro: The public transportation maps for Create Linkmore than 90 cities throughout the globe are in the palm of your hand with iMetro. You can even input your starting point and destination to see the fastest route from station to station. Yes, it’s $1.99, but think of all the money you’ll save by using Viber to phone home.

It may take some time to become familiar with your new environs, but these mobile apps should help speed up the process. If you’re planning an extended stay trip and are still working out your long term accommodations, please contact a travel specialist at Myrooms or visit our website to review available lodging options.

You don’t get a pass on date night just because you’re spending an extended trip in London. In fact, for many couples, the opposite is true: A long term stay gives you more opportunities to experience the city, especially when you don’t know if or when you’ll be back. London is a lively, world-class destination, so there are tons of activities that appeal to a wide array of interests. Plus, there’s something for you and your partner – no matter what your budget.

Rooftop Dining: Every seat is the best on in the house when you’re dining at one of the city’s rooftop terraces. Perch on the banks of the Thames at Rumpus Room in Central London, or take in The Tower Bridge and London Eye from the Radio Rooftop Bar in Covent Garden. If you want to do rooftop on the cheap, head to Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden at Southbank Centre. This popular spot is an actual green space with native plants, fruit trees, a flower tunnel – and picnic garden, where you can spread a blanket for free. Bring your own picnic or buy refreshments from the onsite café.

Play Billiards: Get in the competitive spirit by challenging your date to a game of billiards – a fitting activity considering the first mention of the game in literature was Shakespeare in Anthony and Cleopatra. At Pembury Tavern, you can play billiards while you enjoy excellent pub food and a rotating menu of craft beers. The table at Mark’s Bar in SoHo is also the real thing, and the speakeasy-vibe is a fun setting to enjoy one of the unique cocktails. And while the rules are slightly different for pool, the game itself is free at Original Sin in Stoke Newington.

Cruise on the Thames: If you’re looking to splurge on an unforgettable experience, book a cruise on the Symphony or Harmony through Bateaux London. There are excellent restaurants on board, a full bar, and open air reception area for the best views of The Thames and London skyline.

Design My Night: Can’t come up with a memorable idea to impress your date? Check out Design My Night, a site that provides options depending on what you’re looking to do and your interests. Categories for London include comedy, food, “quirky,” and theater, so you can narrow down activities or just browse the listings for inspiration. There’s also an events calendar so you can see what’s going on when you’re planning date night.

If our previous blog suggested it, the latest statistics prove it – it is 7% cheaper to rent a house in the UK than it is to own it. And in prime London accommodation it is on average 14% cheaper, as house prices in the capital boom.

It is good news for users of Myrooms.co.uk – not only is the cost of renting relative to buying is at its cheapest since 2006, but taking room accommodation in a house share or flatshare situation proves even more profitable. The website allows prospective London tenants to search by area, price, rooms needed and rental period across a broad range of quality prime London locations, from The City to Mayfair, Shoreditch to Soho. From as little as £140 a week, a stylish furnished double room could be yours in highly sought-after areas.

The new 2014 figures from Countrywide Residential Lettings show that for every £1 that the average homeowner, with a 10pc deposit, spends on mortgage repayments, a tenant in rented accommodation is paying just 93p. In London, tenants are paying 86p to the homeowner’s £1, down from 93p a year ago. The Countrywide index revealed it is now cheaper to rent than it is to buy in 30 out of the 33 London boroughs, up from 25 in 2013.

As Nick Dunning, group commercial director at Countrywide, points out: “As house prices rise renting increasingly allows people to live in areas they would otherwise be unable to afford to buy.”

While rent rises of 1.7% are expected in 2014, average wage increases are expected to hit 2.2%, leaving renters with even more disposable income in their pocket – all the better to enjoy the vast array of events, eateries and nightlife in buzzing central London.

Myrooms.co.uk offers reliable service, with consultants responding to your enquiry within 24 hours.

For the latest hot house share and flatshare opportunities in central London, click here.

True caffeine addicts will go to great lengths to ensure they get their regular coffee fix. And the true aficionado will want to make sure the best beans and baristas are within staggering distance of their accommodation so that they are sufficiently caffeinated to start the day.

The good news is that areas with the highest concentration of ‘bijou’, independent coffee shops coincides with a number of the areas where Myrooms.co.uk offers flatshare or house share opportunities.

Using data from the London Coffee Guide, Rentonomy has put together an infographic showing where you should rent to get the best cup of coffee in London. Research shows 80 per cent of Londoners consume at least one cup of coffee daily, with an average of 2.3 cups consumed per head of population in the capital each day.

Coffee certainly seems to fuel the economy: unsurprisingly, prime City of London postcodes sit at the top of the list, followed by Marylebone and the West End. More affordable rental postcodes which can cater for coffee fans include Islington and Camden Town.

 The Rentonomy study also suggests where you should live depending on how you take your coffee. The City workers prefer the buzz of a double espresso, while Holborn residents enjoy a mocha – less coffee taste with the same pick-me-up. Shoreditch coffee purists prefer a macchiato to avoid getting a foam moustache on their own moustache.

And while assessing coffee cults may be a fun way to choose an area to rent, there is an underlying benefit in this research for those looking for a new flatshare or house share.

Prime coffee spots tend to signal other developments in terms of cosmopolitan living – new stores, eateries, proximity to business hubs – as well as general gentrification of the surrounding neighbourhood. Indeed, US studies show a correlation between an increasing number of coffee shops in a neighbourhood and declining crime rates. So, its a definite way of getting a taste for a new area!

For the latest house share and flatshare opportunities in central London on Myrooms.co.uk, click here.

Every city has an infamous area and it would be hard not to label Soho as just that. The area may be small but it is one of London's most famous and popular area for entertainment and just about anything you can think of.

Originally known for it’s focus on the more sleazy side of life. Soho, just like the rest of the city has changed dramatically over the years and is now one of the more upmarket and dare I say, trendy places in this city. There really is not enough space to list the endless opportunities for having fun Soho offers. Ranging from good old styled boozers to immaculate cocktail bars there is plenty to get your teeth into.

The area is awash with tourists slowly bumbling down the many small crowded streets and the vibrant area definitely reminds you of how cosmopolitan this city is. It just so happens that London’s longest running club nights is here, the brilliant Gaz’s Rockin Blues at the St Moritz club which has been running for almost forty years. The night is a solid choice to watch some great live music and also hit the dance floor to the Jamaican ska and soul played strictly from vinyl.

For eating, there are so many choices. In Soho you will find the China Town which obviously serves up all things Asian and if you have the wallet for it you can’t go wrong with a visit to the excellent Japanese slash peruvian fusion Chotto Matte. You will also find the world famous jazz cafe Ronnie Scotts here, which plays host to the jazz and blues musicians of the finest calibre.

Soho is many things and there is no denying that it is one of the most exciting and interesting areas London has to offer. Culture, partying, shopping, eating. This tiny area located right in the centre of this city will cater for anyones tastes.

You can find our Soho properties here.

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When you’ve had your fair share of London’s decadent fish and chips, sometimes only a burger will do. There are plenty of hot spots around town, but how do you separate the magnificent from the mundane? Even if you had years to spend exploring the seemingly endless eatery options, you couldn’t possibly hit them all. We’ve narrowed the list down for you, so start by giving these burger joints a try.  

1.Honest Burgers: Simplicity and the freshest ingredients are what makes Honest Burgers stand out. When you’ve got top quality, dry-aged beef and produce from right around the corner, you don’t need fussy sauces and outrageous combinations. With multiple locations in the city and outlying areas, you’re sure to find an Honest nearby.

Don’t Miss: The Tribute pays homage to the classic burger and it’s loaded with all the good stuff. An inches-thick patty is topped with smoky bacon, creamy American cheese, and a slightly spicy burger sauce. Forget the napkins: You’ll need a bib.

2.The Admiral Codrington: Serving up traditional pub grub alongside epicurean delights, the range of dishes at The Admiral Codrington will impress and amaze you. But you’re here for burgers and you’re in luck if you stop by on Tuesday Burger Night. Chefs dedicate the day to creating an innovative, mouthwatering special that combines surprising flavors. Ever tried a pork and chorizo patty topped with shrimp and bacon-aise? Prepare to have your mind blown.

  Your Go-To: The namesake Admiral Burger is the hands-down favorite at this joint. The brioche bun is loaded with Black Angus beef, Montgomery Cheddar cheese, thick-cut bacon, and a special blend of BBQ sauce. Served with hand-cut chips on the side, you may well get a second – or third – meal out of this dish.  

3.Haché: As it should, the meat takes center stage at Haché. You can go basic or ballistic with various available toppings, but all burgers start with the finest 100 percent prime Scotch steak. You have the choice of ciabatta or brioche as a foundation, then choose your style: Mexican, Italian, Canadian, and Bavarian are local favorites.

  Pure Indulgence: The Steak le Truffle burger is more than a meal – it’s an experience. Go with the ciabatta bun option for this aged beef patty, topped with the Chef’s own truffled Gruyere cheese creation, sweet truffle-infused balsamic glaze, and pickled onions. Make sure to order a side of truffle aioli to go with the Haché Frites.

The planning phase for an extended stay in a new city is almost as exciting as the trip itself – the dream truly becomes a reality when you’re booking flights, packing up your personal items, and learning more about your destination. And as you’re wrapping things up at your current abode, you’ll start looking into extended stay lodging options. You have an almost-endless array of accommodation types, but finding the right fit means you’ll need to cover the details with the host. Put these particulars at the top of your list.

The Money: Obviously, you’ll need to know the rental amount and term of the long term stay time period, but there’s more than just cost. Some hosts will offer a discount if you book for a certain minimum time period – if you’ve got the flexibility, take advantage of reduced rental rates by adding on a couple of weeks.

Also, you’ll need to understand how and when you’ll pay. Is the entire amount due up front, or do you forward rental fees monthly? Make sure you ask about your host’s payment details, such as whether you need to forward a check or pay online through a booking service. Finally, inquire about a security and/or damage deposit and the circumstances on obtaining a refund. With the financial side of things, you don’t want any surprises.

The Perks: Extended stay accommodations offer a wide range of amenities, so make sure you investigate the perks when discussing lodging with your host. You’ll want to know about internet access and cable, and any other relevant utilities. Ask about features like laundry facilities, workout space, and other activities in the building or otherwise included in your rental amount.

In addition, get the details about your neighborhood – the specifics that go beyond it being just a spot on the map. Check on public transportation nearby, parks and green space, coffee shops, restaurants, nightlife, and options where you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite activities.

The Rules: Always remember that you’re staying in the host’s own space and honor the rules of the house. Find out the rules about having overnight guests, smoking or drinking, the common areas (if any), quiet hours, or usage of different amenities.

Plus, ask if there are any consequences of early cancelation or whether it’s possible to extending your trip. You never know what can change in the months that you’re spending on a long term stay in London.

Arguably you could pay less rent if you opted to live in the outer boroughs of London, rather than in the centre of the capital – but would you want to be away from the action? And would it be a false economy?

Myrooms.co.uk is the only specialist accommodation provider for the Zone 1 area, knowing that central London’s business hub and myriad attractions make it a desirable place to live, work and play. While other sites may offer rooms of variable quality, Myrooms.co.uk offers accommodation of a professional standard for its professional clientele.

Most of London’s main attractions fall within the city centre, ranging from shopping on Oxford and Regent Street, to Soho and Theatreland, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Parks, to a plethora of museums and galleries. Within Zone 1, you’re likely to find an array of eateries, pubs and bars on your doorstep, allowing for a true cosmopolitan lifestyle.

 Accommodation within Zone 1 will provide an easy commute for tenants working in major business sectors, from the banking hub the City of London, to the Silicon Roundabout tech hub to creative industries at Kings Cross. And, of course, a shorter commute can cut down on travel costs: a monthly travelcard for zones 1-2 costs £120.60 – more than £50 cheaper than a Zone 1-4 travelcard (£172.80) and £100 per month cheaper than Zone 1-6 (£219.70). Not to mention the money you can save if you don’t need to catch a cab after a night out!

A leader in terms of both knowledge and availability of quality room accommodation in the highly competitive central London market, Myrooms.co.uk can help you navigate the jungle of London to find your best accommodation solution.

To search the latest flatshare and house share accommodation available in Zone 1, click here.

Victoria named after her majesty the queen is a small but bustling area within the fabled city of Westminster.

So what makes life in Victoria so sought after? Transport links may not be the most glamorous of selling points but thats exactly what Victoria’s trump card is.

Victoria train and coach stations are minutes away from of each other to whisk you away if you need a change of scenery. Plus, the Victoria line is one of the capitals more modern and speedier lines and with the District and Circle lines flowing through here you can be on the steps of Picadilly Circus within 10 minutes. The rooms to rent in this central area are quite affordable. It’s zone 1 location means you are a swift journey away from sampling some of the best places the capital has to offer.

Don’t get the wrong idea, Victoria isn’t solely a great travel hub. Some excellent restaurants and bars are here to cater to everyone passing through. Just five minutes from the station you will find Tozi, a restaurant which serves it’s succulent venetian style dishes cichetti style - which means to be shared. They even have their own Prosecco on tap and they take their cocktails very seriously. With that combination its easy to see why it’s considered one of the best places to dine in the area.

For culture in Victoria, look no further than the magnificent Westminster Cathedral. Religious or not it’s worth a visit purely for the stunning architecture inside and out. There also is the Victoria Palace theatre which has been running in the area since 1832. It is a traditional theatre that shows more popular forms like musicals with the Billy Elliot musical pencilled in to run there until December 2016.

And of course you can’t miss Buckingham Palace. Pretty sure that landmark doesn’t need too much explanation but it is one London’s best known, the queen calls it home and the whole building and gardens aren't exactly bad on the eye.

So there you have it, Victoria is one of the best locations in London for it’s brilliant transport links and location but there’s also plenty here to keep you entertained once the station doors shut.

You can find our Victoria properties here.

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For prospective tenants wanting to see some of the vestiges of London’s punk scene, Camden is probably the best bet. The area’s thriving street markets still sell clothing and accessories for ‘alternative’ cultures, while a busy nightlife and music scene means you may still spot the odd mohawk.

While the high street retail chains have moved into the area, the markets, including Stables Market and Camden Lock Village, remain a major tourist attraction in the weekend, selling fashion, lifestyle, books, food and antiques.

Nightlife has a strong live music element, including the Electric Ballroom and Koko, while Proud is another hotspot. Pubs where you can also catch a live gig include Dublin Castle or the Lock Tavern, or for folk try Green Note, or soul and R&B at The Jazz Cafe. Other popular boozers include the Hawley Arms - former favourite of the late Amy Winehouse - and The Enterprise.

The area is host to a number of restaurants for varying tastes on Camden High Street and side streets Parkway, Chalk Farm Road, and Bayham Street - from Marathon Kebabs to Gilgamesh and Shaka Zulu.

Those looking for some scenery and some exercise can take the towpath alongside Regent’s Canal, which runs through the north end of Camden Town. This pleasant pedestrian and cycle route runs continuously from Little Venice through Camden Lock to the Islington Tunnel. In the summer months a canal cruise can be fun via sightseeing narrow-boat trips, or on the regular waterbus service heading westwards around Regent’s Park, calling at London Zoo and on towards Maida Vale.

And for those new to the area who like their neighbourhood a little less rock and roll, Primrose Hill is only a short walk from Stables Market. This hill on the northern side of Regent’s Park, perfect for a stroll, has stunning views over central London, Belsize Park and Hampstead. The surrounding exclusive residential area is home to an number of famous faces, for a little star-spotting. Nearby Regent's Park Village offers some great restaurants and smaller shops.

Culturally, The Roundhouse Theatre, a former locomotive engine roundhouse, is a theatre and music venue, while Camden Arts Centre specialises in contemporary art and education. New residents wanting to borrow books can join the Swiss Cottage Central Library.

Accessibility is also good for prospective tenants. Camden Town Tube Station is a major interchange for the Northern Line branches. Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent tube stations also serve the area. The Camden Road London Overground Station is on the line from Richmond in the west to Stratford in the east. The nearest National Rail station is Kentish Town, while St Pancras and Euston terminals are both within 20 minutes walk of Camden Town. The area is also major hub for buses and most night buses in north London stop in Camden Town.

In terms of facilities, University College Hospital on Euston Road has Accident & Emergency Services. Nearby supermarket options include a Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s and Whole Foods Market.

To find accommodation in Camden, be it a flatshare or house share, see what is on offer at Myrooms.co.uk - please click here.

Making Your Extended Stay Space Feel Like Home

Even when you’re enjoying an extended stay trip in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, you’ll still want to add your own personal touch to the space you’re temporarily calling home. Obviously, there will be certain limitations on what you can do as far as décor – a nail hole in the wall or touch of paint can cost you dearly – but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate your own sense of style. Tap into your inner interior decorator with these ideas.

Flowers and Plants: Welcome some color and freshness into your extended stay space with cut flowers and house plants. Brightly hued flora will breathe some life into your place, and certain types of plants actually “clean” indoor air – which can become a little stale in the winter months. If you’re a culinary whiz, get an herb or container garden going near a well-lit window.

• Where To Shop: Columbia Road Shops & Flower Market consists of a group of vendors that shut down the street every Sunday to host one of the most massive urban flower markets you’ll ever see. You’ll find hundreds of fresh-cut flowers and plants for your place as you browse the stands, surrounded by the amazing floral aromas. Parking is free but tough to find. Instead, take the Tube to the Old Street Station (Northern Line) or Bethnal Green Station (Central Line).

Wall Art: You may not be able to paint your long term accommodations, but you can spruce things up with wall art. One option for hanging pieces is to use existing holes and hardware, just make sure to wrap up the host’s art and place it in a safe place. Another idea would be to buy some of the damage-free strips available online – or take a few along with you.

• Where To Shop: There are notable art districts around South Bank London and Shoreditch, but the galleries tend to be on the pricey side. Try your haggling skills at the antique markets, like Camden Passage, Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors Fair, or Alfie’s Antique Market.

Window Treatments: Like wall art, you can probably take advantage of existing hangings to install drapes, blinds, or valances to personalize your extended stay place. Larger window treatments add a bold statement of color, pattern, and texture – almost like painting a wall could. Check rods, finials, and other hardware upon your arrival and see what options are available, so you can swap out the host’s window décor. You can introduce a brand new look without spending a fortune – on supplies OR your damage deposit.

• Where To Shop: Don’t go crazy – go online to purchase window treatments. You’ll be sure to get the right sizes and can recycle or repurpose the fabric when you depart London.

Sandwiched between South Kensington and Shepherd’s Bush it’s easy to see how this popular area has so much to get your teeth into.

Hammersmith has managed to stand the test of time as London constantly changes throughout the years. Originally a small village, it grew to be one of London’s main industrial areas but now it has morphed into a hotbed for culture and is one of West London's main employment hubs. Even American news giants NBC and ABC have made Hammersmith home for their news.

The Hammersmith area has the Thames running through and it allows for some excellent walks and bike rides to be had. You can also admire the impressive Hammersmith Bridge which was London's very first suspension bridge over the Thames or simply boat watch from the riverside.

Hammersmith has had some notable people born there including the actors Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch and there still is a big emphasis on the arts. Here you will find the newly formed Lyric theatre which is a multimillion arts powerhouse that also boasts recording studios that go alongside its main attraction, plays. For the rooms to rent in this area, they are incredibly well located and a flatshare in the neighbourhood will attract many people.

Hammersmith has much to offer in the drinking and eating variety. The Dove is a solid choice with its riverside location, fine selection of ales and rich history. Charles II dined his mistress here and it also happens to have a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the smallest bar room in the world.

For eating out there is the mega tasty Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Saigon which is rumored to have some of the best soft shell crab in town. For something more everyday needs, Artisan is a proper coffee shop that gets its beans from the excellent Allpress in Shoreditch and conjures up top level espresso and milk consistency in their coffees.

Hammersmith has a rich history that is proud of however it has also embraced the future and thats what makes Hammersmith such an exciting place to live.

You can find our Hammersmith properties here.

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If you are about to take the plunge and rent in London in shared accommodation but haven't shared a flat before, here are some basic rules to allow you to live harmoniously with your housemates.

Thou shalt endeavour to maintain a reasonable standard of cleanliness. Your room is your room, to keep as you like it, but any shared spaces need to be kept in a universally acceptable state. Which means cleaning your hair out of the bath, washing up all your dishes after you cook and not dropping the junk mail in the middle if the hallway. If you can't agree to who does what, you could try a roster system. If that fails, consider pooling funds to employ a cleaner for the common areas. Nothing festers like cleaning up someone else's mess.

Thou shalt not hog the bathroom. Unless everyone has an en suite, bathroom availability will be valuable, especially during 'peak traffic' times. Try to organise a sensible order to take showers based on people's schedules and who leaves the house first. Some may opt for an evening shower. Where possible do all hair primping and make up in your own room to avoid taking up precious bathroom time. And it pays to ask your fellow tenants before taking a two-hour bath. The same goes for kitchen hogging. Don't do it. And don't use up all the pots/utensils/plates.

Thou shalt have a good system for toilet paper procurement. Whether it is a kitty system and the most reliable person buys it or you take it in turns to pay for it each week, just make sure your strategy works - it's not something you want to go without. Ditto for dishwashing liquid or any other cleaning products you share.

Thou shalt not 'borrow' your housemates' food. Establish early on if you share any food/drink or if it's everyone fend for themselves. And even if you have a good relationship with your flatties and they let you use some of their milk in your tea, they won't thank you if you finish it and don't replace it. If you opt to cook together on occasions, reciprocity is the name of the game. Don't 'work late' every time it's your turn.

You may have to accommodate different tastes in music or TV. A little respect and the powers of on-demand programming can help. Follow these golden rules and you will be well on the way to becoming friends, not just flatmates. Check out the latest flatshare or house sharing opportunities at Myrooms.co.uk.

Acton is a bustling West London area that happens to straddle zones two and three and has seven tube stations serving it. It's not one of the more famous areas of West London but don’t be alarmed as it does tick all the boxes on the where to live checklist.

This former ancient village became the destination for escaping the city in the 17th century for courtiers and lawyers. It’s now a popular place to live in West London that can rival any of the other areas the capital can offer.

Acton is where you will find London's first and only trampoline park, Oxygen free jumping. Which as the name clearly suggests is all about throwing yourself around in their 150 strong jumping paradises. If you need a park of the more green variety? There is the impressive Gunnersbury park, where you will find a medley of formal gardens, open spaces and tree lined paths alongside lakes and old country houses. When you rent a room in Acton, you will find that those attractions are a plus for your stay.

For a night out away from the ordinary. You can’t go wrong (or forget) the Aeronaut on Acton High Street. It is a half pub/half circus hybrid that serves drinks from its in-house brewery and also wows the crowds with their very own cabaret performers. A good choice for lazy Sunday pints is The George and Dragon that acts as host for the Dragonfly Brewery and their solid range of own-made drinks.

Locals also swear by the Chinese restaurant North China ran by the Lou family that has become something of a local institution. It has been cooking for over forty years and with tasty and stupidly well priced dishes you can see why. Shopping wise, Acton has all the expected supermarkets and there is there is the Oaks Shopping centre which is good for your basic needs, although don’t expect anything too fancy.

For West London, Acton may not have the reputation as being the most glamorous or cultured. But there are some awesome bars and places to hang out here and Acton seems to be going only one way. And that is up.

You can find our Acton properties here.

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Depending on your definition, the West End can refer to the area of central London to the west of The City of London. However, it is more commonly known as the area that takes in the entertainment areas of Leicester Square and Covent Garden and the shopping district centred around Oxford Street (Selfridges, Topshop Flagship, Primark), Regent Street (Hamleys, Apple Store, Burberry Flagship) and the designer boutiques on Bond Street.

The area around Carnaby Street and Regent Street is popular with diners, while a stroll into Covent Garden or Soho offers a variety of options. Top spots around the area include The Ivy, Ember Yard, Wild Honey, Polpo, Sketch, Gaucho and Aqua Kyoto. Bars and nightlife include Albannach, the Icebar, or dancing venues like Tiger Tiger or Cafe de Paris.

The West End is also good for students and professionals looking for a central space to rent, hosting large concentrations of educational institutes, embassies, top hotels, hedge fund, legal and media organisations, plus government buildings around Whitehall.

Due to its popularity and central location, prospective tenants can enjoy extensive bus and night bus services, plus access via a number of London Underground Stations, including Leicester Square, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and Charing Cross.

In terms of facilities, the City of Westminster operates the Charing Cross Library with the Westminster Chinese Library. There are Accident and Emergency services at University College Hospital or for general ailments there’s an NHS Walk-in Centre on Frith Street in Soho, while there are walk-in private care services at the Medicentre on Oxford Street. For those wishing to cook at their flatshare or rental accommodation, there are a number of supermarket operators in the area, albeit often in smaller express versions, including offerings from Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

To find accommodation in the West End, be it a flatshare or house share, search what is available on Myrooms.co.uk – please click here.

If you asked a Londoner to describe South Kensington in one word? Chances are they would say one word, rich.

But rich can mean many things. South Kensington has some of the most expensive real-estate in the whole of the capital. Where a parking space can sell for £200,000 and the houses are beautifully designed pieces of original Victorian architecture. Even the rooms to rent are quite expensive if you wish to flatshare in South Ken. The whole area oozes class and the well-kept streets are littered with upmarket shops, bars and restaurants. Watch in the summer as the streets are packed full of glamorous people eating and drinking on small tables in the sun, which will remind you of a scene more accustomed to other European cities like Barcelona or Paris.

South Kensington earned its wealthy status after the Great Exhibition in 1851. The men behind the exhibition had a vision of creating a home for growing the arts and sciences and they happened to choose here. Now, it is host to five world class institutions and some of London's best attractions. The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and the breathtaking Royal Albert Hall can all be found along the Exhibition Road and are part of London's rich DNA.

In terms of what to do. The many museums South Kensington have to offer needs to top your list. Although you would be foolish to sidestep a visit to one of London's biggest royal parks - Hyde Park. The park boasts a boating lake, The Joy of Life fountain and the equally interesting Speakers corner where anyone can go to discuss or debate over topics ranging from religion to poetry to politics.

The area has so many fantastic restaurants; locals would recommend Bumpkin which is a British Brasserie to the highest caliber. The standard is so high though that a walk in to any of them surely will not disappoint. For shopping there is the ever-stylish Brompton Cross which caters for the very top end of shopping and every Saturday on Bute Street, you will find the farmers market which will be the destination for all foodies stocking the best local and organic fruit, veg and meat.

South Kensington is a place that many of the rich call home. But this south western area is rich in more ways than one.

You can find our South Kensington properties here.

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London is a fantastic city to live in: a wealth of history and culture, world-leading universities, a global financial centre and hotbed of creative talent. But popularity comes at a price. Soaring house prices mean the market for rentals is increasingly competitive.

Home ownership in the UK has hit a 25-year low, with an increasing number of twenty and thirty-somethings unable to get on the housing ladder. This ‘Generation Rent’, unable to afford their own homes, are fuelling the rental market, particularly in the capital. A recent English Housing Survey noted that the private rented sector has almost doubled in size since the early 2000s. Half of those renting privately are under the age of 34, with private rentals outstripping social housing for the first time. That same study found that 44% of renters don’t expect to purchase a property for at least five years.

The result? A hot rental market, where good properties in popular locations are swiftly snapped up by savvy tenants. For this younger generation, renting is not without its perks: not having to shoulder the costs of maintaining buildings or repair or replace boilers or major household appliances; not being tied to one particular location and the option to move freely for new jobs or just to explore other areas; the ability to meet new people and forge firm friendships with flatmates. It can also allow you to live in areas where you could never afford to buy property - a Mayfair bolthole, a room a short stagger from Soho’s nightlife, or a flat which is an easy walking commute to Tech City from Old Street.

Myrooms.co.uk has the latest in flatshare and rental opportunities in the heart of London, specialising in properties in the highly sought-after Zone One area. But be quick! Check out the latest opportunities here.

Dalston is a crazy concoction of where culture meets religion. This area of East London has followed in the footsteps of Shoreditch and has become a magnet for all things culture. But it still has kept it’s strong Turkish and Afro Caribbean communities influence, and that mix with young creatives moving into the area makes it truly unique. Dalton is like Shoreditch’s artier, more crazier cousin.

It’s difficult not to describe Dalston as chaotic but it is an organised mess that seems to work. You will see busy markets, packed roads and crazy characters all over the place. It has become one of the newest and deemed coolest places to live and the list is endless with things to do here and there seems to be no stopping the area’s development. If you rent a room in the area, you will definitely love it! It’s miles away from the more traditional, historical London you will find in the West or within Westminster but Dalston is proof of how this city is a melting pot of culture and all walks of life.

The Dalston high street is where most of the action takes place and there are tonnes of small bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours. But you will also find brilliant, smaller live music venues helping the underground music scene thrive and cheap restaurants of all cuisines.

For a night out Passing Clouds is everything Dalston is all about and is always a brilliant night. It is found behind the back of the Haggerston pub and it is a venue which is wonderfully colourful inside, and the vibe is electric. They make live music their mission and the music moves across from jazz, reggae, hip-hop to world music and then the DJ’s take over keeping the dance floor packed to past 4am. For eating out, locals swear by Mangal Ocakbasi, but be warned head there purely for the immaculately grilled meat not the modest dining experience.

Looking for a vibrant area that really sums up what modern London is really about? Dalston is one of the places that answers that question perfectly.

You can find our Dalston properties here.

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Once infamous for the Jack the Ripper slayings and the hotbed of violence from Britain's most famous gangsters the Kray Twins, this area of east has had somewhat of an identity crisis and is now a vibrant and popular area of London.

Whitechapel is a hotbed of cultures with a massive Bangladeshi community settled here giving the area a unique east-meets-west feel. Its hard not to talk about the many curry houses propped up all over and without doubt the best the capital has to offer can be found here. You will have to try Tayyabs which is a master in Punjabi styled curry and has been serving them in the area since 1972. Its also BYOB which is always a winner…

The cultural hub of Brick Lane can be found off Whitechapel High Street and here you will a mix match of food markets, restaurants (not just curry houses) and trendy late night bars. The street itself is a piece of art and you will find all walks of life strolling down it’s heavily graffitied walls and it can be an awesome place to people watch. Many come here to thrift through the areas reputation for vintage clothes or vinyl and some good bargains can still be found here in amongst the many stalls.

Culture is massive in east London and Whitechapel is no different. Brick Lane is crammed full of galleries, art exhibitions and smaller bands play live throughout the weekdays in the many bars. 93 Feet East is worth a visit to watch live music and it morphs into a club with deejays spinning until around three in the morning. If art is your passion then there is the well rated Whitechapel gallery, that heads the main Whitechapel Road or there is the cosier Brick Lane based galleries - Art of the Brick and The Brick Lane Gallery.

Being a stones throw from the hotbed that is Shoreditch, Whitechapel itself has a lot to offer in terms of culture, food and history. It was once the once old school east end that has progressed over the years and it is a thrilling example of how London is always changing.

You can find our Whitechapel properties here.

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Chi chi Chelsea may have lost the bohemian aura it held during the Swinging Sixties, but the affluent area remains a major stronghold of the well-heeled and well-coiffed (prospective tenants should check out the glossy blowdrys and big name accessories of the cast of TV show 'Made in Chelsea' for a peek at the dress code of local ‘Sloane Rangers’.)

The attractive west London area is bound in the south by the River Thames, taking in Chelsea Embankment, stately Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Harbour, out to Sloane Square in the east and verging into Knightsbridge and South Kensington in the north and northwest.

For prospective residents keen on shopping, this is a top spot: The Kings Road remains its main artery, from the curved facade of Peter Jones department store and the range of high-end designer boutiques at Sloane Square, through to more independent clothes and shoe shops and furnishing design stores at its opposite end.

Art lovers may enjoy the Saatchi Gallery, which hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, particularly championing young artists. Football fans new to the area might want to take in a match at Stamford Bridge, home to world-famous Chelsea FC. Open spaces include Royal Hospital Chelsea; here you’ll find the calm of the Chelsea Physic Garden, while, at the other end of the scale, the grounds are also used by the annual Chelsea Flower Show, which will see thousands of international visitors descend on the area in May.

While it boasts its share of pubs, night life in Chelsea tends towards the cashed-up, cocktails variety, where you’re most likely to meet the well-groomed Oxbridge set on the dance floor. From the exclusive private members club Raffles to sometime Royal hangouts Boujis and JuJu, to Maggie's on the Fulham Road, where the interior is a tribute to Lady Thatcher and the 1980s, the area’s nightclubs offer plenty of variety.

Unsurprisingly, much of the dining is fine, including top offerings from Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia (Rasoi Vineet Bhatia) and an eponymous eatery from Gordon Ramsay.

If you're renting in the area, there’s less choice than in some boroughs for eating at home, with a Waitrose and a Co-operative supermarket on the King’s Road, or the more boutique offering at Harbour Food & Wine in Chelsea Harbour, with a number of express outlets bridging the gap.

In terms of local facilities, Chelsea has its own library on the Kings Road, while Accident and Emergency Services are available at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on the Fulham Road.

Chelsea currently has no underground station of its own. Public transport access is via South Kensington, Sloane Square, Fulham Broadway or Earls Court tube stations, depending on your location, or via the overground at West Brompton or Imperial Wharf.

To find accommodation in Chelsea, be it a flatshare or house share, Myrooms.co.uk has plenty of rooms to rent - please click here.

This unique property is only 15-minutes drive away from the City, so you can still commute, that is for the price of £2.75 million. The property has five generous bedrooms, which means that the place is perfect for a large family looking for a property with a difference. This home is carved in the walls of the medieval fortress of Vanburgh Castle; it enjoys views of Greenwich Park.

Overlooking south-east London it was built over 300-years ago by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect also known for Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace. The castle was sold as a whole in 1977 and divided into four maisonettes, the opportunity to purchase a piece of Vanbrugh Castle is a rarity, but now number 2 is on the market.

There is plenty of space inside the castle, which spans four floors and has 2,350 square foot of living space. The castle benefits from two reception rooms, a master bedroom suite, grand open fireplaces, impressive sash windows and a roof terrace, which features a beautiful conservatory and kitchenette.

The views from the castle are second to none, as are the vast grounds, which sprawl over two and a half acres of lawns and woodland. The castle is Grade I listed and is thought to draw inspiration for its design from Bastille prison, where Vanbrugh spent several years in prison after being caught as a spy in his younger years.

The property is a mere walking distance to Maze Hill station and there are regular services that take you to Cannon Street in just 16-minutes, so one minute you can be in the mist of the city and the next you really can be the King of your own castle.

Image Credits:

1; http://uk.businessinsider.com/part-of-londons-vanbrugh-castle-is-up-for-sale-2016-9/#vanbrugh-castle-is-a-20-minute-cycle-from-canary-wharf-1

2: http://www.cluttons.com/om/property-details/united-kingdom/residential/buy/BLK160064/vanbrugh-castle-121-maze-hill-se10

3: http://www.cluttons.com/om/property-details/united-kingdom/residential/buy/BLK160064/vanbrugh-castle-121-maze-hill-se10 3

London Fashion Week

For lovers of fashion this is a date in the diary not to be missed, from September 16th to 20th September the catwalks come alive in the capital as the biggest and best in in the industry showcase what is in store for the future of our fashion.

Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival

An annual event that includes a parade through the streets of London, the Pearly Kings and Queens showcase their hats and suits adorned with hundreds of shimmering buttons. Enjoy the best of British entertainment at the festival, with traditional English maypole dancing and a marching band. The parade takes place around the City of London and goes all the way to St Mary-le-Bow Church for a service held at 3pm. Although the event is free, it is requested those that attend the harvest festival bring offerings. The festival takes place on Sunday 25th September at Guildhall Yard, Mansion House.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Enjoy the wonders of space at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich from September 17th, the astronomy Photographer of the Year Exhibition showcases views of the sky from Earth and also other far-flung galaxies. The exhibition has a range of images both from professionals and amateurs; it is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the universe.

Dinner at the Twits

This event celebrates 100-years of Roald Dahl in the most gruesome way, not for the faint hearted it is for adults only and features a feast full of foul dishes; including an eyeball in your glass, bird pie and other ghastly delights. Le Enfants Terribles are the team behind the gastronomic experience, held at The Vaults in London; the event is on until October 30th.

Image Credits:

Pearly Kings and Queens: http://www.londontown.com/LondonEvents/Pearly-Kings-and-Queens-Harvest-Festival/57aba/

The Twits: http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/latest-news/article/item368468/dinner-at-the-twits/

Seashell House, Mexico

It would be a challenge in itself to retain hold of any stresses from work when staying in this beautiful house in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The seashell house, named Casa Caracol sleeps up to four people and includes a private pool, two king sized beds and a beautiful BBQ area. The property is a gated property for extra security and enjoys views over the ocean; it is set on the cliff side of this small island and allows for privacy. Built by architect Eduardo Ocampo, he lives in an adjacent property with his wife. You can stay at Casa Caracol from £215 a night; the closest airport is Cancun International.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/530250

Image Credit: http://inhabitat.com/airbnb-makes-it-easy-for-architecture-fans-to-sleep-in-style-with-their-favorite-architects/olympus-digital-camera-303/

Countryside Villa, Tuscany

Set amongst the rolling Tuscan hills, this beautiful villa close to San Casciano Val di Pesa was built in the 16th C and has been sympathetically restored to its former glory. It enjoys spectacular views over the Italian countryside and is set amongst the glorious Chianti region; its location means you are not far from Florence, the ideal base to enjoy the capital of the Renaissance. The villa sleeps nine and benefits from a luxurious, spacious outdoor area and pool. Woodland, vineyards, poppy fields and beautiful Italian villages home surround this Tuscan country; it is the perfect place to enjoy La Dolce Vita.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/81041

Image Credit: http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/travel/travel-guides/news/g34806/the-best-luxury-airbnb-rentals-around-the-world/?slide=9

Beach House, Cape Town

This beach house boasts an incredible view over Bloubergstrand beach, a popular surfing beach on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The seven-bedroom luxury house sleeps twelve people and includes two large dining and lounge areas where you can sit back and indulge as you gaze out to sea. There is a great deal of outdoor space so you can enjoy the views with the salty sea air on your skin. Cape Town https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p440439

Image Credit: https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p440439

City Apartment, Manhattan, New York

There are four of these apartments to choose from in Manhattan’s East Village, the apartments are all individually decorated and designed, with an Oriental interior, a penthouse with a stunning roof garden, and an Indian boudoir amongst the choices. The apartments sleep from 4 to 8 people dependant on your choice, ideally situated in New York’s hip and trendy East Village in a brownstone building, there is a creative vibe to the area.

http://www.eastvillage-apartments.com/

Image Credit: http://www.eastvillage-apartments.com/

Luxury Yacht, Ibiza

This nine-person luxury yacht is moored in Marina Botafoch, Ibiza, a pretty spot with an abundance of Italian restaurants, bars and shops to explore. The boat can travel up to 32 knots so you can speed around the coast of the island and see everything it has to offer, stop off at sea wherever you like or lie back on board and just revel in the sunshine and turquoise waters; an ideal rental for those after a mixture of relaxation and escapism. https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/8298585?s=944Lu8Or

Image Credit: http://www.collegetimes.com/travel-2/secret-cave-raves-beach-parties-sunsets-insiders-guide-ibiza-115453

Eco Lodge, Rancho Pacifico, Costa Rica

This boutique eco-luxury hotel has ten luxury villas and suites all with views of the ocean, set amongst a canopy-covered mountain you are surrounded by the best nature has to offer, whilst in the lap of luxury. Awarded one of the top 100 eco-lodges in the world, stay in the TreeHaus Hideaway Villa a truly exceptional room with a view, set amongst the treetops it is the ultimate in seclusion, as it is set within its own 3 acres, it also has the benefit of an outdoor Jacuzzi. www.ranchopacifico.com

Image Credit: http://costaricaexperts.com/hotels/rancho-pacifico/

Camping, South of France

This campsite in Naujac-sur-Mer is amidst the tall pine forests that dominate the coast here, only 50 minutes to the sea you fall asleep listening to the soft lull of the crickets’ song and the crashing waves. Try your hand at surfing and stay in the tipi's complete with beds, electricity and carpets. A chef is on-hand to cook all your meals and you can enjoy the nightlife of nearby Lacanau-Ocean. www.feralsurftours.com

Image Credit: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/mar/31/top-10-beach-coastal-campsites-france

William Shakespeare once wrote, “summer’s lease hath all too short a date” so why not embrace the season and treat yourself to an unforgettable summer holiday.

In the 18th C Brixton was a wealthy area known for its countryside and windmills, during the late 20th C Brixton was plagued with riots but this is albeit now a distant memory. Today Brixton is a multicultural hub, with a large Afro-Caribbean community, originating in the 1940’s; the West Indian culture is prominent here. Home to the first department store Bon Marche and Electric Lane, the first street to be lit by electricity and the birthplace of the late David Bowie, Brixton has a compelling history.

Getting There

It is easy to get to Brixton due to the number of transport links that connect to the area; there are buses, trains and tubes. Brixton tube station is on the Victoria line passing through Oxford Circus, from Brixton Train Station you can reach Victoria in several minutes. Brixton is only 25-minutes from the London Eye; it is 70-minutes from Heathrow, and 15-minutes away from Kings Cross.

Wine and Dine

Brixton is bursting with eateries; there are cafes, bistros and restaurants in abundance, an endless array of choice. The food scene is continually evolving with Brixton boasting complex and contrasting cuisine from across the globe.

In the morning head to San Marino, the oldest family run café in Brixton, it is perfect for a hearty full breakfast and a coffee. Breakfast is served all day here, it is noisy and bustling and open seven-days a week, situated on Brixton Road it also has an outdoor area so you can bask in the sunshine. The Lounge is another favourite café in Brixton, it is the perfect place to begin a lazy Sunday, and you can’t beat a brunch here whilst relaxing on one of their sofas. 

Brixton Village and Market Row are the two independent markets situated in Brixton and are the home of a great number of street food stalls, including delicious Chinese, Mexican, Caribbean and a number of Pizzerias. Whilst here head to the ‘Champagne plus Fromage Bar’ in Granville Avenue, open 11am to 11pm it is a cosy little café and bar with a myriad of champagne on offer and delicious cheese and charcuterie boards, or Franco Manca. Franco Manca is situated in Unit 4,  Market Row, the pizza here is made from slow-rising sourdough, baked in a wood-burning oven, this place is renowned for its pizza across the city.

You have a number of options of an evening, there is Wild Caper, which serves delicious Eastern Mediterranean food, with hot and cold meze’s on offer; it also serves a great Bloody Mary. If you like Spanish food then head to Brindisa, or if you prefer Caribbean food there is Negril. After food there are an array of drinking establishments, try the Prince Albert, the Trinity and the Effra, for music lovers there are often live gigs held at Kaff,  there is also Brixton O2 Academy and Plan B nightclub. Be sure to keep an eye out for new bars opening in the area; in the past year Barrio Brixton and Blues Kitchen have both opened here.

The Outdoors

Take a walk in Brockwell Park or swim in the lido here. Brockwell Park is 84 acres of green serenity south of Brixton. It is the perfect place to enjoy the first, hazy days of summer. The park is host to a number of areas all of which are interesting and diverse in their own right, there are football pitches close to Dulwich Road if you fancy a kick around. The park opened in 1891, prior to this it was the grounds of the private mansion Brockwell Hall, today you can enjoy tea and cake in this listed building. Brockwell Park playground is impressive; there are sandpits, aerial slides and a paddling pool if you have kids in tow. If you are visiting in summertime Zippo’s Circus may be in residence, or you may be lucky enough to catch a concert or show, or you may be able to enjoy one of the summer fetes often held here.

The Arts

There are a number of art murals on the streets of Brixton, commissioned after the riots of 1981, once synonymous with Brixton they have now become a distant memory, but the murals remain. The murals convey a range of themes including community, ideas and political themes, you’ll find two on Bellefields Road and by Brixton Station, as well as a dedication to the late David Bowie. Brixton Art Gallery regularly exhibits contemporary and modern art, situated on Brixton Station Road.

The independent cinema the iconic The Ritzy is located in Brixton; this art house showcases a mixture of independent and blockbuster films. The Ritzy cinema is one of the oldest picture houses in south London, it opened its doors in 1911, with five screens, with late night shows, two bars and some lovely café food it is well worth stopping off here to watch a film or for a quick drink.

Shops

Pop Brixton is a series of pop up shipping containers down Brixton Station Road, central to Pop Brixton is the idea of community space, helping local businesses and enterprise, there are food and drinks businesses, arts and crafts and event spaces to be explored here. Head to Bookmongers on Coldharbour Lane, it is the ultimate bookshop with a mixture of secondhand books, not only can you purchase some great independent books, you can also have a cuddle from their resident dog ‘Rosa.’ Brixton Village and Market Row is home to in excess of one hundred independent, local businesses, these covered walkways are host to an Aladdin’s cave of cuisine, clothes, art and music; perfect for picking up a unique gift.

Where to Stay

Stay in nearby Camberwell, a short distance away at Church Street Hotel. The hotel describes itself as ‘a Spanish Americana Oasis’, featuring hand-painted Mexican tiles in all the rooms, The Havana Lounge is open 24-hours. The hotel is fun, individual and unique, it brings Latin-American to south London and whilst been funky offers excellent service, a hospitable welcome and comfortable, Mexican art inspired rooms, prices begin from £90.00 for a standard single room with an en-suite.

Brixton has undergone significant transformation, it has been gentrified, whilst maintaining its culture and crass. 

Image Credits:

thinkingbob.co.uk

culturewhisper.com

For those looking to buy-to-let the implications are substantial, it could add thousands of pounds to property transactions now, the extra 3% stamp duty seeks to push out investors looking to buy-to-let and allow first time buyers the opportunity to purchase homes. Historically buy-to-let investors have been blamed for sending property prices rocketing and therefore preventing people getting on the property ladder.

The new stamp duty is set to raise £1 billion for the Treasury in the next five years. The stamp duty will raise 3% in every band, so those purchasing a second property worth between £125,000 and £250,000 will now pay 5% instead of the original 2% charge. So if a buy-to-let investor were to buy a property for £184,000, the main purchase cost, they will have to pay an extra £5,520 as of this month.

Landlords are not pleased, believing it will halt investment in the rental market.

Currently landlords with over 15 properties are exempt from this new stamp duty, although as the budget announced on March 16th suggests this is not the long-term plan of the government.  Currently those who own a substantial amount of properties, but not over 15, will still have to pay the levy.

The Chief Executive of the National Landlords Association, Richard Lambert, believes “The chancellor’s political intention is crystal clear; he wants to choke off future investment in private properties to rent.” Experts have been predicting since the Autumn Statement was released that the increased tax bill in those who own second homes to rent will eradicate any profit they look set to make and therefore may trigger a mass exodus from the market.

Last July saw landlord’s interests further curtailed, when it was announced that you could not offset mortgage interest against rental income, this change will come into existence between 2017 and 2020. In turn this may make buy-to-let actually unprofitable in some cases.

The budget did announce there would be a cut in Capital Gains Tax, from 18% to 10% for basic rate taxpayers and from 28% to 20% for high rate taxpayers. However this cut will not apply to residential properties, again further “directly attacking landlords” stated David Cox, the Managing Director of the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

Those who let their residential properties out on a short-term basis through house sharing sites such as Airbnb have been afforded an annual £1,000 tax break. In research published in March by residential specialist JLL, it was found that private landlords could actually earn more using such a service, with rentals in London around £100 more a week on sites such as Airbnb. There were 25,357 homes listed on Airbnb in London by the end of 2015, making it the city with the third highest listings in the world, just behind New York and Paris. However it is only an option for those renting for up to 90-days a year, after this period it is considered illegal in the UK.

To date since the announcement that the 3% stamp duty was coming into force in April the ARLA reported that there was an immediate, noticeable increase in house sales, with landlords looking to avoid the increased tax bill. However Mr Cox notes that after this month “we’re likely to see the number of buy-to-let properties on the market begin to decrease, and this will most certainly have a detrimental effect on renters across the country.”

An ARLA survey suggests that many believe the stamp duty will contribute to higher rental prices as landlords will no longer make as much profit they will be pushed out the market, resulting in a decrease of properties for those looking to rent. Consequently having a detrimental affect on those seeking to rent as well as landlords.

The 3% charge will not however apply to low cost housings, those that cost below £40,000 or on mobile homes, caravans or houseboats. The 3% stamp duty does not apply to houses that are inherited, although if you then go on to purchase an additional property to the one you inherited you will be affected by the surcharge, as it will be considered a second home, even though you did not buy the first one.

Lawrence Hall from Zoopla, expresses the views held by many that “the stamp duty on buy-to-let properties will ultimately make renting more expensive- which in turn eats into people’s ability to save towards a deposit.” It looks like the governments new stamp duty may in fact cause further problems for those looking to get on the property ladder, ultimately the opposite of what it hoped to achieve.

IMAGE CREDITS:

London skyline:.woolridgeevans. com

London map: findalondonoffice.co. uk

As Mayor Boris Johnson stated “London is without doubt the greatest city on the planet. With so many fascinating museums, the best theatre scene in the world and more green space than other European city.” Famed attractions include St Paul’s Cathedral, the National Gallery, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the West End and Wimbledon, but where to begin?

Pretty Palaces

Wait for a nice weekend then enjoy a jaunt to two of London’s most famed buildings, if you dreamed of becoming a princess or prince indulge those childhood fantasies and explore what are the spectacular Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.

How many of London’s residents have actually seen the ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony? Do just that at Buckingham Palace, where in summer time you can explore the 775 rooms of the palace, look out for the Royal Standard flag flying as it indicates the Queen is in residence.

Head to Kensington Palace and indulge in cream tea in the orangery, or allow the actors to take you on a tour depicting the royal past, whilst dressed in traditional costumes from the bygone age. Other palaces to explore include St James Palace, Eltham Palace, Richmond Palace, Lambeth Palace and Hampton Court Palace.

The Museums

Immerse yourself in the city’s history. The Victoria and Albert Museum showcases more than 3,000 years of art and design throughout the ages. There is the Medieval Renaissance gallery, which is home to some breath-taking statues, fine jewellery and the British galleries, which depict Britain’s art history, all of these are permanent fixtures to enjoy, as well as temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is open daily so you can visit at your own convenience and at no cost, as entrance is free.

The Imperial War Museum documents the lives affected by wars from World War I to today. There is a First World War gallery and stories from the Second World War, as well as a Holocaust Exhibition. It is open daily and admission is free. The National History Museum attracts visitors from across the world, exhibiting a large array of specimens and elements of natural history. The museum is in one of London’s most beautiful buildings; explore the Dinosaur gallery and mammals displayed. In the Darwin Centre Cocoon, you can see specimens and view scientists at work. There are also the occasional temporary exhibitions, entry to the Natural History Museum is free and it is open daily from 10am to 17:50pm.

The National Gallery near Trafalgar Square is the perfect place to enjoy the delights of world famous artists, such as Van Gogh, Monet, Michelangelo and Picasso, as well as Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.

Scenic Parks

One of London’s eight royal parks is Hyde Park, home to the Serpentine Lake, encompassing 350 acres it is home to the Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, you can swim, cycle, boat, play tennis and horse ride in the park, as well as listen in on the Speakers’ Corner.

As the weather gets warmer London’s parks are perfect for a picnic, Kensington Gardens is a lovely spot with beautiful flower beds, as is Greenwich Park, Regent’s Park and St James Park.

Days Out                                                                                

To hang with celebrities’ head to Madame Tussands, where the wax works are so realistic you could be fooled into thinking they are the real deal, close to Baker Street you can rub shoulders with the wax versions of David and Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to name but a few. Tickets cost from £23.80

For an exhilarating day out visit the London Dungeon’s, with an array of horrid history to learn about, the story of London’s dark past is told through live actors, rides and special effects. Tickets cost from £22 per adult and £17 per child.

Iconic Landmarks

Catch the bus, flag down a taxi or simply walk around the city and refresh your memory, take in the delights that make up London’s famous skyline once again, there is Big Ben, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the gothic inspired Houses of Parliament. Or enjoy the view of the city from above by taking a ride on the London Eye, open daily from 10:00 am until 20:30 pm, tickets cost £21.20 and you spend 30 minutes in the pod.

Nights Out

North of Leicester Square is Chinatown; this East Asian community has bought a slice of authentic Chinese to the city. There are almost eighty restaurants in Chinatown to choose from, set in the heart of the West End it is the perfect place to eat before heading to the West End for a show.  Finish the night with a drink in Soho’s many bars and clubs, where hedonism is the order of the day.

You needn’t holiday outside the city when there is still so much to offer on your doorstep.

Image Credits:

underbelly.co.uk

cityam.com

Shop, shop, shop

Chelsea enjoys some of the most exclusive shops in London. Firstly head to Kings Road where you’ll find fashionable, high-end boutiques such as Penhaligon’s, Neal’s Yard, Anthropologie and Comptoir des Cotonniers. For those who love jewellery, you cannot beat Sloane Square where you can purchase exquisite pieces from Cartier and Tiffany and Co, a truly gorgeous treat. For high-street brands Duke of York Square is home to Europe’s biggest Zara store and other top end brands.

Ladies that lunch

Chelsea is famous for its in-crowd who love nothing better than a leisurely weekend lunch, hence why so many eateries do it so well here. Bluebird café is among Chelsea’s favourite, Bluebird has its own café, brassiere and food store and is a super trendy hangout for the ‘who’s who’ of the area.

If you are visiting the area on a Sunday the ‘Lots Road Pub’ is perfect for a roast dinner. Head to The Phene, this pub has one of the best beer gardens to enjoy delicious gastro pub food. Tom’s Kitchen on Cale Street is a favourite in the area, with a good hearty menu on offer and lovely atmosphere.

Nature and Art

Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanical garden in London, and the medicinal plants grown here have been used since 1673, it is a beautiful and enchanting spot to lounge around and explore before heading to an altogether different art experience, the Saatchi Gallery. The Saatchi Gallery was opened in 1985 and is just off Sloane Square and showcases contemporary art, the 70,000 square foot building has a number of different exhibitions throughout the year, this March will see ‘Champagne Life’ and ‘Prints and Originals Gallery’ among its exhibitions.  Bywater Street is a destination of beauty in its own right in Chelsea, where many go to just to photograph the unique pastel houses on the road.

Dine Out in Style

Restaurant Gordon Ramsey is located in Chelsea, opened in 1998 it holds three Michelin stars and is an exquisite dining experience, the food is modern French. For a cheaper alternative there is Jazz at Pizza Express, it is a altogether different experience at Chelsea’s take on this chain restaurant, located in an impressive building on Kings Road it is host to orchestral, jazz and solo performances. No 11, Pimlico Road has an air of elegance, with a cool atmosphere and is great to finish off at after dinner, where you can enjoy a cocktail or two.

Party the Night Away

Head to Embargo for Cuban cool, you enter through a cigar shop, just to get you into the swing of things before being transported into a interior featuring exposed brickwork, vintage furnishings and a delightful rooftop terrace. The most exclusive establishments in Chelsea after hours are Raffles and Juju. Raffles is pricey, and notoriously hard to get in, with it being a haunt of the rich and famous, it is exclusive, luxurious and opulent but expect to splurge if you are lucky enough to get in. Juju on Kings Road is glamorous, it has cocktails worth talking about and knows how to throw a party, it is one of those nightclubs people travel to, sleek and sophisticated it sums up Chelsea perfectly.

Stay, Sleep and Snooze

There are a number of suitable establishments to sleep at in Chelsea, but our favourites are The Chelsea Harbour Hotel, The Apartments by Sloane Square and a more affordable option of Myhotel Chelsea. The Chelsea Harbour Hotel boasts idyllic views across the Thames and Chelsea Harbour, with spacious and comfortable rooms offering good facilities, rooms here cost from £200 per night. The Apartments by The Sloane Club are for those looking to splash the cash, an apartment costs from £435 per night and for that you will have a luxurious haven in one of the most exclusive areas in London. Myhotel Chelsea has 50 rooms and is chic, spacious and attractive, this April you can stay the night on Sunday for as little as £88.

Getting Here

Chelsea is very accessible, Sloane Square tube station is on the Circle and District Lines, the area is also serviced by buses number 19, 22, 319 and C1, all of which pass by Sloane Square. The London Victoria train station is also in close proximity to Chelsea, it is easy to walk to Kings Road from here.

As Audrey Hepburn once said “London is always a good idea” and Chelsea is certainly that.

Image Credits:

Chelsea Bluebird: http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Restaurant/Bluebird_Club_and_Dining_Rooms/12c1/imagesPage/26932

Bywater Street: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/buy-to-let/11113813/Buy-to-let-the-10-postcodes-with-the-lowest-yields.html

For many by the time the weekend arrives the exhaustion of working and travelling all week has set in, after living in London for years it is easy to forget what drew you to this great city in the first place. It becomes rare you leave your borough, only venturing to local haunts and retreating into your own little pocket of the city. London is still one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, even though you live in the capital it is easy to oversee what draws and attracts so many foreigners to the banks of the Thames. So this month why not refresh your memory and become a tourist in your hometown.

As Mayor Boris Johnson stated “London is without doubt the greatest city on the planet. With so many fascinating museums, the best theatre scene in the world and more green space than other European city.” Famed attractions include St Paul’s Cathedral, the National Gallery, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the West End and Wimbledon, but where to begin?

Pretty Palaces

Wait for a nice weekend then enjoy a jaunt to two of London’s most famed buildings, if you dreamed of becoming a princess or prince indulge those childhood fantasies and explore what are the spectacular Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.

How many of London’s residents have actually seen the ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony? Do just that at Buckingham Palace, where in summer time you can explore the 775 rooms of the palace, look out for the Royal Standard flag flying as it indicates the Queen is in residence.

Head to Kensington Palace and indulge in cream tea in the orangery, or allow the actors to take you on a tour depicting the royal past, whilst dressed in traditional costumes from the bygone age. Other palaces to explore include St James Palace, Eltham Palace, Richmond Palace, Lambeth Palace and Hampton Court Palace.

The Museums

Immerse yourself in the city’s history. The Victoria and Albert Museum showcases more than 3,000 years of art and design throughout the ages. There is the Medieval Renaissance gallery, which is home to some breath-taking statues, fine jewellery and the British galleries, which depict Britain’s art history, all of these are permanent fixtures to enjoy, as well as temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is open daily so you can visit at your own convenience and at no cost, as entrance is free.

The Imperial War Museum documents the lives affected by wars from World War I to today. There is a First World War gallery and stories from the Second World War, as well as a Holocaust Exhibition. It is open daily and admission is free. The National History Museum attracts visitors from across the world, exhibiting a large array of specimens and elements of natural history. The museum is in one of London’s most beautiful buildings; explore the Dinosaur gallery and mammals displayed. In the Darwin Centre Cocoon, you can see specimens and view scientists at work. There are also the occasional temporary exhibitions, entry to the Natural History Museum is free and it is open daily from 10am to 17:50pm.

The National Gallery near Trafalgar Square is the perfect place to enjoy the delights of world famous artists, such as Van Gogh, Monet, Michelangelo and Picasso, as well as Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.

Scenic Parks

One of London’s eight royal parks is Hyde Park, home to the Serpentine Lake, encompassing 350 acres it is home to the Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, you can swim, cycle, boat, play tennis and horse ride in the park, as well as listen in on the Speakers’ Corner.

As the weather gets warmer London’s parks are perfect for a picnic, Kensington Gardens is a lovely spot with beautiful flower beds, as is Greenwich Park, Regent’s Park and St James Park.

Days Out                                                                              

To hang with celebrities’ head to Madame Tussands, where the wax works are so realistic you could be fooled into thinking they are the real deal, close to Baker Street you can rub shoulders with the wax versions of David and Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to name but a few. Tickets cost from £23.80

For an exhilarating day out visit the London Dungeon’s, with an array of horrid history to learn about, the story of London’s dark past is told through live actors, rides and special effects. Tickets cost from £22 per adult and £17 per child.

Iconic Landmarks

Catch the bus, flag down a taxi or simply walk around the city and refresh your memory, take in the delights that make up London’s famous skyline once again, there is Big Ben, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the gothic inspired Houses of Parliament. Or enjoy the view of the city from above by taking a ride on the London Eye, open daily from 10:00 am until 20:30 pm, tickets cost £21.20 and you spend 30 minutes in the pod.

Nights Out

North of Leicester Square is Chinatown; this East Asian community has bought a slice of authentic Chinese to the city. There are almost eighty restaurants in Chinatown to choose from, set in the heart of the West End it is the perfect place to eat before heading to the West End for a show.  Finish the night with a drink in Soho’s many bars and clubs, where hedonism is the order of the day.

You needn’t holiday outside the city when there is still so much to offer on your doorstep.

Image Credits:

Buckingham Palace:

http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/27250576-buckingham-palace-tour-summer-opening-2016

Tower of London:

http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/22249-hm-tower-of-london

The buy to let market looks set to be better regulated and more secure, ideal for renters. Within the next five years it is estimated that the demand for rental will increase by 1.1 million. Developers are cashing in on this by building outside of the city, in more affordable boroughs, but close to the tube and train stations, so it is still viable to commute.

The rental service provided by these companies will be uniform, residents will know what experience to expect, with contracts flexible and fair, furniture packages and on-site maintenance; similar to what ex-pats experience in countries such as Dubai when it comes to rentals.

Creekside Wharf in Greenwich is an example of a successful scheme aimed at family rentals. They currently have eight rental schemes, the Greenwich site with 249 homes being just one of them. The site has dedicated 75% of the site to open space, play areas, rooftop gardens and communal areas, providing quality of life for families in the city is key to the ethos of their schemes.

In February a £100 million North London build-to-rent tower was approved, after previously failing to gain planning, The Department for Communities and Local Government granted permission for the 24-storey block of flats. During the planning process the scheme underwent significant scrutiny, something Scott Hammond of Essential Living believes only sought to reveal “the significant benefits of the scheme in terms of new homes for rent and community space.”

But where looks set to be best to invest in buy-to-let? Research Analyst at Chestertons, Caspar Bell, suggests the following locations as ones to watch when it comes to the rental market. The Isle of Dogs is undergoing significant regeneration with 10,000 new homes and 110,000 new jobs forecast by 2031; Croydon is also set for improvement with £5.25 billion being pumped into regenerating the area; Tottenham Court Road is set to become extremely sought after with crossrail arriving, a new housing scheme and an excellent commute.

As mentioned previously Greenwich is an area to watch, with regeneration currently underway there is still plenty afoot for the peninsula. Cricklewood and Brent Cross are up and coming, as of yet the area is not particularly desirable but the forecast suggests a bright future for these two areas. With an enormous regeneration package, including new schools, new facilities, 10,000 new homes and open spaces created; this area is set to be a slow burner, with the development spanning some time but if you can afford to sit on your investment it may be the ideal area.

But is the expansion of rentals going to be the long-term situation in London? Well, some would suggest so, Richard Snook, senior economist at accountancy firm PwC, believes by 2025 the market for rentals is set to increase again. In 2000 60% of Londoners owed their homes but by 2025 he believes this figure will only surmount to 40%, shifting the long running history of ownership in the city in the other direction.

Maybe the long running obsession with getting on the property ladder is finally dwindling. It seems we are as a nation beginning to rethink rent; the tenants’ rights are beginning to be prioritised with their quality of living now high on the agenda. The new buy-to-rent schemes seem to be a step in the right direction.

Image Credit

Creekside Wharf: http://www.essentialliving.uk.com/developments/creekside-wharf/

Legal and General Development: https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2016/1/legal--and--general-reveals-first-three-sites-in-3-000-home-build-to-rent-plan

Appreciate what is important with World War rationing; the underground bar ‘Cahoots’ in Kingly Court Station has created a picnic package inspired by war time meals, alcohol is included, you can also dress up in vintage inspired uniforms just to further get into the nostalgic sing of things.

http://cahoots-london.com

Head to the Royal Observatory and gaze up at the universe together through the Victorian telescope, you can watch the stars on the Prime Meridian whilst sipping on a glass of champagne, it is your chance to watch the best show Mother Nature has to offer with that special someone.

http://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

Take her or him for a romantic drink but with a difference at ‘The View’ in The Shard. Set 244m from the ground the view across London is simply spectacular. The Champagne Bar is open from 11am until late. The price per ticket is £25.95 and £33.95 with a glass of champagne included.

http://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/en/

Treat those with a passion for gin to ‘Swan on A Hot Tin Roof at the Ham Yard Hotel.’

Cosy up together under a blanket and enjoy a hot gin at this pop up roof top bar. Sipsmith will be serving historical London gins on the terrace, such as Charles Dickens favourite gin, or try London’s original pairing of gingerbread and gin. It is paramount you book in advance, with tickets costing £14 per adult.

https://linkwest.co.uk/events/gin-on-a-hot-tin-roof/

Wam Bam Cabaret is a mixture of show stopping performance sure to impress him or her. Held in the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room it is a particularly special performance this Valentine’s. There will be showgirls, burlesque dancers, variety acts, circus performances and much more to take your breath away. The doors open just before 7pm and the show begins at 9pm, there is also the option to enjoy a three-course meal before the performances.

http://www.wambamclub.com

Hoping to enjoy an overnight stay in romantic bliss then book into Dean Street Townhouse, in Soho, spread across two Georgian buildings and with a bath within the room to enjoy together over a glass of champagne it is sure to impress. Rooms cost in the region of £250 per night.

http://www.deanstreettownhouse.com

Get out of the city and head to a nearby spa for a day of relaxation, just 55 minutes from Liverpool Street Station is ‘The Spa’ at Hanbury Manor. It is the perfect place to unwind; this imposing countryside manor ensures you both feel like you left the city miles away. Swim in the indoor pool, or laze in the Jacuzzi before enjoying one of the treatments on offer.

http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/hotel-information/fitness-spa-services/stngs-hanbury-manor-marriott-hotel-and-country-club/

Why no take them to dinner on the Riverside? Book a table at ‘The Duke’s Head’ in Putney, where you can enjoy idyllic views, a bottle of prosecco and chocolates for two, followed by a cosy pub meal.

http://www.dukesheadputney.com

Or for a dinner with a difference try ‘Food Noir presents ‘Desire’’, which begins on February 13th, at The Gore Hotel. Gourmet food awaits you but the twist is you must wear a blindfold whilst you enjoy it; there is also risqué entertainment to stimulate your senses even further.

http://www.foodnoir.co.uk

If you are single this weekend don’t despair as Oscar Wilde once said, “it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not defined by another person."  There is a myriad of activities on offer for those with out a mate this weekend.

If you are single in the city why not try Speed Hating? Enjoy Valentine’s Day by meeting other singles and discussing everything you hate. There is also an option to blind hate and enjoy an array of various controversial games. Held at ‘The Phoenix’ in Marylebone.

https://www.phoenixcavendishsquare.co.uk

Attend the Valentine’s masked ball at ‘The Coronet’; in Elephant and Castle, starting at 21:00 and continuing until 4am, it is a celebration of the darker side of love with performances to entertain you whilst you dance your lost heart away.

http://coronettheatre.co.uk

Or embrace your inner child and head to Club de Fromage for a pop and fancy dress themed evening; listen to the likes of 1990’s artists such as The Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi. At the O2 Academy in Islington, Angel from 22:30, those in fancy dress get to jump the queue too.

http://www.clubdefromage.com

Tinder live pub-crawl takes place on Saturday 13th February, organised by ‘1BigNightOut’ the extensive pub-crawl is the very first of its kind for Tinder. As part of the evening there will be a giant size Tinder screen, with a set of very special rules. The game will play across five bars, with new players joining as the night progresses. At the end of the evening you’ll enter one of London’s super clubs. Tickets cost £ and the night begins at 19:30 and ends at 3am, tickets include five free shots, five free bars.

http://1bignightout.com/blog/events/valentinespubcrawl/

As Gandhi said, “where there is love there is life”, and there is certainly plenty of ways to celebrate that love across London this year.

Image Credits:

Valentines: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/valentines-day-2015-top-quotes-messages-say-i-love-you-1487650

Cahoots: http://thepicnicproject.com/news-events/happy-hour/

Dean Street Townhouse: https://www.sohohouse.com/bedrooms/dean-street-townhouse

The average current cost of renting in London is now £2,083 per month and in 2015 a significant 30% of the capital was made up of rental properties. The properties in the vicinity of zone 1 are now higher in cost than those in New York’s Manhattan; today London is considered to hold the accolade for the highest cost of rentals out of any other city in the world.

But is the explanation for this just ‘supply and demand’ or is it too simplistic to view the reason for the rise as just that? Demand is certainly far higher than supply, but what are the reasons for this growth in demand? There is namely London’s strong economy in comparison to the rest of the UK and the high number of foreign investors, but there are also a number of other contributing factors at play here too.

Rentals are now more attractive than buying due to a variety of reasons; stamp duty has changed, the job market is more fluid and the tax structure for overseas worker has meant many are reluctant to commit to purchasing a property. Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings Report states that these reasons have just sought to push rental prices higher.

The introduction of the 10% stamp duty on homes over £500,000 has widely affected London’s property market as the average home is in excess of this. Many reasonable sized homes in London would also now be liable to incur the 12% stamp duty rate. In terms of financial savings many have discovered that the amount of stamp duty they’d pay alone would allow them instead to live in nicer neighbourhoods for a longer period of time.

Marc von Grundherr, Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings Director, believes that these changes in stamp duty by George Osbourne have done more for the rental market than “any other chancellor in history”, stating “thanks to the changes in stamp duty rates, he has made renting long term a more attractive option for many tenants.” Alongside this overseas worker are able to write their rent off against their tax but if they owned the property they would have to pay capital gains.

The rental market has also benefited from the UK’s emergence from the recession, increased incomes have meant tenants have sought to rent larger properties. London as a global financial centre attracts major international companies whose workers seek accommodation, what with this and the rise in immigrants and asylum seekers in the city it means demand has sky rocketed.

The increase in demand is good for investors, landlords and property developments but not everyone is happy. The University College of London ‘Cut the Rent’ campaign has seen students across two halls of residences at UCL withhold their rent, amounting to a figure in the region of £250,000. They are protesting against the dramatic rise of rentals, which their representative and organiser Angus O’Brien believes is “preventing people from studying at university”, stating “this is a massive problem across London.” The rent at the university has gone up by a substantial 56% in the past seven years.

Many seem to suggest there is a housing catastrophe in London, with those who reside here on an average salary reporting that it is financially impossible to rent in the city. HomeLet interviewed 15,000 tenants of whom 71% aspired to buy their home, however 64% thought it was an unrealistic expectation. But is it really impossible? Due to the limited number of properties available to rent it means landlords are able to charge more, data by HomeLet found that the average London wage is £30,338, meaning that some of London’s residents only have a poultry £369 to spend on travel, food and bills; leaving nothing left in the pot to save for a deposit.

This costly reality has meant many people are seeking to house share; the sharing economy is on the rise as a whole and especially when it comes to living in the capital. Estate agents Knight Frank commissioned a YouGov poll, which showed that a third of Londoners would spend 50% of their income on rental, but even then it is almost impossible to save for anything, although it is notably better than having to spend 80% of your income on rent. ‘Generation Rent’ is stuck; with not enough income to save for a property and barely enough to pay their cost of living, it looks like the demand for rentals in the capital will only continue to increase.

Image Credits:

London red areas: http://www.theguardian.com/

The Chinese community has a longstanding history with London, trading between China and the UK began in the 1600’s. There is a large Chinese network within London, the first Chinatown was situated in the Limehouse district in the late 19th C, and by the 1960’s Soho and Bayswater was a hub of activity for the Chinese community and is Chinatown as we know it today.

The Chinese New Year sees the lunar and solar calendar as central to where its date falls, it is anytime between the middle of January to the middle of February. There are twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The year of the monkey was previously in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004. Personality traits include intelligence, wit and magnetism, but also mischievous, naughtiness and curiosity. Monkeys have held a significant cultural symbolism in China for thousands of years and this year will see a host of events across London to celebrate the beginning of the Monkey Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Parade

The parade begins at 10am on Sunday February 14th and runs the length of Shaftesbury Avenue to Charing Cross Road. There is a lion dance and a dragon dance that takes place in the square on the stage from 12pm until 1pm, after 1pm you can watch the lion dances proceed throughout the area of Chinatown until 5pm. In Trafalgar Square celebrations include Chinese dance and music groups who visit the city from China, including the Chen Brothers flying lion dance troop.

Chinatown

Immerse yourself in the orient in Chinatown, get a true feel for East Asia in this community, see in the new year-“Xin Nian Kuai Le” (in Mandarin) or “San Nin Faai Lok” (in Cantonese). There are plentiful of Chinese restaurants in the area and throughout Sunday 14th February there will be celebrations and activities throughout the area.

Chinese Restaurants in London

Rated five stars by Timeout London, Yauatchain in Soho is a stylish hangout with delicious dim sum served day and night. Also notable is the Royal China Club in Marylebone serving excellent Cantonese cooking. For traditional Chinese but with a modern twist MinJiang is lovely and situated in the Royal Garden Hotel. Hutong in the Shard enjoys breathtaking views and cooks up a Northern Chinese feast. For a lighter Chinese meal there is the chain Ping Pong with restaurants at several places across the capital. In order to avoid disappointment it is best to book in advance for your meal as you can imagine it is for many restaurants the busiest night of the year.

Magical Lantern Festival

A highlight of this year’s magical lantern festival is a troupe of lanterns in the shape of monkeys; the life sized animal lanterns will be at the forefront of the festival and the first lanterns seen by visitors. Monkeys are not the only animals transformed into lights, others include zebras, giraffes, swans and pandas. The magical lantern festival begins on February 3rd and runs all the way through to March 6th; it takes place in Chiswick House and Gardens. Additionally during the festival you can enjoy theatre, art and performances. There are in excess of fifty lanterns, the spectacular 60-metre dragon lantern is a sight to behold. Children will delight in the enchanted forest full of fluorescent flowers, mushrooms and plants. This year will be the first year the festival is held here.

For the Family

In the National Gallery on February 6th there is a fun filled family day to enjoy, which include Chinese Zodiac trails, mask making, storytelling and historic talks. The National Maritime Museum also is host to performances, activities and workshops for all ages to enjoy on Saturday 13th February. In the V&A Museum of Childhood on the same day is host to dance and music performances, and you can also try your hand at mask, lantern and costume creating workshops.

Image Credits

Parade: london24.com/news

Magic Lantern Parade: londonist.com

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park’s Christmas extravaganza is back with a host of attractions to get you in the festive mood. There are winter markets, a grotto, fairground rides and ice-skating to enjoy. The Winter Wonderland opened on November 20th and will run everyday until Sunday 3rd January, excluding Christmas Day. The Winter Wonderland began in 2007 and since then over 15 million people have visited this celebration of Christmas.

Dazzling Delights

London’s Christmas lights are a site to behold in themselves, from Bond Street, Oxford Street to Regent Street and Covent Garden to enjoy. Bond Street’s Christmas lights use innovative sprays of Peacock feather lights to illuminate the street. Oxford Street is home to 1778 orbs, these snowball decorations light up the road, this year there is an additional 445 gold baubles. On Regent Street, running the length of the street are garlands of light, featuring sequins and coils.

Traditional Christmas Markets

To experience a traditional Christmas market head to the area between the Thames and the Tate Modern, where picturesque wooden chalets line the space selling wooden toys, jewellery, decorations and traditional Christmas food, there is also a carousel and music to entice you. In Belgravia the cobbled streets are lined with Christmas stalls, there are also a number of seasonal events that take place on Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Street. There is a farmers market, live music and entertainment to enjoy. Foyles Christmas Craft Fair is held in their store and is an opportunity to purchase unique gifts, cards and decorations.

Get your Skates on

There is something magical about dancing on ice and what better place to enjoy doing so than in the capital, Broadgate Ice Rink is located in Exchange Square, this outdoor rink also offers lessons should you wish to improve your skills. Canary Wharf offers a spectacular backdrop to the ice rink with sparkling trees adorned with fairy lights surrounding the rink, there is also a bar and restaurant here. Eyeskate overlooks the iconic London Eye, with sessions lasting 45 minutes. The National History Museum is a majestic setting with a separate space for children to enjoy.

Carols by Candlelight

There is nothing better to get you into the mood for the most magical time of year than attending a Christmas carol service or concert in December. There are a variety held across the city, with orchestras and famed singers among the choices. The Christmas Festival at the Royal Albert Hall runs from December 13th to Christmas Eve and features a Christmas carol sing-along among its events. There are also a number of carol concerts that take place in many of London’s communities to enjoy.

A Blast from the Past

Head to Kensington Palace to experience what a Victorian Christmas would have once entailed. The iconic building has been decorated accordingly for the occasion, with the decorations, as they would have once been. During the weekends and then everyday between 27th December and January 3rd there is Victorian inspired activities and entertainment to enjoy, with Victorian pantomime and music performances to watch.

With so much merriment in the air across the city you can make this December one to remember.

Selfridges

This year’s theme is ‘Journey to the Stars’; the celestial theme is shrouded in mystery, with astronomy, spirituality and astrology key to the visual imagery. The windows have a variety of displays, including Libra represented by a line of mannequins sprayed with glitter ready to dance on the moon. The Zodiac window displays showcase a fiery Aries model set amidst 450 metres of white and red neon lighting.

Cancer is conveyed through a casual design, with reams of chiffon and a giant moon, Sagittarius is a mannequin reaching to shoot his bow and arrow complete with giant feathers that were made from Perspex.  The windows cost just under £1 million to decorate, the focus is on blue and silver colours, and this theme ties in the fashion of the season by the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs and astrological themed jewellery by Tatty Devine.  Personalised gifts are the main focus of Selfridges merchandising this year, although inside there is collaboration with Disney to co-inside with the Star Wars launch.

John Lewis

John Lewis’ Christmas advert was recently released and this year the company has teamed up with Age UK for its Christmas campaign. The campaign features a man on the moon, with the strapline ‘Show someone they’re loved this Christmas’, and aims to raise awareness of those on their own during the festive period.

In eleven of its store there is a ‘moon pop up’, where you can discover more about the moon and Age UK. Its flagship Oxford Street store will feature a ‘lunar lookout’ in the Winter Garden created, with a telescope to view the moon. The windows will also have telescopes looking introspectively into the store. The store’s focus is less so on merchandised goods as it does not correlate with the campaign. ‘Everyone is loved at Christmas’ is John Lewis’ strapline this year.

Harrods

This years theme is ‘Once upon a Christmas’, with a miniature stage flanked by rich red velvet drapes and featuring a game focused on lights. The mice that featured heavily as Santa’s helpers in last years campaign once again return, with the lead character, Peter Pumpernickel, taking centre stage. Alongside the window, Harrods released a short animated film following on from last years.

Liberty’s

This year Liberty’s has recreated what every little girl dreams of; their windows have been transformed into rooms that appear to mimic a large doll’s house. There is a nostalgic element to the displays this Christmas, which have enterprised the buildings iconic look perfectly. It took over twenty-five designers to create the inspired theme, the design relies heavily on a pink theme and is full to the brim of everything a customer could wish for this festive season.

Harvey Nichols

A whopping million flakes of glitter, 620 mirror balls and 300,000 sequins are central to Harvey Nichols disco party theme, the windows feature LED lights, and 15,000 gift boxes and the displays are simply a spectacular sparkling affair. The displays have an element of futuristic style included in their design and seem to rely heavily on an extravagant party theme; it is inspired by Studio 54, the trend for party fashion this winter season.

Fortnum and Mason

The famed food store has opted in favour of tradition this year, which includes a display featuring painted geese, a reindeer, instruments and an array of delicious food that is also available to purchase within the store. There are 21 windows in total in Fortnum and Mason, these have become 3D scenes for the period of December with roosters and owls decorated with headdresses and various gems perching in them for the duration.

One thing is for sure if you spend a weekend over the coming month admiring the festive displays of these iconic shops your day will certainly be merry and bright!

The BBC campus itself covers 14 acres and the homes on offer begin at £500,000. The first of the apartments went on the market earlier this month, and it is predicted this modern example of architecture will be highly sought after.

The new BBC complex includes cafes, restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool, a hotel, cinema and flats within the iconic doughnut shaped building, which is now listed.  In the centre of the doughnut is a statute of ‘Helios’ the Greek god of the sun. The circular building measures 500 feet in its diameter and with a basement of 3.5 acres that will house the residents spa and health club.

The development hopes to rival Holland Park and Notting Hill in terms of desirable locations within the city. The project is by no means finished though and it looks like it is at least ten years in the making, however when it is finished a penthouse with a terrace will be in the region of £7 million. The initial stages of the development are set to complete by early 2017.

The previous BBC buildings were built in the 1950’s; the company Stanhope is in charge of their development, with 950 homes in the pipeline with the initial 450 being built in the ‘doughnut’. Of the 950 homes, 142 of these will be made affordable housing.

The only building of its kind, it was the originally the only custom made complex solely for the broadcasting industry in the UK, an example of mid century architecture, the new apartments have favoured a 1950’s interior design and a show room of such will be available to view for the next few weeks.

The complex will feature a new university campus, a new media village and will also include the expansion of Westfield Shopping Centre, which will be home to the biggest ever John Lewis store. An element of the development will be handed back to the BBC in 2017 after it has been refitted. The area will have a number of newly landscaped areas, in total the size of five football pitches.

The previous TV centre area forms the shape of a question mark when viewed from the air, originally designed by architect Graham Daubarn, who scribbled the idea on the back of an envelope, the original doodle is now in the archives of the BBC.

White City was originally built to exhibit the Franco-British Exhibition of 1908; its name is derived from the white buildings, clad with marble. The Olympic games of 1908 were hosted here and it was after World War II that the British Broadcasting Corporation migrated here.

Patel Taylor are the architectural masterminds behind the development and their concept ‘Living in the Park’, which sees a run of green throughout, linking to the Imperial College Campus north of the regeneration. The Imperial College Campus has invested £3 billion into The White City Campus, with an innovation and research centre; the campus covers 25 acres in total and will be home to leading scientists and engineers.

The hope is to extend the buyers market from Shepherd’s Bush, and the new development of this neighbourhood looks set to entice many new residents to the area. The White City district looks set to transform itself over the coming years whilst preserving the BBC buildings original iconic architecture

The café culture is second to none, you can while away the hour’s celebrity spotting here, and it is also widely known for its annual festival in August, attracting thousands of visitors from across the world. Notting Hill has it all; theatres, galleries, restaurants, art, it is the ideal place to spend the weekend.

Getting Here

It is easy to get to Notting Hill; the main tube station is Notting Hill Gate, which the District, Circle and Central lines all run through. Tube stations in the nearby vicinity are Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park Station, which are serviced by the Hammersmith and City line and Circle line, alternatively there are a number of buses that service the area.

Things To Do

Portobello Market

The market runs six days a week and is closed on Sundays. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm Monday through to Wednesday, 9am to 1 pm Thursdays and 9am to 7pm on Friday and Saturdays. Saturday is the busiest day and sees the market bustling all the way from Westbourne Grove to Golborne Road, under the Westway and then reaching as far as Ladbroke Grove. On Sundays you’ll find a small market on Portobello Green. When you visit make sure to check out the street food plaza, clothes, bric-a-brac and antiques on offer.

Notting Hill Foodie Tours

London Foodie Tours is a new tour guide in the city, which takes you around the neighbourhood exploring all the gastronomic goodies available. The tour gives you the chance to check out independent cafes, food stalls and delis, as well as excellent restaurants. Each tour is 3 to 4 hours long. Also included in the £69 cost per person is a recipe pack. There are two tours available in the area to choose from, and you get the chance to sample delicious Turkish baklava, Palestinian pickles, fish and chips to die for, a Moroccan lunch and Portuguese patisseries.

Notting Hill Carnival

Home to Europe’s biggest street party, Notting Hill’s carnival takes places every August, over the course of the weekend. The events begin everyday around 10am and continue until 7pm, with a myriad of after parties and events to enjoy of an evening, in the pubs, bars and clubs in the area. The parade is a highlight, as are the elaborate colourful costumes and music.

Eating and Drinking

If you are lucky enough to get a table at Lowry and Bakery it is the perfect place for brunch, a warm welcome awaits and the vibe is relaxed and friendly, so you can enjoy your food at a leisurely pace. The Elgin on Ladbroke Grove is an atmospheric pub with great, traditional, affordable pub grub, lounge around of a Sunday afternoon drinking real ales and reclining on their sofas.

Books for Cooks has a small café out the back for lunch, there is no menu just one dish cooked out of a cook book that was chosen that day, you are unable to book so it is worth arriving early to avoid disappointment. For something all together special and if money is no option head to the back streets where you’ll find The Ledbury, which was placed 10th in the World’s 50 Best Awards for restaurants.

Trailer Happiness is a cocktail basement bar and Rum Kitchen feels like you’ve been transported to Jamaica, with coloured wooden slatted walls, reggae and endless rum. Why not head to the Portobello Star and spend the afternoon in their ginistitute, where you get the opportunity to make your own bottle of gin, whilst learning the history of the drink. If you’ve still got energy you can finish the day by dancing the night away at The Arts Club.

The riots of 1958 in Notting Hill were caused by the disparities between the wealthy of the neighbourhood and the poverty of the council estates in close vicinity. However the area underwent somewhat of a renaissance in the 1970’s and 1980’s with a fusion of cultures creating a diverse, creative population. Notting Hill now in a word is colourful, the market, music, food and people. Now home to Europe’s biggest street party it is easy to see why.

London’s First Pizza Festival

‘Young and Foodish’ are hosting London’s first ever festival dedicated to pizza. The festival will see the likes of pizza greats Francesco and Salvatore Salvo, from Naples, demonstrating their fine pizza making skills. There will be competition between some of the UK’s top pizzerias, which include London’s own Made of Dough and Sud Italia and Yard Sale Pizza.

Italian wine will be on for sale to wash the pizza down and Beavertown craft beer available to buy. The tickets are £30 per person and include entry, six slices of pizza and a free beer. The festival will be held at Jubilee Place at Borough Market SE1 1TL and will take place between 1:30pm and 6:30 pm on September 13th.

Totally Thames

Only in its second year this month long festival takes place throughout September, during which there are activities and events incorporating the river, over the month the Thames is host to the Great River Race, where over 300 vessels race 21 miles, taking in some of London’s most well known sites.

There is music, open days, art, walks, talks and boat tours to enjoy over the month, with many activities suitable for entertaining the family. This year there is a ‘River of the World 2015’ exhibition created by young artists, and a beautiful photographic exhibition of the River Thames taken from the air. The festival kicks off with the Big Thames Tidy on September 1st from 9am to 11am.

London Design Festival

From 19th to 27th September London’s Design Festival takes place with exhibitions, seminars, talk and art installations across the city. This year sees it in its 13th year; the festival showcases the newest design trends, with over 350 events and art installations across the city, showcasing innovation and talent in the arts.

The festival hopes to promote London as a central contributor to global design trends, this year the projects highlights include Barnaby Barford: The Tower of Babel, a six-metre installations at the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Exhibitions are also housed at Somerset House.

Notting Hill Carnival

The famous Notting Hill Carnival takes place from 29th August to 31st August this year, one of Europe’s largest street festivals, it has taken place since 1966. West London comes to life as the streets vibrate with calypso music and steel bands. Also home to a plentiful of food stalls, it attracts over one million visitors. Bank holiday Monday is when the main parade takes place, with a huge variety of floats throughout the procession. It is free to attend Saturday to Monday and takes place 10am to 8:30pm.

Also taking place in September is the French Property Exhibition, which runs from 18th to 25th September, and showcases the most beautiful homes and property in the continent. The Travel Photographer of the Year Exhibition is a collection of outstanding photographic images from across the globe, and is held at the Royal Geographical Society in Knightsbridge until Saturday 5th September.

Image Credits: 

Notting Hill Carnival- www.dailymail.co.uk

Pizza festival- www.youngandfoodish.com

There are plenty of benefits to renting a flat or a house, although rental may sometimes be more expensive than a mortgage it does allow you to live in properties you would not necessarily be able to buy. With less and less affordable housing it is the logical solution. Alongside this renting offers a certain amount of flexibility, for young people it allows their life to be more transient, they can move away for work quickly or go travelling. Not only that but it is the landlords responsibility to fit the bill when there are faulty electrical appliances, building maintenance to carry out or say a broken boiler to repair; all hidden costs that can be encountered when it comes to owning your own home.

The report from Accountancy Firm PwC stated that by 2025 up to 25% of residential homes would be privately rented, that equates to 7.2 million households. Not only that but The Chartered Institute of Housing’s findings suggest in 35-years almost one third of those aged sixty and over will live in rented accommodation. In the past 100% mortgages and a lending criteria that allowed the banks to be more lenient with loans meant there were far more opportunities to get on the housing ladder. As Savills suggest it seems to be the cost of buying not the cost of owning that presents the largest barrier.

Chief economist John Hawksworth believes that “the increase in renting wouldn’t be a problem if we had the same levels of quality seen in countries like Germany.” In Germany they allow for longer tenancies, safeguarding the quality of rentals and services provided. In Germany renting your house is considered normal, in Berlin a huge majority of the market is made up by rentals, with over 90% of residential properties rented out, as is similar with Hamburg where the figure stands at 80%.

In Germany rents are strictly monitored so it is not possible to increase the cost of rental over 3-years by more than 20%, contracts are often unlimited and tenants can insist on continuation even if given notice. Deposits are paid back with interest and each new home must be freshly decorated for the tenants.

The societal attitudes surrounding renting has shifted in recent years, meaning that there is nearly no stigma about not owning ones home. Unlike earlier generations that saw buying a property as a right of passage, it is now seen as a luxury some are even actively choosing to opt out of. Perceptions of owning ones home have changed, by some it is considered too much of a responsibility, the countries previous obsession with home ownership is shifting.

Because of this we may see a shift of focus on more developments being built solely for the purposes of rental. A recent report by the British Property Federation and Addleshaw Goddard, a legal firm, entitled ‘Funding Britain’s Rental Revolution,’ suggests that design of housing when building properties with the view to rent is crucial. The developments need to focus on layouts that create a sense of community; a friendly neighbourhood will mean tenants are tempted to stay for longer. ‘Build to Rent’ schemes will look into creating communal living spaces within the areas; instead of a penthouse on the top floor they’ll be a viewing platform for all the tenants for example. These developments will benefit from looking further than traditional designs.

The further steps made to increase the professionality of the rental market will only help to ensure higher standards for tenants. Build to Rent investors are looking at long-term gains if there is long-term tenancies; it also is beneficial for the economy and communities. Head of housing at Addleshaw Goddard believes “Build to Rent has the potential to vastly improve standard in housing.” Whereas the Director at Assael Architecture, Russell Pedley, suggests that the substantial difference with Build to Rent is the shift in focus, as it is now on creating a better lifestyle for tenants.

The Build to Rent scheme was launched at the same time as the Governments ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, based on the multifamily sector in North America, the scheme was set up to provide up to 10,000 new homes for the rental market by the end of 2015. Sigma Capital are one of the most recent firms to announce that they are investing in Build to Rent schemes, pledging £20 million. Initially their Build to Rent schemes will take place in Liverpool and Greater Manchester. As more and more people look set to rent, it seems these developments will become increasingly common in the future.

Image Credit: 

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/09/26/hamburg-germany-top-10-things-i-will-not-miss-about-living-here/

Kim Kardashian has topped the list of celebrities the British public would most like to live with whilst husband Kanye West find himself in the company of Katie Hopkins and Nigel Farage in the list of ten celebrities Brits would least like to live with, according to the results of a survey of more than 1,400 people commissioned by a leading property website.

According to the results of a survey of 1,436 people aged 18 and over, Kim Kardashian West is the celebrity the British public would most like to have as a housemate, with 41% citing her glamorous lifestyle as the reason for picking her.

Sherlock Holmes star Benedict Cumberbatch and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift placed second and third respectively in a top ten that also includes YouTuber Zoella and ex-Labour party leader Ed Miliband. The study was commissioned by rental portal www.London2Let.com, and gave respondents a long list of celebrities to choose from.

The top ten celebrities the public would like to have as a housemate are as follows:

1.Kim Kardashian West – 62% (answered that they’d like to live with her)

2.Benedict Cumberbatch – 56%

3.Taylor Swift – 53%

4.Ed Miliband – 47%

5.David Beckham – 45%

6.Emma Watson – 41%

7.Jennifer Aniston – 40%

8.Ryan Gosling – 37%

9.Pharrell Williams – 34%

10.Zoella – 33%

The survey also asked respondents to select the celebrities they would least like to live with. Television personality and columnist Katie Hopkins beat UKIP party leader Nigel Farage and Glastonbury headliner Kanye West to the top spot, with nine in ten surveyed admitting they wouldn’t like to live with her. When asked to explain their choice, three quarters, 74%, said she’s too offensive.

Singer Justin Bieber, comedian Russell Brand and singer Miley Cyrus all also feature in the top ten, here:

1.Katie Hopkins – 88% (answered that they wouldn’t like to live with her)

2.Nigel Farage – 83%

3.Kanye West – 76%

4.David Cameron – 70%

5.Miley Cyrus – 73%

6.Justin Bieber – 66%

7.Piers Morgan – 62%

8.Russell Brand – 56%

9.Gwyneth Paltrow – 48%

10.Kristen Stewart – 43%

James Cunliffe, co-founder of London2Let.com said,

“We thought it’d be fun to find out which celebrities we’d most like to live with – and it turns out, as bad a rap as she often gets, enough of us would love to join Kim Kardashian in her glamorous lifestyle! With husband Kanye towards the top of the list of celebrities we’d least like to live with, it’s clear the couple divide opinion.

“Although the ten celebrities we’d least like to live with sounds like a collective houseshare we definitely wouldn’t want to be part of, it would make for the most interesting series of Celebrity Big Brother ever, we’re sure!”

London2Let.com is a rental site specialising in London properties. With more than 50,000 properties to rent in London at any given time, and hundreds of letting agents, flatshare companies, online agents and private landlords each uploading thousands of properties throughout the day, live feeds ensure visitors get a comprehensive view of available property in the capital.

According to the results of a survey of more than 1,500 people commissioned by a leading property website, the majority of people seeking flatmates discriminate against applicants for being overweight, foreign and ‘too old’.

The majority of people seeking a flatmate admit to discriminating against applicants, according to the results of a survey of 1,531 people commissioned by London-focused rental portal www.London2Let.com, with 73% saying they wouldn’t want to share a property with somebody that was overweight.

When asked ‘have you ever discriminated against an applicant based on anything other than their personality?’, the majority, 91%, said they had.

More than half, 57%, of male respondents said they would prefer a female flatmate, compared to just 13% of females that said they’d prefer a male flatmate.

When asked the multiple-choice question ‘for what reasons would you reject an applicant besides personality?’, the top 5 answers were as follows:

1.If ‘lacking in personal hygiene’ – 82%

2.If ‘overweight’ – 73%

3.If ‘too old’ – 71%

4.If ‘too attractive’ – 66%

5.If ‘too young’ – 51%

6.If ‘overdressed’ – 43%

7.If ‘ugly’ – 37%

8.If ‘too physically fit’ – 31%

9.If ‘foreign’ – 19%

10.If ‘too posh’ – 12%

The survey also asked respondents if a potential housemate’s sexuality would affect their decision to live with them, to which 46% said it would not. 26% said it ‘might’, whilst 28% said it would.

When asked ‘have you ever felt discriminated against when applying for a house or flatshare?’, two thirds of respondents, 65%, said that they had.

London2Let.com is a rental site specialising in London properties. With more than 50,000 properties to rent in London at any given time, and hundreds of letting agents, flatshare companies, online agents and private landlords each uploading thousands of properties throughout the day, live feeds ensure visitors get a comprehensive view of available property in the capital.

James Cunliffe, co-founder of London2Let.com said,

“As our site is a means for people to connect with potential flatmates, we wanted to see what factors come into play when people make the big decision to pick a housemate.

“The results are, to be honest, shocking and the level of discrimination much higher than we imagined it would be for reasons besides the obvious and understandable issues of hygiene. With dozens of applicants on average for every vacant bedroom in London, the majority of people are seemingly scrutinising every aspect of a person, so very often, you could have been dismissed before so much as uttering a word.”

With good transport links and the draw of affordability, it means these areas are more accessible and therefore attractive residential areas for the young professionals of London.

Soaring house prices are encouraging those in their early to mid thirties to go to the outskirts of the city, priced out the market of the traditional areas their parents once aspired to live in. Real estate firm Savills’ research highlighted twenty areas where young professionals are currently choosing to live. Lucian Cook, Director of residential research at Savills, believes young people are “having to pioneer new areas to live”, moving away from the neighbourhoods that have previously been considered desirable, due to financial necessity.

But where are these areas? Whitechapel, the neighbourhood once synonymous with London’s famed serial killer ‘Jack the Ripper’, is the number one spot.  And interestingly 12 of the 20 areas are located in East London. We take a look at three of the most popular below.

Whitechapel

Although the area may not offer the most attractive of buildings in comparison to other areas, the place in itself is a very pretty location. In terms of getting around it is in close proximity to the centre with good transport links, and it offers very good value for money. With the trendy Brick Lane, and quirky boutiques and bars, the area has to a lot to offer.

Whitechapel is amidst with history, once known for it’s tanneries and breweries, and then for it’s overpopulation and poverty, it is a transient area with an ever-changing mix of people. Known now for its art and music scene and its ethic diversity, there is a buzz to the area that attracts the young and trendy of the city.

The average property price is £465,514, a steal in comparison to areas such as Chelsea and Kensington. It is possible to find attractive Georgian and Victorian houses that survived the bombings of World War II in some areas of the neighbourhood. A convenient choice for those looking to rent, which has undergone considerable re-development, there is a wide range of rentals to choose from in the area.

Brixton

Once home to the infamous race riots through the 1980’s and 1990’s, the area offers nice Victorian townhouses and benefits from good transport links. Brixton now is home to many great restaurants and bars, and its nightlife is vibrant and full.

Renowned as an area where classes have historically fluctuated, prior to World War II it was inhabited by a middle-class population. After the war it became populated by immigrants and home to many riots due to the police ‘stop and search’ activities in the area, it is now returning to its middle class roots and the tensions have given way to calmness.

It is becoming trendier with the younger people of the city and many media and advertising types are tending to choose the area as their location of choice, its edginess offering a certain appeal.

Earlsfield

Earlsfield has been gaining in popularity of late; it’s past reputation fading as demand in the transient property market rises. Notoriously a working class suburb in the past, seven miles southwest of the centre, it now offers green space, nice cafes, delis and affordable homes and satisfactory or good schools.

Those who desire to live in neighbourhoods such as Wimbledon and Clapham are discovering it may be a cheaper alternative whilst offering many of the same benefits the areas have to offer.

One of the Mayor’s 2020s vision was to have a strategy in place that would improve the private rental sector of the city. Over 42,000 homes are set to be built a year to cope with the extensive population in the city, and to accommodate the forecasted future population boom; the scheme is hoped to help those who do and will rent in the city in the future.

The London Rental Standard is set to be integral to the rental market, with over two million tenants renting privately and roughly 30% of London being rental property, the rental market looks set to overtake the percentage of homeowners in the city by 2025. It is no wonder there is a drive to inform landlords and protect tenants alike, Johnson states that, “the Rental Standard is improving the experience of everyone involved with a clear code of good practice.”

The London Rental Standard has currently been joined by over 307 letting and managing agent bodies, and 14,139 landlords have signed up to date. Landlords who are signed up to the scheme are required to undertake a course learning about renting their property at least once every five years to stay accredited. The one-day cost requires them to sign a code of practice and the scheme costs roughly £90 for a days training.

But what are the scheme’s aims? Firstly, the scheme seeks to promote higher standards in the private rental market; in terms of landlords they are required to follow a minimum set of standards that will help safeguard tenants rights. These include transparency of fees, adhering to a minimum response period in relation to repairs, improved property conditions, and an insurance more effective communication takes place between tenants and landlords. Meeting these core commitments means landlords are better informed and can offer the best professional service, and tenants have consistent benchmarks that they can expect from their private rentals.

If these standards aren’t met tenants can complain directly to the accreditation scheme if they feel their landlord is falling short in terms of their professional standards. The independent accreditation schemes then have the capability to remove the London Rental Standard badge from the given landlord.

For landlords there are a number of accreditation boards that offer the scheme including, the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme; National Landlords Association; Residential Landlords Association; Association of Residential Letting Agents; National Approved Lettings Scheme; Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the UK Association of Letting Agents.

However there have been concerns expressed since the scheme launched that its voluntary nature will mean poor landlords will be ambivalent to sign up to the professional standards. Six months after the scheme launched Tom Copley, the London Assembly Housing Spokesman, was scathing in his comments of the accreditation service, stating that, “the London Rental Standards is failing. Boris Johnson pledged to get 100,000 landlords signed up yet to date only 13,500 landlords have joined the scheme.” With 40% of private rentals documented as living in poverty in the city by Shelter, alongside rising rental prices, he voiced his concern that the scheme left tenants “at the mercy of landlords.”

But the scheme is not met by all with negativity, David Cox, Managing Director for the Association of Residential Letting Agents, believes “this bold initiative is designed to raise professional standards in the capitals private rented sector by providing a consistent benchmark of accreditation for consumers.”

With the Mayor hoping that by May 2016 the accreditation scheme will include 100,000 landlords only time will tell if the majority of those offering private rentals will follow suit and offer the best possible service to their tenants within the capital.

All over the capital there is clear evidence of building refurbishment and new construction, much of which is accommodation that has already been sold prior to build.  

A continued input of foreign property investment is also still strong in the London region.

A variety of items can be found at london markets; Fresh food, Unique gifts, Furniture, Handmade Jewellery, Music, Flowers, Meats and exotic food from around the world.  

Local sales of this type truly are fantastic but they also provide a great day out, offering a different experience for those living or visiting the capital.

• Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama by BFLS


• The Hive by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios


• Soundforms, London


• Manchester Metropolitan University, Business School and Student Hub


• Roch Castle Retreat, UK by Aedas Ltd


• Dagenham Park Church of England School by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris


• South Glasgow Hospital by Nightingale Associates for Future projects.


 

London2let.com

“There is absolutely no doubt about it, the Tastecard really is fantastic value for money and having used this card on so many occasions, I am now delighted to be able to offer our website users the chance to trial this without commitment. I have no doubt that most who trial this will take up the full year subscription. This card really is something to shout about! ” says James Anthony – Director at London2let.com.

When we say no obligation, we mean it! Just CLICK HERE and enter your name, address and email, it’s that simple!

NO payment details will be taken whatsoever, so just wait for your one month free Tastecard to arrive and enjoy this remarkable offer courtesy of London2let.com.

A Tastecard gives you 50% OFF or 2-FOR-1 at 6,500 fantastic UK & Ireland restaurants. As a customer of London2Let, you can get yourself a no-obligation free tastecard membership and £30 off should you wish to sign up for a further year’s access!





Smartphone apps for the iphone, Android and Blackberry are also available to highlight the thousands of restaurants where you can use your card. London2let is confident that their users will truly benefit from this genuine offer.

 

Don’t forget….by taking up the London2let.com offer you not only get a full month’s trial but also benefit from a £30 discount should you choose to sign up for a full year’s use.

• 50% off or 2 for 1 meals


• 6,668 restaurants


• No strings trial


• No payment details taken


 

London2let.com continues to provide thousands of rental properties from hundreds of London letting agents and landlords around London.  “We have had a great year here at London2let and wish to give our users a little thank you and a taste of some of the offers that they can expect in the months to come.



Make us your primary search tool for London rental property and in return we will continue to provide a wealth of property advertising and the odd perk from time to time.  “Its just our way of saying thank you!” says James Anthony – Director at London2let.com.

 



Other skyscrapers within the London area do not even come close:-

Shard:                                      309m

One Canada Square:          237m

Minerva Building:               218m (excluding Spire)

 



 

However, on a world scale, there is major competition with the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa rising to the staggering height of 828metres!

 

The completion of the Shard’s building envelope was celebrated by a ‘laser & light show’ which was projected from the tower itself towards some of London’s most famous landmarks.

This inappropriately named ‘laser spectacular’ was a disappointment to many, and although we did speak to a few individuals who enjoyed the event, the majority remained unimpressed by the show.  It would appear that these spectators were hoping for something much more extravagant, especially following the impressive Jubilee concert and with the London Olympic Games now in sight.

The 87 storey building consists of a hotel, offices, restaurants and some very pricey residential apartments costing in the region of £50 million each.  My concerns however, are that despite the prestige of living in this new London landmark, and the unmatched panoramic views this brings, it remains the fact that the Shard presently sits within the London Bridge area which drastically requires further regeneration.  Attracting attention from buyers may not be such an easy task. A fancy apartment yes, but perhaps not the best of immediate surroundings. After all, you can get a lot for your £50million elsewhere!

Encompassed within the Shard development is the regeneration of London Bridge station which is an undoubted improvement. We are aware also that many other ventures are proposed for the locality, so perhaps buyers will foresee the area’s long term potential.

For those of us who do not yet have the £50million asking price, an observation deck on the 72nd floor can be accessed by the public for the somewhat hefty fee of £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.  Much concern has been expressed at this level of pricing, but no doubt for those of us who are keen to visit, the charges will be met if only for a one-off experience.

 

We spoke to some locals who had very differing opinions on the new build, some of whom were very positive about this iconic building in their neighbourhood. Others however, felt that this tower of glass clearly doesn’t belong alongside older more historic buildings, “We have feared for many years that our neighbourhood would eventually end up a skyscraper village like that of Canary Wharf, and this is just the beginning!”.

 

 

Whilst some consider this building to be out of keeping with neighbouring architecture, I believe this to be what London is about.  All over our city we see old alongside new, it is what makes London, London!

New development is needed in areas of low income.  Regeneration can only be a good thing.



It is no surprise to us all, that the majority of financing for the Shard came from abroad, in this case Qatar.  We are seeing this time and time again in the city, and although somewhat disappointing, perhaps this is the way of the new world, wherein the UK is no longer the financial giant of the past.  Nevertheless, we should be pleased that countries such as Qatar are actively investing in Britain since international relations and trade are vital in today’s world.

I am keen to see who will purchase the £50million luxury apartments and will be monitoring the effect this tower has upon local businesses, development and property prices.  Perhaps this postcode area may someday become the new Westminster , unlikely perhaps, but only time will tell.

GUEST BLOGGER :

James Cunliffe

London’s Property Blogger

e: james@london2let.com

 

Two week ago saw the opening of a cable car service allowing passengers to travel from the O2 Arena Greenwich on the South side of the river, to the Excel exhibition centre on the North Side. It is hoped that the five minute trip will provide an effective but novel transport link.



Although the new cable car was not built for the Olympics, it may end up being an essential mode of transport for those spectators and atheletes wishing to get around.  Basketball and gymnastic events will be taking place at the Arena.



 

 

 

London is always striving to maintain its complex and congested transport systems and new travel innovations are certainly something this city is not unfamiliar with.  The London bike scheme was introduced back in 2010 and is still well used by both London residents and tourists alike.

 

 

 

Will this service be another London success?  The cable car certainly didn’t come cheap costing around £60million. UK tax payers will be pleased to hear however that the Dubai owned airline – Emirates, provided some £36million for a ten year sponsorship of this attraction, hence this new cable car service is appropriately named the ‘Emirates Air line’.





The service is said to be able to transport 2,500 passengers per hour in each direction which is quite impressive to say the least.  Users of this cable car get to experience a unique view of London from a  height of 90 metres whilst transiting across the Thames in one of the 34 cars.

 

 

 

As I have mentioned in previous posts, the effect of new stations, undergrounds, bus links, airports and vessel jetty’s has always had a substantial effect on those properties situated within these linked areas.  We shall be monitoring rental websites such as London2let to see if prices really do reflect this additional passenger service over the months ahead.

It will be interesting to see how London’s latest transport idea affects local property prices, local development and also if it results in a reduction of congestion on alternative services.

Passengers will be able to purchase a single ticket for £4.30, but for those us who are frequent city travellers; the Oystercard is also accepted and will cost £3.20.

 



Many believe that this service is more of an attraction than a realistic method of transiting across the river and prices would certainly suggest as such.  However, we will watch this new addition to London’s transport system very closely and hope it will provide a fun, unique and effective means of travel.

 

 

GUEST BLOGGER :

James Cunliffe

London’s Property Blogger

e: james@london2let.com

 

 

With the Olympic Games 2012 just a few weeks away, London letting agents are seeing a substantial rise in the number of enquiries for short let rentals over the Olympic period. Premium prices for hotel accommodation have resulted in those visiting London seeking alternative living arrangements.
 

Many Olympic spectators may be fortunate to have friends or family already living in or near the capital, but for those who do not, the effect of high living prices is sure to hit home.
 

The recent Diamond Jubilee saw an influx of those visiting London to be part of this very special and rare event. London letting agents experienced a large increase in enquiries for those seeking short lets during this long bank holiday weekend, and the same demand is already becoming apparent for the 2012 Olympic Games period.
 

We spoke to a family who recently travelled up from Wales and rented a London riverside apartment to be part of the Diamond jubilee celebrations; "Despite the unpredictable weather, we had a fantastic few days and certainly made the right decision in renting as opposed to our normal hotel stay"
 

The family located a short let apartment in the area of Vauxhall right alongside the river; and thereby took full advantage of the Queen’s River Thames Pageant of over 1,000 vessels. "We had a first class view of the flotilla and sheltered on the apartment’s balcony, we managed to avoid the wet British weather!"

St. George Wharf, Vauxhall, London. SW8

I asked the family what helped them decide on the apartment and location. They explained that they wanted good transport links, a comfortable and secure living standard and if possible a river view! This family certainly found what they needed with an underground station, national rail services, extensive bus terminal and the recently introduced Thames Clipper service right on their doorstep, getting around would not have been a problem. In addition, this particular development 'St. George Wharf' is renowned as one of the more impressive riverside development with many onsite features for its residents.

St. George Wharf, Vauxhall, London

On paper, a short let may appear more expensive. However, when you consider the cost of a family stay at a comparable London hotel, there is no doubt that this option should be seriously considered.In many ways letting a London property gives you more flexibility than that at a city hotel. There is almost certainly an additional element of enjoyment especially if you are fortunate to book some of the finest short rental apartments that London has to offer.

Short Let Property image courtesy of London2let.com

Families and couples are advised to consider booking together and sharing a large apartment, this is by far the most affordable option. London has a good selection of this kind of property where in many cases the standard of accommodation will far outweigh some of the most luxurious London hotels.
 

London2let.com (a rental property website for the London region) has a good selection of short lets ranging from ideal family apartments to those seeking something a little more extravagant with rent exceeding £35,000 per week!
 

Whatever your accommodation budget may be, we certainly believe that short letting is worth considering for those staying in London during this summer’s 2012 Olympic Games.



GUEST BLOGGER

James Cunliffe - London's Property Blogger