London Calling

‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford’, once said English literary genius Samuel Johnson and today, if possible London has more to offer its resident or visitor than ever before.

- Nicci Perides

Meandering the quaint lanes of Primrose Hill, or the busy streets of the West End, perhaps enjoying an ale in one of the old pubs in London Bridge or picnicking in one of the many parks – London’s entertainment scene is seemingly never ending.

In this day and age, the visitor is asking for more and the mighty lions of Trafalgar Square no longer cut it as they did for me when I, at the age of seven first visited London Town. Fast forward (ahem several years) and I find myself a resident of this fine city and yet still its offerings ignite a kid-like amazement within me.

Of course, I may not spend my time in the usual tourist traps now but I always find myself pausing for breath when walking over Waterloo Bridge at sun set (a must for anyone visiting London). The vista, (which consists of Big Ben, the London Eye and Houses of Parliament to one side and the other offers London Bridge, the Oxo Tower and further down the bright lights of new London and Canary Wharf) is postcard perfect.

The Southbank has always interested me too. The home of the Royal Festival Hall and in the summer Udderbelly pops up with an array of eateries and shows to watch, and then the winter brings a cute Christmas market with stands selling mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Festive perfection.

It is these tiny pockets of London that makes it so great. You never know what you will find from one month to the next meandering the same streets. It’s exciting and ever-changing, you can visit a hundred times over and yet still have something new to see and do.

ROMANTIC LONDON

London has a true romance to it, but finding alone time in a city that never stops (especially with the introduction of the 24 hour tube in August) can prove tricky. However, oases of tranquillity live around every corner and quiet moments made for two are easy to come by.