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Visit the ForumI had not known much about Orpington. Being Zone 4 I was expecting qui...
I had not known much about Orpington. Being Zone 4 I was expecting quiet and not a lot else. Although the streets hold a local feel bordering unfriendly, the three parks Priory, Poverest and Goddington give a more community buzz to it. Goddington Park not only is it a beautiful nature setting, landscaped perfectly, with unassuming cafe that is welcoming and reasonably priced it has a pub, The Black Horse. You really could spend all day here. Walking around these areas with your family and friends makes the local vibe on the street seem just a little more friendly.
(Reviewer)
Kingston is ideally located east of the River Thames and surrounded by...
Kingston is ideally located east of the River Thames and surrounded by some of London's nicest parks, Richmond Park, Wimbledon Park, Bushey Park, Hampton Court Park and Putney Heath so you really are lost for choice if green space is your thing. There is also a busy city centre and shopping centre if that's your thing (certainly not mine), but it does provide convenience. Although Kingston feels way out, it has good public transport links with both Kingston and Norbiton stations providing easy access into Waterloo within the hour. It is also known to have many good schools in the area, although I don't know much more about this myself. All of these factors make Kingston a very popular place to live if you don't mind being a little distance from Central London.
(Reviewer)
Carshalton took me by surprise a little when I first went there. The c...
Carshalton took me by surprise a little when I first went there. The central village area is very pretty! And it has a real historic feel to it. The area around the Carshalton ponds is beautiful with historic buildings surrounding them along with Grove Park. It's a quiet part of town but seems like a great option to me if you have kids and you're looking to move out a bit. Trains into Waterloo take around 30 mins and it doesn't really look that expensive, given how nice it is.
(New Reviewer)
I can't imagine many people lying awake at night dreaming of moving to...
I can't imagine many people lying awake at night dreaming of moving to Sutton. You just wouldn't do that. But as a practical choice it ticks many boxes. By London standards it's reasonably affordable yet has great transport links into the city. The high street certainly isn't pretty but it has a great range of shops and everything you need. It's not the trendiest place and you wouldn't travel here for the nightlife but there is a good selection of half decent pubs. Living here you also have access to good schools. Sutton is somewhere people move to when they get real in life and think about the things that will actually matter.
(New Reviewer)
Upminster is probably the nicest place in the borough of Havering. It...
Upminster is probably the nicest place in the borough of Havering. It has a quiet, relaxed feel, good value housing and great schools. Come and visit, travel by tube of course and head out down the Corbets Tey Road and you'll find a lovely row of shops, cafes and restaurants alongside Upminster Park. From Upminster it's easy to leave the urban sprawl for picturesque countryside and cut little villages.
(New Reviewer)
Romford is a divisive sort of place. It's loud, it's brash. It might n...
Romford is a divisive sort of place. It's loud, it's brash. It might no longer be Essex, technically, but it is. Some of the best shopping and the best nightlife to be found outside of central London, Romford is a great place to be if you want the best of both worlds. Essex countryside on your doorstep but big town amenities and the big smoke still not far away! But it's certainly not for everyone.
(New Reviewer)
Blackfen is generally said to be the rough part of Sidcup. I've been t...
Blackfen is generally said to be the rough part of Sidcup. I've been to the George Staples a few times, it's a decent pub. But otherwise that Blackfen road area is a bit grim.
(Reviewer)
Sidcup is one of those places I've never really understood why people...
Sidcup is one of those places I've never really understood why people live in until lately. If you have kids but work in London I suppose it's not a bad spot. I guess a bit like BexleyHeath it has everything you need. But surely there are better places to live. At least it's better than Bexleyheath. More expensive though. Expensive enough to be painful I fear. You'd get that big mortgage and buy a pretty expensive house. And then hold on a minute I'm living in Sidcup
(Reviewer)
If you live down this way then you probably want to live in Bexley. B...
If you live down this way then you probably want to live in Bexley. Barnehurst is quite nice too. Sidcup is ok. I live in Bexleyheath which sort of does the job but I'd rather live in Bexley. People down here like to call it Bexley Village. It's hardly the cotswolds lol but it is quite pretty. Prettier than Bexleyheath anyway. Low bar you might say. But yeah, wander down from the green, or the Golden Acre, as they call it, onto Bexley High street and it is nice. Pretty old houses on your left and nice little places on your right like Ferrari's Italian, Greys, the Village Cafe and Alberello. There's also a decent selection of pubs about. Train services into London also not bad, around 40 mins into a selection of terminals so pretty handy for work. Not too much between you and Kent countryside, if you see that as a good thing. I'd just be careful not to accidentally stray down towards foots cray
(Reviewer)
Bexleyheath isn't a bad place to live. It has a decent pedestrianised...
Bexleyheath isn't a bad place to live. It has a decent pedestrianised shopping centre which really does provide all you need for day to day life. The train station isn't quite in the central area - it's up near Pickford Lane. Trains into town can be a bit boring - usually take around 40 mins. And it's Southeastern, so not the most reliable. But I like that you can get direct trains into different places - Victoria, Cannon Street, Charing Cross. Pretty handy for work. It's not the most interesting place to live. I can't imagine moving here if I didn't already live here. But you see families moving out of more expensive places closer into town and I guess you can see why. It's pretty green and Danson Park is really nice
(Reviewer)
A huge new town being built by the river, on an old industrial site th...
A huge new town being built by the river, on an old industrial site the size of Hyde Park. Apparently it'll provide 10,000 new homes, many of which have already been built. Clearly London needs more homes, especially affordable homes, so it is an exciting development. Is a 25% share of a one bed flat that costs you £60k affordable? Surely if people can only buy a 25% share of a one bed flat then these flats are not affordable! Anyway, I suppose this may still make them the most affordable new build flats in London. That in itself I find pretty depressing. But perhaps you have to make the best of a bad situation. Barking Riverside is of course, right on the river, which I think gives it the potential to be a pretty appealing location. Think Richmond-on-Thames haha. I suppose you wouldn't get a new one bed flat in Richmond for £240k. A mil?? And the new London Overground station opened in the summer, gets you into central in 20 mins or so. Not bad at all. Better than Richmond? In fact Richmond is quite a pain in the bum to get to, at least Richmond Park is haha. It has to be said though, when you walk around you can't help but wonder how long you'll be living in a building site. A fair while would be my guess. It's also very quiet with very little around in terms of shops and cafes, etc. Sort of reminds you of the old days when the DLR was new. You'd step off the train at Galleons Reach and there'd be nothing but mesh fences and earth around you, as though you'd just re-emerged after a nucleur holocaust or something. So I guess this may always take time. but i'm not sure I'd have the patience personally
(Reviewer)
it's alright I suppose. I don't think there's much to it, aside from...
it's alright I suppose. I don't think there's much to it, aside from the fact that it's clearly much more affordable than Harrow on the hill! A mate of mine used to live up on the hill and we'd have a beer at the Castle, which is a nice pub. Sometimes we'd wander down the hill and have a couple at the Star, which is quite a charming boozer, in a different sort of way. Then we'd have a curry at the Mahal, which I always thought was very decent
(Reviewer)
For years sitting on the bus I thought Southwark was just a heartless...
For years sitting on the bus I thought Southwark was just a heartless traffic clogged thoroughfare up the Blackfriars Road into central London. Now I'm not saying it's the greatest place in London but there is more to it than I had realised. The Cut is pretty lively - lots of nice restaurants and the Windmill pub, which I found to be very decent. I also stumbled across the little strip of bars and restaurants under the arches on Isabella street - very cool!
(Advanced Reviewer)
St Margarets is a beautiful spot just north of Twickenham and to the w...
St Margarets is a beautiful spot just north of Twickenham and to the west of the Thames. Pretty Victorian houses line the back streets and there is a very cute high street leading down from the station.
(Advanced Reviewer)
Just over the river, opposite Ham, Strawberry Hill feels like it would...
Just over the river, opposite Ham, Strawberry Hill feels like it would be a nice place to live. If you can afford it, of course.
(Advanced Reviewer)
There's something about Streatham that makes it feel quite difficult t...
There's something about Streatham that makes it feel quite difficult to enjoy. There's always a whiff of aggro in the air as you walk up the Streatham High Road. The common is lovely though it has to be said and there are some quite pretty back streets.
(Reviewer)
Swiss Cottage doesn't have the greatest reputation. In fact it seems...
Swiss Cottage doesn't have the greatest reputation. In fact it seems to me it gets quite a bad rap. I don't know if this is down to its own merits, or lack of them - I suppose being centered around the busy Finchley Road isn't the best start. But I wonder whether it's mainly because Swiss Cottage isn't as posh as some of its neighbours. Personally, I quite like the place. Firstly, it's home to the Hampstead Theatre, a great spot for productions in a modern sort of setting. There is also the Swiss Cottage street market, which is open Tuesday to Saturday during the day time. There is also a bit of a community feel and a nice little row of shops and restaurants on Fairfax Road.
(Reviewer)
Ealing has been through a renaissance over the last 10 years. Well-pla...
Ealing has been through a renaissance over the last 10 years. Well-planned investment has seen a seismic improvement in the overall amenities and residential opportunities in the area. But you need at least £400k if you’re thinking of buying …
(New Reviewer)
I went for a long walk around Woolwich Arsenal a couple of months ago...
I went for a long walk around Woolwich Arsenal a couple of months ago for the first time and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with how nice it was and agree with a lot of the comments about the website summary not doing the area justice! It's a very hip area which has benefited from new investments in terms of residential developments which are surrounded by spots of cool independent cafes and restaurants. A lot of history here too with some museums and gorgeous looking buildings, not to mention the stunning apartments overlooking the Thames! Also with the opening of the Cross Rail this year it has significantly improved its connectivity into Central and West London. A good choice for first time buyers or definitely worth a weekend visit!
(New Reviewer)
Belsize Park is a gorgeous area, one of the prettiest in London. I lo...
Belsize Park is a gorgeous area, one of the prettiest in London. I love sitting outside Calici with a glass of wine on a warm day! Pure bliss. You can see why the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow have called the place home
(Reviewer)
I love Chelsea and I hang out here a lot during the weekends but I’ve...
I love Chelsea and I hang out here a lot during the weekends but I’ve been reading a lot about increased instances of watch theft happening in broad daylight which is slightly concerning :(
(Reviewer)
I loved living here, found a cheap gem to live in among the beautiful...
I loved living here, found a cheap gem to live in among the beautiful streets. Amenities are pretty poor in the high street, as most shops are upmarket for day to day living. A stint living here was fun, with a short walk to Primrose hill and Baker Street, personally would enjoy somewhere with a more relaxed community feel.
(Reviewer)
And not even that cool anymore! Granted, it’s a happening spot. A lot...
And not even that cool anymore! Granted, it’s a happening spot. A lot of nightlife here if that’s your thing. But you can feel pretty out of place an unwelcome if you aren’t pretty much a hipster. And it’s not a pretty place. Much of it is downright ugly.
(Advanced Reviewer)
Enfield is a bit of a strange place. I went there the other day to mee...
Enfield is a bit of a strange place. I went there the other day to meet a friend who was doing some work there to have a few beers. It's not on the tube so I caught a bus over from the Southgate area. Having been in Southgate and waited for a bus there, anywhere would seem nice following that. So relativity was on my side. I got off the bus in what I believe must be the Enfield Chase area near the Old Wheatsheaf pub, which looked nice. I wandered down into Chase Gardens and it's quite a lovely little spot. Cross the road and there's another little green area and a small footbridge over a river. Really very picturesque and pleasant. On the other side of the bridge there are some very pretty cottage houses lining the river and it's almost like you're in Bruges or somewhere for a few moments. I started to ask myself, why has no-one ever spoken to me of Enfield before? This place is beautiful! Continue on down Church Road and around the corner, however, and the feeling that Enfield is beautiful vanishes even more quickly than it arrives. Once you step into the thick of the high street area you realise this is why no-one has ever commended the place. My friend finished work and I met him down the end on the Savoy Parade bit. We tried to find a pub somewhere that looked half decent but it was a pretty desperate and depressing search. In the end I suggested we head back up to the old wheatsheaf where we enjoyed a couple of decent pints and some good food.
(Advanced Reviewer)
Is it a nice place to live?
Is it a nice place to live?
(Reviewer)
Growing up as a kid around the area 20 years ago I remember Green...
Growing up as a kid around the area 20 years ago I remember Greenfords schools having “bad reputations” ..I.e. cardinal wiseman.. does anyone know if this is still the case? I had heard there’s been a lot of investment in the area and in the schools in particular so it would be good to hear peoples views on it? Thanks
(Reviewer)
Hi everyone, do any locals have any thoughts on the above? I've r...
Hi everyone, do any locals have any thoughts on the above? I've read this is one of the major drawbacks of living in Richmond and that it can be quite bad in parts. I have always imagined my dream house being in Richmond but not sure it's worth the money if it really is as bad as they say it is. Of course the estate agents tell you it's not that bad but it would be good to hear from locals... Thanks
(New Reviewer)
Can anyone recommend some good restaurants in E&C? I've heard lot...
Can anyone recommend some good restaurants in E&C? I've heard lots of new places have opened
(Reviewer)
This site describes Woolwich as being "scruffy and deprived". Whi...
This site describes Woolwich as being "scruffy and deprived". While that is certainly the case in some parts, it's also one of the most historic and beautiful parts of South London. The area was the former site of one of the biggest munitions factories in the UK and is home to to several cool pubs including the Dial Arch, The Guard House and the Taproom, part of the Hop Stuff Brewery, some excellent cafes and the popular Royal Arsenal Farmers' Market. Greenwich Council have also announced a £21 million investment to help deliver improvements throughout Woolwich. Plans also include a new Market Pavilion, restoring shop fronts, enhancements to the historic Royal Arsenal Gatehouse and space for events. They've also launched the popular PUNCHDRUNK theatre experience which is drawing many crowds to the area. With access into Central London via the Uberboat services, as well as the upcoming Crossrail, Woolwich Arsenal will become one of the most in demand areas to live over the next few years. I'd love other people thoughts and opinions of the area. I've lived here for four years and have only seen development. Many thanks, Peter Albert Numpty
(New member)
I've been looking at a flat to rent in Camberwell, which looks gr...
I've been looking at a flat to rent in Camberwell, which looks great for my budget. My concern is transport. Do locals use Oval tube station? How does it feel hiking up to that on a daily basis? What about Denmark Hill or Loughborough Junction?
(Reviewer)
Anyone know when the new Picture house cinema is opening? It’s be...
Anyone know when the new Picture house cinema is opening? It’s been under construction for the last 10 years!?
(Reviewer)
West Ealing is really a melting point of people and cultures. A s...
West Ealing is really a melting point of people and cultures. A short walk on its high street and you are bound to come across dozens of different languages, dialects and people! West Ealing's rich multiculturalism is personified in its ridiculous choice of amazing restaurants! From Greek to Indian to Persian, it is all there! My favourite is probably the legendary Persian Palace. I would go as far as saying that pound for pound it is the best restaurant in West London. You really get the most buck for your bang! Quality food, big portions, great ambience and good service. Highly recommend. What is your favourite restaurant in West Ealing and any recommendations?
(Reviewer)
I have been told there are great local restaurants in this area,...
I have been told there are great local restaurants in this area, does anyone have the local knowledge of the gems...in particular curry!?
(Reviewer)
Croydon seems to have a terrible reputation. Is it as bad as eve...
Croydon seems to have a terrible reputation. Is it as bad as everyone says it is?
(Reviewer)
Does anyone now if this is a good and safe area to live for a fam...
Does anyone now if this is a good and safe area to live for a family with 2 primary school aged kids? Any advice is appreciated
(Reviewer)
Back in the 80s and 90s growing up as a kid in West London it was...
Back in the 80s and 90s growing up as a kid in West London it was always a treat venturing into High Street Kensington (HSK) with my parents (pretty sure I hold the record for consecutive trips to MacDonald's on HSK on a Saturday between 1987 and 1990!). There was something magical about the place, not as commercial as Oxford Street and not as pretentious as somewhere like Kings Road. You were in London but felt you could have been in Paris or Milan, it was an amazing place for people watching and had the benefit of having Hyde Park on its doorstep as well. In actual fact, a lot of Persians made Kensington their homes post the Revolution because High Street Kensington looked like and represented a sort of class and wealth they often associated with their home land before things went tits up. HSK had a mix of everything quintessential British mixed with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flare. It had the perfect blend. In it's heyday it was like London's Rodeo Drive. HSK had its own charm and unique quality. It also had the iconic Odeon Cinemas which were a symbol of HSK for many years. Unfortunately, these cinemas were turned into flats circa 5 years ago and you could argue that this is the moment it's star really started to fade. I am afraid to say, in my opinion, HSK seems to be somewhat of a 'has been' shopping spot and perhaps past its glory days. There are still numerous shops and restaurants along the street but the 'wow' factor of yesteryear has diminished. There are various reasons for this : 1) Pandemic, some shops have shut down simply because of a lack of footfall. 2) The rise of on-line shopping. The amazon's of this world have minimised the need to go out and buy from your local shop. 3) Competition. Westfield is just down the road and has everything HSK can offer but under one roof. Having said all that, it may never reach the heights of the 80s/90s but it is not all doom and gloom. There are a lot of fabulous side streets (one particular street hosted infamous after parties - think a modern Studio 54 on steroids) with unbelievable architecture from the days when England ruled the seas and the world. HSK also offers The New Design Museum which is one of the best museum shops in the UK. Close to Holland Park and Leighton House, and there is a tube station and frequent buses, so the area does still have a lot of plus points. Will it ever go back to its glory years? Probably not. Does it still stand tall against other London shopping High Streets and still worth visiting? Yes. It may not blow you away but it still has a lot to offer and the MacDonald's still stands. Who knows, one day someone could beat my record :-) What are your views on HSK? How does it compare to other notable London shopping High Street's?
(Reviewer)
What do people think? Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath? Or neit...
What do people think? Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath? Or neither?
(Reviewer)
London has many beautiful and great places to live in. However, I...
London has many beautiful and great places to live in. However, I think Wimbledon is sometimes overlooked when having 'best place to live in London' discussions. The first thing that stands out about Wimbledon is it's village-style living. It offers a unique feel of almost living in the countryside yet being part of a world class city. In a post-pandemic world, many have wanted bigger space and to be closer to nature/wildlife, especially those with children. Wimbledon has all of that and more. A child-friendly atmosphere, living in Wimbledon you get the feeling of being part of a community where residents all know each other which is rare in London in 2022 where usually you have more chance of predicting the lottery than knowing the first names of your nearest 3 neighbours! Living in Wimbledon is good for the soul. You have easy access to various open spaces that provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon stroll or the ideal place for a picnic with family and friends. You may think what makes village life in Wimbledon so appealing? Firstly, you cannot say the same about many London boroughs. Traditionally, as great as village life can be there are certain cases where it isn’t feasible; for example, when it comes to commuting, village’s often lack quick or easy travel connections. This is what makes village-style living in Wimbledon so appealing; having all of the aspects of ordinary village life right in the capital, ideal for those wanting easy access across London. In short, living in Wimbledon gives residents the opportunity to be able to escape/avoid London's hustle and bustle without worrying about the long commute. Therefore, you can even maintain your job as well as social life and transport links into the City without compromise! It’s not often that horse riding around Wimbledon Common, moments from your doorstep, can be found in London. It gives residents the best of both worlds with Wimbledon offering some of the best schools around, such as King’s College School, which was dubbed ‘100% excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Living in a community that has village-like qualities as well as excellent local schools can also contribute to people relocating. I highly recommend living in Wimbledon, one of the most underrated places in London. What are your thoughts about Wimbledon?
(Reviewer)
Which is the best pub in East Dulwich? I'm looking to spend a qu...
Which is the best pub in East Dulwich? I'm looking to spend a quality afternoon in a classic handsome old boozer. I'd like to enjoy some top cask ales. Not so concerned re food. Thank you!
(Reviewer)
Kensington and Chelsea
Located in between its fellow upmarket neighbours..
.webp)
