Living in Little Venice

Little Venice is a picturesque residential area interspersed with waterways. Its name was coined by poet Robert Browning, who lived here in the late 19th century, to affectionately describe the pretty collection of streets around the junctions of two canals – Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal – but today it is used to refer to the whole W9 area south of Maida Vale.

The tranquil canal between Little Venice and Camden Lock is one of London’s most romantic places and a popular destination for tourists and locals who come to enjoy scenic water-side walks, eat in charming artisan restaurants and leisurely watch colourful narrow houseboats float by.

The sought-after canal side district with its weeping willow lined avenues and grand, creamy stucco houses – many of which were designed by celebrated architect John Nash – is maintained to an enviably high standard that commands premium prices.

Where to Eat in Little Venice

Pearl Liang – Treat yourself to gloriously tasty Chinese.
Summerhouse – Waterside restaurant serves delightful seafood.
Waterways – Stylish bar-restaurant http://www.vitaproperties.co.uk/wp-admin/admin.php?page=fs-real-estate-plugin/hooks.phphas a wide terrace.
The Warwick Castle – Traditional pub with great atmosphere.
Coffee Tree café – Relax and sip a hot drink in oasis of calm.

Things To Do in Little Venice

Canal side Cavalcade – Annual May Day event is the largest gathering of canal boats in one UK location.
News Revue – World’s longest running live comedy show at Canal Café Theatre.
Jason’s Canal Boat Trip – Sail the picturesque route along Regent’s Canal from Little Venice on a 100-year-old boat.
London Canal Museum – Explore the people, vessels, trade and wildlife of the capital’s canals.

Transport Links To and From Little Venice

Train
Closest underground stations are Maida Vale and Warwick Avenue (both in zone 2) on the Bakerloo line.
On the overground Paddington station is nearby and has a fast rail link – the Heathrow Express – to Heathrow airport.
Bus
There are various buses offering 24-hour services, as well as a regular waterbus service which operates from Little Venice eastwards around Regent’s Park, calling at London Zoo and on towards Camden Town.

TAGS : #LittleVenice #W9 #WestLondon #londonlifetsyle

Living in Marylebone

Marylebone, thanks to an imaginative regeneration of its High Street, has seen a rebirth over the last decade from a forgotten backwater into one of London’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods.

Sandwiched between Oxford Circus and Regents Park, Marylebone is a Zone 1 hotspot for commuters who are attracted to its quiet streets of charming Georgian squares and terraces as well as its traditional pubs and boutique shops.

Named after the medieval church St Mary’s originally built on the banks of the Tybourne, the W1 area is famous as the home of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and Harley Street, the heart of England’s medical profession.

Where to Eat in Marylebone

The Reform Social and Grill – Try afternoon tea here its a quintessentially British experience
Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop and Tasting Room – Great place for whisky connoisseurs
Orrery – Serves brilliant French cuisine.
Queen’s Head & Artichoke – Located in a 16th-century coaching inn, this gastropub offers diners the choice of just nibbling on tapas.
Swan & Edgar – Marylebone boozer with a bookish theme
Coco Momo – Finalist of the UK’s Best Bar Awards 2005.
Golden Hind – Dating back to 1914, this fish and chip shop is a Marylebone institution.

Things To Do in Marylebone

Sherlock Holmes Museum – Dedicated to Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective.
Madame Tussards – Popular waxworks of iconic figures.
Oxford Street – Popular waxworks of iconic figures.
The Screen on Baker Street – Two intimate screening rooms and plush seating make this a good choice for film lovers.
Alfie’s Antiques Market – London’s largest indoor antiques market.

Transport Links To and From Marylebone

Train
There are excellent commuter links with a number of Zone 1 stations serving the area: Marylebone (Bakerloo), Baker Street (Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith and City lines) and Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines).
Overland trains from Marylebone station provide connections with the Chilterns and Birmingham.
Bus
The area is serviced by a good selection of bus routes.

TAGS : #Marylebone #W1 #WestLondon #londonlifetsyle

Living in Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill with its picturesque village and striking panoramic views of the city’s skyline is a popular and fashionable region of north London packed with chic independent shops and trendy restaurants that on a sunny day spill out on to the pavements.

The NW1 area, whose name derives from the flowers that grew on its grassy hill in the 15th century, is home to the “The Primrose Hill set” a group of British celebrities – including Kate Moss, Jude Law and Sadie Frost – whose glamorous lives and hell-raising antics raised the area’s profile in countless tabloid pages.

Bordering Regent’s Park northern edge and conveniently close to city centre, Primrose Hill’s beautifully multi-coloured Victorian terraces and tree-lined streets have stood the test of time and give the area a leafy and family feel that is lost in many other areas of London.

Where to Eat in Primrose Hill

The Queens – Popular gastro pub with views over Primrose Hill.
Odette’s – With its marble pillars, leafy wallpaper and yellow curtains the restaurant is a classic favourite since 1978.
Lemonia – Another Primrose Hill institution great Greek food and family-friendly atmosphere.
The Engineer – upscale pub boasts a superb kitchen and offers indoor as well as garden dining.
Cachao – Claims it offers the best crepes in London, plus salads, plus bagels, panini, hot and iced coffees, smoothies and other treats too.
Garden Cafe – Relaxed cafe serving classic English favourites in a classic English setting.

Things To Do in Primrose Hill

Triyoga – Take a beginner’s class at one of the top yoga centres in London.
Ready, steady, go – Participate in a programme of learning and creative activities for children 1 to 3 years at the Community Centre.
Picnic in the park – Bring delicious local treats and take in the breathtaking views of the city.
Regent’s Canal – Take a stroll along this pretty canal all the way to Camden.

Transport Links To and From Primrose Hill

Train
Primrose Hill is served by two Tube stations, Chalk Farm and Camden Town, both in Zone 2 (annual travelcard to Zone 1 is £1,168) and are on the Northern line.
Bus
The area is served extremely well by the bus network.

TAGS : #PrimroseHill #NW1 #NothWestLondon #londonlifetsyle

Living in St Johns Wood

St John’s Wood is a highly desirable residential neighborhood bordering Regent’s Park that’s home to some of the most expensive properies in the world.

Once part of the Great Middlesex Forest, and later owned in the Middle ages by the Knights of St John of jerusalem which it took its name, the area is famous for its white stucco terrace homes, grand Villa style houses and porteredmansion blocks.

Famous locations within the exclusive NW8 district include Lord’s Cricket Ground and Abbey Road Studios, renowned for being the place where The Beatles recorded the Abbey Road album, the cover of which features the iconic image of the band walking along the road’s zebra crossing.

Where to Eat in St Johns Wood

Gail’s – Small artisan bakery.
The Salt House – Gastropub with good solid cuisine, a pleasant atmosphere and a wide selection of wines.
Harry Morgan – London’s most famous New York Style Deli Restaurant.
Sahara – Traditional Lebanese menu with a down-to-earth dining room.
The Rotisserie – Modern grill restaurant with a buzzy atmosphere.
Oslo Court – Local treasure, European dishes and desserts to die for.
The Duke of York – Warm and welcoming with a bar and casual dining area.

Schools in St Johns Wood

Robinsfield Infant School
Barrow Hill Junior School
Arnold House School
The American School in London
St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory School

Things To Do in St Johns Wood

Bridgeman Street farmers market – For food lovers there is a farmers market held here every Saturday morning.
London Zoo lates – Every Friday night in the summer, London Zoo is open after hours and invites visitors to explore the wilds of the ultimate urban jungle.
Lord’s Cricket Ground – Home to Middlesex County Cricket Club there are game’s to watch even when England aren’t playing here.

Transport Links To and From St Johns Wood

Train
The nearest Underground station is St John’s Wood(zone 2) on the Jubilee Line and South Hampstead on the London Overground.
Bus
There are several local bus routes connecting in all directions, including the 13(to Aldwych), the 46(to Farington), the 82 (to Victoria), the 139 (to Waterloo) and the 274 (to Islington). There are also two night buses – the N13 and the N113

TAGS : #StJohnsWood #NW8 #NorthLondon #londonlifetsyle

Living in Maida Vale

Maida Vale’s peaceful boulevards are home to palatial Edwardian townhouses and a delightful array of pubs, cafes and restaurants that present local residents with a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Located in the City of Westminster, Maida Vale – whose name originated from the Hero of Maida public house that opened after the Battle of Maida in 1806 – has an artsy culture that has formed in accordance with the presence of the world famous BBC music recording studios.

The affluent, residential area in the heart of West London (W9) is famous for the picturesque canals and luxurious houseboats found in its most desirable enclave of Little Venice.

Where to Eat in Maida Vale

The Waterway – Scandinavian-inspired gastropub on the canal is very popular with locals for drinks and excellent food.
New Taxin Thai – Restaurant uses fresh ingredients to produce tasty food that will not burn too large a hole in your wallet.
The Trustcott Arms – Glamorous pub with a cocktail bar upstairs and great atmosphere.
The Warrington – Gordon Ramsay gastropub serving beer as well as fine-dining.
Raoul’s – All-day restaurant on one side of the street and delicatessen on the other.
Kateh – Top modern Persian restaurant.

Things To Do in Maida Vale

Canal Cafe Theatre – Venue famous for putting on great comedy.
Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre – Carnival arts workshops for adult and young people aged 12.
Little Venice Walk – Go on a scenic water-side walk all the way to Regents Park and London Zoo.
Trioler Hut – Giggles aplenty with food, beer and yodelling.

Transport Links To and From Maida Vale

Train
There are two Underground Stations (zone 2) within easy reach, Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale, both of which are on the Bakerloo Line.
Nearby Paddington and Queen’s Park also offer overground links to the City’s airports and nationwide national rail links.
Bus
There are a number of bus routes into London, some of which operate a 24-hour service.
Additionally, there is a regular waterbus service which operates from Little Venice in south Maida Vale, eastwards around Regent’s Park, calling at London Zoo and on towards Camden Town.
Car
Access to Westway (A40) is close by offering quick access by road to the west.

TAGS : #MaidaVale #W9 #WestLondon #londonlifetsyle

Living in Belsize Park

Belsize Park with its bohemian and vibrant village-like environment is one of London’s most fashionable place to live. Nestled between edgy Camden and glamorous Primrose Hill it seems only fitting that its name derived in the Middle Ages from the French words ‘bel assis’ means ‘well situated’.

Like neighbouring Hampstead, with which it shares the exclusive NW3 postcode, the area is home to a cosmopolitan artistic community that include many celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Helena Bonham-Carter, Kate Moss, Chris Martin and his wife Gwyneth Paltrow.

Walking down Belsize Park’s tree-lined streets with its elegant white stucco-fronted Victorian houses there is a real sense of beauty and calmness that culminates in a charming, bustling High Street with flower stalls, butchers and plenty of cafes and bars that further add to the area’s highly individual ambience.

Where to Eat in Belsize Park

Sir Richard Steele – A firm favourite for locals and a great place to go for a traditional pint.
The Washington – English gastro pub that blends eccentricity with comfortable style.
Manna – One of Europe’s finest and oldest gourmet vegetarian establishments.
Ballaró’s – Quality Italian food served with gusto.
Bradleys – Michelin awarded fine dining.
Euphorium Bakery – Equally good for breakfast or if you just fancy coffee and cake.

Things To Do in Belsize Park

England’s Lane and Haverstock Hill – Wander around and find many hidden gems such as England’s Lane Books which has many special editions.
Antrim Road Library – Run by the local community it’s an outstanding focus for local activities, groups and events.
Everyman Cinema – This newly spruced up cinema is a great find and has comfy seats and a great bar.

Transport Links

Train
Belsize Park tube station (Zone 2) is on the Northern line and gets to Tottenham Court Road in 13 minutes.
Over ground services from Hampstead Heath Railway Station, Finchley Road & Frognal and Hampstead Thameslink.
Bus
Bus services include the C11, 24, 46, 168, 268, while the N5 provides a 24-hour service to Trafalgar Square in one direction and Edgware Road in the other.
Car
Direct road links to the A41, M1, M4, M11, M25 and the North Circular road.

TAGS : #BelsizePark #ThingsToDoBelsizePark #NorthLondon #londonlifetsyle