New London Tings

Long overdue: The last I wrote about where to find good cappuccinos and entertainment in London I had only been living here for a few weeks. Now (besides my 7 month coronavirus vacation), I have been here for about a year. 

GAIL’S

First I must readdress where to find the best cappuccino in London because I wouldn’t want to lead anyone astray. It only took one coffee from GAIL’S to change my mind. These shops are slightly pricier and nicer than places like Pret and Caffé Nero. They aren’t found on every single street corner, but their red and white sign is always a welcome sight. Their coffee has the taste of quality; not just watery bitterness with some milk thrown in for good measure. They have a hand drawn espresso, and hand-steamed and foamed milk that nicely complements the roast. Conveniently they also have some of the best café food I have found in London. You must try all of their various sandwiches and savory pastries, but their homemade granola bars and cookies are delicious as well. Don’t miss out on the avocado toast. 

DISHOOM

A Dishoom experience used to mean one or two or three hour queues from 18:00 onwards, waiting outside with friends while friendly staff waited like clockwork on all guests with sweet, warm, spicy chai. Now that crowds are discouraged and social distancing is in place, the only way to have a meal at Dishoom is to make a reservation. This must be done at least a week in advance if you want any hope of getting a spot… weekend or not. 

In my opinion, Dishoom offers the best value and dining experience for your money in London. You can easily have a filling meal for less than £12, in a friendly environment that smells like heaven and looks like a swank, higher-end Bombay café. 

You must have their House Black Lentil Daal, Cheese Naan or Paneer Roti, Prawn Koliwada, Veggie Samosas, and Chole Puri. 

Where is the best student neighborhood?

Obviously this depends on where and how you prefer to exist as a student, but after living in Russell Square near UCL, SOAS, The British Museum, and experiencing the flow of life between Holborn and King’s Cross I can definitely attest to the inspiration of this area. Everyday you see the professionals begin their commute into the city, yet you also live amongst a diverse group of students studying many different things at UOL schools. The British Museum attracts tourists that pour out of massive greyhounds multiple times a day. There are plenty of affordable eateries, but also plenty of overpriced things as well. Squares in the area are lovely substitutes for the larger Hyde Park, and seeing as King’s Cross is a ten minute walk away, all of the transportation you could ever want is at your immediate disposal. 

Now that I am back, I live twenty minutes down the Piccadilly line in South Kensington. The V&A, Science Museum, and Natural History museum are right on my doorstop. In normal times, I am sure I would be weaving through tourists on my walks to class. “South Ken” is a highly sought after neighborhood, and for good reason. The architecture is beautiful. High Street Ken is close, Royal Albert Hall is nested just behind my campus, and of course, Hyde Park is at your doorstep. Although it is definitely a pricier borough, Imperial has instituted itself in the neighborhood, thus plenty of places nearby cater to student prices. I honestly wake up every morning thinking “Holy sh––. I live in South Kensington and go to Imperial College London.” It’s not too bad.

Without exposing the personal details of my friends, I can briefly evaluate a few other areas, and speak to the virtues of living there:

Mayfair – Can’t afford the shopping with an a one kilometer radius, but excellent location, quite a flex to say “Oh yeah, I live in Mayfair”, and without corona, this would be the perfect flat to have on a night out.  Easy access to transport, and wonderful people watching. 

Trafalger Square – Another wonderful location, close to Covent Garden and most of Central London. Subject and privy to all of the protestors in Westminster/Downing Street, but also a terrific location for owning a bike because you can cut straight past Buckingham palace and be in Hyde Park, and then easily make it into the Kensington area. 

Holborn – On the border of inconvenience but still in the thick of things. Surrounded by modern architecture and lots of shopping around. Most everything is to the West of you, but doesn’t really matter and the buildings are all nice. A bit quieter than the previous two.

St. James Park / Upon the Thames – Out of the way but a nice quiet area. Mayfair is directly on top of you, but you’re closer to the Thames, Big Ben, and those sites. Bigger flats.

Spitalfields – Not worth it. Liverpool street is a pain and you’re surrounded by more drunk professionals swarming the pubs than friends. Also, the Spitalfields market is ridiculously overpriced. You do have amazing views of London though. 

Maida Vale – One of the most pristine living areas in Central London. More residential than any of the others, and only accessible via one tube line, but not so out of the way that it’s a major pain. The greenery, architecture, and respite from dirty, noisy, city is welcome. There are also leisurely activities at your disposal such as tennis courts, and London’s best Iyengar Yoga Center.

Barron’s Court – Annoyingly far from Gloucester station, but a beautiful residential area with plenty of Mews and private squares to get all turned around in. If you’re lazy you may end up spending too much money on Ubers, but the houses and flats are the delightful combination of old facades with modern interiors and lots of character… it’s a very similar vibe to South Kensington just slightly more removed. 

I have three words for you as a student here: Get A Bicycle.