You’ve done it – you’ve finally decided to leave the country bumpkin life and hit the Big Smoke like you always dreamed. You’ll be munching cake in Chelsea and vegan food in Hackney in no time – just like those MIC lot. The only pressing matter left is, where are you going to live?
Fear not. We’ve created a detailed guide on where to live in London, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
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For the artier types, East London is about as “fashun” as you can get. It’s got everything you want, from shops to ping pong bars to relatively cheap rent. It’s equally as in demand for young people as South London, and you’ll find a pop up store or gallery on nearly every corner you turn. If your day revolves around lattes and streetwear, East is the place to be.
Typically well-connected, with the majority of tube lines passing through Liverpool Street, within walking distance of Shoreditch. The surrounding areas like Hoxton or Dalston are easily accessible on the Overground, and buses run to the far corners of Hackney or Clapton
– Oval Space in Cambridge Heath
– XOYO in Old Street
– The Yard in Hackney
– Ace Hotel in Shoreditch
– Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch
– The Big Chill in Shoreditch
– Netil 360 in London Fields
– NTs in London Fields
Ideal – you can be at Oxford Circus within 20 minutes from Liverpool Street
There’s a huge Lidl in Hackney, as well as an ASDA and Sainsbury’s superstore in Whitechapel. There are countless local Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s in more central areas, with local meat vendors and markets in areas like Broadway Market and Hoxton
Peckham, New Cross, Greenwich, Bermondsey
A mix of students and young professionals, South East is one of the most practical options for arriving graduates. With Goldsmiths at the heart of it, it’s teeming with students, independent businesses and chilled out local pubs. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s also a quieter alternative to East London, with tons of green open spaces and parks.
Primarily Overground, National Rail or DLR. Overground is easily accessible and will take you into East London. The Jubilee Line runs through Canada Water and Bermondsey, and will take you into East and North London.
– Bussey Building in Peckham
– Canavans in Peckham
– Tola in Peckham
– Printworks in Rotherhithe
– Amersham Arms in New Cross
– The Marquis of Granby in New Cross
– Bermondsey Arts Club in Bermondsey
Very accessible to East and North London. The Overground will take you from South to North, while the National Rail will take you to London Bridge in around 20 minutes, with Central London just over the river. The DLR will take you to Bank in around 45 minutes, depending on which station you leave from
There’s a huge Sainsbury’s in New Cross, a large Lidl, an ASDA and a Morrisons in Peckham, a Waitrose in Greenwich Cutty Sark, and a number of express stores throughout SE London
For the well-groomed graduate, South West offers a homely set up for almost any young person moving to London. Clapham is a hub for business grads, especially those working in Canary Wharf and The City, while Brixton is up-and-coming in its selection of pubs and bars. On the flip side, you’ve got Chelsea – home to the King’s Road and MIC veterans. With plenty of green space, you’ll have no problem finding a sports team to join, a regular brunch spot or a place for your weekend run.
A lot more connections to Underground than South East. Clapham and Stockwell offer the Northern Line that’ll take you into Central London, while Brixton has the Victoria Line (which will take you all the way to North London) and connect you to the rest of London via Victoria. Clapham Junction also has Overground connections, taking you to East and North London. In Chelsea you’ll still be in Zone 1, so central London is easily accessible via the Circle, District and Piccadilly lines.
– Prince of Wales in Brixton
– Brixton Jamm in Brixton
– Phonox in Brixton
– The Blues Kitchen in Brixton
– Infernos in Clapham
– The Grand in Clapham
– The Avalon in Clapham
– JuJu in Chelsea
– Embargo Republica in Chelsea
Not far – coming from Brixton you can be in Central London within half an hour via the Victoria Line. The Northern Line will take you to London Bridge, Waterloo or East and North London. You can also get the National Rail into London Bridge from Clapham Junction
There’s a huge Waitrose in Balham, a Lidl in Brixton, Balham and Streatham, an Aldi in Streatham and Balham, a big ASDA in Clapham, and a big Sainsbury's in Clapham too. There are also Tesco Metros and Sainsbury’s Locals dotted throughout the South West
West London is on the rise for the graduate and arts scenes, with more club nights and bars popping up, along with festivals like Lovebox and Notting Hill Carnival taking centre stage in summer. Although most grads find themselves in East or South, West is definitely an area that delivers what you need and is never dull.
Good connections to the Central Line which will take you into Central and East London, as well as the Circle Line providing access to East London. Most populated areas will have at least one Underground station, so you’re never marooned
– Notting Hill Arts Club in Notting Hill
– Laylow in Westbourne Park
– Paradise By Way of Kensal Green in Kensal Green
– The Prince in Hammersmith
– Pergola on the Roof, Paddington
– W12 Studios in White City
Within 20 minutes or so from Oxford Circus etc, so ideal if you want to stay closer to the centre. Most of central London is on the border of West London
Like most areas in London, West London has its share of Tesco Expresses and Sainsbury’s Locals. But, if you need more variety, there is also a Waitrose in Shepherd’s Bush and Notting Hill as well as a Planet Organic in Ladbroke Grove and a Morrisons in Acton
North East is definitely the edgier side of the North. With huge warehouse communities, countless clubs and venues, as well as being only a few doors down from Hackney and Dalston, it’s got something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for somewhere you can have a nice date night cocktail or a techno night going until 6am, NE is a safe bet.
Generally, well spread out – the Overground runs from Highbury & Islington which can take you South, as well as the Victoria Line running through Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters, which has easy access to Central London
– Five Miles in Tottenham
– The Cause in Tottenham
– VFD in Stoke Newington
– The Waiting Room in Stoke Newington
– Matilda’s Sake Bar in Clapton
– The Elephant’s Head in Clapton
Not far – you can rely on the Victoria Line to connect you to the more central areas in under 30 minutes. The Overground from Stoke Newington will take you to Liverpool Street in less than 20 minutes, which is just a few stops from Central London
If ASDA is your go-to supermarket then North East London is for you, with one in Clapton and Tottenham. If it’s not your thing, don’t despair – there’s also a smattering of Tesco Expresses around, with a Tesco Superstore in Tottenham and a Whole Foods and Morrisons in Stoke Newington
If you’re looking for big hills with city views, Sunday cafés with good coffee and old houses, you’re in the right place. For the affluent grad, North West is one of the most pleasant areas of London. Alongside the walks on Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath, you’re never too far from a concert at the Jazz Cafe or the Roundhouse. Just avoid Camden Market on a Saturday if you want a peaceful weekend.
There’s the Northern line, which will take you through Camden and Kentish Town to East, Central and South London. There’s also the Overground that goes through Camden Road and Kentish Town, which will take you through to Hackney and South London. There are also regular buses into Central London and other tube lines
– Jazz Cafe in Camden
– Electric Ballroom in Camden
– KOKO in Camden
– The Blues Kitchen in Camden
– The Camden Assembly in Camden
– Lock 17 in Camden
– Hampstead Lounge & Jazz Club in Hampstead
15 minutes on the Northern Line to Central London and 30 minutes on the bus
There’s a Lidl, Iceland and the usual Sainsbury's Locals and Tesco Expresses dotted around Camden and Kentish Town. Camden also houses a huge Sainsbury’s just minutes from the station, great for the post-work shop
Finsbury Park, Holloway, Islington, King’s Cross, Euston
North London is a safe bet for most graduates. It’s peaceful, full of nice pubs but lacks as many places to go out compared to other areas. With Finsbury Park providing prime summer vibes, along with huge houses in Holloway and an abundance of health food spots, it’s a haven for grads looking for a relaxed grad life, away from the noise that you’d get in the East
Widely available – King's Cross has connections to nearly all underground lines, while Finsbury Park has the Victoria and Piccadilly Line, which will take you through to Central and South London. Euston also has access to National Rail as well as the Hammersmith & City Line to take you through to East London
– Egg London in King's Cross
– Electrowerkz in Angel
– The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park
– Rowans Bowling Alley in Finsbury Park
– Brave Sir Robin in Crouch End
Very accessible – King's Cross is only 10 minutes or so from central London, while the Piccadilly Line from Finsbury Park and Holloway will get you into the City in under 20 minutes
There’s a huge Lidl by Finsbury Park, as well as tonnes of Tesco Metros and Sainsbury’s Locals dotted around. Angel has a huge Sainsbury's and a large Waitrose, while King's Cross and Euston hold more small, express-style supermarkets