Look for something ‘a bit different’ in London this Christmas?
There’s no denying that Christmas in London is a unique experience – the bustling streets; the yuletide vibe and the crisp, cold festive air – maybe even the odd celebrity or two into the bargain! But what if you’re looking for a quirky and different slant on the normal tourist destinations?
Then you arrive here, at our latest blog!
With our latest property additions, you can frolic around what’s known as the ‘City Area’ with ease and experience the things that, sometimes, only the locals know about.
If you’re not 100% au fait with the places that are included in this area, don’t worry, as we’re here to take you on a whirlwind tour to get you right up to speed.
First stop is Bond Street – famous throughout the world for its array of opulent stores, high-end fashion, fine jewellery and antique – basically, Bond Street is a real gem of Mayfair.
In fact, it’s been a bit of a Mecca for some notable people down the years, including Lord Admiral Nelson and Lady Hamilton, and a magnet to some of the world’s most famous fashion names – like Chanel, Cartier, Burberry, Tiffany, Mulberry and Ralph Lauren.
You’ll also find some really unique hotels and restaurants, including the iconic Claridge’s and The Ritz.
A 10-minute tube hop away from Bond Street, is Covent Garden, described by some as ‘the ultimate destination for a magical festive experience’, it really is a place to find the best dining and gifts for everyone.
Like Bond Street, Covent Garden boasts a rich history, from being the orchard garden of Westminster Abbey, to becoming London’s first ever residential square and best known fruit and vegetable market.
Covent Garden is also undeniably London’s ‘performance’ area, being recorded by Samuel Pepys as the birthplace of the Punch and Judy puppet show, and somewhere where many now-famous musicians and comedians cut their teeth – where else can you watch a magician and a musician then browse the stalls and enjoys the restaurants, in such an iconic setting?
If you’re looking for somewhere hip, trendy and just downright cool, then Shoreditch is a must for you!
Full of ramshackle bars and indie shops and home to the famous Brick Lane Market, which now houses five distinct markets – known as The Truman Markets, from the old Truman brewery – which are literally alive with an amazing and eclectic array of vendors, touting their exclusive wares, against a backdrop of cool artwork and edgy graffiti.
Whilst at Brick Lane, be sure to check out The Backyard Market, which is the most amazing artisan market, fusing art, fashion, beauty, homewares and lifestyle products, or head to the Sunday Upmarket for amazing food, but also vintage clothing.
If that’s not enough for the hipsters out there, literally a 5-minute walk away is the iconic Spitalfields Market.
Taking its name from St Mary Spital Hospital, dating back to the 12th century, it’s development and embracement of diversity has transformed it into one of London’s oldest markets. It’s now very much a seven-days-a-week destination, comprising of some of London’s most creative stalls, showcasing bespoke handcrafted items that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Venture just a few hundred yards south and you hit upon Petticoat Lane Market, one of London’s quirkiest and hip markets in London. It’s very much a Monday to Friday affair, but boasts over 1000 fashion and clothing stalls.
Finally, on our ‘off the beaten track’ tour of London’s markets, we travel a mile or so north of Spitalfields, to find Hoxton Street Market. Established in 1687, the market is the oldest street market in Hackney and oozes East End spirit!
Hoxton is also home to the wonderful Waterside Contemporary gallery, tucked away on the residential streets and the PEER gallery, both of which encourage the local community to get involved.
The market is a beacon for the strong local community and, compared to its more glitzy neighbouring markets, can seem a little like a poor relation. However, scratch beneath that surface and you’ll find some of the most amazing food and drink; one fabulous Saturday market and, for those music fans of a certain age, walk Richard Ashcroft’s famous ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ steps down the road – just try not to barge into too many locals!
So, now you’ve got the lowdown on the more hip and trendy, eclectic London scenes, let’s find you a place to stay while you soak it all up!
Our first serviced apartment is in Aldgate East. These colourful and modern serviced, one and two bedroom East London apartments overlook the hustle and bustle of Petticoat Lane and are just a short walk from some of the hip and trendy areas we’ve been through in this blog, including; Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, and Shoreditch and just a 3-minute walk to Aldgate East Underground Station.
The apartments each have a fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, modern bathrooms and comfy double bedrooms, providing ideal accommodation for business or leisure in The City. Some of the apartments have balconies with a view of The Gherkin, and others have large windows overlooking the eclectic Petticoat Lane market.
Click here to get the full lowdown on these great apartments in Aldgate.
Our next contemporary and stylish serviced apartments are in the trendy area of Shoreditch and situated in a restored warehouse, containing 15 serviced apartments, some with private balconies.
Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, with dishwasher and washer/dryer and premium apartments have air conditioning.
Available in one and two bedroom options, featuring a combination of wooden flooring and carpet and large floor to ceiling windows in the living areas, with all bedrooms having a flat screen TV with Freeview and free WiFi.
The two bedroom serviced apartments have one main bathroom with a shower, and an en suite shower room.
Click here to find out more about our Shoreditch serviced apartments.
Our third and final feature apartment for today, come in the form of our one and two bedroom serviced apartments, located in the vibrant and fashionable Hoxton.
These trendy one and two bedroom
serviced apartments are found on the corner of historic Curtain Road and
bustling Old Street, right slap bang in the middle of the many quirky
independent shops, cool bars and great restaurants which have made this area a
popular destination for young creative types.
The apartments are open plan, with bright decor and come with under floor heating, wooden flooring throughout and plenty of storage space. Some of the apartments also overlook the buzzing streets of East London, whilst others benefit from a balcony.
To find out more about these great Hoxton apartments click here.
We hope that this gives you some great inspiration, if you’re having a festive foray to the capital, or maybe this has given you the impetus to come and seek out some of the trendier, quirky, vibrant and hip areas of London, then we hope you have a fab time!
We hope you have a great Christmas, wherever you spend it, and a happy and prosperous New Year.
