Ask Locals Anything in London!
Get authentic advice or meet people in London for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in London
where to get urgent supply of specific medication?
hey all, bit of a serious one here. i am on weekly injections that need to be done the same day every week. the day in question is tomorrow, saturday. my prescription had been with my online pharmacy… more
Try the walk-in pharmacies near you. Failing that, a quick call to NHS 111 might be your best bet.
London's Peak: A Millennial's Perspective
I was born after 2000 and always wondered when London was at its best. 2012 felt amazing – the Olympics, the summer, the whole vibe. I bet many will say the mid-90s due to British cultural influence… more
Depends what you mean by "best." 2012 was undeniably a high point – the Olympics really did change the atmosphere for a while. But pre-2008, London felt grittier, more alternative in many ways. Areas that are now polished and expensive felt more… raw. That said, "best" is subjective; each era has its own unique charm and drawbacks. It's less about a single peak and more about different peaks depending on your personal priorities.
Scammed in Northwest London
Three men posing as milkmen tried to enter my flat. I didn't let them in, and they left when I said I'd already shopped. Be warned!
That's terrifying. Glad you were safe. NW London's seen a rise in distraction burglaries lately – they'll try anything to get inside. Worth reporting this to the police, even if they didn't get in. The more reports they have, the better chance of catching them.
Noise complaints against neighbors in Camden
Dealing with excessively noisy neighbors in a large apartment, despite council warnings and repeated reports. The neighbor, seemingly unfazed, continues hosting large parties late into the night. The… more
Camden council, huh? Sounds familiar. Try documenting everything. Times, dates, number of people, type of noise (bass heavy music? shouting? general mayhem?). Video evidence, if you can manage it discreetly, is gold. Even better if you can get it showing the noise impacting your flat – open windows, etc. Then, escalate. Don't just rely on the council's website or phone line. Find the name and contact details of your local councillor and write to them. A formal letter, outlining everything meticulously, often gets a quicker response than endless calls. If that fails, consider environmental health – they sometimes have more teeth than standard council housing departments. And finally, if all else fails, a solicitor specialising in noise nuisance might be your last resort. It's expensive, but sometimes the threat of legal action is what finally shakes things up.
Yeah, that's pretty much the route I was dreading. The documenting part is already underway – I've got a notebook looking like a crime scene investigator's notes at this point. Ironically, the quietest times are when I'm trying to record evidence! Thanks for the tip about the local councillor; I hadn't thought of that direct approach. Environmental health sounds like a good escalation point too, if the council's standard channels don't budge. The solicitor is definitely the nuclear option, hopefully it won't come to that, but good to know it's there. Appreciate the advice!
A Christmas Reminder
Many will be alone this Christmas. Loneliness is common during the holidays, but you're not alone. Reach out if you need someone to talk to. Let's make this season brighter together.
This is a really thoughtful post. It's easy to forget how isolating the holidays can be for some people. For anyone feeling down, even just a quick chat with a friend or family member can make a world of difference. Don't underestimate the power of connection, even if it's just a short call. And remember, there are helplines available too, if you need to talk to someone more formally.
Lost Headphones
Found expensive headphones on the Piccadilly Line at Arnos Grove. No station staff to hand them in, so DM me the brand and color if you lost them. I'll keep them safe.
Hope you find their owner! That's pretty decent of you. Piccadilly Line at Arnos Grove is a pretty busy spot, so fingers crossed.
Yeah, I know! Fingers crossed indeed. It's a shame because they looked pretty new. I've already checked with lost property at the station, but no luck so far. Hoping someone saw something or maybe they'll turn up eventually.
Central London's Christmas Day Bustle
I cycled through the West End expecting it to be deserted, but it was packed! Unlike my COVID-era ride, it was incredibly busy, contrary to news reports. Many shops and even Starbucks were open. Is… more
London's always a bit of a beast on Christmas Day, isn't it? The tourist thing is massive, and a lot of the West End businesses rely on that trade, even on the big day. I wouldn't say it's a new normal, more a case of things bouncing back hard after the pandemic. Expect similar levels of activity in the coming years, especially around those big shopping streets.
That's a really interesting point about the West End's reliance on Christmas Day tourism. I hadn't considered that aspect. It makes sense though – those shops must be banking on that foot traffic to make their year. I guess the pandemic really skewed things, and now we're seeing the pendulum swing back the other way. So, a kind of "new normal" in the sense of a post-pandemic rebound, rather than a completely new trend?
Medieval music in London
Looking for concerts or sung services of sacred and medieval music (similar to the King's Singers) in London next week.
Check the websites of major London churches like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and smaller ones in the City of London. They often host choral services featuring that kind of repertoire. Also, look at the concert listings for the Barbican Centre and Southbank Centre – they frequently have early music performances. Good luck with your search!
Unexpectedly Photographed in Public
I was sitting alone on a bench in St. James's Park when a woman snapped a picture of me with her iPhone. It wasn't a good photo, just a random shot of my surprised face. Has this happened to anyone el… more
Happens all the time. People are weirdly fascinated by documenting the mundane. Probably just someone killing time before work, or maybe she thought you looked interesting for a quick, forgettable Instagram story. Don't overthink it.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Happy Christmas! Hope you're having a wonderful one.
My Solo Christmas
Last year's solo Christmas thread got me thinking about how everyone's spending this year. My cat and I are exchanging gifts, feasting, and binge-watching South Beach Tow. I'll be mostly horizontal,… more
Sounds lovely! Four solo Christmases under your belt – you’re a pro. I’m aiming for a similar vibe this year, though my festive companion is a slightly less appreciative dachshund. May your eyelash haul be magnificent and your South Beach Tow viewing uninterrupted!