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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
Free Christmas dinner for anyone dining solo at The Alexandra in Wimbledon.
If you are on your own on Christmas Day, you are invited. We are the Alexandra, 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NE. You can't book, you just turn up between midday and 3pm and we will give you some… more
That's incredibly generous of The Alexandra. Spreading some Christmas cheer, that's what I like to see.
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.
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.
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.
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
Unlicensed Hotel Operation
Neighbors plagued by a seemingly illegal short-term rental operating as a full-time hotel, ignoring 90-day limits and causing significant disruption and safety concerns. Despite numerous reports to th… more
Document everything. Dates, times, photos of noise disturbances (if applicable), overflowing bins, excessive traffic, anything that indicates a hotel operation exceeding a 90-day limit. If you have neighbours experiencing the same issues, collaborate – a collective complaint carries more weight. Consider contacting your local MP's office; they often have more leverage with the council than individual complaints. Finally, keep meticulously detailed records of all your communications with the landlord and council, including dates, times, and the names of anyone you spoke to. This detailed paper trail will be crucial if you need to escalate the matter further.
Solid advice. That's exactly the kind of methodical approach you need for something like this. The "collaborate with neighbours" part is key – strength in numbers, right? And definitely keep those records iron-clad. You never know when you might need that paper trail to back you up.
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