Ah, London. We have a soft spot for it. It was Orbis’s first home and is a unique city to live and work in.
As described by the Centre for London it’s a ‘centre for global tech, finance and creative industries.’
According to a 2018 Deloitte study, 111 of the 201 Fortune Global 500 companies with HQs in Europe were based in London and South East England. There’s a wealth of opportunity here as a result.
Known for iconic features like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge, there’s a lot more than meets the eye in this city of rich history, diverse residents and layers of culture.
We’re here to give you the inside scoop on life in the Big Smoke.
What’s the city like?
The first phrase that comes to mind when we think of London is ‘Where the old meets the new’.
It’s a patchwork of history, with the remains of original Roman city walls sitting beside modern edifices like the Walkie-Talkie and the Shard. Trendy rooftop bars are as popular as hundred-year-old pubs beneath the streets.
Each of London's boroughs has a personality of its own.
From quintessential Westminster, with its iconic squares and monuments, to villagey Hackney's mix of cultures and bags of green spaces, to artistic Southwark, where you’ll find the South Bank Centre, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, none are the same.
In all parts of the city, you’ll find a thriving social scene of residents and professionals, and an endless variety of bars, restaurants and events to experience.
Average rent price?
According to HomeLet, the average cost of a new tenancy in London, as of June 2022, is £1,832 a month.
Like the feel of each area, price tags vary widely. £3,960 a month is the norm in Kensington and Chelsea, while you might pay as little as £1,200 somewhere like Bexley or Havering.
It’s worth noting that London is a commuter city. Connections are excellent, and many professionals live further afield where the housing market is less competitive, with convenient access to the urban centre.
Weather (and the wardrobe)
We know what you’re thinking, but no, it doesn’t rain all the time. Summers in London are often hot and always beautiful.
South East England boasts warm summers, with temperatures up to 29°c, and mild winters rarely colder than around -1°c, as stated by WeatherSpark.
London is within easy reach of the coast. If you’re planning a beach day (we Brits do like a bank holiday barbecue) or just an escape for some fresh air, simply head to the end of the railway line.
Culture and food
Art is at the heart of London. Galleries that shouldn’t be missed include the Tate Britain and Modern, where you’ll see historic and innovative pieces respectively, and the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, housing major British collections.
Onto Museums. There’s the Natural History, (where you can say hi to Dippy the Diplodocus), the British Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria & Albert, the London Transport Museum… and a host of smaller gems like the Sir John Soane's and Jack the Ripper museums.
We could be here all day if we named the theatres too, but head to London’s West end to grab tickets to any spectacle imaginable.
Choose from the classics (Phantom of the Opera again, anyone?), modern phenomenons like Hamilton, fun for all the family at the Lion King or Wicked, and fascinating plays at the National Theatre.
Pockets of colourful nightlife cater to every mood imaginable, and not just on the weekend. A vibrant social culture surrounds the working centre of London, and Thursdays are the new Friday.
As far as food and drink go, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice. Let’s highlight some popular hotspots:
Sexy Fish - As much of a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate, this Mayfair eatery specialises in Japanese-inspired food including sushi and sashimi.
Sketch - Okay, we’re going high-end here, but Sketch has to be seen. Set in an 18th-century townhouse, Sketch is quirky, filled with art, and famed for its afternoon tea - what’s more English than that?
Borough Market - It’s a wild card entry! But we couldn’t round out this list without paying homage to London’s thriving street food scene.
The Ritz - Historic, Michelin-starred, quintessential. It’s a classic; everyone should go once.
China Town - We could have picked just one restaurant, but why limit yourself? Go with an appetite and to any true foodie, the whole of China Town is like one big menu.
So, could London be the town for you?
If you thrive on variety, a ‘city that never sleeps’ vibe, and a blend of modernity and tradition, with a side of diverse cultures, you’ll find your niche here.
