London for the Cheap 'n' Chic
Having just got back from a year in Latin America, I have landed in Blighty with a bit of a bump.
London is the main cause of this - it is my home town and one of the most expensive cities in the world!
While in Latino land I was out most nights and money went far - now my purse is suffering.
But being skint will not take over, so I have decided to find out how to be both cheap and cheerful in this charming city!
Firstly it is summer and the weather has been surprisingly good so far...so why not explore the parks of London!
St James Park has a beautiful lake and music at the local bandstand.
Hyde Park is another classic beauty which allows for some quality chilling time.
One of my favourites is Hampstead Heath in North London, a place that has been featured in countless films and is a perfect walk in the park! Primrose Hill, another north London gem, provides breathtaking views of the city and looks over Regents Park.
The up and coming East End is great for exploring.
A slow paced walk down Brick Lane provides a feast for the eyes.
With a large Indian Asian community, Sahri shops are numerous with glitter and spice coming at you from all directions.
This chic centre provides great galleries, bars and shops.
But for the cheapest curry in town head to the Indian Vegetarian Bhelpoori House in Chapel Market, Angel Islington where the all you can eat buffet is only £3.95.
Or if you prefer a great Chinese, Cha Cha Moon on Ganton Street (close to Oxford Circus) offers tangtastic dishes all for only £3.50.
Punks, rock and crazy nights out...is typical of Camden, a north London hub for those who like something with a bit of grime around the edgesHalina Watts
Punks, rock and crazy nights out by a picturesque canal is typical of Camden, a north London hub for hip indie kids, Amy Winehouse and the rest of us who like something with a bit of grime around the edges.
Despite the fire in the stables, shopping in Camden is a worthwhile and interesting experience.
From crazy gothic platform boots to fairy dresses or preferably the latest fashion, this alternative centre has it all!
The Proud Galleries is a comfy kitsch hangout which by day houses a rock photography exhibit and by night turns into a great bar with an outdoor patio.
Thursdays secret gigs are the in thing, where the likes of The Stereophonics have surprised many a drunken fellow!
Check out The Good Mixer and listen out for the refurb of the trendiest bar in Camden, The Hawley Arms.
Brixton is the last stop on the Victoria line and a must see south London hotspot.
With the Brixton Academy at the centre of things, the area boasts a large clubbing and music scene.
Soak up established Caribbean and African influences that have been around since the 1950s, with a walk around Brixton Market, which is open daily selling produce from around the world.
All of the above can be done on the cheap but there are some of us who need things to be free.
Fortunately one of the best events of the year is- Notting Hill Carnival.
The biggest street festival in Europe takes place from Sunday 24th- Monday 25th August.
A microcosm of Brazilian Carnival, Notting Hill brings the party to Londoners.
The colourfully dressed dancers move their hips to the music of steel bands, reggae and the licensed moving sound systems which provides jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk and some drum n bass.
With as much rice and chicken as you could want, a taste of the Caribbean is guaranteed that is sure to put a smile on your face!
For more about what is free and groovy in London this summer check out AllInLondon.co.uk.
It provides info on everything from free tickets for the Trisha Goddard Show to Samba dance offs or photography classes.
But for one of the best views in London, take a relaxed walk along Waterloo bridge, where St. Pauls can be seen on one side and Westminster on the other - a place which truly is the heart of London.
