Article by Ahou Kouchess
London has many great spots to offer. That’s mainly a reason why so many of us want to live here each year. But just at that moment when everything in your life is set and your dream of living in this beautiful and big city has finally come true, you realise something is different. London seems too expensive to do anything. In fact, it’s the fifth most expensive city in the world! But don’t let that get to you. The number one reason why we might feel frightened at first is because reality suddenly strikes and we realise that living here is totally different than visiting for a short time. You might be thinking, “Dear shops, clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants – it was nice to know you!” How can you resist a mouth-watering fish & chips and a cool beer at the Audley in Mayfair? When living here, you usually have less time to spend loitering around, finding new places to hang out. Work comes first and at the end of the day you only find enough time to rest your head and sob at all the things you are missing out on.
Cheer up! The great news is that if you stick to a rigid plan, actually, you may find you can enjoy these London luxuries after all. Think about planning your budget as well as your time as though your life depended on it. You will be surprised to know how many Londoners are really in the same situation. That new gourmet hotdog and champagne eatery, Bubbledogs all your friends from abroad ask you about? Oh right you’ve been willing to go ever since it opened in September… You might find you are not able to spend all your money at once, but then again that’s life. Knowing that you are living in one of the most influential cities in the world, go ahead and be inspired to play with what you have got, moneywise. Don’t believe all you see; being a Londoner is all about playing snakes and ladders. If, at the end of the month, you manage to go to the hottest restaurant of the moment because, well, you just found that extra bit of cash burning in your pocket, don’t think that the people at the next table dine there every night! For easier nights when all you really want is something to help blow the steam off, you can enjoy a good and cheap beer at Prince of Wales in Putney, where the ambiance is lively and young. Plus, you will be surprised how many great and free events happen throughout the year!
