She Loves London

Author: She Loves London

  • And the Award for Most Depressing Source of London News Goes to…

    And the Award for Most Depressing Source of London News Goes to…

    Today it occurred to me that this sunny She Loves London outlook – well, it’s just not truly representative.

    Rain on me by garry knight
    Image by Garry Knight, via Flickr

    I mean, being positive is all well and good, but I know what you’re probably thinking.

    Where are the stabbings? The beatings? The drug killings? Why do you ignore all the guns and crime that this beautiful city has to offer?

    For a minute I thought I was clearly missing a trick. There’s a hyper-local blog niche for city-wide violence not yet filled by the Mail Online, and I could totally get involved.

    But then last week I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and found myself on the receiving end of a string of really depressing London news updates, one after another, like a Misery in the City boxset of gloom. Someone else has it covered.

    London24's Depressing News Feed

    Bit intense, no?

    London is clearly a bit mental underneath all the happy tourists, jaunty-hatted revellers and cultural shindigs.

    And naturally, no one could blame you if reading all this violent news put you off your dinner, or diminished your appetite somewhat.

    Speaking of which…

    Anyone know where I can find some good fish and chips in London?

    Oh! Hang on.

    How do you like your fish? Battered?

    Fancy a chip?

    Nah. Me neither.

    In conclusion, I think I’ll stick to the good bits.

  • 13 Reasons Why London is the Best City in the World (According to Twitter)

    13 Reasons Why London is the Best City in the World (According to Twitter)

    As snow falls in March, it’s easy to feel a little downbeat about the city you live in – and those of us living in London are no exception.

    But when you stop and look around, or do a search on Twitter, it’s clear there are many, many reasons why 8,174,100 people are proud to call this vast metropolis their home.

    So I’ve compiled 13 touching snapshots of this sprawling, multi-faceted place to help us remind ourselves just why London is the best city you could possibly live in, out of ALL of them.

    (Probably)

     

    1. London offers a warm welcome to all its international visitors


     

    2. London is a hotbed of romantic intrigue 

     

    3. London takes pride in its appearance

     

    4. London has a robust and reliable public transport system

     

    5. London is a haven for urban nature and wildlife lovers

     

    6. London has a rich selection of inspiring public exhibitions

     

    7. London has an inclusive attitude towards all creeds and cultures

     

    8. London is alive with ambition and entrepreneurial spirit

     

    9. London is intent on providing affordable housing for all

     

    10. London’s balmy spring weather allows for an outdoorsy culture

     

    11. London holds manners and social etiquette in high regard

     

    12. London’s sights and sounds will keep the whole family happy

     

    13. London is so good, a lot of people find it very difficult to leave

     

    So you see it may be snowing in March, but it could be worse.

    You could live in a place where the sun always shines, but nothing interesting ever happens.

    And if all else fails, we can always laugh at Dalston.

    If anything has made you like London lately, or flown into your face on the street, give it a cuddle and let me know.

  • Dogs in Shops: The Canine Bookmonger on Coldharbour Lane

    After London and dogs, next on my list of favourite things in the big wide world of everything would have to be books.

    Why is when Ellen alerted me to this beautiful member of staff in Bookmongers – a second hand bookshop on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton – it was pretty much like all my blackberry mojitos arriving at once.

    Best of all, he’s what I like to call a Proper Dog. (aka, big).

    Dogs in Shops: Barking about Books on Coldharbour Lane

    The shop is owned by Patrick Kelly, who opened it 20 years ago when he moved over from the USA – here’s a little video about him and Bookmongers. Their story, the character of the place and the general brilliance of second hand books pretty much sums up everything I love about London’s independent shops.

    On which note, you’ll find Bookmongers at 439 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LN.

    Thank you to Ellen Munro for the picture – she also runs one of my favourite blogs, Dogs on Trains.

    Speaking of reading, this year I’m one of 20,000 World Book Night volunteers, which basically means that on 23rd April I’ll be giving out free copies of Damage to people who wouldn’t normally read, like some sort of London-based book Jesus.

    So if you know anyone who could do with a push towards literature, let me know. I will hunt them down. 

    There are more dogs in shops here – and please feel free to send me any you find.

    Have you met this dog? Are you World Book Night-ing too? Let’s be friends. Friiiieennnnnd.