Shoreditch represents a developed, stylish and trendy section of London’s inner city area in the London Borough of Hackney. The area lies within the central section of the city and has a busy network of businesses. The Shoreditch High Street represents the historic centre of the town where interesting sights and stories about the city’s development can be seen.

The train station on Liverpool Street presents a great way of getting into Shoreditch. There are also several buses, taxis, car hires and limousine services available for rental. The Shoreditch High Street Underground Station opens in 2010.
The local authority in charge of delivering services to Shoreditch is the Islington council. Council tax rates can be as low as £794 or as high as £2,381. Your tax rates are set annually and are based on your property value. You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax.

There are several Victorian styled buildings in the Shoreditch area. A major landmark is the impressive Shoreditch Church from Saxon origins in the 12th century. This medieval church was later rebuilt in a fine Palladian style and sits beautifully in the city today. Shoreditch is home to many modernised industrial complexes which have been converted into multi storey office spaces. There are several commercial buildings in the area. Residentially speaking, there are several expensive high quality housing such as flats, lofts and shift studios which have the advantage of being close to Old Street. Towards Kingsland Road, Dalston and other areas, affordable housing in Shoreditch can be obtained by multi sharing.

Shoreditch boasts a variety of great shops, restaurants and takeaways. Several shops and art galleries can be seen from Whitechapel to the Brick Lane area. Brick Lane has many fashion shops and curry restaurants, the Spitalfields Market has fashion and other miscellaneous items and Kingsland Road is known for its Vietnamese restaurants. Bethnal Green Road has a lovely Turkish restaurant known as Tas Firin which is great as well. You can enjoy Italian at the Lena restaurant amidst a live jazz and cocktail lounge in Shoreditch.

Shoreditch has no shortage of bars, clubs and pubs when it comes to entertainment. You can start at Old Street where there are several lively bars opened until decent hours into the night. Shoreditch High Street is known for its historic music halls and strip tease spots while fashionable clubs and pubs can be found on Curtain Road and Old Street. Joplin’s ‘White Cube’ in Hoxton Square has several opening views events and art lovers can enjoy the numerous art exhibitions which take place in the area.

Great bars in the area include The Redchurch, Catch on Kingsland Road and the Cocomo on Old Street. The most prominent open space in Shoreditch is the Shoreditch Park with its beautiful green space, sports facilities, adventure and children’s playground. Here you will find the only outdoor beach volley ball court in London.

Shoreditch is populated with persons from many different international ethnic groups. The area is known for its highly creative working class residents, artists and other individuals most of whom are involved in one creative industry or the other. There is also a high concentration of East Londoners in the area. Many wealthy persons reside in the area. Shoreditch is ideal for those who enjoy basking in a modern up beat environment.

Relevant Links
Islington Council

Regents Park is one of Britain’s most famous parks, listed as one of the Royal Parks of London. This is the hereditary possessions of the crown and the park covers some of the London Borough of Westminster but most of it sits in the Camden Borough. Regents Park has exceptional sports and leisure facilities, gastronomic delights, educational centres, heritage and wildlife spots among other attractions.

The park divided into two rings, with an outer inner road and an inner one. The park’s architecture represents a planned master design of the landscape. St John’s Lodge and the Holme represent the most historic buildings within the park. Here there are commercial properties, natural sites, and high class residential areas along the ring. White stucco terraces and houses by the famous architect, John Nash are the main residential properties there. The Regents canal runs through the park. The park is also home to nine remarkable villas, impressive facades and places like the London Central Mosque.

Regents Park is home to several exciting events, bars and cafes, clubs and other entertainment spots. The Camden Green Fair is a major event in the park held to encourage the preservation of the green environment in the area. You can enjoy thrilling shows at the Open Air theatre in Queen Mary’s Garden, which is a popular event venue. Other popular spots in the park include the Hub, Boathouse Cafe along the canal, Garden Cafe, Honest Sausage and Cow and Coffee Bean. You will enjoy the delicacies at these eateries. The Tennis Centre in the park has lovely games lined up with great meals at the end of the match. Sports facilities include boating and other water sports, the exercise area and those at Primrose Hill and Bandstand. You can take advantage of the guided walks and summer Sunday jazz concerts.

There are several breathtaking gardens in Regent’s Park to enjoy. These include Queen Mary’s Garden, the Wildlife Garden which is perfect for nature enthusiasts and St John Lodge Gardens, the English Gardens and Avenue Gardens. Lakes, wildflower gardens, secluded woodlands and meadows can also be seen in Regents Park. A most sought after attraction in the park is the ZSL London Zoo. This world renowned conservation centre has over 650 species of fauna from all over the world and is the world’s first scientific zoo. The park’s main shopping areas can be found at Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park Road and includes food stores, cafes, fashion stores and other variety stops.

Regent’s Park has an excellent connection of transportation links, with several trains, tubes and buses serving the area. There is also a host of cabs, buses and for those wishing to travel in style, limousines. Train stations serving the area include places like Camden Road, London Marylebone, London Euston and St Pancras. There are several tubes on Baker Street, Euston Square and in the park itself.

Both the Camden and Westminster Councils are the local authorities responsible for delivering services to Regents Park. Westminster areas have very affordable council taxes from £439 to about £1,318. However, the Camden council taxes for the park are approximately two times that of Westminster’s. Your tax rates are set annually and are based on your property value and your postal code. You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax; these reductions are applicable if you are disabled, is the only person who lives on the property, or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

For the most part, Regents Park supports persons engaged in the manufacturing industry, technicians and trade workers. The more affluent sections are home to wealthy folks and young professionals. Regent’s Park represents an oasis of naturalist, culture and creativity amidst a busy cosmopolitan environment.
Camden Local Authority: http://www.camden.gov.uk
Westminster Local Authority: http://www.westminster.gov.uk

With its high energy environment, sophisticated shopping streets and medically advanced technologies, Marylebone is a popular area in central London that is loved by visitors and locals alike. This intense thoroughfare sits next to Regent’s Park with its rich natural heritage and charming delights chief of which is the London Zoo. Some of the most sought after attractions in the Marylebone area include Madame Tussaud’s, The Planetarium and the fictional haunt of Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street.

Because of its outstanding medical facilities, Marylebone supports several stylish residential properties. Victorian Terraces, modern homes and luxury apartments can be found in abundance in Marylebone, complimented by many stylish commercial properties. The neoclassical Wellington Arch is a major landmark in the area, while Speaker’s Corner represents a historic religious site popular in ancient times. The architecture of places like the Marble Arch is worth looking at.

With its active population, there are many great entertainment spots in Marylebone. Much activity is concentrated around places like Baker Street, which is home to the Everyman Cinema, Mansfield Street, Queen Anne Street and Wimpole Street along with Bentinck Street. You will enjoy the London Friday nights skate and one of London’s best cinemas and bar, the Curzon Mayfair. Great places to have a drink and be entertained include Coco Momo, Jetlag, Windsor Castle, Low Life and the Volunteer. Wigmore Hall is the ideal music stop while sports such as tennis, softball and netball can be enjoyed in Marylebone.

A host of great restaurants and cafes can be accessed in Marylebone and include places like Edgware Road, which has many Middle East and Lebanese restaurants. Worth trying out is the Maroush, Carluccio’s Caffè with its Italian cuisine, the French delicacies at Paul on Marylebone High Street and Giraffe, which serves International meals at welcoming prices.

Shopping is one of the most treasures past times in Marylebone. A major shopping area is Oxford Street, which literally has everything available, while Bond Street is more suitable for those with an extensive budget. Wigmore Street has interesting home furnishes and designs while Hamley’s on Regent Street is England’s largest toy store. There are fashion shops, shops for expecting mothers, cologne stores and gift shops among many others.

Marylebone also has beautiful open spaces. The most popular is the Regent’s Park while beautiful areas like Hyde Park provide exciting recreational opportunities. The annual Party in the Park event in Hyde Park is one of the largest and most thrilling events in Marylebone and London. Kensington Gardens is home to the Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial.

Marylebone has a dense transportation network. The most reliable services can be obtained from the tube stations on Baker Street and Regent’s Park. A number of trains and tube stations serve the area, including the Marylebone, Euston Street, Edgware Road and Warren Zone tubes and the Camden Road, Euston London St Pancras and London Marylebone trains. Several buses, cabs and car hires are also available.

Marylebone is well represented by the Westminster Council which regulates upgrades and supplies services to the area. Council tax rates are quite affordable compared to other popular areas in London and range from £439 to about £1,318. You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax these reductions are applicable if you are disabled, only person lives on the property, or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

Marylebone is home to many young professionals, wealthy doctors and medical personnel, affluent families and working class people, particularly from the middle class. Marylebone offers an enjoyable and entertaining time in a beautiful professional setting.

Relevant Links
Westminster Local Authority

Kings Cross is an attractive district in London, situated partly in Islington and Camden. The area has been extensively redeveloped to create a strong network of restaurants, shopping sites, businesses and cultural venues. There are also several nearby attractions.

Kings Cross is the proud terminus of the Eurostar rail service at St Pancras International providing services to well known countries such as France and Belgium. The main transportation areas in the district are the London Kings Cross and the London St Pancras. There is also the King’s Cross St. Pancras which is the nearest underground station to the area. Taxis and buses are also readily available. The Platform 9 3⁄4 station is a major attraction, as this is where “Harry Potter” boarded the train for Hogwarts in the hit book and TV series.

Kings Cross is managed by the Islington and Camden councils and the council tax rates in the area range from approximately £857 to £2,571 in Camden and £794 to £2,381 in those areas in Islington. Your postal code will determine who to pay your taxes and you may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax these reductions are applicable if you are disabled, only person lives on the property or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

The architectural beauty in the Camden area can be seen at Alexandra Road Estate, the BT Tower, The Great Court at the British Museum and the ITN building. Property types in the area include commercial lots, council house estates, flats and apartments among others.

From Kings Cross, you can experience the best of shopping and eating in both Islington and Camden. Shopping can be a very enjoyable event in Kings Cross with places such as the Brunswick Centre which caters for a wide variety of shopping itineraries. Local markets such as the Camden Lock Village Market, Electric Market, Swiss Cottage Market and the Kingsgate Community Centre Lamplight Market can also be visited.

There are also several great restaurants to sample. These include the Carrot Café, Acorn House which is very affordable, The Harris and Carluccios with its unique dishes. You can also access Italian, West Indian, Turkish, Indian, Chinese and other culturally diverse eateries in Kings Cross. The Ruby Lounge on Caledonian Road, St Chad’s Place and the Griffin Pub are nice places to have a drink.

Kings Cross offers the best opportunities for entertainment being located in two energetic districts. You can enjoy a variety of bars, pubs, clubs, theatres, cinemas and outdoor and indoor sports complexes. The Shaw and Bloomsbury Theatres are great places to experience cultural performances while the Place and Canecao are superb for night time entertainment. Cinemas such as Renoir on Brunswick Centre and Odeon Swiss Cottage with its uncommon digital projecting facilities are great places to enjoy a good show or two in Kings Cross.

Green flag awarded parks and open spaces such as the refreshing Camley Street Natural Park can also be accessed. You can take a tour of Camden’s nature reserves which include the Westbere Copse Local Nature Reserve and Adelaide Local Nature Reserve. Other noteworthy parks include Bloomsbury Square, Brunswick Square, Russell Square and St Georges Gardens among many others. Kings Cross is filled mainly with city type individuals, professionals and families from various ethnic groups.

Relevant Links
Camden Council
Islington Council

Located in North West London, Kentish Town can be found in the Camden Borough as a well developed area in the city. Kentish Town area is best known for its superb shopping and business facilities as well as its great entertainment spots. Kentish Town sits beside beautiful places such as Parliament Hill Fields, Highgate and Hampstead and is a busy residential area.

Kentish Town has several old buildings from before World War II still standing. However, most of these are drowned out by modern facades which line most streets. Large council estates and beautifully designed houses characterise the residential properties. Kentish Town also boasts some attractive Victorian houses and terraces, four storey town houses and cosy villas.

There are several high points of entertainment in Kentish Town. Its close proximity to Camden Town means there are several opportunities to enjoy an intense nightlife. There are many good pubs and bars such as Pub rock and Bull & Gate which has been known to feature entertainment by international artistes such as Coldplay. The Forum, which was a popular cinema up to the 1950′s, hosts many exciting musical events on a regular basis. For wild entertainment, adults can enjoy the famous public nudist baths known as Rio’s.

The historic pubs known as The Leighton and The Torriano can be found on Torriano Avenue which is one of the town’s most popular streets. Barrio North is a great Latin bar and at Dartmouth Bar there are some great nightly events. The Assembly House, Annies Bar and the George IV are other superb pubs in Kentish Town. Kentish Town’s restaurants include delightful places like Lalibela, the Oxford, Kiplings and Cafe Rouge. Other eateries like the Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant, the Italian Pain Vino and the Monsoon Indian Restaurant are great for dining. Delicious Mediterranean, modern European and British cuisines are also available in Kentish Town.

Kentish Town offers many wonderful options for shopping. A colourful street market can be accessed at Queen’s Crescent while Kentish Town Road has shops for all your basic needs and more. Popular shopping spots include the gift shop Fish which is owned by a notable actress, Fairfax Meadow Farms and Mayfair Gallery. There are several fashion stores and beauty salons. For an even wider variety, there are many wonderful shopping centres and stores in Camden.

The St Pancras public baths represent one of the largest indoor open spaces in Kentish Town. The baths will be reopened in 2010 with a more modern appeal. Many beautiful outdoor parks can be accessed from Kentish Town including places like Regents Park, Waterlow Park, Leighton Crescent Gardens and St. Pancras Gardens. Parliament Fields is the town’s most exciting park area with facilities such as outdoor bathing pools, tennis, bowls and a running track.

Kentish Town is well served by trains and the Kentish Town tube station. There are three London Underground and three overland railway stations in Kentish Town. The Gospel Oak, Kentish Town and Kentish Town West Trains are among the main transport links in the town. Both Camden Road Railway and Camden Town Tube stations also serve the town.

Kentish Town is managed by the Camden Council which is in charge of services in the town. Local council taxes vary according to property types and range from £857 to £2,571. You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax these reductions are applicable if you are disabled, only person lives on the property or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

There are several different ethnic groups in Kentish Town. There are also young professional couples, many artists and creative individuals and low income families in the area. Kentish Town provides a lovely opportunity for experiencing London.

Relevant Links
Camden Council

Hackney is a major borough in East London. This area is very large and is best known for its diverse culture, multiple ethnic groups, beautiful open spaces and vibrant city life. A number of smaller districts can be found in the Hackney area each with its own unique set of attractions. The New River and the Regents Canal both pass through Hackney.

Hackney is served by only one underground service known as Manor House. There are two major overground stations like the North London Line and the East London Line. There are also the Lea Valley Lines such as those in Clapton, Hackney Downs and Stoke Newington. Hackney has an excellent connection of bus routes and travelling the area by bus or on foot is one of the best ways of experiencing the town.

The Hackney Council and Tower Hamlets Council is responsible for delivering services to the area and council taxes range from £858 to £2,574. The postal code of your property will determine where you should pay your taxes. You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax these reductions are applicable if you are disabled, only person lives on the property or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

There are a variety of property types in the area with many council estates, stunning Victorian terraces and converted apartments. Commercial properties can also be found in abundance in the area as well. There are many places to do shopping in Hackney, from shopping centres to local markets, fashion stores from English and French collections and local variety shops. The Saturday morning Broadway Market and the Ridley Road are nice traditional shopping areas while places like Kingsland Centre, Stamford Hill with its bakeries and Stoke Newington Church Street are quite popular.

There are so many restaurants in Hackney including the Vietnamese eateries on Kingsland Road, Turkish, Asian and Italian restaurants also in the same vicinity. Stoke Newington Church Street has several gastro pubs. A string of English restaurants can be found all over the borough.

There are several options for entertainment in Hackney. You can hang out at the local bars and pubs some of which are concentrated in Hoxton-Shoreditch which has gay bars such as George and Dragon. Along with these areas, Stoke Newington also has a vibrant nightlife. Great entertainment can also be had at the Arcola Theatre and the Vortex Jazz Club among a host of Hackney’s other night time hot spots.

Hackney’s open spaces are well known and much appreciated for their beautiful well kept environments. Hackney Marshes with its riverside atmosphere and the London Fields area are among the main green areas in the borough. Other lovely recreational areas include Albion Square and Stonebridge Gardens, Butterfield Green, Clapton Pond, Haggerston Park and Stoke Newington Common. There is also the Shoreditch Park, the Abney Park Cemetery, Mabley Green and the East and West Bank Nature Reserve among others. Several sports pitches (cricket, tennis etc) and leisure centres are also available in Hackney.

Hackney is populated with many young professionals, families and city travellers. The area also supports an upcoming artistic and Bohemian community. Hackney facilitates opportunities fro pleasant relaxation as well as a vibrant and energetic city life.

Relevant Links
Hackney Information and Council
Tower Hamlets Local Authority

An active, sophisticated area of North London, Finsbury Park is located where the three boroughs of Islington, Haringey and Hackney meet. Finsbury Park is a 112 acre public park which represents one of the first major parks in England’s capital city during the Victorian era. The park is a beautiful blend of green spaces and vibrant city atmosphere. Finsbury Park was awarded the prestigious Green Flag award in 2007 and 2008.

Finsbury Park is close to the West End and has a number of excellent and reliable buses, tube and rail links to all of London through a network operating from the Finsbury Park Station. There is a train station which runs to Kings Cross and Moors Gate. The Piccadilly and Victoria tube lines have direct trains to the Eurostar, and Heathrow. There are additional tube stations such as Arsenal, and at Green Lanes and Crouch Hill.

The Camden Council is the head of the local authorities in Finsbury Park, and is responsible for education, social services, housing, and planning in the Finsbury Park area. The council tax rates in Finsbury Park ranges from £857 to £2,571. The postcode of your property will determine which council you need to pay. The amount for you to pay is based on your property. A reduction in council tax is available if you are disabled or is the only person who lives on the property or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

The beautiful green areas in the park are dominated by Victorian style homes most of which are sub divided into flats. There are also impressive modernised three and four storey buildings as well as double-fronted semi-detached properties. Brownswood Park, Gloucester Drive and Portland Rise are the most popular streets in the park.

There are quite a few exciting options when it comes to shopping in the area with the eccentric fashion outfitters Fonthill Road. Food, a variety of fashion stores, sports and other miscellaneous shops can be found at strategic locations in the park. Several restaurants, both formal and casual with delectable dishes from main stream cultures can be accessed. A variety of pubs and wine bars exist in the area as well.

Popular restaurants in the area include Pizzeria Pappagone, the Hummingbird Restaurant with its delightful Caribbean cuisine, Jai Krishna and the Yildiz Restaurants, each with a wide selection of great meals. There are quite a few eateries near the Finsbury Park tube station as well. La Porchetta serves lovely Italian dishes while American meals can be enjoyed at the Sweet Georgia Brown and Indian cuisine at the Mezbaan.

Finsbury Park is the venue for many exciting summer festivals and concerts as well as year round musical events. Many thrilling outdoor sporting events are also held in the park on a regular basis. Every summer, the lively Rise Festival takes place in Finsbury Park, which attracts thousands of visitors from all walks of life. The park’s pubs and bars are ideal for nightlife entertainment on a daily basis.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy boating on the magical lake in the heart of the park, while sports fans can take advantage of modernised tennis facilities, the skate park and the Track and Gym. Finsbury Park with its refreshing green spaces is a part of the Better Haringey Walking Trail which encompasses environmental points of interest in the London area. In addition to the park the Emirates Stadium is only a twenty minute walk from the park.

The area consists of many young professionals working in London and has a mix of individuals from West Indian and European origins. Finsbury Park acts as a solace for those seeking escape from urban jungles while providing a range of exciting opportunities for the young and energetic.

Summer is right around the corner and family fun vacations are on your mind. Top 10 Destinations for family fun depends on where fun spots are for great family vacations. As you plan your family vacation, below is our list of top family destinations to help you as you search to find the best spot for you and the family to have some real fun.

10. Panama City, Florida

Offering 27 miles of beach vacation paradise, Panama City beautiful white sandy beaches, provide the perfect spot for families to enjoy. Discover the many fun family attractions, exciting nightlife and relaxing spa getaways. Boasting remarkable restaurants, great beach activities, amazing accommodation options; your family will love this destination. Add the popular Lobster Festival or Seabreeze Jazz Festival to the mix, as there is always something fun to see and do in Panama City.

9. Carlsbad, California

A perfect weather with miles of sandy beaches, Carlsbad offers a breathtaking setting for beach loving families. If your family wants lively family fun, Carlsbad is not short on things to do. Visit the vibrant area of Carlsbad and plunge into the breathtaking resorts and hotels in Southern California. There are endless options for families to create and share lifelong memories in Carlsbad.

8. Ocean City, Maryland

Otherwise called OC, Ocean City is a resort town situated on the Atlantic coast. A spectacular place for families to enjoy the fun in the sun, Ocean City provides unique vacation beach resorts. Visit the popular Ocean City Boardwalk that buzzes with activity and entertainment galore.

7. Hershey, Pennsylvania

The chocolate kingdom of Pennsylvania, Hershey thrilling attractions, luxurious accommodations, breathtaking gardens, sweet deals and mouth-watering cuisines, is a dream come through for any family. Something for every season, stroll through the wonderful Hershey Gardens with your family, and view Mr. Hershey’s tribute to his wife.

6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Along the Grand Strand region, Myrtle Beach oceanfront resorts, cozy beach spots for family fun vacation, make the perfect choice for you. Boasting world-class amenities and amazing attractions, Myrtle Beach is the ideal home away from home ambiance. Create unforgettable family memories in Myrtle Beach, as this South Coast paradise captivates you with miles of soft sandy beaches, family-friendly dining, amusement and water parks, plus much more.

5. Sandusky, Ohio

A unique twist to family fun vacation, Sandusky offers many exceptional qualities for families to enjoy. Nestle in the rustic surroundings of appealing attractions, while your choice of stay pampers you with elegant suites. A great place for your family’s adventure, Sandusky Ohio is a must visit.

4. Orlando, Florida

The ultimate place for an exciting family fun. Orlando boasts lots of amazing theme parks adventure and restaurants. Choose a hotel within the borders of an amusement park to enjoy every minute of your family vacation.

3. London, England

Take your family to Legoland and enjoy a family fun vacation in London. With so many attractions to explore and discover, family vacation in London is one of the best experiences for families with children to enjoy. Tour the city on an upper deck bus and take in some of the most beautiful sights of London. Your kids will love you for this adventure as it is different from the sandy beaches.

2. Cancun, Mexico

Vibrant and exciting themes beckon your family to Cancun. Nicely nestled along the blue waters and sandy beaches of Mexico’s lovely landscape, you and your family can enjoy horse-back riding along the coast or swimming with the dolphins. Explore the Mayan ruins and learn more about the culture.

1. The Bahamas

A paradise within the borders of the Caribbean. The Bahamas has a host of great family fun resorts. Every member of the family will enjoy all the attractions of the islands. Go island-hopping among the over 700 islands and cays of Bahamas and see why this is the perfect family fun destination in the world.

Dalston, located in Hackney, London, has been identified as one of the city’s 25 major centres. This busy thoroughfare is well equipped with shopping sites, entertainment facilities and several sights. There is also a vibrant cultural atmosphere in the area supported by the various ethnic lifestyles which dominate Dalston.

Dalston Kingsland represents the areas nearest overground station while an undergrounds station will be present in Dalston by 2010. Trains can also be accessed in Hackney Central, Hackney Downs and London Fields.

The Hackney Council is the local authority in charge of delivering services to Dalston. Local council tax rates range from £858 to around £2,574. The tax rates are set annually and are based on your property value. You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax these reductions are applicable if you are disabled, only person lives on the property or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

Most of Dalston’s architecture includes 18th and 19th century terraced houses and 20th century council estates and modern buildings in the area are increasing due to rapid developments. Dalston’s property types include beautiful terraced housing and attractive multi storey Victorian properties, council housing and tower blocks. There are also many commercial properties heavily concentrated in the area.

The Ridley Road street market is one of London’s most popular markets which attract a host of Londoners to the area. The main shopping area in Dalston can be found on Kingsland Road and there is an indoor shopping mall, a market and a sizeable supermarket. The Kingsland Shopping Centre has a nice budget clothes store worth checking out. There is also the historic Broadway Market with many boutiques, pubs and cafes. Dalston also has a Saturday Farmers’ Market which can be very colourful. In general, the area around London Fields is worth checking out.

The Hackney Empire is one of the most popular eating areas in Dalston. There are a handful of restaurants although more sophisticated ones are located outside of Dalston. Places such as Afrikico with its African cuisine and Buen Ayre which has lovely Argentinean dishes can be visited. There is also the international El Aguajal, the Vietnamese Hai Ha, Kebabish Grill which is Indian and Nando’s which is Portuguese.

Dalston from historic times always has much to offer in terms of entertainment. The area has a thriving entertainment industry especially when it comes to the area of music. There is the Rio Cinema which is in easy access from anywhere in Dalston. Rio features many popular movies, film festivals and children’s matinees. The Dalston Theatre was once a hippodrome and music hall but today is major anchor for cultural performances in Dalston. The Arcola Theatre has a thriving writer’s program, youth theatre and drama performances. Fassett Square in the town is famous for being the inspiration for the British soap opera, East Enders and is now called Albert Square.

Music is a very important aspect of entertainment in the town making it one of the nicest places to reside in London, for those who are ardent music fans. The London Fields area is the main open space area in Dalston. Here there is a cricket pitch, a modern Lido which is London’s only heated outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts along with green areas and children play areas.

Dalston is populated by city type individuals and is now becoming a favourite among professionals, media types, and creative persons. The area’s lively atmosphere is owed in part to the various ethnic groups dominating the place. Dalston offers a wonderful taste of city life.

Clerkenwell, once known as the British “Little Italy,” is located in the busy Central London area in England. The area forms a part of the notable Islington area, and is best known for being very trendy and hip in a sophisticated way. Clerkenwell also has many exceptional restaurants.

Clerkenwell is home to many fashionable residential, commercial and industrial properties carried over from the breweries and gym distilleries. A number of town houses and modern homes dominate the area as well as flats and old council estates. St. Bartholomew the Great church is a major landmark in the town, having been featured in quite a few films. Those in need of a lower key environment will enjoy the Marx Memorial Library on Clerkenwell Green and the London Metropolitan Archives on Northampton Road.

Clerkenwell’s many restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs provide excellent options when it comes to gastronomy and night time entertainment. The Jerusalem Tavern in the area is quite popular and is built on the site of an ancient medieval tavern. The Smithfield market area has many great pubs worth trying out, some of which are opened right through the night. Other great places in Clerkenwell are the Fox & Anchor, the Hope and the Cock Tavern. The Eagle, London’s first gastro pub, can also be found in Clerkenwell. You can visit the Gunmakers and the Green pubs as well as the Well, the Peasant and the Coach and Horses, all with a welcoming traditional feel. One of London’s largest nightclubs, known as Fabric, can be found in Clerkenwell providing exceptional entertainment. Many other nightclubs and bars are located around the Smithfield market area.

Clerkenwell’s world class restaurants such as the renowned English St. John and the Spanish/Moroccan restaurant Moro are ideal for dining. Other recommended restaurants include Cantina Augusto, Dans Le Noir, Darbucka World Music Bar, the Lebanese Restaurant and Pho with its variety of dishes.

The Smithfield Market is one of the most popular shopping areas in Clerkenwell, supported by an array of smaller shopping areas. The Leather Lane Market is another popular area with many scarves, handbags, jewellery and food shops. Here you can get high quality brands at very affordable prices. The Exmouth Market is also frequented by visitors and locals alike. Art and craft lovers will enjoy the delights at the Craft Central shop in John’s Square.

There are also quite a few open spaces which are accessible from Clerkenwell. There is the Charterhouse Square along Clerkenwell Road and the Myddelton Square Park. You will enjoy the natural appeal of Islington Green, St. James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

Clerkenwell has a good connection of rail and tube stations and is served by tube stations at Farringdon, Barbican, Chancery Lane and Holborn and rail stations at Farringdon and Barbican. You can also access the Angel Tube Station, taxi services such as Liberty Cars and Limousine services.

The Islington Council is the local authority in charge of delivering services to the Clerkenwell area. The Council taxes are updates each year and are about £848.00 for the lower bands and £2,877.60 for the highest bands. A reduction in council tax is applicable if you are disabled, is the only person who lives on the property or if you qualify for the second adult rebate.

Clerkenwell is home to many different types of young professionals and persons who enjoy the hype and glamour of its trendy night life areas. Italians and Jews form the minority ethnic groups in the area. Clerkenwell is an ideal place to settle in for fun and leisure seekers.