A couple of years ago, it would have been unthinkable to lease out apartments, which were fully furnished and provided amenities similar if not better than those found at hotels. Hotels were basically the best thing that occurred to travellers everywhere as quite honestly, where else could you have gone back then when looking for the full catered, luxurious service?

The development of Serviced Apartments occurred following the changes in cheap international travel and the preferences of travellers, the short term rentals turn out to be the next best choice to staying at hotels. What is more, they also provided more room and more privacy that hotels couldn’t. They became a hit with business travellers, who travelled with their loved ones and the fact that they can cook their own meals rather than ordering room service. They were seen as ideal for corporate stays.

Apart from the obvious benefits in living quarters and amenities, booking them online is particularly easy as you can search according to the number of rooms you want and the area you want to rent in. What is more, the fully equipped kitchen, bedrooms and living rooms all come as one to make you feel you are at your second home. Even the best 5-star hotel rooms could feel uneasy with its formal decoration, but Serviced Apartments will make you feel all the expediency and ease that you have to be capable of relaxing especially after a stressful day of meetings.

You can also find anything perfect for overnight stays to something that could accommodate business personnel from 6 to 9 months. They also make sense for entrepreneurs who travel back and forth. Also they save businesses from needing to rent a function room in hotels to hold conferences and meetings since the room is normally enough to accommodate from 6 to 8 persons at a time.

Another great thing regarding Serviced Apartments is that they come in various kinds which will suit your accommodation needs. Though they all serve similar purpose there are many distinctions that make every one different from the rest. Nevertheless, they all provide 24-hour reception and are normally situated in city centres. They could also range from budget to luxury types and studio type apartments to those with 2 or 3 bedrooms with individual living and dining areas and kitchens.

Another popular kind of Serviced Apartments is corporate housing that is really residential properties upgraded for temporary renting. The rental expenses for these types normally include cleaning services, local taxes, utility charges and rentals for television, phone and internet services for 1 month or more. Some are situated in city centres but most are normally situated outskirts of town only a short distance from city centres. Serviced Apartments get rid of the pressure of organizing business trips and essentially lessen the huge expense incurred during these events. Take benefit of the advantages serviced apartments bring as well as experience what it really feels like to have a comfortable place away from home without spending too much.

When it comes to cuisine, London rightfully deserves its title as the Cuisine Capital in the UK. Some people even consider the city as ‘The Gastronomic Capital of the World’. In the recent year, London has been held highly in the food industry.

Michelin star is an award given only to those restaurants, where the highest food and services distinction is met. 3 Michelin Star is the highest award available here. Indeed, London is a place spoilt with all those Michelin-starred dining restaurants you can choose from, and among them all, 5 restaurants definitely stand out from the rest.

1. Fever

Whether you’re looking for a secret bar, a chilled lounge, or a fancy restaurant for a meal, Fever’s got you covered. Their team of experts scour the streets to find you the best places to check out. They do the hard work, so you don’t have to.

2. Dojo

Dojo is an app dedicated to giving you the best on the current happenings in London. From pop-up shops to fine dining, they highlight where the best places to visit in London are – right at that moment. They also offer the ability to buy tickets in-app, which is great too.

3. Uber

For those late nights, since the night Tube hasn’t quite settled in yet, Uber is always a great alternative. Much cheaper than using a black taxi, and a safe alternative to other cab services, Uber is a great way to split a ride with friends to get yourselves home.

4. Citymapper

Citymapper is probably one of the most extensive travel apps for London and various other cities across the world. It offers you a selection of routes, and you can filter according to your travel capabilities or what’s available to you; they offer bus-only routes, routes which have the fewest changes, and the quickest route. They also offer a variety of services which are available at night, as well as providing you with a rough estimate of cost.

5. TubeMap

It really is almost inevitable to get around London without using the Tube Map. The Tube Map is probably the most handy of tools, making sure you know which routes are best for you. However, whilst experience helps, sometimes the Tube Map can be a little misleading so it’s not always something to go solely by. For example, did you know Old Street and Liverpool Street are only about a 15-minute walk away from each other – on the tube map, it doesn’t look so easy.

If you are coming to London for a very short time, perhaps as a stopover journey or a business trip, you really want to try and make the most of your stay. In this article we will discuss some of the sites that should be seen, as well as the best way to spend those few hours you have in the city.

If you’re visiting London and looking for something a little out of the ordinary, the London Transport Museum are offering some more exciting tours alongside their main exhibitions.

Winston Churchill’s Secret Station

A tour of the ‘Secret Station’ on Down Street, which was used by Winston Churchill to host meetings and hide during the blitz. This mile-long World War II shelter in Clapham is definitely well worth a visit.

Photography Tour of Euston

Alongside this, there is also a photography tour of Euston Station which takes you through some of the disused rail lines, and it is a very slow tour to allow you to get some amazing photographs by the end of it.

Tickets for these amazing tours are available from today and can be booked from here. However, be warned – they’re selling out fast!

If you would like more information on the London Transport Museum, which is opening its doors this year, you can find out more on their website.

It’s no secret that London is on the cutting-edge of the art scene in the world, often housing some of the most influential and sought-after exhibitions in the world. There are plenty of art institutions, as well as small independent galleries all across the city. Here are 10 we highly recommend visiting.

Barbican

The Barbican is a serious destination for art lovers. Whether it’s a rainstorm that doesn’t get you wet, or an in-depth look at the work and life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the Barbican’s curation team always exceeds excpecations.

What’s more, the Barbican is an amazing piece of Brutalist architecture, so is well worth the visit for the building!

Hayward Gallery

The Hayward Gallery located on the Southbank was closed for 2 years due to refurbishment, but reopened in 2018. The refurbishment wait was well worth it, with natural light flooding into the space and programming back and better than ever. They have amazing exhibitions, such as the retrospective of Bridget Riley, and Reverb – a multisensory exhibition.

The National Gallery

Home to some amazing classic paintings, such as Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Rubens, and more, the National Gallery is a wonderful place to seek inspiration and culture. This amazing, open building is great – and alongside their permanent collection they often hold amazing temporary exhibitions by artists, such as Caravaggio and Michelangelo. What’s more – the permanent exhibitions are free.

Whitechapel Gallery

Whitechapel Gallery has been a curatorial heartbeat for London for over a century. It helped introduce Londoners to amazing artists, such as Jackson Pollock and Frida Kahlo. Years later, it’s still curating some of the best exhibitions in the city.

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is a wonderful building worth visiting in its own right, but what’s more is the magnitude of art this gallery holds. It has a wonderfully eclectic selection of modern and contemporary artworks that few can beat.

Newport Street Gallery

The Newport Street Gallery in Vauxhall was built specifically to put on shows of Hirst’s art collection. You’ll find artworks from Jeff Koons and John Hoyland amongst his collection. What’s more, it gives you a little peek into the life of Hirst.

Lisson Gallery

The Lisson Gallery is one of the UK’s oldest galleries, and is still going strong. It is known for having introduced the world to artists such as Anish Kapoor, Julian Opie, and Douglas Gordon.

Project Native Informant

This art gallery, hidden within an intimidating office block, focuses on art that questions and undermines gender and identity norms. It will be moving soon to their new location in Bethnal Green.

Sprüth Magers

A London outpost of this major German gallery in Mayfair, it hosts many exhibitions, spanning classic minimalism and contemporary art. It has held exhibitions from the likes of Cindy Sherman and Donald Judd.

White Cube Bermondsey

This gallery is definitely one that deserves this list. The White Cube brought us Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, and plenty of other amazing British artists. Having moved to its new space in Bermondsey, the White Cube is a museum-quality art gallery.

Sometimes we are all in the mood for a Martini, whether it’s classic or dirty, with Gin or Vodka, or – as our nation’s favourite agent – shaken, not stirred. Well, we decided to take a quick tour around the city and find our favourite spots to get delicious, and creative Martinis. Let us know your favourite.

Marmalade Breakfast Martini – The Anchor & Hope

This gastropub has a great selection of Martinis, whether you’re after the frosty dirty martini, or something smooth and classic. However, if you’re feeling a little adventurous you should consider trying their Breakfast Martini. This cocktail includes marmalade ad lemon juice, which is sweet and tangy and a delicious variation on this cocktail staple.

You can find The Anchor & Hope, and their breakfast martini, at 36 The Cut, SE1

The Coastal Martini – Anthracite

This bar specialises in Martinis, and does it well. Rather than browsing the menu and choosing, I definitely recommend releasing some control and getting a recommendation. They have a large range of Martinis with various mixes of Gin, Vodka, Vermouth and Garnish. Their Coastal Martini is infused with samphire, and a vermouth infused with cured lemon, and garnished with a seaweed flake. Whilst it may sound like a complicated drink, the flavours blend well to remind you of the sea – especially that chilly breeze of the British seaside.

You can find Anthracite at the Great Northern Hotel, N1C

The Espresso Martini – The Martini Bar

The name of this bar sets a high expectation from the get go. You’re expecting great martinis. Well, I can say that this Barbican Martini Bar has taken the delicious mixture of bitter espresso, small-batch vodka, and a wonderful environment to make not only a delicious cocktail, but a delicious experience. Whether you’re visiting to see a local exhibition or play, make sure you take a break and grab one of these Espresso Martinis to reset.

You can find The Martini Bar at the Barbican Centre, EC2Y

The Turkish Coffee Martini – Dar

Sticking with the caffeinated theme, this is a Mediterranean twist on the espresso martini. For those who find the traditional cocktail a little too sweet, this tiny restaurant on Tooting Broadway will serve you a coffee martini the way you’d like it. It has the traditional grainy residue and fierce punch of Turkish Coffee, and the warm kick of alcohol. Try not to drink these too late, or you’ll be up all night.

You can find Dar at 29 Tooting High Street, SW17

Vegetarianism and veganism have been a rising lifestyle change globally, and London is no exception. London plays host to some of the finest and most exciting vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the world, and here are a selection of some of our favourites.

Mildreds

Established for over 30 years, Mildreds has been providing vegetarian food in Soho for a long time. The food they offer is entirely meat-free, and they offer an interesting mix of pies, a rotating burger of the day, and some amazing global salads. Be warned that you may have to queue, but they also have a second establishment in Camden which is a little quieter.

45 Lexington Street, W1F

The Gate

Another one that has been on the vegetarian scene for a long time, The Gate is self-described as Indo-Iraqi Jewish food with French and Italian influences. Whatever that means, it’s delicious. They offer a selection of mezze, miso aubergine, mozzarella and… well you just have to go try it.

51 Queen Caroline Street, W6

Benares

Indian food is one of those cuisines which truly integrates vegetarianism into it, and the Michelin starred Benares is no exception. It also offers meat dishes, but the head chef Atul Kochar loves the pairing of complex subtle flavours with vegetables, meaning you will be spoilt for choice.

12a Berkeley Square House, W1J

Source: Benares Restaurant

Wild Food Cafe

The Wild Food Cafe is a ‘plant-based eatery and wellbeing oasis’. They offer hippy vibes, open-armed cosy interior and service. The food is raw, organic, foraged and totally nutritious. If you’re looking to be a little adventurous and learn more about food, this is well worth a visit.

14 Neals Yard, WC2H

Source: Wild Food Cafe

Markets have always been a key part of trade in London. Whether you’re looking for food, clothes, gadgets or whatever, there’s always a place to haggle and enjoy the bustle of a marketplace. However, if you’re looking for a real steal, then the flea market is the place to go. Here’s a list of our favourites around London, for whatever you are looking for.

Deptford Market

This is one of the lesser considered markets in London. It’s a mash-mash of sprawling market stalls and bustling people. However, this is really all part of the fun. Hunting through the half eaten chocolate bars to find treasure makes it more worthwhile, but the stall owners here aren’t fans of the haggle.

Deptford Market is on every Wednesday and Friday, 7.30-5.30, and Saturday, 9-5.30.

Hackney Flea Market

In the true spirit of the flea market, this market in Hackney takes place on Stoke Newington’s Church Street. Here you can find jewellery, vintage fabrics, furniture, maps and kitchen accessories. Alongside that, you’ll find some homemade treats to enjoy, and a few DJs keeping the energy levels up.

This market isn’t on such a standard timetable but you can find more information here.

Old Spitalfields Market

A very common market in London, though not everyone is a big fan, is the redeveloped Spitalfields market. This market in East London is a renovated 1887 marketplace with a modern shopping precint next to it. However, this whole area of London has some very interesting independent stores as well. Within this market you can find lots of interesting clothes, up-and-coming designers, crafts and more. If you get peckish, they have plenty amazing food as well. If you’re a vinyl fan as well, this is definitely a place to visit.

Open everyday, 10-5, and until 6pm on Saturdays.

Sunbury Antiques

Whilst this market is a little out of the city, it is well worth the day trip. If you’re looking to buy props for a film, or just spruce up your house with some vintage furniture, taking a trip to the Sandown Park Racecourse will put you in the centre of a furniture bazaar.

Whilst not a regular fixture, to see when the next market is click here.

Brick Lane Market

Whilst there are plenty of markets in Brick Lane, the biggest one and the must-attend is the Sunday UpMarket in the Old Truman Brewery. You’ll find a crowd of art students looking for quirky steals, bona fide locals and crazy stalls filled with all sorts of eclectic things.

The market takes place every Sunday.

London is beautiful; it looks more beautiful in some seasons than the others. One of the best times to be in London is the winter season. During winter, London looks beautiful, not minding the cold weather, the festive period still lights up the place.

The city is decorated for Christmas

London is beautiful during winter, because of the festive periods coming up. There is no doubt about it. During winter, places like were Carnaby, Regent Street and Oxford Street are decorated in celebration of Christmas

Seeing a city like London decorated for Christmas is an unforgettable experience.

Ice skating

Ice skating is one of the best pastime in London be it outdoor or indoor. During the winter, skating rinks pops up all over the place. Whether or not you are good at skating, you will have a fun filled winter. London has more skating rinks than other places in Europe. You can visit some of the iconic locations, such as Hampton Court Palace, Westfield London or the Natural History Museum.

Holiday shopping

The festive decorations around the city would always give you the urge to go for Christmas shopping. During winter, places like the Oxford Street, Regent Street, Knightsbridge and Notting Hill offers discount for goods bought. You won’t want to miss out on discounts like these!

London Christmas market

This is also one of the many that makes London what it is during the winter. Places are opened to celebration of the festive period. You have to visit some of London’s Christmas markets where you can immerse in the festive period such as the Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, Leicester Square, The London Bridge Wintertime Festival, or the Greenwich.

Unlike other places, London is more enjoyable during winter. There is no place worth spending your winter break than London.