sallyky

Hi Apres_Londee -- We've been here since Aug. 28 and having a wonderful time -- except for the steps! We're in our mid 60s and I go very slowly, especially after a hard day sightseeing, but the younger folks who live here often trot up the stairs.

We don't spend much time in the flat because it's our first trip to London and we try to maximize our time out, but this is a nice place to return to. It's very nice to have the space to spread out. We enjoy the neighborhood, though we're not out much after 8.

There are a number of places to eat -- a fish & chips place, several mediterranean ones where we've had good food. There are a number of small food shops, a small Sainsbury across the road and a very nice co-op across from the tube. So it's a handy neighborhood and seems quite vibrant. We like the neighborhood and wish we had the energy to explore it further.

The tube is even closer than it seems on the map -- maybe a block and a half, 200-300 yards. Generally it takes about a 20-30 minutes from leaving the flat to our goal in central London. Once or twice we had delays because of changing to another line that was backed up. It's seemed pretty quick to us, and no slower than any of the other lines we've used.

We keep talking about using buses but so far have just followed the routine of the tube. There is a bus stop about halfway to the tube. The only name I remember on the front was London Bridge Station. But it appears to be very convenient to central London.

Hope this helps. Let me know if there's anything else.

Cholmondley_Warner

i still go to hoxton sq on many sunday mornings to read the times...usually between 8-10. cw and flannerUK...feel free to meet me there. we can have words. >>>>

I don't DO Hoxton as it's full of Shoreditch Twats.

I do so love it when all my suspicions are proved right.

sallyky

Forgot to mention you'll find lots of "leftovers" in Archway from previous guests, so look before shopping. There are several kinds of tea, coffee (brew and instant), a few cans of things, etc. Also, there are many items ranging from shaving cream to hand lotion, purell, shampoo, etc. There are many guides and maps.

flanneruk

There's practically nowhere a visitor is likely to be interested in going to (except places near Hamstead Heath) that's easier, quicker or more convenient by bus from Archway than by tube. For a list of local bus stops and where they have buses to, the lower map at http://nationalrail.co.uk/stations/uhl/busmaps.html.

Buses are obviously a good way of seeing what's on the way, they're cheaper and they're not a lot slower than the tube for getting to stuff in and around the City. Learning your way round on them gives a sense of achievement mastering the tube never does. But they're rarely more convenient if you're based in the inner ring of suburbs

Apres_Londee

Thanks so much for the info on the tube and the flat, sallyky- it's really nice to hear from someone with first-hand knowledge. I'm glad you're enjoying London, and it's reassuring to know that you like the flat and the neighbourhood.

Sometimes I think I should make a photo album called Stairs of Europe - I've stayed in a flat in Florence with over 70 stairs, and in Paris with over 100. Don't worry about going up slowly- you've been out sightseeing all day! Just be sure to keep up your strength with a bit a chocolate everyday.

And thanks flanneruk for the additional information about the tubes & buses. I take the subway here at home, and am always much more comfortable taking the tube in London or metro in Paris, etc. so I'm glad the tube is best from this flat.

Looks like Archway is turning out to be a great place to stay, perhaps one of the few areas left in London with normal people.

Nikki

"cw and flannerUK...feel free to meet me there. we can have words."

I'll be selling tickets.

sallyky

I see we agree on the bit of chocolate solution to tourist exhaustion. That is a good reward.

You're right about the normal people. We seem to be the only tourists and we like that.

BTW, I timed the ride to Leicester Square the other morning -- not quite 16 minutes, though I forgot to start when we left the flat. But that sems about average.

Cholmondley_Warner

cw and flannerUK...feel free to meet me there. we can have words.">>>

"I'm a big man, but i'm out of shape but I do do this for a living".

Or something like that.

sallyky

Apres_Londee -- There are bus maps for various parts of London here in the flat for you to use.

BTW, I should tell you that when you first enter the building you may be taken aback, as the entrance does not match the spiffy look of the pictures. ut the flat is fine.

Apres_Londee

sallyky: I think you've travelled on from London by now, so I'm not sure if you'll see this- I had meant to come back sooner to say thanks- that was really thoughtful of you to time the tube ride and report back here (and 16 minutes sounds good to me, it's less than what I spend getting to and from work here at home)

Thanks for the heads up on the foyer in the building, too. As long as the entrance is secure, I'm happy.

Have a great time on the rest of your trip. Be sure to report back when you get home and tell us all about it!

...and did I miss the Shoreditch Showdown? I'll take a couple of tickets Nikki, if C_W promises to demonstrate the deadly "kneeling" technique that British cops are so famous for.

Cholmondley_Warner

I don't "do" Shoreditch - full of wankers.

I'm happy to kneel on a few if you want (they wouldn't like it - there's quite a bit of me).