The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #140417   Message #3232071
Posted By: GUEST,Guest - Lindy
01-Oct-11 - 02:44 AM
Thread Name: BS: What has happened to London?
Subject: RE: BS: What has happened to London?
Last time I was in London was 1987. I used to go to London several times throughout the 1980's and 1970's.

Mostly stayed at B & B's in Paddington, Bayswater, Kensington High Street, West Kensington and once in Holland Park area. I used to go somewhat off season (at least not in the summer months anyway), so would go in May/early June or mid to late Sept. and October. Of course still crowded most places.

I found Oxford Street always busy (not just on Saturday) but every day,Camden Town, Kensington High St. and Brents Cross busy. I did not drive in London, instead used buses and The Tube. I remember some areas like Shepherd's Bush and Paddington very busy, not too clean on the streets (some areas worse then others)like Bayswater.
Did enjoy Oxford St sometimes as I like Selfridges and found a lot record shops.

However, my favourite time was when I used to go to the folk clubs at night. I would buy Time Out and Folk London guides to find out what was going on. I did have a good time and enjoyed the coffeebars and some of the better Indian restaurants.

Also enjoyed the pub food for lunch or some of the restaurants in the dept. stores. (usually reasonable prices) although I did encounter a lot of expensive restaurants even in the late 80's.

I imagine though that from what I have been reading that London is very different today then from 20, 24 years ago.

Can anyone tell me what the biggest changes one would find in London today versus from the late 1980's? (other then traffic).

I didn't drive there so since I was on the Tube mostly or buses I didn't have to deal with traffic and still would use public tranportation if I visited today.

So mostly I was wondering about other major differences to expect?

I live in the U.S.A.

Thanks