Quirky London?..

[lottie63]

I don t know London terribly well but would like a hotel bang in the centre of the sort of area that has nice quirky independent cafes and shops, book shops, interesting markets, off the beaten track things to do, traditional lovely London pubs. Which areas should I be looking at?

"traditional lovely London pubs"

Tries not to snort with laughter...

Hmm Lottie hope you have a very deep wallet. I am going to London in a couple of weeks, reasonable hotel, twin room for me and DD £220 a night including breakfast. near Victoria station. Traditional London pubs - you only get those in Ibiza nowadays. Quirky areas are around Camden market, near Covent garden, Greenwich is good too. best bet would be to pick something cheap and then buy travel cards to go where you want to.

I would say Greenwich, Borough, Spitalfields, Shoreditch, Islington, Camden.

But, really, London is nothing like the movies "Notting Hill" or "Bridget Jones Diary". That is all made-up fantasy London for tourists.

London is huge but there are areas like you describe. I would get cheap hotel somewhere near a tube then go to a different area each day. Try Marylebone High St, Greenwich, Spitalfields, Stoke Newington if you are prepared to get the bus a but further out.

But but I want the made-up London!! There must be some places like that cause it's a moneyspinner! It would 'sell' as movie locations and experiences DO sell. I will try the areas listed above!

I agree. There are areas of London that tourists don't really frequent. There are some great pubs out Parsons Green/Fulham way.