At London Experience Week this year, we were lucky enough to deep dive into what makes London’s coolest experiences tick. Shrouded by inspiration and a mad, mad city that never stops, we caught up with some of the key big-brains behind the incredible experiences shaping London’s day-out culture. From a look into what it means to be part of the city’s eclectic fabric, to the London landmark they’d choose to live in if given the chance—our chats were packed with scintillating perspectives. We went beyond the surface to ask the all-important questions about life in London and what it really means to be a Londoner.
“If you could live in one London landmark, which would you choose?”
From a castle-lover who’d live in the Tower Of London, to a fan of war history who’d live up with Nelson atop of his Trafalgar Square column, we got some great ideas to pitch to PRs (remember that time someone was given the chance to have a sleepover in St Paul’s Cathedral?). Oh and we also spoke to an attendee who lives on the iconic Abbey Road, so she’s already living someone’s dream.
As well as an Egyptologist would love to live amongst the relics in the Egyptian Galleries at the British Museum, our favourite answer may come as a surprise to Londoner’s with a love/hate relationship to the thing – yep, someone would LOVE to live on the Tube so they can get everywhere easily and quickly. The real question, though, is which line?
“Which area of London do you think has the best personality?”
We asked the same interviewees which areas of London have the best personality. A contentious answer was Old Street (comparing it to a social battleground, which I’m sure anyone who’s driven or cycled through it might agree). Much more favourably was Camden Market, from someone who remembers the OG, old-school market site. Finally, West London was seen as less individual and East as more diverse and interesting, while another, conversely, loved the swanky grandeur of Knightsbridge.
“How long do you have to live in London in order to call yourself a Londoner?”
And perhaps the most hard-hitting question of all: How long do you have to have lived in London to call yourself a Londoner? And, well, our interviewees pretty much covered all bases with their answers. Responses ranged from the very day you unpack your things, maybe a year? – some would even say a lifetime. But our favourite answer of all: “Anyone who wants to call London home is a Londoner”. Damn right.