Living in the UK UK UK UK UK in the in the in the in the in the Living Living Living Living Living

22.6.2016 11:47:25 Living in the UK UK UK UK UK in the in the in the in the in the Living Living Living Living Living

An Essential Guide to the UK Guide Essential to An 896826039 780956 9

Living in the UK ISBN 978-0-9568260-3-9 ISBN £ 20

Natalia is a buddy parent Natalia is a buddy as part of the volunteering to Team Crossroads Transition families feel welcomed help new into the school. International Schools need to oer more than an exceptional academic curriculum, they need to nurture the entire family in home. The award- their new winning Crossroads Transition ensures that no one is le Team behind in an international move. London +44 (0) 20 8992 5823 London +44 (0) 20 8992 Surrey +44 (0) 1483 750409 4433 8600 Qatar +974 www.islschools.org Natalia, ISL Buddy Parent ISL London ISL is a meeting is a meeting ISL and great point for di erent place All nationalities. feel the families happy and welcome to be part of this communi. £ 20 780956 826022 9 LIUK==3.indd 200 THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND

LIUK==3.indd 202 22.6.2016 11:47:28

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND Living in the UK

An Essential Guide to the UK

Compiled by FOCUS © 15th edition June 2016 Every attempt was made to ensure the information contained in the publication is accurate and up to date. However, FOCUS wishes to point out that telephone numbers, websites and other details may change. FOCUS cannot accept financial responsibility for errors, omissions or changes in the information contained in this publication. We also do not intend these resources to be exhaustive; they are a starting point to your life in the UK. © FOCUS Information Services. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction or distribution in part or in the whole without express written consent from FOCUS Information Services. ISBN 978-0-9568260-3-9

LIUK==3.indd 1 22.6.2016 11:48:51 Letter from FOCUS

We welcome you to the UK and hope that your experience here will be a successful one creating great memories for the years to come. Moving to a new country, or even returning to a country, can be burdened with the mundane of setting up a bank account, registering for council tax, getting a new driver’s licence or just the overall challenge of establishing a new network. FOCUS is here to make this transition, and beyond, as easy and enjoyable as possible. This 15th edition of FOCUS Living in the UK contains essential practical information with invaluable tips giving you direct insight from other expatriates living in the UK. Many FOCUS members have lived here for more than a decade and in doing so have learned how to best navigate the ups and downs of life in the UK. We wanted to share their advice and experiences in order to make your life here both positive and memorable. We have included a number of FOCUS sponsors in this guidebook. We re commend you mention FOCUS when contacting them as we have long standing relationships with these companies and they will be able to assist you. Each time we print a new edition of this guide we update the information to reflect the everchanging landscape of the UK; but moreover, to reflect the needs and interests of our members. This guide provides an excellent starting point but is not exhaustive. For additional recommended resources and information please refer to the FOCUS website or contact our friendly team. We could not have put this together without the dedication of Paola Lon- gobardi, Nancy Dickinson and Alessandra Gnudi. Making it all come together is our talented graphic designer, Jan Dobes to whom we are grateful.

The FOCUS Team

About FOCUS FOCUS is a unique community for expats and international professionals living in the UK. Our multinational team provides an award winning service sharing their firsthand knowledge on all aspects of living and working here. Members gain access to personalised information, events and seminars. Operating as a nonprofit organisation, we are proud to have been supporting expats for over 30 years. We hope to see you soon at our office in Central London!

13 Prince of Wales Terrace, London W8 5PG Tel: +44 (0) 20 7937 7799 Email: office@focusinfo.org www.focus-info.org

LIUK==3.indd 2 14.6.2016 12:14:35 Contents

You in the UK ...... 5

Moving ...... 9

Housing ...... 18

Utilities ...... 35

Finance & Law ...... 42

Healthcare ...... 52

Services ...... 69

Driving & Transportation ...... 75

Shopping ...... 89

Activities & Entertainment ...... 107

Travel & Day Trips ...... 147

Children ...... 157

Pets ...... 168

Apps ...... 178

Emergency numbers ...... 186

LIUK==3.indd 3 14.6.2016 12:14:35

Membership Privileges

• One-to-one orientation meeting • Unlimited support for 12 months • 3 Guide Books Living in the UK, Children in the UK, Working in the UK

• Career Development Programme for spouses, including workshops and seminars • 6 Issues of FOCUS Magazine

• 50+ seminars, social events and exclusive invitations • Central London Office • Access to recommended services via website, www.focusinfo.org

Not yet a member? Join Now! www.focus-info.org / o [email protected] / +44 (0)20 7937 7799

LIUK==3.indd 4 14.6.2016 12:14:36 You in the UK The Monarchy ...... 6 Politics ...... 6 Climate & weather ...... 6 British culture ...... 7 British food traditions ...... 8 Public holidays ...... 8

LIUK==3.indd 5 14.6.2016 12:14:36 You in the UK

Understanding the landscape of the UK is an important first step when relocating. Often one of the first mistakes newly arrived expats make is incorrectly using the terms United Kingdom, Great Britain and England interchangeably. The United Kingdom consists of the entire island of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In fact, the official name of the country is the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.’ The United Kingdom is one of the founding members of the United Nations and sits on the United Nations Security Council. Great Britain, on the other hand, is made up of England, Scotland and Wales. Scotland and Wales are not independent countries but do have some autonomy from the United Kingdom with respect to internal governance. The English, Scottish and Welsh each have their own, unique national identity and therefore the Scots do not appreciate mistakenly be referred to as English and visa versa.

The Monarchy The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. The monarch of the UK also serves as head of state of the Com- monwealth countries. The members of the Royal Family participate in many public engagements including the commemoration of historical events, holidays and celebrations. They also sponsor and participate in numerous charitable, cultural and social activities in the UK and abroad.

Politics The UK has a parliamentary government. The position of Prime Minister, the UK’s head of government, belongs to the Member of Parliament who obtains the majority of votes in the House of Commons. The Parliament of the UK, the ultimate legislative authority, has two houses: an elected House of Commons and an appointed House of Lords and any bill passed requires the consent of HM The Queen to become law. Parliament sessions are broadcast and can be quite informative as well as entertaining. The UK is currently a member of the European Union but has not adopted the euro as its currency.

Climate & weather The British Isles have variable and unpredictable weather. You will need to get used to carrying an umbrella with you since rain invariably occurs when you least expect it. The UK generally enjoys milder winters and cooler summers than places of the same latitude in continental Europe. Discussing the weather is a national pastime and, depending on where you are from, may take some time to get used to.

6 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 6 14.6.2016 12:14:36 British culture The British demonstrate a great deal of tolerance in everyday life. As a result everyone is welcome in Britain, but newcomers are expected to show an interest in Britain and attempt to understand and reproduce what is considered ‘normal’ behaviour. Here are a few FOCUS top tips:

Humour The renowned British sense of humour is a vital element in all aspects of British life and culture. Humour, often in the form of selfdeprecation or irony, is highly respected. When working with the British you must be able to take a joke! Indirectness The British are known for their politeness and courtesy therefore is it better to avoid direct statements that may cause offense. This is a key element of British culture and is a fundamental aspect of British communication style. When doing business in the UK you will generally find that direct questions may be answered with evasive responses and conversations may be ambiguous and full of subtleties. Privacy/ Modesty Personal privacy is highly respected: ‘An Englishman’s home is his castle’. Sometimes seen by foreigners as cold or reserved, the British respect other people’s privacy. You are expected to reveal and ask only what is appropriate and proportionate to the situation. Hence, the British are not very good at receiving and giving compliments. Selfpromotion and boasting is neither common nor well regarded. Tradition The British appreciate history and the way things have worked for many years. There is a commitment to heritage and conservation. This can also be seen as an admiration for eccentricity. London is a great example of a rapidly expanding city still able to uphold its sense of tradition. ‘Sti upper lip’ This is a term often used to describe the traditionally British portrayal of reserve and restraint. In British culture, open displays of emotion, positive or negative, are rare. During meetings your British colleagues will most likely approach business with an air of formality. The British don’t usually complain and are grateful for what they have. Language English is the main language but other languages spoken in the UK include Welsh, Irish, Ulster Scots and Gaelic. Even if you are a fluent English speaker, you may have difficulty understanding the different accents and the many colloquialisms. This can be a surprising experience and can frustrate newcomers. Do not be afraid to ask for someone to speak slowly or repeat what they are saying.

FOCUS Living in the UK 7

LIUK==3.indd 7 14.6.2016 12:14:36 You in the UK

British food traditions Some traditional dishes such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, Cornish past ies, steak and kidney pie, bread and butt er pudding, treacle tart, spott ed dick or fi sh and chips remain popular even though today restaurants and markets in the UK off er food items from all over the world. British cuisine has always been multicultural. In London especially, it is pos sible to fi nd the best of British and the best of the rest of the world with Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Italian and French restaurants amongst the most popular. A Sunday Roast is still the national culinary pride. It is traditionally served for Sunday lunch with roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, two vegetables, a good strong horseradish, gravy and mustard. A traditional pub is the best place to taste and experience this tradition. Of course we cannot talk about food without mentioning the pub and the British pub culture. See more in the Activities & Entertainment section.

Public holidays There are 8 days of public holidays (called bank holidays) in England, 9 in Scotland and 10 in Northen Ireland. When a holiday falls on a weekend the date of the bank holiday is extended to the following weekday. (For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, Monday 27th will be a bank holiday). Boxing Day on December 26th is based on the tradition of boxing up gifts and giving them to less fortunate people. For a listing of bank holidays visit www.gov.uk/bank-holidays#england-and- wales

The Monarchy www.royal.gov.uk

Parliament www.parliament.uk

Climate http://www.meto ce.gov.uk/climate/

Public Holidays https://www.gov.uk

8 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 8 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Moving 14.6.2016 12:14:36 16 10 11 13 14 14 ...... Dealing with culture shock culture with Dealing What to bring for your move your bring for to What Importing car your Importing pet your permits & visas Work Number Insurance National LIUK==3.indd 9 Moving

Dealing with culture shock The process of adjusting to a new culture is challenging and takes time and determination. Here are some suggestions from the FOCUS team to make your adjustment easier.

Set goals Develop a sense of purpose and structure for your new life by thinking about what you would like to accomplish while you are in the UK. Your goals may initially be as straightforward as learning your way around your local supermarket or as complex as establishing a business or developing your career. Whatever you are aiming for, make your goals achievable and measurable. Write them down and list specific actions to take and then put them away for review in several months time. Even if you find your goals have changed during this time you will gain satisfaction from the progress you have made since your arrival.

Structure your day Establish a routine as quickly as possible. Take an exercise class, join a club or sports team or enrol in a course for pleasure. We have numerous suggestions in the Activities & Entertainment section and on our website. Setting aside regular times for sightseeing, communicating with friends and family at home, investigating employment possibilities or researching weekend getaways will also help you build a sense of structure to your day.

Keep a daily journal Pouring your heart out on paper can help ease the stress of moving. In a few months, you can look back at your early entries and see how far you have come!

You are not alone! Almost everyone experiences culture shock to some degree. It is important to recognise that, however low you may feel now, culture shock does not last for- ever. Gradually, as your surroundings become more familiar and you develop new routines and make new friends, your culture shock will begin to fade. And, while the UK will probably never feel as familiar as your own country, in time it will begin to feel more like home.

10 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 10 14.6.2016 12:14:36 FOCUS offers a range of seminars ‘You in the UK’ addressing different aspects of cultural challenges, including: � How to deal with culture shock and adjust successfully � How to address cultural aspects of business and working life, including finding a job in the UK � Where and how to meet people � Understanding the British

What to bring for your move In general, spacious accommodation, especially in Central London, comes at a premium and therefore you may want to consider carefully what you bring with you to the UK. Some houses and flats are rented furnished or semifur- nished which may impact what furniture and housewares you decide to bring. Also consider the entrance through windows and doors when planning to move larger pieces of furniture. The following is a list of some necessities and an explanation of the viability of using them in the UK.

Electrical appliances The voltage in the UK is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. If you come from a country where the voltage is 110 volts (this includes North America), you will need to use a transformer. Moreover, the frequency of appliances can be different (often 60Hz in the US) so it is best to leave many electrical appliances at home and purchase new ones in the UK. See the Shopping section for recommended places to purchase electrical items. If using a voltage converter you need to check that the converter supports the wattage required. This can be particularly problematic with appliances such as hairdryers. Check the product’s information before deciding what to bring as some appliances have dual voltage. The TV colour system in the UK is PAL and the DVD region is 2. See the Utilities section for more information. Regardless of the country you are moving from, all your plugs will require changing. Plugs in the UK have three prongs and are fitted with a variety of fuses.

Medicines If you use prescribed medication it is advisable to bring enough with you to last a few months. If possible, bring the prescriptions and ask your doctor for the active ingredients or generic name as many medicines have different names.

FOCUS Living in the UK 11

LIUK==3.indd 11 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Moving

Dermatological creams and favourite cosmetics are also a good idea to have in supply as you arrive. Do not forget your favourite overthecounter medicine, as it will take you some time before you find the UK equivalent.

Bedding Bed and pillows sizes in the UK may vary from those in your home country. If bringing your own bed, do not forget the sheets. If renting a furnished flat, you should plan on buying bedding in the UK.

Books If English is not your first language, it is a good idea to bring books about Lon- don and the UK in your own language. There are some international bookshops in London where you can find books in foreign languages, but the selection may not be very extensive. Also, do not forget your favourite cookbooks since those in the UK will most certainly be different. Remember that all the measurements in UK cookbooks are different from nonmetric countries. Conversions for measurements are easily accessible online.

Clothes When packing your clothes, remember that your shipment may take longer than planned to arrive and may arrive in a different season! Bring layers as even in the summer the UK can be cool.

Holiday decorations Your home country holidays may not be celebrated in the UK therefore bringing decorations will enable you to continue your family’s favourite traditions.

AGS Worldwide Movers Moving and storage company. www.agsmovers.com

Delahaye Moving International removals, relocations including pets and storage. www.delahayemoving.com

Pickfords International removals, storage services, any size consignment, pets, cars, document storage and commercial moving. www.allied-pickfords.co.uk

12 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 12 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Department of Environment, Food and Rural A airs (DEFRA) www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-aairs

Importing your car You must complete certain steps as soon as you permanently bring a vehicle into the UK: � Notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) within 14 days that the vehicle has arrived in the UK; � Pay VAT and duty if required, get vehicle approval to show your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards; � Register and tax the vehicle with DVLA (Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Agen- cy); � Insure your vehicle before you drive it on UK roads or make sure that your home insurance company will cover your car whilst abroad until you get British insurance.

As part of the registration process the DVLA will need to confirm that an imported vehicle is suitable for use on UK roads. Requirements will vary depending on the age of the vehicle, whether it is being imported from inside or outside the EU, whether it is a left or righthanddrive vehicle, etc. In some cases, adjustments to front headlights and speedometer reading may be necessary. The majority of London boroughs will only issue Resident Parking Permits to vehicles with British registrations or to holders of a British driving licence. See the Driving & Transportation section for more information. New vehicles must have a certificate of conformity from the supplier or vehicle manufacturer. Lefthanddrive vehicles from within the European Commu- nity will need a certificate, issued by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), under the Mutual Recognition Scheme. If the vehicle does not have a VCA approval, it must pass a single vehicle approval (SVA) test.

Shipacar Worldwide vehicle shipping and legalisation specialists. www.shipacar.co.uk

DVLA Import Pack www.gov.uk/dvlaforms

FOCUS Living in the UK 13

LIUK==3.indd 13 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Moving

Additional import details www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/registering-an-imported-vehicle

Importing your pet The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is organised and administered by the UK De- partment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. PETS outlines the process through which one can import pets into the UK. It applies to pet dogs (including guide and hearing dogs), cats and ferrets that are resident in either the EU or one of the PETS qualifying countries. Animals that meet the PETS’ rules can enter (or reenter) the UK without having to undergo 6 months quarantine. Animals that do not meet all the rules must be licensed into quarantine. They might then be able to obtain early release if shown to comply with the necessary PETS requirements. To bring a dog from one of the listed countries into the UK under PETS it must first be micro chipped then vaccinated against rabies and blood tested. Additional information including countries benefiting from this scheme: www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad

Pet Relocation Companies

Air Pets www.airpets.com

Ladyhaye www.petravelagent.com

World Care Pet Transport www.worldcarepet.com

See more information on section Pets.

Work permits & visas Many people relocating to the UK are eligible to work while they are here. However, immigration rules can be a complicated matter. Here you will find a general overview of what type of visa will allow you to work in the UK and the requirements needed to apply for any of the existing schemes:

14 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 14 14.6.2016 12:14:36 European Community All Swiss nationals and citizens of the member countries of the European Eco- nomic Area (EEA) have free access to enter the UK, work and study. Other nationalities need a visa to work in the UK.

Visas A visa, also known as entry clearance, is a document issued by a country giving an individual permission for entry to that country during a given period of time and for certain purposes: such as tourism, study, work, joining family members etc. Whether or not a visa is required depends on the purpose and length of your stay and on your nationality. The UK Visas & Immigration website will tell you whether a visa is required to enter the UK and, if so, how to apply for one. To check if you need a visa go to www.gov.uk./check-uk-visa.

Work permits Before you can apply for a work permit under the points based system, a UK based employer must issue you with work authorization known as a Certifi- cate of Sponsorship, if they wish to employ you. There is no provision within the current arrangements for individuals to apply on their own behalf. Since work permits are issued for a named person to do a particular job for a specific employer, in order to change jobs the new employer will need to get approval from the government by applying for a new work permit before you can start working for them.

Other schemes There are different schemes available for people wishing to come tothe UK. Some popular ways of gaining the right to work in the UK are described below. For other schemes and more detailed information also check the UK Visas & Immigration website. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

Partner Visa If you can prove that you have had a relationship (‘similar to mar- riage’) for two years or more that is genuine and if you prove that you can meet a financial requirement and will live together, you can join your partner and live and work in the UK for the same duration as their visa. Student Visa If you are a full time student (15 hours or more per week) you are allowed to work 20 hours per week. The maximum time you can work in the UK as a student will normally be printed on your visa document.

FOCUS Living in the UK 15

LIUK==3.indd 15 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Moving

Fiancé (e) Visa You can apply for permission to come to the UK as the fiancé (e) or proposed civil partner of a person who is settled in the UK or applying to settle here. It is usually valid for six months and you must not work during this time. After you have married or registered your civil partnership, you can apply to stay here as the husband, wife or civil partner of a settled person. During this period you will have no restriction on your work activity in the UK.

People living and working in the UK for five continuous years may be eligible for Indenite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence. Contact the UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) to understand your rights and to apply to settle in the UK.

British Citizenship After 12 months of holding an Indefinite Leave to Remain visa you may apply for British citizenship. Children born in the UK with one parent who is a British citizen or a foreigner settled in the UK may also become a British citizen, even if the parent becomes settled after the birth.

SA Law (FOCUS Sponsor) UK solicitor practice with a team covering all aspects of business and personal life including immigration. http://salaw.com/

Withersworldwide (FOCUS Sponsor) A global law firm serving a diverse client base with business and personal legal needs, including immigration. www.withersworldwide.com/practice-areas/immigration

National Insurance Number (NI) In order to work or study in the UK you must have a National Insurance Num- ber (NI). Your NI number is a unique identifier to track your National Insurance con- tributions and that tax is recorded against your name only. The number is made up of letters and numbers and never changes. If you are moving to the UK you can only apply once you are here. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number. In order to get your NI, you need to contact Job Centre Plus on 0345 600 0643. The phone line is often busy, so stick with it and you will get through eventually. They will tell you what information and documentation is required for your application and might ask you to attend an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview. During the interview you will usually be asked who you are, why

16 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 16 14.6.2016 12:14:36 you need a National Insurance Number and your background. You will need to prove your identity by providing documents such as a valid passport, residence permit or card, work permit, driving license, etc. Proof of residency in the UK, such as utility bills and bank statements will also be required. Once the interview and paperwork have been completed you will be issued with a National Insurance Number. This may take up to 12 weeks from when you applied. Providing your employer with a copy of the letter confirming that you have applied for the NI will allow you to work in the meantime.

DirectGov www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

FOCUS Living in the UK 17

LIUK==3.indd 17 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Housing Councils & Council Tax ...... 19 Temporary accommodation...... 20 Renting ...... 20 Buying ...... 21 Furniture rental ...... 23 Home insurance ...... 24 Neighbourhoods ...... 25

LIUK==3.indd 18 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Whether you are relocating to London for the first, second or even the third time, your first hurdle may be securing a place to live. If you are not acquainted with London, this section contains a brief introduction on useful things to know as well as a brief overview of the main London neighbourhoods.

Councils London is run by the Greater London Authority (GLA) www.london.gov.uk. The GLA administers the 607 square miles of Greater London and consists of an elected Mayor and a 25member Assembly. Greater London is made up of 33 London boroughs, of which 12 (plus the City of London) make up inner London and 20 make up outer London. The borough councils are the most important unit of local government in Lon- don and are responsible for running most local services in their areas. They are funded by a combination of central government grants, Council Tax, business rates and fees and charges from other services. All councils’ websites offer indepth information about local services. Many councils offer online forms to request services such as application for resident parking permits and paying for parking penalties, see the section Driving & Transportation. They are also the point of contact to report a variety of different problems such as an abandoned vehicle, a road repair, graffiti, a dead animal on the road or a faulty street light. If you live in the Westminster borough you can obtain a Westminster City Save. It is free and entitles you to discounts on a wide range of galleries, museums, sports and leisure facilities and restaurants.

Council Tax This is a tax levied on households by local authorities, based on the estimated value of a property (‘Bands’) and the number of people living in it. Most councils allow reductions for single occupancy which is levied at 75% of the total bill. Even if you are renting, you are responsible for paying the tax. Council Tax information can be found on each borough’s website.

Gov UK www.gov.uk

London Councils www.londoncouncils.gov.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 19

LIUK==3.indd 19 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Housing

Temporary accommodation Temporary accommodation is a great way of easing into a new relocation as it allows you to try living in different areas as you acclimate. It can also be a good option for your visitors who may want to stay for a longer period of time or those who prefer a flat over a hotel. These properties are generally serviced flats offering housekeeping and utilities. When relocating with a company you may have preferential corporate rates so it is worth checking with your HR department. Most temporary housing can be arranged from anywhere between one week up to one year. Many temporary housing companies have minimum stay requirements so be sure to confirm before booking.

Fraser Hospitality www.fraserhospitality.com

Friendly Rentals www.friendlyrentals.com

Onenestay www.onenestay.com

Renting The rental market in London moves very quickly. As a general rule you should start viewing flats 4–6 weeks prior to your moving date. It is important to choose your agent carefully. They should be a member of ARLA or NAEA, both of which are recognised industry regulatory bodies and provide recourse should things go wrong. The rental market in Central London lists prices based per week, not monthly. Properties are often listed with more than one agent meaning it is vital to express your interest as early as possible. We recommend you allocate ample time for the home search process. If time allows reserve weekends for exploring possible neighbourhoods and getting to know the area which best suits your lifestyle. You may also want to re-visit an area at different times of the day to check for commuting time, traffic, airport noise, etc. Once you have chosen a property you will need to work quickly with your agent to put in an offer. This should outline the terms under which you wish to take the property, rental price, length lease agreement and any special requests.

20 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 20 14.6.2016 12:14:36 A standard lease is often one year, however many landlords find the prospect of a longerterm commitment an attractive option and as a result you may be able to negotiate your rental rate. You can also request that some clauses are written into your contract such as an ‘option to renew.’ This gives the tenant the right to renew the contract within certain guidelines. Some landlords may also consider a ‘break clause’ giving you the option to terminate a contract early (generally the earliest being after 6 months). These specific clauses have to be negotiated if desired. Once the terms are agreed you will need to supply references and pay an administration charge to secure the property. The agent will usually request letters from your bank, employer, previous landlord and a personal reference in order to confirm you will be a suitable tenant and are able to meet the rental charges. The landlord is also legally responsible for checking the tenant’s immigration status so do expect to be asked to provide your visa if you need one to live and work in the UK. Administration fees cover the agent’s charges for preparing the tenancy paperwork. These fees vary from agent to agent. Once a contract has been signed you will then need to arrange payment of the initial rental fee. It is standard to pay a 6week rental deposit plus the first rental instalment (often monthly or quarterly). These will need to be cleared funds in order for you to take possession of the property. Usually the rental price advertised will not be inclusive of any utilities. As the tenant you will be responsible for gas, water, electricity rates and Council Tax. The landlord’s agent will be able to produce contact details for the providers of all utilities for you to contact in order to register your details as the new occupant once contracts have been signed by both parties. Be sure to include both partners’ names on the tenancy agreement. This will help to allow either party to register for parking permits, utilities, etc. You will also need to take into account the telephone line rental and call charges, internet fees and cable/satellite television providers who will charge according to the package you select, see Utilities section for details. In the UK it is mandatory to pay a Television Licence. Also do take into account that whilst the landlord is responsible for insuring their own property it will not cover the tenant’s belongings or furniture so you should take out contents insurance as soon as contracts are exchanged. Refer to the ‘Home insurance’ heading in this section.

Buying If you are a cash buyer, you are in a stronger position to negotiate. Should you need to get a mortgage, then do consult a mortgage broker to find out how

FOCUS Living in the UK 21

LIUK==3.indd 21 14.6.2016 12:14:36 Housing

much you will be able to borrow. Make sure you have an efficient solicitor and surveyor who can move quickly; any delay can be interpreted that you are not serious about buying and the vendor may ask their agent to continue showing the property.

Leasehold vs Freehold One of the first things to understand about buying a home in the UK is the leasehold and freehold concept. Most properties in Britain are owned freehold, where the owner acquires complete legal ownership of the property and land and his right over the property, which can be modified only by the law or specific conditions in the contract of sale. Most houses (detached, semidetached, terraced, mews houses or townhouses) are sold freehold. However, this does not apply to flats, which are often sold with leasehold, where ownership is limited to a period of time (lease), for example 80 to 100 years for an old building and up to 999 years for a new building. Buyers pay a Ground Rent to the freeholder. Occasionally you will find an apartment listed as a Share of Freehold. This is when the residents have collectively bought the freehold of the building. Service charges will apply but Ground Rent will be a peppercorn amount. Once you have a Share of Freehold flat you will then have a share in the common areas of the building – roof, walls, stairs and hallway – and be partly responsible with the other common holders for the upkeep of those areas and the building. A property can change hands several times during the life of the lease. When the lease expires the property reverts to the original owner (the freeholder). When buying a leasehold flat the length of the lease will influence the value of the property, as well as the ease of obtaining a mortgage. It is important to know that even if it is possible to purchase a lease extension (under certain conditions) it is advisable to get legal advice before considering properties with leases less than 75 years. In England ‘gazumping’ (a seller accepts an offer from one prospective buyer and then sells to another for a higher amount) and ‘gazundering’ (a buyer pulls out of a sale at the last minute to come back with a lower offer) are legal. In both cases it is not the fault of the estate agent that this has happened, they are obliged by law to relay all offers to the seller right up to exchange of contracts, even when the property is under offer. They can advise the seller on the best course of action but the decision is the seller’s at all times. Key costs associated with buying property in the UK include: � Deposit is generally 10% of the purchase price upfront. � Legal fees (covers searches and paperwork with the amount varying by area and/or property value).

22 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 22 14.6.2016 12:14:36 � Stamp Duty is a tax on land or property transactions. It is currently levied progressively depending on the value of the property. � Surveyor’s fees (a homebuyers report or full structural survey to assess general condition of the property) usually vary depending on type of survey and property. � Land registry fee is payable each time a property is sold to record the change of ownership in the property. The fee depends on the value of the property.

Online Property Search

www.primelocation.com www.ndaproperty.com www.rightmove.co.uk www.zoopla.co.uk

Estate Agencies

Knight Frank LLP (FOCUS Sponsor) With Headquarters in London and offices in 58 countries Knight Frank is a leading independent, global real estate consultancy providing an integrated prime commercial and residential offering. www.knightfrank.co.uk

Douglas & Gordon www.douglasandgordon.com

Savills www.savills.co.uk

Hamptons International www.hamptons.co.uk

John D Wood & Co www.johndwood.co.uk

Furniture rental Renting furniture may be a good idea if you plan on spending less than two years in the UK or if your own furniture shipment is delayed.

FOCUS Living in the UK 23

LIUK==3.indd 23 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Housing

Furniture rental companies are able to provide full or modified services, providing furniture for every room, one specific room or single items. Some companies also sell second hand furniture which is gently used.

City Furniture Hire www.cityfurniturehireltd.com

Roomservice by Cort www.roomservicebycort.com

Home insurance From the day you move into your new property you should ensure that you have adequate insurance. There are two types of insurance: building and content insurance. If you are purchasing a house, you will require both building and content insurance (one policy or two separate policies). If you are buying a flat, however, you will only need content insurance and you will most likely have to pay your portion of the building insurance premium as part of the service charges. If you are renting a property you should consider content insurance to cover your own personal effects. The building structure will be insured by the landlord, but check your lease to see what you might be responsible for beyond the structure. The insurance premium cost will depend on the location and the size of the property, as well as any security system such as, burglar alarm, high security locks, window bars, smoke detectors you have in place. Please note that insurance companies may require a list of items above a certain value (usually £5‚000) and sometimes proof of valuation. It is advisable to ask for a number of quotations before selecting one.

Clements Worldwide www.clements.com/portals/europe/property

Direct Line www.directline.com

Elephant www.elephant.co.uk

Hiscox www.hiscox.co.uk

24 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 24 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Neighbourhoods Greater London offers a variety of housing options which can be daunting when first choosing where to live. It is therefore good to think about ways to narrow your choices before setting out. Budget, work location, school choices and other lifestyle concerns provide a good stating point. Refer to the back of the Guide for a map of London with a complete list of postcodes. Following is a list of neighborhoods in alphabetical order.

Balham SW12 and Tooting SW17 Balham and Tooting are situated in south west London, 40–50 minutes from the City and West End by public transport. Balham’s town centre has an increasingly vibrant night life with a variety of bars and restaurants. The area is surrounded by 3 commons (parks) and provides very good green space. Balham (also railway station), Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway www.balham.com www.tootinglife.com

Barnes SW13 Attractive, small residential riverside village, located south of the Thames, next to Putney. A good selection of well proportioned family houses, good local nurseries and schools including The Swedish School. RAIL – British Rail links to Central London and bus services to Putney, Richmond and Hammersmith. Hammersmith, approximately a 20 minute bus ride. www.barnesvillage.com

Battersea SW11 and Clapham SW12 Located south of the Thames at opposite ends of Clapham Common both areas have a wide variety of rental properties including period flats, new developments and houses with gardens. Battersea Park is a lovely park offering many activities. Although Battersea does not have a tube link – Clapham Junction British Rail is close by and the bus network is extensive. There are a few French schools in Battersea and Clapham. The US Embassy is moving to Battersea in 2017 and as a result the area is undergoing rapid development. Clapham Common, Clapham South and Clapham North www.batterseasociety.org.uk www.loveclapham.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 25

LIUK==3.indd 25 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Housing

Bayswater W2 Located on the north side of Hyde Park, Bayswater has a wide range of rental properties including period flats, mews houses and new developments. This central location between Notting Hill and Marble Arch offers reasonably priced accommodation and an extensive public transportation network. Bayswater, Queensway, Lancaster Gate and Paddington

Belgravia SW1 Belgravia is a very expensive, quiet residential area, located south east of Hyde Park and east of Sloane Square. The choice of rental property varies from terraced to mews houses and conversion flats. Belgrave Square is one of the grandest and largest 19th century squares in London. Large exclusive department stores such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Peter Jones are within walking distance. A few wellestablished private English schools are located around the area. Sloane Square and Victoria www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk

Belsize Park NW1 and Primrose Hill NW3 Located to the north of Regent’s Park and west of St John’s Wood, these areas are part of the Borough of Camden. They offer a selection of large homes and conversion properties. Primrose Hill has many nice shops, bars and restaurants and it is famous among celebrities. Good links to the City. Belsize Park and Chalk Farm www.primrosehill.com

Blackheath SE3 and Greenwich SE10 Blackheath in south east London is named for its extensive open green area surrounded by elegant period houses. Greenwich, on the river just across from Canary Wharf, is a World Heritage Site and home to Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian Line. Georgian and Victorian architecture dominate the town centre. Canary Wharf is reached easily by public transport from these areas. North Greenwich DLR- Greenwich and Cutty Sark www.blackheath.org www.greenwich.gov.uk

Bushey WD, Northwood and Harrow HA and Barnet EN The area north west of London has many open green spaces and large suburban family houses. Most desirable areas include Bushey, Pinner, Northwood and Rickmansworth. It is very easy to commute from these areas to the City and

26 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 26 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Central London by tube or rail and the M1and M25 are both at your doorstep. There are some very good British schools in this area. Northwood, North Harrow, Bushey and Pinner www.hertfordshire.com www.harrow.gov.uk

Camden NW1 Located to the north west of Regents Park, Camden is a vibrant, edgy, cosmopolitan area with many restaurants and bars and great night life. Rental properties are fairly limited as the majority of housing consists of period conversions and modern developments. Attractions include the canal and the famous street market. Camden Town, Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent www.camden.gov.uk www.camdenlock.net

Chelsea SW3 and SW10 Chelsea is located to the south of Hyde Park and just north of the Thames. It is a very fashionable central area, housing a large expat community. Rental prices are high due to its central location, large selection of premium rental property and good school choices. The famous Kings Road and Sloane Street offer high end shopping and other conveniences. The bus network is very good. Sloane Street or South Kensington tube stations may not convenient for all areas of Chelsea. Sloane Square and South Kensington www.chelseasociety.org.uk

Chiswick W4 An increasingly popular area, located to the west of Hammersmith. Properties vary from Victorian/Edwardian family houses with gardens to smaller terraced houses. New homes and developments are increasing in number. It is a good location for travelling to Heathrow or to the West Country via the M4. The International School of London (ISL) has one of its locations in this area. Chiswick Park and Turnham Green www.chiswickw4.com

Clerkenwell and Farringdon EC1 Clerkenwell is very central and popular as a residential area. It is considered to be very trendy, particularly for young singles and couples. Family homes are

FOCUS Living in the UK 27

LIUK==3.indd 27 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Housing

difficult to find. Farringdon is also a trendy area with a vibrant night life. The Smithfield Market, located in this area, is a large wholesale meat market and is definitely worth a visit. Farringdon station will become a major interchange station between the two largest transport infrastructure programmes currently under way in London: Thameslink and Crossrail. Crossrail is a 118kilometre railway line expected to begin full operation in 2019 Chancery Lane and Farringdon

Docklands E14, Shad Thames EC3 and Tower Bridge SE1 Docklands covers a very large riverside area and encompasses some of most impressive developments in London. The majority of the traditional ‘docks’ are located north of the Thames and to the east of the City, but areas such as Shad Thames and Tower Bridge are located on the South Bank. Warehouse conversions, new apartment buildings with porterage, gym facilities, parking, river views or marina views are all very popular, especially with young professionals. Family homes are hard to find. Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf DLR Wapping www.london-se1.co.uk

Dulwich SE21, SE22 and SE23 Dulwich is a true village complete with duck pond, cottages and a working tollgate, set in open greenery. Located south east of London, the travelling time on the train to Central London is approximately 20 minutes. The area is very family oriented with parks, golf courses and many good schools. Properties vary from large Victorian houses to pretty cottages and terrace houses. Flats are becoming more popular and several new housing schemes have recently been built. East Dulwich www.southlondonguide.co.uk

Ealing W3 Located west of Hammersmith with an ‘out of town’ feel that offers good facilities and affordable accommodation. A great deal of conversion flats, new developments and larger Victorian houses with gardens are available; some modern riverside development is taking also place in Brentford. The Japanese school is located in Ealing, amongst others. Ealing Broadway and Ealing Common www.ealing.gov.uk

28 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 28 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Earls Court SW5 Located south west of Hyde Park and near Gloucester Road, it has become more popular over the past several years. The area is undergoing a large redevelop- ment. There are some elegant houses and conversion flats in garden squares away from the busier shopping areas. Earls Court Road has an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants and it is very close to Chelsea, South Kensington and Fulham. Earls Court

Finchley NW12 Located in north London in the district of Barnet, this quiet green suburb has a community feel and large suburban properties ideal for families. Types of property vary from large luxury homes to modern flats and some prewar terraced housing. Strong Jewish and Asian communities are established here. Dwight School London is located in this area. There is good access to A1 and M1 and the North Circular ring road. East Finchley, Finchley Central, West Finchley and Woodside Park

Fulham SW6 Extremely popular with young families, Fulham has a strong neighbourhood feel, but it also attracts singles and couples. Located next to Chelsea, but noto- riously more affordable, it has good selection of rental property ranging from Victorian houses with gardens to conversion flats, new developments and riverside apartments. Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway and Putney Bridge www.lbhf.gov.uk

Golders Green NW11, Hendon and Mill Hill NW4 Located to the north west of Hampstead, these areas form the centre of the Jewish Community in London, but are also popular with Japanese and Asian families. The majority of accommodation is family orientated, but luxury apartments and flats are also available. All areas are good for access to North London (A1 and M1). Golders Green and Brent Cross www.goldersgreen.towntalk.co.uk

Hammersmith W6 and Brook Green W14 Hammersmith is conveniently situated next to the Thames and at the foot of the M4 (which leads directly to Heathrow and the West Country). Brook Green and Brackenbury Village are very sought after areas. Types of accommodation vary

FOCUS Living in the UK 29

LIUK==3.indd 29 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Housing

from Victorian Terraces to large period homes, mansion blocks and riverside developments. Hammersmith Broadway houses a major bus terminal, a tube station and many shops. Some excellent British private schools are located in this area. Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park and Barons Court www.lbhf.gov.uk www.hammersmithtoday.co.uk

Hampstead NW3 and NW6 and Hampstead Garden Suburb N2 and NW11 Hampstead is a charming and popular area set on a hill with the famous Hamp- stead Heath providing views over the City. All areas are desirable, but in particular, properties overlooking the Heath and near the Hampstead Village are considered the most exclusive. Swiss Cottage is just to the south of Hampstead and may prove a more affordable option. Hampstead Garden Suburb, a short distance from the Village, is a large, attractive residential area. Many different types and styles of property are available from large mansion houses (complete with swimming pools and granny annexes) to Victorian cottages and stateof theart developments. Hampstead, Swiss Cottage and Belsize Park

Highgate N6 Charming and pretty, Highgate is separated from Hampstead by Hampstead Heath. It has a village atmosphere but is spacious with lots of greenery. Prices are fairly expensive. Properties range from opulent mansions to Victorian terraces, cottages, and purpose built flats. Highgate Heath is popular with families. Highgate and Archway www.highgatesociety.com

Holland Park W11 Holland Park is located to the north west of Kensington and boasts the greatest concentration of large houses with some converted into large flats with wonderful horizontal living space. The area has its own park with one of the best children’s playgrounds in Central London, an openair theatre in summer as well as tennis courts and playing fields. Holland Park and High Street Kensington www.hpra.org.uk

30 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 30 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Islington N1 Now described as one of London’s trendy neighbourhoods, Islington is a vibrant and bustling area, situated to the east of Camden. A convenient commute to the City has made it very popular. The majority of property is of a ‘period’ nature (houses and conversion flats) but the area also has new developments. Angel, Highbury and Islington www.islington.gov.uk

Kensington W8 Located to the west of Hyde Park, Kensington remains a highly popular residential area centrally located close to Holland Park, Notting Hill and convenient to the West End. Transportation and shopping are very good (Kensington High Street). Properties include large period houses, conversion flats and mews houses. Prices are high due to the popularity of the area. High Street Kensington www.rbkc.gov.uk

Knightsbridge SW1 and SW3 This is a very fashionable area, famously known for Harrods and Harvey Nich- ols. Knightsbridge is located adjacent to Hyde Park and in close proximity to Belgravia and South Kensington. It offers a good selection of rental property (but very expensive) from elegant town houses to tiny mews houses, conversion flats and period apartment blocks – often surrounding leafy communal gardens. Knightsbridge and South Kensington www.knightsbridgeassociation.org.uk

Maida Vale and Little Venice W9 Located north of Marble Arch this is a solely residential area which is popular and attractive, especially the parts around the canal, known as Little Venice. It has a neighbourhood feel and there are restaurants, pubs and cafes, popular with locals and close to the canal. The properties range from terraced houses and villas, to mansion flats and garden maisonettes. The larger properties are very desirable and can be very luxurious. Maida Vale and Warwick Avenue www.maidavalevillage.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 31

LIUK==3.indd 31 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Housing

Marylebone NW1 and W1 This neighbourhood offers a village feel, despite its central location. Small boutiques, bookstores, familyowned patisseries make this area very residential and at the same time very lively proving popular with couples. Regents Park and Hyde Park are only a short walk away. Marble Arch, Bond Street and Baker Street http://www.marylebone.org

Mayfair and St James’ W1 This is considered one of the most exclusive areas with many offices, embassies and high end retail stores. Residential properties are rare and include extremely large period mansions (complete with parking space and room for household help) or large period conversions and mansion flats. The north side of Oxford Street is more residential. Green Park, Bond Street, Marble Arch and Piccadilly www.mayfair-london.co.uk

Notting Hill W11 This is a very fashionable and cosmopolitan area located to the northwest of Hyde Park and next to Holland Park and Bayswater. Not all areas are desirable, but the most popular have Victorian mansions, contemporary conversion flats and mews houses. Prices vary greatly from area to area, with the majority of expats preferring to be close to the bustling streets, shops, restaurants and bars and the everpopular Portobello Road market. The friendly atmosphere attracts a diverse mix of people. One of the world’s largest street festivals, the Notting Hill Carnival, takes place in this neighbourhood every year in the August. Notting Hill Gate, LadbrokeGrove, Latimer Road and Westbourne Park www.thehill.co.uk

Pimlico SW1 Located just north of the Thames and south of Victoria, Pimlico is a residential area with a village feel. It has become very popular in recent years. It offers better value for money than nearby Belgravia and is known for its lovely garden squares and Regency architecture but there are a few larger houses and new developments. The streets known as the Pimlico grid are famous for being home to many MPs. Pimlico and Victoria

32 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 32 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Putney and Roehampton SW15 These locations are popular with families due to their good selection of larger houses at reasonable rates and choice of schools. Both areas are located just south of the river from Fulham and offer some very attractive properties. These areas are well situated for access to the M4 as well as the A3/M3. Properties vary from new developments, purpose built blocks of apartments, conversion flats and larger Edwardian and Victorian houses and terraces. East Putney and Putney Bridge www.putneysw15.com

Richmond, Kew and Twickenham, TW9 Richmond, a Georgian Thamesside town, has a community feel and is located close to Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and the Thames. The area also encompasses the pretty village of Ham, Kew (another desirable place to live with pretty Georgian terraces/cottages) and Twickenham. All areas have easy access to the A3/M3. Richmond www.richmond.gov.uk

South Kensington SW7 Located to the south of Hyde Park, South Kensington has excellent facilities, schools, health clubs and museums, in addition to shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. Properties benefit from the many communal gardens. The French Lycee is located in this area. South Kensington and Gloucester Road

St Johns Wood NW8 and Regent’s Park NW1 A quiet area, it is popular with expatriate families, Americans in particular, due to The American School of London. There is a good selection of housing from large elegant homes to designer flats. This area also has the highest number of penthouses in London! St John’s Wood is located to the north west of Regent’s Park and the popular attractions include London Zoo, the Regents Park Canal and Lords Cricket ground. Good for access to north London. St John’s Wood www.stjohnswood.org.uk

Streatham SW16 This area is conveniently located for the City due to links between Central London and Streatham Common, just 5miles south of Charing Cross. The

FOCUS Living in the UK 33

LIUK==3.indd 33 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Housing

properties tend to be good value Victorian conversions or large family houses and 1930’s mansion blocks. RAIL – No tube but Streatham Railway Station is close by www.streathamlife.co.uk

Surrey – various postcodes For those who prefer to live outside the hustle and bustle of Central London, but still within a good commutable distance, Surrey is a great option. Extremely popular due to good rail links, wideopen spaces, great international schools (ACS International Schools in Egham and Cobham, ISL Surrey in Woking and TASIS in Thorpe) and value for money. A huge variety of properties from the odd one bedroom conversion fl at to cott ages, huge mansions and farms. Most have parking spaces and gardens. This area is extremely popular with expat families. RAIL – various stations www.surreycc.gov.uk

Wandsworth SW17 and Earls eld SW18 Central Wandsworth is very busy, but the quiet back streets are pleasant with spacious and reasonably priced properties available. Earlsfi eld has grown in popularity over the last few years and has some very good facilities. Both areas are accessible to the A3/M3 and are good for access to south west London. The majority of properties have gardens and vary from conversion fl ats to large Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Southfi elds www.wandsworth.gov.uk

Wimbledon SW19 and SW20 Located south of the Thames, Wimbledon is a lovely village with a family ori entated feel. Famous for the lawn tennis club, the area is also home to some very desirable property. Many of the homes are individually designed and range from modern conversion fl ats to large mansions leading onto Wimbledon Common. The Norwegian School is located here. It is convenient for Heathrow and Gatwick airports and access to the A3/M3. Southfi elds, Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon www.wimbledonvisitor.com

34 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 34 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Utilities 14.6.2016 12:14:37 36 37 39 39 39 ...... Telephone (Landline) Telephone Electricity, gas & water Electricity, & Internet Broadband Television & Internet Broadband (Landline) Telephone Mobile phones LIUK==3.indd 35 Utilities

There are a number of different suppliers and therefore a wide range of prices and services available to you as the consumer. Often utilities will be set up through the landlord or estate agent. It is important to check the water, gas and electricity meters when you move in (or out) so your payments correspond to your usage. Also, assure the contract and bills are registered to the correct name and address. In the case of a couple, both names should be registered so that both people can contact the suppliers. Moreover, utility bills are considered a valid proof of address so having both names on them is useful. Changing suppliers is easy as gas and electricity come through the same pipes and cables therefore only your bill will come from the new provider.

Electricity, gas & water Many companies provide both electricity and gas and offer contracts for the supply of both fuels, often called ‘dual fuel’, which may result in a discount. You can also get a discount if you use Direct Debit to pay your bill.

Electricity & gas The electricity supply in the UK is 220/240 volts. This is suitable for all electrical equipment with a rated power consumption of up to 3‚000 watts. Appliances from European countries can be used with a threeprong adaptor. From countries where the voltage is 110 volts (this includes North America) you will need to use a transformer unless the product specifically states that it has dual voltage 110–240 volts (see the Moving section). If the electricity has been disconnected by the previous tenant or owner you need to have it reconnected and you should allow at least two days for this to happen after signing a contract with a provider. There is usually a charge for the connection which may also be true for gas.

Ofgem Ofgem is the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. It is an independent Na- tional Regulatory Authority for gas and electricity services. www.ofgem.gov.uk

British Gas They supply gas and electricity, boilers and even insurance cover for your home. www.britishgas.co.uk

36 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 36 14.6.2016 12:14:37 EDF Energy Provider of lowcarbon electricity and gas. www.edfenergy.com

Comparison Websites

Compare the Market Gas and electricity rates compared. www.comparethemarket.com/energy

Gocompare.com (Ofgem accredited) www.gocompare.com

UKPower (Ofgem certied) www.ukpower.co.uk

Unravelit (Ofgem certied) www.unravelit.com

Uswitch www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity

Water Thames Water is the supplier covering much of the Greater London area. To find other supplierswww.water.org.uk/consumers/nd-your-supplier . In the UK most companies offer a choice of metered or unmetered service. Individual companies will assist each customer to make the decision as to which bill is best for them. Consumers usually see metering as a fairer way of paying for water; everyone pays a set amount for their water services and then you pay for what you use. If properties do not have a water meter an amount is charged according to geographical location and house type. Thames Water website offers a price comparison table to help you decide if it would be beneficial to install a meter. www.thameswater.co.uk

Television All TV in the UK is now digital. Services are available via an aerial (terrestrial TV), satellite, cable and through broadband. There are a number of providers in the UK that offer packages that include TV, broadband, telephone, video on demand and free phone calls packages.

FOCUS Living in the UK 37

LIUK==3.indd 37 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Utilities

There are websites that compare the different packages available in your area. Not all services are available in all areas. Also, some landlords may not allow you to put a satellite receiver on your roof. The UK Video Standard is PAL. An NTSC (American) or other system (even PALM or PAL N) will not work in the UK. The DVD region in the UK is 2. It is possible to buy multisystems/multiregions and multivoltage DVD players. You need to be covered by a TV Licence if you watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service. This is the case whether you use a TV, computer, tablet, mobile phone, games console, digital box, DVD/VHS recorder or any other device. Live TV means any programme you watch or record at the same time as it’s being shown on TV or an online TV service. If you only ever watch on demand programmes, you do not need a TV Licence. On demand includes catchup TV, streaming or downloading programmes after they’ve been shown on live TV, or programmes available online before being shown on live TV. The cost of the TV Licence is £145.50 (at the time of printing) and you can pay by debit/credit card, Direct Debit and bank transfer. www.tvlicensing.co.uk

Freeview (www.freeview.co.uk) is the only digital terrestrial television service offering more than 60 subscriptionfree television channels, digital radio and interactive services via an aerial. All new television sets include Freeview as standard, highdefinition channels from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are also available if you have a Freeview HD television or a digital box. Cable TV is a subscription for digital television service, normally bundled with a phone line and broadband. Different from Freeview, which requires a roof top aerial, cable TV is delivered via a fibre optic cable underground. Because the cables run underground into your home, you need to live in a cabled area. Check with providers first to find out if you can receive their services. Satellite television involves the signals being received via an outdoor parabolic antenna (satellite dish) and a decoder. Satellite television provides a wide range of channels and services, especially to geographic areas without terrestrial or cable television. Sky TV is the dominant satellite provider with a subscription service and the largest number of channels. Internet television (or online television) is the digital distribution of television content via the public Internet (which also carries other types of data), as op- posed to dedicated terrestrial television, cable television and satellite television systems which only carry video.

38 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 38 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Broadband & Internet Getting a new broadband set up can generally take up to two weeks. If your property does not currently have an active BT phone line, a new one will need to be installed to deliver your broadband service. Whichever provider you are using (with the exception of Virgin Media broadband), this work has to be carried out by a BT Openreach engineer and can take around 15 working days. If you’re joining Virgin Media broadband and your property is not yet con- nected to the Virgin network, a cable will need to be installed from the street cabinet to your property. The engineer will talk you through the process when they visit and there is a remote chance it could involve digging up your drive- way to lay the cables underground. If you rent the property or share freehold of the land with neighbours, it is worth checking you have permission for this to happen before you contact Virgin. Most providers offer bundle deals for landline, broadband, TV and mobile phones. Check their websites or comparison websites.

Broadband Choices www.broadbandchoices.co.uk

Compare the Market www.comparethemarket.com/digital-tv

Simplify Digital www.simplifydigital.co.uk

Telephone (Landline) Before you decide on a telephone service, it may help to do a little research to decide which type of residential service will suit you. There are packages for different levels of usage, free calls at evenings, weekends or to specific numbers and international numbers. Otherwise, all calls are charged, including local ones.

Mobile phones There are a bewildering number of choices when it comes to mobile phone service in the UK. The array of phones, networks and prices can be a bit over- whelming. When you buy a new phone, chances are it will be locked to the network you bought it on – and if you try to put another network’s Sim card in, it simply

FOCUS Living in the UK 39

LIUK==3.indd 39 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Utilities

won’t work. Unlocking it means you can use the phone with any compatible Sim card, on any network. It is difficult to set up a monthly plan with mobile phone networks in the UK without a credit history; pay as you go or SIM only can be a good solution to start. You can buy your phone/SIM card from many shops. Some shops sell multiple providers while others offer sales through a single supplier. It is worth shopping around to see which operator offers the best package for you. The market is quite competitive and there are many choices, so don’t be afraid to ask for a good deal.

EE ee.co.uk

O2 www.o2.co.uk

Three www.three.co.uk

Vodafone www.vodafone.co.uk

TV, Broadband, Telephone

BT TV, broadband, telephone and mobile. www.productsandservices.bt.com

Carphone Warehouse Largest mobile phone retail supplier. Compare broadband and TV deals. www.carphonewarehouse.com

Sky Digital satellite TV, broadband and telephone. www.sky.com

40 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 40 14.6.2016 12:14:37 TalkTalk TV, broadband, telephone and mobile. www.talktalk.co.uk

Virgin Media TV, broadband, telephone and mobile. www.virginmedia.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 41

LIUK==3.indd 41 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Finance & Law Currency ...... 43 Banking ...... 43 Taxation ...... 46 Law...... 50

LIUK==3.indd 42 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Currency The currency in the UK is the pound sterling. One pound is made of 100 pence, also referred to as ‘p’. There are £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes and 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins. Most coins have the profile of Queen Elizabeth II on one side. It is interest- ing to know that the profile has been updated many times over the years and therefore you will find different images of the Queen on currently used coins.

Currency conversion Using a foreign exchange specialist means you have access to expert guidance on the markets and when to make a money transfer. The costs are also far cheaper than using a bank and the exchange rate you will be offered will be better. When choosing a currency broker look for audited accounts, details of any awards and specific information relating to regulation and antimoney laundering policies.

Moneycorp www.moneycorp.com

Banking

Retail banking As an expat in London, you will need a bank account to at least be paid, get cash or make payments. It is important that you plan ahead so that you have easy access to your money upon arrival. The process of opening a bank account for expats has improved in the last few years, but still can presents some challenges, in particular related to providing a proof of address.

Opening a bank account if you are new to the UK Most banks will require the following documents in order to open a UK bank account: � Valid proof of your identity Passport, National Identity Card, National Driv- ing Licence; � Current proof of your UK address this could be more difficult, but the following documents may be acceptable: Tenancy Agreement, utility bills, letter from your employer in the UK confirming your UK address.

FOCUS Living in the UK 43

LIUK==3.indd 43 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Finance & Law

Other useful documents are: � Proof of your previous or permanent address in the country you are coming from: reference letter from a bank or financial institution you have an account with in that country; � Document showing that money will be paid into your account regularly such as a copy of your job offer/contract or a pay slip. Remember that banks will normally only accept original documents, not copies. The process might take two to three weeks before the account is open and ready to use. Before opening a bank account, it is better to shop around as not all banks make their decisions using the same criteria and offer the same products.

Main UK banks There are a lot of banks in the UK offering different products and services. Premier banking service, for example, is a more personal service through a relationship manager who assists with the operation of the accounts. It is usually intended for customers who are typically earning more than £75‚000 a year and have additional savings. Premier relationship managers may introduce clients to an inhouse financial advisor who can further assess the client’s needs and advise additional products or services to suit them. Here are some of the most popular choices, but their products may change therefore is advisable to check directly with them:

Barclays www.barclays.co.uk

CITI www.citigroup.com/citi

HSBC www.hsbc.co.uk

Lloyds www.lloydsbank.com

Natwest personal.natwest.com

44 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 44 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Be sure to speak to the bank or a tax consultant to understand your options as some international accounts have tax implications, especially for Americans.

Private banking Private banking or wealth management is ideally suited to those with assets over £250‚000 or total assets in excess of £1‚000‚000. Each private bank will offer different services and a diverse range of products, investment expertise and lending capabilities. For those looking for a private banking relationship, choosing which institution will be an important consideration. Often, the organisation you choose will be determined, in part, by your net worth. The wealth manager or private banker should offer a holistic service to clients and aim to be the trusted advisor to an individual or family allowing them to develop an understanding of their client’s longterm financial plans.

Credit cards Major credit cards available in the UK are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Diner’s Club is also available, but acceptance is low. All debit and credit cards issued in the UK have a chip, which is read by a security terminal and requires you to enter a PIN to validate the purchase. Some establishments may be reluctant to take a card without the Chip & PIN system, so it is a good idea to get your UK credit and debit cards as soon as possible. Once you establish a bank account in the UK the bank will generally be able to provide you with a credit card, although the initial limit may be low. Credit may be an issue as you are unlikely to have a credit history here. If you currently have a credit card from your home country, you should contact customer services to advise them that you are moving to the UK. Based on your current credit history it might be possible for them to issue you with a UK based card. Contactless is a fast, easy and secure way to pay, for purchases costing (at the time of printing) £30 and under. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly common on a range of devices. You can use your contactless card to pay for buses, tube and train rides.

Wealth management

Maseco Maseco provides wealth management advice and investment management for US citizens, US expats and nondomiciled families living in the UK https://masecoprivatewealth.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 45

LIUK==3.indd 45 14.6.2016 12:14:37 Finance & Law

Westminster Wealth Management Londonbased independent financial advisory group, providing expert financial advice to a wide range of clients. www.westminster-wealth.com

Taxation Here are some general taxation guidelines, however we suggest that you consult an independent advisor as every case can be very different. In the UK the tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April for historic reasons and a tax return is, generally, required to be submitted and the tax paid, on or before the following 31 January. The UK operates a self assessment basis for its tax returns. The taxpayer con- siders what needs to be reported and calculates the amount due then submits this information to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). HMRC then reserve the right to enquire into any items they consider may not have been reported accurately, generally only within 12 months of submission.

Employment income If you work for an overseas employer and are not UK resident but some of your duties are carried on in the UK, you are subject to UK income tax on a proportion of your earnings attributable to the UK duties. This may be limited or extinguished if there is a suitable Double Taxation Agreement in place with your host jurisdiction and the UK. Alternatively, if you are UK resident, work for a UK employer and are domiciled outside the UK but some of your duties are carried on overseas, in your early years of UK residence you may be able to defer, or even avoid altogether, being taxed on the proportion of the earnings attributable to the overseas duties. In some rare cases, dual contracts have been used by UK employers with international associates to materially reduce an employee’s UK income tax ex- posure. You will know if you are one of these individuals and, while it has always been an exceptionally complex area, from 6 April 2014, the rules have become even more onerous with most arrangements being challenged successfully by HMRC.

The Remittance Basis Individuals who are resident in the UK but not UK domiciled are taxed by de- fault on their worldwide income and gains. However, they can make a claim in relation to their nonUK income and gains such that they are only taxed in the UK when ‘remitted’ here. This is referred to as the Remittance Basis.

46 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 46 14.6.2016 12:14:38 From 6 April 2008, a long term resident (i.e. resident for more than 7 years in the previous 9) wishing to be on the Remittance Basis is required to pay an annual fee of £30‚000 for the privilege. For longer term residents (i.e. resident for more than 12 years in the previous 14) this fee increases to £50‚000 and £90‚000 for those who have been resident for the 17 of the previous 20. There are some exceptions, which must not be overlooked. The Remittance Basis can be claimed or not claimed as required in any particular year and is usually claimed on your UK tax return. Below are some useful definitions relating to the UK tax system:

Resident (now determined by the Statutory Residence Test (‘SRT’) This is only a sample of the items in the SRT. For a full list visit: www.gov.uk � If you are in the UK for 183 days or more in a tax year, you are UK resident for that year for tax purposes; � If you have a home in the UK that you spend 30 or more days in and either no home overseas or one or more homes overseas, where none of which you spend more than 30 days in you could be UK resident; � If you work full time in the UK for any period of 365 days, you are very likely to be UK resident; � If you are neither automatically nonUK resident or automatically UK resident under the specific tests, then whether you are UK resident will depend on how many ties you have in the UK and how many days you spend in the UK – the more ties, the less time it takes to become UK resident.

Domicile Everyone has only a single domicile. The most important and binding is your Domicile of Origin, which is acquired at birth. You take your father’s domicile if you are born when your parents are married, it need not be the country in which you are born. For example, if you are born in France while your father is working there, but his permanent home is in the UK, your domicile of origin is in the UK. A Domicile of Choice can be adopted by permanently moving to a new specific jurisdiction. This suppresses a Domicile of Origin but if it is lost, the Domicile of Origin is revived. Currently for UK Inheritance Tax purposes only, there is a concept of Deemed UK Domicile. This is imposed on individuals with a foreign Dom- icile of Origin at the beginning of their 17th year of UK residence [looking at a rolling 20 year period]. This has a significant impact for those with wealth held

FOCUS Living in the UK 47

LIUK==3.indd 47 14.6.2016 12:14:38 Finance & Law

outside the UK but can be mitigated with suitable planning so advice should be sought in good time given that the savings can be 40% of your nonUK wealth. It is worth highlighting here that from April 2017 there will be a Deemed UK Domicile for all UK tax purposes (Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Inher itance Tax) applied from your 16th year of UK residence [looking at a rolling 20 year period].

Other items The UK has Double Taxation Agreements with many countries that aim to ensure two things: � You either only pay tax on a particular source of income or gains in one country; � Where both countries can tax the same item, you suff er a reduced rate of withholding tax where appropriate and receive credit so you only suff er whichever proves to be the highest eff ective rate. If there is no agreement and you have already paid tax overseas you can usually claim either of the following: � Credit against your UK tax liability; � A deduction when arriving at your taxable income or gains. Note: US citizens are subject to US taxes on their worldwide income and gains and are still required to fi le their US tax returns regardless of where they are living. If your tax liability is zero there is no penalty for not fi ling, but you may risk eligibility for future exclusions or deductions by not fi ling a timely and accurate return. More information on the publication from IRS: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf

The Taxation information has been kindly provided by Buzzacott ’s Private Client team.

Buzzacott (FOCUS Sponsor) Providing bespoke tax advice and compliance services while helping you to protect your wealth. www.buzzacott.co.uk

Ja e & Co (FOCUS Sponsor) Comprehensive tax preparation and compliance service for American ex patriates living in the UK. www.ja eandco.com

48 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 48 14.6.2016 12:14:38 ADVERTISEMENT FULL PAGE Withers

FOCUS Living in the UK 49

LIUK==3.indd 49 14.6.2016 12:14:38 Finance & Law Wherever life Law Unlike many other countries, the UK does not have a single constitutional doc “Clients appreciatetakes the immediate response timesyou and exact ument. The UK has an ‘unwritt en’ constitution made up of writt en documents, knowledge of the excellent team at SA Law and the absolutely statutes, court judgements and treaties. It also has other sources of unwritt en brilliant solicitor, Tijen Ahmet.” sources including parliamentary conventions and royal prerogatives. It is therefore crucial that you get advice from lawyers who have togeth The Legal 500 er with a solid UK knowledge also an international perspective whether you are applying for a visa, seeking employment advice, looking to get advice on inheritance rules including unravelling tax rules in two or more countries, or ensuring your income and capital are structured eff ectively.

SA Law (FOCUS Sponsor) UK solicitors practice off ering a ‘full service’ with a large team of solicitors that cover all legal aspects of your business and personal life. www.salaw.com

Withers LLP (FOCUS Sponsor) A global law fi rm that has been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for over 100 years. They advise clients on their business and personal legal needs both at home and abroad. www.withersworldwide.com

Advice on every aspect of your business and personal life. Whether you’re settled in the UK, facing a change or looking for a new challenge, our friendly team can guide you to where you want to be. Talk to our team of experts for all of your legal needs. Immigration | Employment | Family | Corporate | Property | Litigation

salaw.com/focus London: +44 (0)20 7183 5683 St Albans: +44 (0)1727 798000

Direct Contact: Tijen Ahmet, Immigration Specialist [email protected] 50 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 50 14.6.2016 12:14:38 Wherever life

“Clients appreciatetakes the immediate response timesyou and exact knowledge of the excellent team at SA Law and the absolutely brilliant solicitor, Tijen Ahmet.” The Legal 500

ADVERTISEMENT FULL PAGE Withers Advice on every aspect of your business and personal life. Whether you’re settled in the UK, facing a change or looking for a new challenge, our friendly team can guide you to where you want to be. Talk to our team of experts for all of your legal needs. Immigration | Employment | Family | Corporate | Property | Litigation

salaw.com/focus London: +44 (0)20 7183 5683 St Albans: +44 (0)1727 798000

Direct Contact: Tijen Ahmet, Immigration Specialist [email protected] FOCUS Living in the UK 51

LIUK==3.indd 51 14.6.2016 12:14:39 Healthcare Overview of National Health Service (NHS) & private healthcare ...... 53 General Practitioner (GP) ...... 53 Hospitals ...... 55 Medical emergencies ...... 58 Specialists ...... 60 Dentists & Orthodontists ...... 60 Opticians & Ophthalmologists ...... 61 Alternative medicine ...... 62 Pharmacies ...... 63 Pregnancy ...... 63

LIUK==3.indd 52 14.6.2016 12:14:39 Overview of National Health Service (NHS) & private healthcare In the UK there are two options for healthcare: the National Health Service (NHS) and the private medical practice. Anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK (i.e. lawfully living and settled in the UK), including full time overseas students and work permit holders, is entitled to free medical care under the NHS. Many may also choose to register with a private medical practice. However, it is not necessary to make a hard and fast choice about whether to use the NHS or private medical care. In most cases you can tap into both systems and use the one you feel is most appropriate for you at the time. The main point to remember about the UK health care system (both private and NHS) is that the General Practitioner (GP) is always the first point of contact, even for children.

General Practitioner (GP) A GP is a family doctor who performs routine health checks, gynecological and pre/postnatal checks, developmental checks for children, immunizations for both children and adults and any other nonspecific illness.They often provide the initial diagnosis and then if necessary refer you to a specialist. An NHS GP can also refer you to a private specialist, often referred as a consultant. GPs usually work in practices as part of a team, which includes nurses and healthcare assistants.

Registering with a GP Register with a GP as soon as you have a permanent UK address. Do not wait to get sick to do it.

NHS To find an NHS GP practice (called surgery) near you, visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk NHS GP surgeries have their own geographical boundaries, so practices will only accept patients living in the catchment area. Some practices might be full and not accepting new patients. Before registering with your surgery, you may want to ask neighbors for recommendations, visit a couple of surgeries and in- quire about opening hours and services offered. The NHS website also provides useful reviews on the different surgeries.

FOCUS Living in the UK 53

LIUK==3.indd 53 14.6.2016 12:14:39 Healthcare

In order to register, call or visit your GP surgery. You may need to present photo identification, such as your passport or driving license and proof of your address, such as a recent council tax bill or utility bill. The appointments with the NHS GPs are only 10 minutes long and you will need to book a double appointment if you need to discuss more that one prob- lem.

NHS Choices General informational website to learn more about the NHS and find doctors, hospitals, dentists and other medical advice. www.nhs.uk

Private Most private doctors do not require advance registration, but it is advisable to register with them before you become sick to ensure they will see you when you need them. To register with a private GP, call or visit your chosen practice. Some will require an initial appointment and may also require an annual fee. The FOCUS website lists many recommended practices. The main advantage of going to private GPs and specialists is that you can generally be seen more promptly and private doctors also allow more time for consultations. A consultation with a private GP typically costs around £100 – £200 while NHS consultations are free. In addition, for children and pregnant women, most medication is free only when prescribed by an NHS GP. If you are in England for a short visit but need to see a GP, you can register as a temporary patient with a local doctor. You need to be in the area for more than 24 hours but less than three months. It is up to the GP practice to decide whether or not they will accept new patients. Treatment will be free of charge, but please ensure you present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you have one.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives the right to access state provided healthcare on temporary stays in other European Economic countries or Switzerland. The EHIC covers treatment that is medically necessary until the card holder returns home. The EHIC it is not an alternative to travel insurance. You are entitled to a UK EHIC if you are ordinarily resident in the UK, whether you work or not and you apply online for one free of charge.

54 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 54 14.6.2016 12:14:39 Hospitals There are many leading medical hospitals in the UK. Listed below are some of the ones FOCUS recommends. Please note for NHS hospitals please refer to the following topic Medical emergencies for a listing of NHS hospitals.

NHS hospitals with A&E departments

Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge CB2 www.cuh.org.uk

Charing Cross Hospital London W6 www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-locations/charing-cross-hospital

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital London SW10 www.chelwest.nhs.uk

King’s College Hospital London SE5 www.kch.nhs.uk

Kingston Hospital Surrey KT2 www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk

Moorelds Eye Hospital London EC1V www.moorelds.nhs.uk

Royal London Hospital Trust London E1 www.bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk

Royal Free Hospital London NW3 www.royalfree.nhs.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 55

LIUK==3.indd 55 14.6.2016 12:14:39 Healthcare

Royal Surrey County Hospital Guilford GU2 www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk

St. George’s Hospital Tooting London SW17 www.stgeorges.nhs.uk

St. Mary’s Hospital London W2 www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-locations/st-marys-hospital

St. Thomas’s Hospital London SE1 www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk

University College Hospital London NW1 www.uclh.nhs.uk

Western Eye Hospital A specialist eye hospital with a 24/7 A&E department. London NW1 www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-locations/western-eye-hospital

Whittington Hospital London N19 www.whittington.nhs.uk

NHS Children’s Hospital

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children UK’s largest paediatric centre for many services including heart problems, brain surgery and gene therapy. London WC1N www.gosh.nhs.uk

56 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 56 14.6.2016 12:14:39 Private Healthcare Contacts

HCA Hospitals (FOCUS Sponsor) Several hospitals (including the Lister Hospital, the London Bridge Hospi- tal, the Portland Hospital, the Princess Grace Hospital and the Wellington Hospital) and over 2‚800 consultants in the London area. www.hcahospitals.co.uk

The Harley Street Clinic (FOCUS Sponsor) A specialist private cardiac, cancer and neurosciences hospital providing complex care to adults, children and babies. General medical consultations, house calls, including 24 hour, 365 day emergency visits. London W1G www.theharleystreetclinic.com

The Lister Hospital (FOCUS Sponsor) Private hospital in Chelsea. Its Fertility Clinic is one of the longest established in the UK. Also offers gynaecology and breast care services. Special- ist services include a Stroke Unit and an Orthopaedic Centre. Other major specialities include gastroenterology, general and vascular surgery, neurol- ogy, oncology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and urology. London SW1W www.thelisterhospital.com

Roodlane Medical (FOCUS Sponsor) Private GP services, physio, chiropractic and osteopathy, as well as a range of health screening. Various locations. www.roodlane.co.uk

XVIII The Centre for Advanced Screening (FOCUS Sponsor) Screening Centre for early diagnosis and prevention. London W1G http://xviii.co.uk

Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth Over 600 specialists who can treat almost any illness on an inpatient and outpatient basis. London NW8 www.hje.org.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 57

LIUK==3.indd 57 14.6.2016 12:14:39 Healthcare

Optegra Eye Hospital Eye care specialists in a stateoftheart hospital. London W1 www.optegra.com

Your Excellent Health Service Private health clinic with a variety of medical services including GP, vacci nations, travel medicine, health screenings and more. EYESIGHT IS YOUR MOST PRECIOUS SENSE. London W1G EYESIGHT IS YOUR MOST PRECIOUS SENSE. www.yourexcellenthealth.co.uk TRUST THE EXPERTS. TRUST THE EXPERTS. Medical emergencies The best advice is to be prepared. All GP surgeries, private and NHS, are re quired to off er 24 hour coverage. Most surgeries will have recorded messages with contact information and advice during out of offi ce hours. Locate your local NHS Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department as pri vate hospitals do not off er this service.When you arrive in the UK, make a note of the nearest NHS hospital that has an A&E department. We have listed a number of these hospitals in the section listed Hospitals.

Emergency phone numbers � 999 This number should be phoned for an ambulance if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. � 111 This is the NHS number for nonemergency medical situations (if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a lifethreatening situation). An NHS operator will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and will then give you healthcare advice or direct you to the local service that best can help you. That could be A&E, an outofhours doctor, an urgent care centre or a walk-in centre, a community nurse, an emergency dentist or a lateope ning chemist. If NHS 111 advisers think you need an ambulance, they will immediately arrange for one to be sent to you. There’s only one place to have your eyes cared for. There’s only one place to have your eyes cared for. A state-of-the-art London home for the UK’s most trusted eye care specialist.* Walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre WhereA state-of-the-art our pioneering London consultants home for deliver the UK’s the most full spectrumtrusted eye of careeye healthspecialist.* care If you have a minor illness or injury (cuts, sprains or rashes) and it can not wait Whereand you our will pioneering receive a moreconsultants profound deliver treatment the full experience. spectrum of We eye can health be found care until your GP surgery is open, then visiting one of these centres is an option. andjust o you Harley will receive St. Optegra a more Eye profound Hospital treatmentLondon, Queen experience. Anne St, We W1. can be found www.clch.nhs.uk/services/walk-in-and-urgent-care-centres.aspx just o Harley St. Optegra Eye Hospital London, Queen Anne St, W1.

Private walkin centres are listed after the listing of hospitals earlier in this Book your free consultation at optegra.com/london section. orBook call your us on free 0800 consultation 014 7879 at optegra.com/london or call us on 0800 014 7879

LIUK==3.indd 58 14.6.2016 12:14:39 OPT_OEHL_Living in the UK_210x148+3mm.indd 1 19/02/2016 10:27 OPT_OEHL_Living in the UK_210x148+3mm.indd 1 19/02/2016 10:27 EYESIGHT IS YOUR MOST PRECIOUS SENSE. EYESIGHT IS YOUR MOST PRECIOUS SENSE. TRUST THE EXPERTS. TRUST THE EXPERTS.

ADVERTISEMENT FULL PAGE Optegra

There’s only one place to have your eyes cared for. There’s only one place to have your eyes cared for. A state-of-the-art London home for the UK’s most trusted eye care specialist.* AWhere state-of-the-art our pioneering London consultants home for deliver the UK’s the most full spectrumtrusted eye of careeye healthspecialist.* care andWhere you our will pioneering receive a moreconsultants profound deliver treatment the full experience. spectrum of We eye can health be found care justand o you Harley will receive St. Optegra a more Eye profound Hospital treatmentLondon, Queen experience. Anne St, We W1. can be found just o Harley St. Optegra Eye Hospital London, Queen Anne St, W1.

Book your free consultation at optegra.com/london orBook call your us on free 0800 consultation 014 7879 at optegra.com/london or call us on 0800 014 7879

LIUK==3.inddOPT_OEHL_Living 59 in the UK_210x148+3mm.indd 1 14.6.201619/02/2016 12:14:40 10:27 OPT_OEHL_Living in the UK_210x148+3mm.indd 1 19/02/2016 10:27 Healthcare

Private urgent care contacts

Urgent Care Centre (FOCUS Sponsor) A private walkin facility that is located at the Princess Grace Hospital. Open 8am – 10pm, 365 days a year London W1U www.urgentcarecentre.co.uk

Children’s Doc Around the Clock (FOCUS Sponsor) An urgent private GP appointment service for babies and children up to the age of 16. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Portland Hospital London W1W www.theportlandhospital.com/children/childrens-doc-around-the-clock

Casualty First Open 7 days a week for walk in urgent care. Adults & children from age 1. St John & St Elizabeth Hospital London NW8 http://casualtyrst.co.uk

Specialists Specialists including paediatricians, gynaecologists, dermatologists and cardiolo- gists, in the UK are highly qualifiedconsultants who specialise in specific areas of medicine. Patients may be referred to a specialist either by an NHS or private GP. The majority of private health insurance in Britain will only cover specialist appointments and treatments when referred by a GP (both NHS and private) but not the initial appointment with the private GP. You will also need to ensure that the recommended specialist is included in the list of consultants covered by your insurance company. Pregnancies are usually not covered by private insurance companies; unless it is a risky pregnancy. However, some private international health insurances will cover private GP fees, pregnancy and private specialists without a GP re- ferral. It is advisable to enquire and to fully understand your coverage.

Dentists & Orthodontists All practicing dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council. This is a statutory body protecting patients by ensuring that all practicing dentists

60 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 60 14.6.2016 12:14:40 are properly trained. All qualified dentists will have the letters BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) or LDS (Licentiate in Dental Surgery) after their name.

NHS If you want NHS dental treatment you will first need to find one who is accepting new patients. Dentists operate differently from doctors and therefore do not have specific catchment areas. You may have to join a waiting list or contact multiple practices before you find an NHS dentist with capacity to accept new patients. You can search the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk or call NHS 111. If you can’t find an NHS dentist who is accepting new patients, NHS England will be able to tell you which dentist in your area currently accepts patients. You are entitled to any treatment which you need to maintain your dental health. This could include the fitting of crowns, bridges and dentures. The dentist will give you a treatment plan after your checkup if you ask for it, which will show you what you need and the cost. There are three standard charges for a course of NHS dental treatments, depending on the treatment needed. Most treatments are offered free through the NHS for children under 18 and pregnant women through to the first year of their child’s life. NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under the age of 18 with a clear clinical need for treatment. However, because of the high demand for treatment, there can be a long waiting list for NHS orthodontic treatment.

Private If you are specifically looking for private dental care the best resources can be found on the FOCUS website. We have an extensive list of dental contacts as well peadiatric specialists and hospitals. The major difference between an NHS and a private dentist is the material used and the cost. However, many dentists work for both systems and would explain the benefits of providing a service under each track. They generally point out the difference in material, the final result and the prices for what you need.

Opticians & Ophthalmologists An ophthalmic practitioner or an optometrist will check the quality of your vision and eye health. Both are trained to recognise abnormalities and signs of any eye disease such as cataracts or glaucoma. If necessary, they will refer you

FOCUS Living in the UK 61

LIUK==3.indd 61 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Healthcare

on to your GP or an eye clinic for further investigation. They also prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. Dispensing opticians fit glasses and contact lenses, but do not test eyes. They can give you advice on types of lens, such as singlevision or bifocal and help you choose the frames. Ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) are doctors that specialise in the medical and surgical care of your eyes and the visual system. They also look into the prevention of eye disease and injury. An ophthalmologist treats patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly. The conditions dealt with in ophthalmology can range from eye trauma to cataracts, diabetic eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, congenital and genetic eye problems. Eye tests can be carried out at any high street optician such as Boots, D&A and David Clulow.

Eye emergencies In the event of an emergency involving the eye the following two resources have 24/7 A&E departments specifically for the treatment of eye injuries.

Moorelds Eye Hospital London EC1V www.moorelds.nhs.uk

Western Eye Hospital London NW1 www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-locations/western-eye-hospital

All children under 16 (or under 19 if in fulltime education) are entitled to a free NHS sight test and an NHS optical voucher that can be used to help pay towards the cost of the glasses.

Alternative medicine There is an increasing interest in treating health problems via alternative medicine, complementary therapies or homeopathy. Recognising the body’s own ability to heal and rebalance itself these treatments or therapies aim to enable the individual to take control of their symptoms and develop skills to be able to maintain health in the future. Almost six million people in the UK use complementary health care. In the UK it is rare to find conventional and complementary practitioners working together. Where they do, it is known as integrated health care.

62 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 62 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Most alternative therapies are not available on the NHS, but the NHS may sometimes cover acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic, massage, osteopathy and clinical hypnotherapy. A significant number of GPs are trained in and use certain types of complementary and alternative medicine, such as acupuncture; and GPs may sometimes refer to other practitioners, including chiropractic for back pain.

Pharmacies Pharmacies (or chemists) are very easy to find in the UK with large chains, such as Boots and Lloyds, to smaller independent shops. Many large grocery stores have a pharmacy department that is open later in the evening. You can ask your local pharmacist for advice; your pharmacist can give you advice for many common minor illnesses, such as diarrhea, minor infections, headache, travel advice or sore throats.

Boots Many locations throughout the UK, including high streets and airports www.boots.com

Llyods Instore and online pharmacy and advice www.llyodspharmacy.com

Zafash 24hour pharmacy 233 Old Brompton Road, Earl’s Court SW5 www.zafash.co.uk/index.php/services/zafash-pharmacy

Pregnancy It is advisable to choose your options as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Expectant mothers need to decide whether to go through the NHS (National Health Service) system or private healthcare system as soon as possible as hospitals and obstetricians book up quickly.

NHS The NHS provides free care throughout your pregnancy and delivery. Expect- ant mothers should see their NHS GP for their first appointment after which they will be referred to the local NHS hospital and midwife team. Some NHS GPs may share work with the hospital therefore some appointments may be

FOCUS Living in the UK 63

LIUK==3.indd 63 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Healthcare

at your local GP surgery. A midwife will attend the birth unless there are com- plications, in which case an obstetrician will assist. Some NHS hospitals offer a dedicated midwife service for an additional fee. The same midwife will see you throughout your pregnancy and during the birth. With the NHS, you will receive free care throughout your pregnancy and delivery. In addition, pregnant women receive free dental care and medication with NHS prescriptions from conception through to the first twelve months of the baby’s life.

Private In the private system, you choose your own obstetrician/gynaecologist who will care for you throughout your pregnancy and deliver the baby. Most obstetrician/gynaecologist consultants in London have both private and NHS practices. Checkups are generally with the same obstetrician and they as well as a midwife will be present at the birth. To find a private consultant you can either ask your GP for a recommendation or you can visit FOCUS website or call the office for names of obstetricians recommended by other FOCUS members. Alternatively you may look for a private hospital first and work with their inhouse team of midwives and doctors. Choose your doctor wisely as you will have a longterm relationship with them.

Insurance coverage If you decide to go private it is important to know in advance whether your insurance company is going to cover the private pregnancy and baby delivery costs. Most international insurances and expatriate health packages as well as some British insurance companies include or at least offer a respective coverage at additional fees. You may also check this point with your employer for a possible corporate insurance if you are on an expatriate contract. Eventually you can still go for the selfpayment option where you pay for your treatment by yourself.

Antenatal classes Antenatal classes are very popular in this country. They can help you prepare for birth as well as provide the opportunity to meet other prospective parents. Most hospitals offer antenatal classes or you can have one recommended by your GP. These classes are a great place to share your concerns and meet people in a similar situation who may even become lifelong friends.

64 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 64 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Post-natal care A community (NHS) midwife must be in attendance and provide regular checks for at least 10 days following delivery, for patients in both private and NHS hospitals. Visits usually take place in your home and the number and content of the visits will be discussed depending on the new baby’s and mother’s needs. The community midwife may continue visiting for up to a month or so after delivery and should work closely with the health visitor who does her primary visit on or around 11 days after birth.

NHS pregnancy Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, you should find it here. www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby

Baby centre Baby Centre provides support for parents at every stage of their child’s development, from preconception to age five. www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy

A selection of maternity hospitals in Central London, private or NHS

The Portland Hospital (FOCUS Sponsor) Private hospital providing specialised care for new mothers and babies from conception through to postnatal support. Marylebone W1W www.theportlandhospital.co.uk

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS hospital with a private maternity ward (The Kensington Wing) providing care for both baby and mother. Chelsea SW10 www.chelwest.nhs.uk/private-care

Kingston Hospital NHS hospital with a private wing. Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 www.kingstonmaternity.org.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 65

LIUK==3.indd 65 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Healthcare

St. Mary’s Hospital NHS hospital with a private maternity ward (The Lindo Wing) providing care for both baby (including Royals) and mother. Paddington W2 www.imperialprivathealthcare.co.uk

St. Thomas’s Hospital London SE1 www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital NHS hospital with a private maternity ward providing care for both baby and mother. Hammersmith W12 www.imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk

Women’s centres and fertility clinics

The Lister Hospital (FOCUS Sponsor) Private hospital in Chelsea. Its Fertility Clinic is one of the longest estab lished in the UK. THE LISTER London SW1W HOSPITAL IS ON www.thelisterhospital.com YOUR DOORSTEP exceptional people. exceptional care.

London Wellwoman Clinic General gynaecology and obstetrics. Famous for its holistic approach be fore, during and after the birth. London NW8 www.londonwellwomanclinic.co.uk

How far would you want to travel You can ﬁnd out more about the Zita West Clinic for exceptional healthcare? hospital on your doorstep at Range of programs, treatments and products to help couples take Not far is our guess. listeronyourdoorstep.co.uk a planned approach to fertility and pregnancy. And because you never know when you might need us, why not put our London W1U Fortunately, you live in an area where one of the world’s leading hospitals is right on number in your phone? 0203 544 5164 www.zitawest.com your doorstep. There, you’re feeling better already. We have a wide range of specialists who will treat you using some of the most advanced medical equipment available. And you’ll have the reassurance that you’re never far from home.

66 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 66 14.6.2016 12:14:40 The Birth Company Comprehensive range of services centred around conception, pregnancy and birth. London W1G www.thebirthcompany.co.uk

The Women’s Wellness Centre Broad range of female health services. London SW10 www.womenswellnesscentre.com

The Chelsea Birth Clinic Comprehensive range of services for pregnant women. London SW10 www.chelseabirthclinic.co.uk

THE LISTER HOSPITAL IS ON YOUR DOORSTEP exceptional people. exceptional care. ADVERTISEMENT HALF PAGE

How far would you want to travel You can ﬁnd out more about the for exceptional healthcare? hospital on your doorstep at Not far is Listerour guess. listeronyourdoorstep.co.uk And because you never know when Fortunately, you live in an area where one you might need us, why not put our of the world’s leading hospitals is right on number in your phone? 0203 544 5164 your doorstep. There, you’re feeling better already. We have a wide range of specialists who will treat you usingHospital some of the most advanced medical equipment available. And you’ll have the reassurance that you’re never far from home.

FOCUS Living in the UK 67

LIUK==3.indd 67 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Healthcare

BabyInc Baby Inc is a Central London based, women’s clinic, specialising in private antenatal care, gynaecology and fertility. London W1G www.babyinc.co.uk

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Provides information and support in pregnancy, child birth and early childcare. Classes for parents and support groups, branches throughout the country. www.nct.org.uk

Birthlight An education charity focusing on an holistic approach to pregnancy, birth and babyhood using yoga and breathing methods. Cambridge CB4 www.birthlight.com

New Baby Company Antenatal classes in several locations in south west London preparing for motherhood and birth. London SW www.newbabycompany.com

IMUK Independent Midwifery Information about independent midwives in your region, postnatal tips as well as services for midwives. www.imuk.org.uk

68 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 68 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Services Domestic help ...... 70 Mail ...... 72 Recycling ...... 73

LIUK==3.indd 69 14.6.2016 12:14:40 Services Greycoat Lumleys Setting the standard in recruitment

London off ers all sorts of services to fulfi l everyone’s needs. The FOCUS web finding the very best staff for your site has a trusted list of service providers, from locksmiths and plumbers, to home & family beauty salons and tailors, from gardeners and interior designers to pet sitt ers and IT support. In this section we have listed some of the essential services, for all others please refer to the FOCUS website.

Domestic help Once you have decided on the amount and type of domestic help you need, the next task is to fi nd someone suitable. To fi nd help you may want to use the services of an agency, place advertisements in magazines, websites or school notice boards, or, even bett er, ask friends, colleagues and neighbours. Personal recommendations give you valuable fi rst hand references and information. It is always helpful to check with previous owners, building porters and/ or tenants for handymen, gardeners, cleaners, etc. who are familiar with the residence. Agencies are usually the fastest and most effi cient way to fi nd domestic help, but they can be expensive. The benefi t of working with an agency is that they will screen the candidates and try to select the most appropriate people for you. Keep in mind that you can register with more than one agency to maximise the number of candidates you see. You can post your employee requirements on websites, in publications or through the local community. When placing an advert, be specifi c. List the duties, preferred language, number of children, fulltime/parttime, location and anything else you feel is essential. When placing an ad you may want to consider buying a new SIM card with a diff erent phone number or creating a temporary email account.

Greycoat Lumleys (FOCUS Sponsor) For help hiring household staff , housekeepers, nannies, drivers, etc. www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk Housekeepers | Cleaners | Couples | Nannies | Nanny/Housekeepers Greycoat Lumleys’ quality recruitment Gumtree Maternity Nurses | Chauffeurs | Drivers | Gardeners | Handypersons service is now available on your doorstep Butlers | Household Managers | Chefs | Cooks | Dinner Party Staff with offices across the UK. Call us now to Online website where you can search for domestic help and post employee discuss your requirements. advertisements. Permanent | Short Term | Seasonal | Live In | Daily www.gumtree.com Tel: 020 7233 9950 We have been finding the ideal staff for households, families Email: [email protected] and estates for the past 20 years, so we know a thing or two about www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk good service.

In order to understand you and your household, we offer client visits as part of our bespoke recruitment process, which is tailored to the 70 FOCUS Living in the UK individual needs of each client.

LIUK==3.indd 70 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Greycoat Lumleys Setting the standard in recruitment finding the very best staff for your home & family

ADVERTISEMENT FULL PAGE Greycoat Lumleys

In order to understand you and your household, we offer client visits as part of our bespoke recruitment process, which is tailored to the individual needs of each client. FOCUS Living in the UK 71

LIUK==3.indd 71 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Services

The Lady Recruits A division of The Lady Magazine with a team of specialist recruiters for private household staff. www.lady.co.uk/tlr

Mail

Royal Mail Royal Mail is the UK’s postal service provider that collects and delivers parcels and letters six days a week. You can buy postage online and print it, track your item, get a price and find postcodes and addresses. Other services include the possibility to redirect your mail when you move to a new address; the keep safe of your letters and parcels while you are away for a long time and the redelivery service to have mail redelivered on a convenient day if you have missed the delivery.

Post Oce Post Office is a major service provider with over 11‚500 branches nationwide. Use the branch finder to search for your nearest branch, its opening hours and the services offered. In addition to the traditional services for letters and parcels (postal stamps, sending and receiving, collection and returns, postal supplies and more) they offer services like insurance, travel money, bank accounts, credit cards, mort- gages and savings. Broadband and phone packages are available as well as UK and international phone cards. Mail Boxes Etc. is a provider of worldwide express package delivery, mailbox rental, print and digital copy services, with several store around London and the UK.

GoSend Shop US retailers with 0% sales tax on the purchases, easy payments and up to 80% off shipping costs. http://gosend.com

Royal Mail www.royalmail.com

72 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 72 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Post Oce Branch locator, postage and postcode finder. www.posto ce.co.uk

Mail Boxes Etc. www.mbe.co.uk

PMI Expatriate Mail Services Specialist in international mail and package forwarding services. www.pmipmi.com

Recycling Most boroughs offer doorstep recycling collections. Recycle Now gives detailed information on what to recycle and where: www.recyclenow.com. Contact your local authority for more details on collection days and rules. There are also some Reuse and Recycling Centres where you can bring larger items or waste that cannot be recycled. You might also want to consider donating your unwanted items to charities and reuse organisations your unwanted items.

Any Junk? Waste collection and waste removal in London. You pay based on the amount of items you want collected. www.anyjunk.co.uk

The Besom The Besom can pass your unwanted good quality items (cutlery, furniture, linen, baby equipment) to those in need. www.besom.com

Computer Aid Recycles computers and ships them to developing countries. www.computeraid.org

Dress for Success An international notforprofit organisation offering services to help women find a job and remain employed. www.dressforsuccess.org

FOCUS Living in the UK 73

LIUK==3.indd 73 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Services

Furnish Collects any good furniture to pass on to those in need. www.sbhg.co.uk

Green Source Solutions Recycling of printers, cartridges, mobile phones, cameras, counters, sat/nav to raise funds for a range of charities. www.greensource.co.uk

Oxfam Charity that fights poverty worldwide. Donate your unwanted books, CDs, DVDs, clothes, mobile phones, iPods, PDAs, inkjet cartridges or digital cameras at any Oxfam shop. www.oxfam.org.uk

Recycle Now Complete guide on how and what to recycle in the UK. www.recyclenow.com

Waste Online Everything about waste and recycling. www.wasteonline.org.uk

74 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 74 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Driving & Transportation Driving Maps ...... 76 Public transportation ...... 76 Taxis, minicabs & car services ...... 79 Driving in the UK ...... 80 Car insurance ...... 84 Buying a car ...... 84 Hiring a car ...... 84 Congestion Charge & parking information ...... 86 Walking & cycling ...... 88

LIUK==3.indd 75 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Driving & Transportation

The following section provides an overview of the different transportation systems available and some tips for navigating. Some London addresses sound very similar yet are located at opposite ends of the city! Be sure to check the postcode and also if the correct address is Place, Road, Street, Lane, Square, Gardens, Mews, Court, etc.

Maps The capital has a complex street layout so a map is essential!

A-Z Maps www.a-zmaps.co.uk

Citymapper https://citymapper.com/london/

Google Maps www.google.co.uk/maps

MapQuest www.mapquest.co.uk

Public transportation Public transport is a great alternative to driving and a good way to avoid costly congestion charges and parking costs.

Transport for London (TFL) TFL offers a comprehensive website which enables you to easily plan a journey, check live status updates, look at and download maps, check fares and payment methods and more for all London tube, Overground, DLR, buses, tram, river bus and National Rail services. You can also sign up for useful social media and email service updates. https://t.gov.uk

Tube maps are available in Underground stations. Bus maps are available at Information Centres in the larger Underground stations. Fares vary according to the distance (or number of zones you enter). Peak fares apply Monday to Friday (not on public holidays) from 6:30 to 9:30 and 16:00 to 19:00 and are more expensive.

76 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 76 14.6.2016 12:14:41 You can pay for your travel using a contactless payment card or an Oyster Card.

Contactless You can use your contactless payment card for pay as you go travel on bus, tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TFL Rail, Emirates Airline and most National Rail services in London. If you have a contactless payment card, you do not need to add credit before you use it. Daily or MondaySunday capping applies.

Oyster cards Oyster is a smartcard which can hold pay as you go credit, Travelcard and bus & tram pass season tickets. You can set up Auto topup using your credit card to ensure you never run out of credit. To protect your card from loss or theft register it with TFL. Daily price capping on pay as you go gives you the flexibility to change your travel plans without needing to buy additional tickets or worry that you’ll spend more than you need.

Discounts There are many discounts for children and students, depending on age. � Under 11 year olds travel free on buses and tube if they have a 5–10 Zip Oyster photocard or when accompanied by an adult who is using pay as you go, or a valid ticket. � 11–15 year olds can travel free on buses and trams and travel at half adult rate on all other TfL services and most National Rail services in London with a 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard. � 16–17 year olds can travel at half adultrate on all TFL services and most National Rail services in London and free on bus and tram with a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard. � 18 or over can get 30% off the price of adultrate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets with an 18+ Student Oyster photocard if they live at a Lon- don address during term time are in fulltime education, or on a mandatory work placement in London. You can order, renew and top up the Oyster Card online, at Oyster Ticket Stops and Visitor Centres.

Tube The Tube is the London Underground metro system. It is often the fastest and easiest way to get around London. There are 12 underground lines and each line

FOCUS Living in the UK 77

LIUK==3.indd 77 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Driving & Transportation

is a different colour so you can easily follow them on a map. Trains run every few minutes from around 5:30am and finishes around midnight. The Night Tube, which will be launched later in 2016, will offer a roundtheclock service on Fridays and Saturdays. The service will run on five lines: the Jubilee, Victoria and most of the Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines. Trains and platforms are called Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound and Westbound, depending on the destination of the train. Be sure to look at the signs around the station or check the TFL website to learn about service delays and disruptions.

Buses Routes and fare information can be checked at the TFL website. In general, bus services begin around 4.00am each day and finish around midnight. However, Night Bus Services overlap to provide nearly 24 hours of service. You cannot use cash to pay for your bus fare. You need a contactless payment card or an Oyster card. Bus fares are the same regardless of how far or what time you are travelling. If you need to transfer to a different bus number you will need to pay the additional fare as there are no free transfers.

National Rail The main train stations in London are Charing Cross, Euston, Fenchurch Street, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Marylebone, Moorgate, Pad- dington, St. Pancras, Victoria and Waterloo. National Railcards offer value for money, saving you at least 1/3 on most rail fares. You can buy 16–25 years old, Family & Friends, Senior and the new Two Together Railcards online. For all train journeys it is advisable to book as early as possible to take advantage of cheaper fares.

National Rail www.nationalrail.co.uk

Book train tickets in advance www.thetrainline.com www.qjump.co.uk

Railcard www.railcard.co.uk

78 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 78 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Transport for London (TFL) www.t.gov.uk

Taxis, minicabs & car services

Black cabs London’s famous taxis (black cabs) can be booked in advance via Apps, hailed on the street or picked up from designated taxi ranks. Black cabs are regulated by the Greater London Authority and the Metropolitan Police. Every driver is required to undergo a rigorous test of their knowledge of London and to be licensed and vetted by London’s Metropolitan Police. A black cab is available for hire when its taxi light is lit. They can take up to 5 passengers at one time. Some cabs (Metro cabs with a square shape) can take 6 people. All of London’s black cabs are wheelchair accessible and child seats are available. Nighttime, weekend and holiday travel is more expensive. Extra luggage and additional passengers are charged an additional fee. When looking for a cab be sure to look in both directions as drivers will often make u-turns to pick up passengers. Tell the driver your destination through the front window before you get in. Payment is also preferred through the front window after you get out. In a taxi, it is common to add about 10% to the taxi fare or round to the nearest pound, but again you should not feel obliged to leave a tip.

Minicabs & private hire vehicles These may not be hailed in the street, but they are available for hire on a pre book basis. London minicabs are licensed by TFL, but drivers do not have to complete ‘The Knowledge’. All vehicles available for prebooking must hold a PH (Private Hire) licence official sticker in the front and rear windscreens of the vehicle, showing that the vehicles are fit for purpose. Long journeys can be cheaper than black cab fares and larger cars are available for excessive baggage or more than 5 passengers. Minicabs have no meters so you must agree the fare in advance. Some minicabs company are specialised in airports service. Booking a minicab or taxi with an app on your phone or tablet, when and where you like, has never been easier. New apps are becoming available all the time and these are a few of the main apps available now.

FOCUS Living in the UK 79

LIUK==3.indd 79 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Driving & Transportation

Black cab

ComCab www.comcablondon.com

Hailo www.hailoapp.com

Gett http://gett.com/uk

Radio Taxis www.radiotaxis.co.uk

Mini cab

Addison Lee www.addisonlee.com

Just Airports http://justairports.com

Kabbee www.kabbee.com

iRide London http://iridelondon.com

Uber www.uber.com

Driving in the UK Driving your own car in London can be very different than in your home country. The Highway Code contains all the rules and regulations of driving in the UK, you can find it online at or buy it from the Safe Driving for Life website and most high street and online bookstores. www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code

80 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 80 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Driving licence EC/EEA licence holders may drive in the UK as long as they have a full valid driver’s licence until they are 70 or for three years after becoming resident here, whichever is the longer period. At the end of this period you must apply for a British licence (no driving test required). You may also apply for a British licence once you have become resident (normally considered to be after 185 days). Non-EC/EEA licence holders must obtain a full British driving licence within 12 months of their arrival. If you hold a valid full driving licence (issued in your country of origin) or an International Driving Permit you may drive a car for up to 12 months in the UK, provided your full licence remains valid. The 12month period commences on the date you take up residence in the UK or, if you are a visitor, on the date you last entered the UK. After 12 months you will need to apply for a provisional licence and pass the theory and practical driving tests to drive in Great Britain. If your current driving licence was issued by Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or a designated country (Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Swit- zerland, Zimbabwe) you need to exchange your licence after 12 months – you have 5 years since you become resident to do this.

Applying for a British driving licence In order to qualify for a full licence you must first apply for a provisional driving licence and then pass the driving test. The provisional licence does not allow you to drive by yourself any longer than the original 12month period. After the 12month period, you are only allowed to drive if you hold a provisional licence, carry learner plates (Lplates) on your vehicle and are accompanied by a driver with a full licence in the relevant category for 3 years. The test will take the form of a twopart theory test (multiple choice and hazard perception) and then a 30minute driving test. Regardless of your driving experience, we recommend that you prepare for the theory test using the relevant book from DSA’s Driving Skills series and the Highway Code. It is also advisable to take driving lessons in preparation for the test, especially if you are not accustomed to driving on the left side of the road. To obtain application forms, visit your local Post Office or order online from DirectGov.

FOCUS Living in the UK 81

LIUK==3.indd 81 14.6.2016 12:14:41 Driving & Transportation

MOT The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. In the UK, every vehicle that is more than three years old needs to be tested each year to ensure that it complies with at least the minimum road safety and environmental standards. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate and is not a substitute for regular maintenance. Many garages around London and the UK can carry out MOT tests. The blue “three triangles” logo, which stations have to display, identifies approved test stations. You will need a valid MOT certificate in order to apply for a Tax disc.

Tax your vehicle Annual road tax must be paid for a car (unless you are a diplomat and have an X or D registration). Three weeks before your tax disc runs out, you should get a reminder in the post from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). When you buy a vehicle, the vehicle tax will no longer be transferred with the vehicle. You will need to get new vehicle tax before you can use the vehicle. The following information will be required: � 16 digit reference number from your vehicle tax renewal reminder (V11 or V85/1) � 11 digit reference number from your log book (V5C) – if the vehicle is registered in your name � 12 digit reference number on your New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) if you’ve just bought the vehicle or the vehicle is not registered in your name.

Applying online www.vehicletax.service.gov.uk

Applying by phone or at the post oce Contact 0300 123 4321 or visit your local post o ce

Vehicle Registration New vehicles: The dealer will usually register a brand new vehicle for you and you will receive a registration certificate (log book) within 6 weeks. Contact DVLA if you do not receive one. If the dealer does not do it, you can register the vehicle yourself. Used vehicles: The seller must notify the DVLA that you have purchased the vehicle, but depending on the type of registration of the vehicle you may also need to sign the registration form or notify DVLA. DVLA aims to send out

82 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 82 14.6.2016 12:14:41 a new registration certificate to you within 2 to 4 weeks of getting the old certificate from the seller.

Importing your vehicle Vehicles imported into the UK permanently must be approved to make sure they meet safety and environmental standards. You must register the imported vehicle with DVLA. DVLA will issue a vehicle registration number (number plate number). Refer to the Moving section for further details You can usually use a vehicle with nonUK number plates without needing to tax or register it in the UK if all of the following apply: � you are visiting and don’t plan to live here; � you only use the vehicle up to 6 months in a 12month period (one single visit, or several shorter visits adding up to a 6month period); � the vehicle is registered and taxed in its home country. www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk

AA (Automobile Association) Driving lessons, breakdown cover and assistance. www.theaa.co.uk

BSM (British School of Motoring) Driving lessons. www.bsm.co.uk

DirectGov Website A to Z guide on driving in Britain. www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring

The Driving & Vehicle Licensing Agency Vehicle registration, vehicle tax and lost license help. www.dvla.gov.uk

International Drivers Service Driving lessons for expats. www.internationaldriversservice.com

RAC Breakdown cover, insurance and assistance. www.rac.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 83

LIUK==3.indd 83 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Driving & Transportation

Car insurance You must have motor insurance to drive your vehicle on UK roads. There are three types of automobile insurance available in the UK: � Third party the British law requires this cover for all vehicles entering the UK. In addition to the legal minimum, it covers injury to other people caused by you or your passengers. � Third party, re and theft (TPF&F) includes third party cover and loss or damage caused to your car by fire and theft or attempted theft. Comprehensive covers all the risks listed above plus damage to your own car, theft of contents (with a limit), medical expenses (with a limit) and usually legal assistance, natural hazards damage and other coverage depending on the insurance policy. If you travel outside the UK make sure you have appropriate coverage. Some countries will require a ‘Green Card’ (International Motor Insurance). It’s an internationally recognised document that acts as proof of insurance in Europe.

Buying a car Buying a car from a dealership in the UK is a relatively straight forward pro- cedure. There are a variety of purchasing and leasing options for buying either a new or used vehicle. If you purchase a new preregistered car the dealer must return the Registration Certificate (V5C) immediately so that the vehicle can be registered in your name. If purchasing a used car directly from the owner, you need to make sure the vehicle has a proper registration document or registration certificate. It is also important to have the vehicle checked by an independent, qualified garage.

Hiring a car Many car hire companies have various locations throughout the Greater Lon- don area, the UK and Europe. Another alternative to traditional car hire agencies are companies that rent cars by the hour, Car Clubs. There is usually an annual membership fee, but you will have more flexibility in return. Charges vary, depending on the type of car and include some petrol and insurance. Car clubs provide a costeffective and flexible alternative to owning a car. Joining a car club provides the convenience of owning a car without the hassle or costs of repairs, servicing or parking. Members can book cars locally for just an hour, up to a whole weekend, or longer.

84 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 84 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Buying/Renting

Autolocate Used cars and new cars from UK dealerships. www.auto-locate.com

Car Giant Search for your used car by make, model and price range. www.cargiant.co.uk

City Car Club Car rentals. www.citycarclub.co.uk

Go Drive Paybytheminute car hire service. www.go-drive.com

Palmdale Motors Finding new or used cars. www.palmdale.co.uk

Zipcar Quick and easy car rentals with membership. www.zipcar.co.uk

Insurance

Clements International Global services for expatriates and worldclass claims service. www.clementseurope.com

DirectLine Broad range of products and services. www.directline.com

Compare the Market Compare prices and offers from various providers. www.comparethemarket.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 85

LIUK==3.indd 85 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Driving & Transportation

Go Compare Compare prices and offers from various providers. www.gocompare.com

Congestion Charge & parking information

Congestion Charge The Congestion Charge is a daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone between 7:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays and between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive. The charge aims to reduce high traffic flow in the central area and raise investment funds for London’s transport system. The easiest way to pay the charge is by registering for Congestion Charge Auto Pay. There are a range of exemptions and discounts available to certain vehicles and individuals. You only need to pay once, no matter how many times you drive in and out of the Congestion Charge zone on the same day. You can pay in advance or on the day of travel. If you don’t pay by midnight on the charging day after you drove in the zone, you’ll get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). https://t.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge

Parking Parking in London can be difficult, particularly in Central London. If you decide to drive in London, plan ahead by researching car parks near your destination.

Resident Parking Permit Resident permits are usually required to park your car in your local residential neighbourhood. These are available from your local council and are valid within your borough and for up to one year. Traffic wardens patrol these residential areas regularly and fines are given if you are in a restricted area without the proper parking permit. The parking times and regulations vary from borough to borough and even within the same borough. Some boroughs are even di- vided along the same street, so your permit may only be valid on one side of the street! Always check the signs before parking if you want to make sure your car will still be there when you return.

Pay and Display Bay During controlled hours (usually during working hours on MondaysFridays, plus weekends in busy areas), you’ll need to pay to park in those bays. Outside

86 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 86 14.6.2016 12:14:42 these times, you’ll be free to park. So check the signs on the roadside or at a ticket machine/meter to be sure. There are maximum time limits or no return limits in some bays. You can make the payment at the machine by cash, card or by phone. Many Central London areas operate ‘Pay by Phone’ parking only. This means that instead of having to put money in a meter or a Pay & Display machine, you can only use a credit card to pay for parking. It is your responsibility to display the Pay & Display ticket clearly if there is one. Make sure the ticket is upright and stuck to the window rather than left on the dashboard, to ensure any passing warden can clearly see it. If you can park somewhere for an hour but it says ‘no return’ within two hours, it means you must leave at least two hours between parking spells. You must vacate the parking space when the meter expires and you may not move to a meter within the same bay. Some parking bays are reserved for specific uses such as residents only, business, doctor or trader. At other locations, only certain types of vehicles may park there, e.g. coaches. When parking in a bay, you must check the adjacent signs and ensure that you are parked completely within the bay markings. Sometimes parking bays may be suspended so that necessary work can be carried out. Look out for the yellow signs marking temporary parking suspen- sions. If you park your car in a suspended bay, it will be towed!

Street lines and signs to be aware of when parking White zigzag line usually precedes or follows a zebra crossing and enforces no parking, stopping or loading at any time. Double red lines parking, stopping and loading is not allowed at any time. Single red lines stopping, loading, picking up or setting down passengers is not allowed at certain times indicated. Single or double yellow lines painted at the edge of the road indicate a parking ban. At double yellow lines, parking is restricted at ALL times. At single yellow lines, the days and times when parking is banned are shown on a yellow ‘no parking’ sign at the side of the road and you are allowed to park at all other times. You may stop briefly on a yellow line to drop off passengers. On some yellow lines you may also stop briefly to load or unload goods.

Car parks There are many car parks in Central London. Their locations are indicated on street signs which have a white “P” on a blue background. They can be expensive.

FOCUS Living in the UK 87

LIUK==3.indd 87 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Driving & Transportation

Parkopedia Website and App to help you find a parking spot. http://en.parkopedia.co.uk

National Car Parks (N.C.P.) Car park operator. www.ncp.co.uk

Walking & cycling

Walking Walking is a wonderful way to learn the ins and outs of London. Around the city, many street crossings have markings telling you which way to look for oncoming traffic. The pedestrian has the right of way at a black-and-white zebra crosswalk. Always, even if the light is green and there is a walk sign, look out for oncoming/turning traffic!

Cycling London’s public bicycle scheme is a great way to travel around the city and the first half an hour is free! It is available 24/7, 365 days a year. The bikes are available to hire at the docking station terminal with a bank card, just touch the screen and follow the instructions to begin. There are more than 10‚000 bikes and over 700 bike docking stations across London to help you get around quickly and easily. You don’t have to be a member to use the scheme, but if you are a regular user you can get quicker access to the bikes by registering for your own cycle hire key. There are now many more bikes on the roads and new cycle lanes, including Cycle Superhighways into Central London from outer London. However, Lon- don’s traffic is still not as ‘cycle friendly’ as other European cities. You should choose your routes carefully and take into consideration your abilities.

TFL Download and order free cycling guides that show designated routes across London, useful for planning longer cycle trips. http://t.gov.uk/modes/cycling/where

88 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 88 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping 14.6.2016 12:14:42 96 98 98 99 99 90 90 92 94 95 100100 101101 102102 104104 105105 106 ...... Music Art supplies & antiques Jewellery Vintage shops Vintage shops Clothing Bookshops Value Added Tax (VAT) Tax Added Value Charity shops shops Vintage shops Clothing Bookshops Music Food shopping Food food Speciality international Department stores & electronicsHousehold Photography Art supplies & antiques Jewellery British Quintessentially Markets outlets Shopping LIUK==3.indd 89 Shopping

The UK and London in particular offer a wide variety of shopping opportunities. There are department stores, boutiques and street markets in almost every borough. We have listed some of the shops that are good for the necessities (food, furniture and clothing) and places to find more unique items. Our suggestions are only a start. Most stores will hold big sales twice a year, after Christmas and in June. During these periods it is possible to find great bargains.

Value Added Tax (VAT) A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20% is added to most goods and services purchased in the UK. You can sometimes claim VAT refunds on goods bought in the UK if you: � Visit the UK but live outside the EU and are going back home; � Are an EU resident leaving the EU for 12 months or more; � Are a nonEU resident but work or study in the UK and are leaving the EU for 12 months or more. Not all retailers offer taxfree shopping and VAT refunds only apply goods bought within the last 3 months.

Food shopping All large supermarkets offer online ordering and some local stores use a shared delivery service (for example Hubbub). Organic produce and products can easily be found, either at the large supermarkets chains, dedicated stores or online suppliers.

Supermarkets

ASDA Large supermarket chain offering a more affordable range of brands and products. www.asda.co.uk

Marks & Spencer British department store with premium food hall that offers predominantly own brand products, though of a very high standard. Excellent for vegetables, fruits and readymade/prepared food. www.marksandspencer.com

90 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 90 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Planet Organic Certified organic food products as well as health and beauty. www.planetorganic.com

Sainsbury’s Large supermarket chain that stocks a variety of brands and products. Also has a premium range. ‘Taste the difference’! www.sainsbury.co.uk

The Co-operative Large supermarket chain that is fast growing. www.co-operative.coop

Tesco Large supermarket chain, stocks most brands and products. www.tesco.com

Waitrose Supermarket chain offering most known brands and a large range of premium fresh products. Part of the John Lewis partnership. www.waitrose.com

Whole Foods Market Large natural and organic food store with multiple locations in London. www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Online Most of the main supermarkets listed above provide an online service.

Abel & Cole Provides recipes for meals and easy search for special dietary restrictions. www.abelandcole.co.uk

Gousto Recipes and ingredients delivered weekly. www.gousto.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 91

LIUK==3.indd 91 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping

Hello Fresh! Easy and healthy recipes delivered to you with the necessary ingredients to cook them. www.hellofresh.co.uk

Ocado Leading online supermarket offering groceries, wine, household essentials, toys and more. www.ocado.com

The Organic Delivery Company Flexible delivery of organic food products. www.organicdeliverycompany.co.uk

Organics−4u Resource for locating organic foods and products in the area. www.organics−4u.co.uk

Speciality international food

The Good Food Network Fine foods and cooking ingredients from around the world. www.thegoodfoodnetwork.com

Natoora Wide range of Italian, French and British products. www.natoora.co.uk

Partridges International foods with large selection of American products. Available online and with two locations in London. www.partridges.co.uk

American

American Food Store www.usafoodstore.co.uk

92 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 92 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Brazilian/Portuguese

Supermercado Portugal www.supermercadoportugal.co.uk

Dutch

Holland By Mail www.hollandbymail.com

French

Chanteroy www.chanteroy-online.co.uk

Eat French Food www.eatfrenchfood.co.uk

Frenchclick www.frenchclick.co.uk

German

German Deli www.germandeli.co.uk

Italian

Nifeislife www.nifeislife.com

Delicatezza www.delicatezza.co.uk

Japanese

Japan Centre www.japancentre.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 93

LIUK==3.indd 93 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping

Oriental

Hoo Hing www.hoohing.com

South African

South African Shop www.southafricanshop.co.uk

Spanish

Delicioso www.delicioso.co.uk

Eatapas www.eatapas.co.uk

Department stores

Debenhams Stores across the UK offering good value clothing and home items. www.debenhams.com

Fortnum & Mason Specialty British food and clothing shop. Excellent for buying British gifts. www.fortnumandmason.com

Harrods The Food Halls are a must! Also, the store has most of the major British furniture and clothing designers along with a large array of accessories and beauty products. www.harrods.co.uk

Harvey Nichols Luxury lifestyle store, offering designer womenswear, menswear, accessories, beauty, food and home accessories. www.harveynichols.com

94 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 94 14.6.2016 12:14:42 House of Fraser From beauty essentials and clothing to home accessories. www.houseoraser.co.uk

John Lewis/Peter Jones Large department stores for appliances, housework, house furnishing, lighting, food, clothing and more. An ‘opto’ shop for most home essentials. www.johnlewis.co.uk

Liberty Famous for its fabrics, the store also sells home accessories, clothing and other unique gift ideas. www.liberty.co.uk

Selfridges & Co Designer fashion as well as home appliances, home accessories, electronics as well as food halls. www.selfridges.co.uk

Household & electronics Tottenham Court Road and the surrounding area are good sources for many electronic retailers and furniture shops. Most shops offer a delivery service.

Argos Appliances, lighting, sporting goods, kitchen, bathroom, toys at reasonable prices. www.argos.co.uk

The Conran Shop For clean, contemporary, designled furniture and home accessories. www.conranshop.co.uk

Curry’s For TVs, phones, microwaves and other home electronics. www.currys.co.uk

Habitat Good quality contemporary furniture at reasonable prices. www.habitat.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 95

LIUK==3.indd 95 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping

Heal’s Quality contemporary furniture at reasonable prices. www.heals.co.uk

HomeBase Doityourself, home supplies, from paint to gardening supplies. www.homebase.co.uk

IKEA Furniture, lighting, linens, kitchen fi tt ings. Online ordering available. www.ikea.co.uk

Lakelands Kitchenware, homeware and gardening supplies and inspiring gifts. www.lakeland.co.uk

Maplin Electronics. www.maplin.co.uk

PC World Great for all computer and electronic needs. www.pcworld.co.uk

Robert Dyas Hardware store with electronics, electrical converters, kitchen items and more. www.robertdyas.co.uk Excellence in children’s portrait photography The White Company Great for bed and bath, linens, casual clothing and some furnishings. www.thewhitecompany.com Focus members get 50% off our standard shoot fee Photography booking online with the following code:

Nousha Family portrait photographer. ‘Focus’ Batt ersea SW11 http://nousha.co.uk London nousha.co.uk | [email protected] 96 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 96 14.6.2016 12:14:42 ADVERTISEMENT FULL PAGE Nousha

Excellence in children’s portrait photography

Focus members get 50% off our standard shoot fee booking online with the following code: ‘Focus’

London nousha.co.uk | [email protected] FOCUS Living in the UK 97

LIUK==3.indd 97 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping

Lucy Elliott Specialises in event, family, interior and exterior photography. Does not do weddings. Kensington W8 www.lucyelliottphotography.com

Snappy Snaps One stop shop for all photographic needs. ID and passport photos. Several locations in London. http://snappysnaps.co.uk

Charity shops Charity shops are quite popular in the UK for clothes, accessories, books and more. Depending on the area of the shop, you can find high quality items at reasonable prices. A lot of celebrities donate their wardrobe so it is always good to have a look! You can also donate unwanted clothes, books and more. The most recognised charity shops around the UK are: Oxfam, British He- art Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Age Concern, Help the Aged, Save the Children and Scope.

Vintage shops

Berty & Gerty www.bertyandgerty.co.uk

Butler & Wilson www.butlerandwilson.co.uk

One of a Kind www.1stdibs.com

Palette London www.palette-london.com

Pandora www.pandoradressagency.com

Rellik www.relliklondon.co.uk

98 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 98 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Sign of the Times www.signofthetimesdressagency.com

Clothing shops Along with Milan, Paris and New York, London offers some of the best shopping experiences of any city in the world. London’s main shopping areas include Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Knightsbridge including Sloane Street, Chelsea including Sloane Square and Kings Road, Marylebone High Street, Notting Hill along Westbourne Grove and Upper Street in Islington.

Designer Shops Heavily populated on Old/New Bond Street and Sloane Street.

Independent/Fashion Boutiques A little bit everywhere, but mostly located on the streets around Marylebone, Notting Hill and Islington.

Traditional British/Bespoke Tailoring Near Piccadilly, Jermyn Street and Savile Row.

Pharmacy (See Healthcare section)

Bookshops

Blackwell’s This chain specialises in academic books, but also offers CDs, DVDs and audio books. www.blackwell.co.uk

Daunt Books Great informed service. Several branches, don’t miss the Eduardian prem- ises in Marylebone. www.dauntbooks.co.uk

Foyles Few branches around London. www.foyles.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 99

LIUK==3.indd 99 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping

Waterstones Many branches including a flagship store near Piccadilly Circus. www.waterstones.com

Speciality books

Books for Cooks This shop offers a vast selection of cookbooks and has a café at the back of the shop. www.booksforcooks.com

European Bookshop Stocks all the languages, for learners and readers of all ages. www.europeanbookshop.com Includes the Italian Bookshop www.italianbookshop.co.uk

Grant & Cutler The online largest foreign language bookseller in the UK, with over 55‚000 books, DVDs, CDs and cassettes in over 150 languages. www.grantandcutler.com

Stanfords Specialist retailer of maps, travel books and other travel accessories with flagship store in Covent Garden. www.stanfords.co.uk

Music

Brill Music, coffee, bagels. A small, independent music shop with a wellchosen selection of jazz, blues, folk and rock. http://exmouth.london/brill

HMV Online music, film and TV, merchandise and video games. www.hmv.co.uk

100 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 100 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Second-hand CDs and Vinyl Try one of these shops to find those rare recordings you have been looking for.

Flashback www.ashback.co.uk

Haggle Vinyl www.haggle.freeserve.co.uk

Music and Video Exchange www.mgeshops.com

Sounds of the Universe at Soho The largest selection of reggae, disco, funk and soul, Brazilian, Latin, Afri- can and world beats in the UK. https://soundsoftheuniverse.com

Instruments and Sheet Music

Denmark Street Guitars Rare and vintage guitars and amps. www.denmarkstreetonline.co.uk

J Reid & Sons Britain’s largest piano store also offers rentals, hiretobuy, repairs and res- torations. www.jreidpianos.co.uk

Yamaha Music London Online and a store in Soho. Pianos, keyboards, guitars, brass, strings and woodwind, drums, sheet music and stage and studio equipment. www.yamahamusiclondon.com

Art supplies

Cass Art Provide a variety of art supplies at a reasonable price. www.cassart.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 101

LIUK==3.indd 101 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping

London Art Website for buying contemporary art. www.londonart.co.uk

London Graphic Centre Supplier of materials for arts and design. Flagship store located in Covent Garden. www.londongraphics.co.uk

Cornelissen and Son Store for highend, hardtofind artist’s equipment such as pigment, gouache and gilding materials. www.cornelissen.com

Jewellery & antiques London is renowned for its antique shops, dealers and associations. Most of them also sell fine jewellery. For expensive jewellery items head to New Bond Street. However, for the widest possible choice it is worth visiting Hatton Garden (near Farringdon), which has long established jewellers.

Ale’s London’s largest indoor market for Antiques, vintage fashion & 20th century design. www.alesantiques.com

British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) The trade association for the leading antique dealers in Britain. Various fairs throughout the year. www.bada.org

Grays Antique 250 dealers selling items ranging from bricabrac and memorabilia to quality antiques. www.graysantiques.com

102 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 102 14.6.2016 12:14:42 LAPADA- The Association of Art and Antique Dealers Trade association for art and antique dealers in Britain. Multiple shows around the UK. www.lapada.org

Penman Antiques and Art Fairs Small events for buyers and sellers. www.penman-fairs.com

Pimlico Road London’s design district for furniture, arts and antiques. www.thepimlicoroad.com

The Silver Vaults Home of the largest collection of fine antique silver in the world. www.silvervaultslondon.com

Auction houses

Christie’s (FOCUS Sponsor) Two London locations offering fine art and antiques. www.christies.com

Bonhams Auctioneers of art, pictures, collectables and motor cars. www.bonhams.com

Lots Road Auctions Contemporary and antique furniture and decorative items via auction. www.lotsroad.com

Sotheby’s View auction details, art exhibitions and online catalogues; bid, buy and collect art, jewellery, wine, watches and more. www.sothebys.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 103

LIUK==3.indd 103 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Shopping

Quintessentially British

Cath Kidston Brightly coloured items for the home www.cathkidston.com

China & porcelain StokeonTrent is home to some of the most famous porcelain makers in England including: Wedgwood, Emma Bridgewater, Royal Worcester, Spode and Portmeirion. www.visitstoke.co.uk/potteries

Fortnum and Mason British food and clothing shop. Wonderful luxury gift hampers and bas- kets. www.fortnumandmason.com

Liberty Famous for its fabrics, the shop also offers other unique gift ideas. www.liberty.co.uk

London Silver Vaults The world’s largest retail collection of fine antique silver. www.thesilvervaults.com

Molton Brown Luxury bath and body products. www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Museum gift shops All museums have their own gift shops, many with websites, offering repli- cas of their collections and other inspiring items. Here are some ideas: www.britishmuseumshoponline.org www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk www.sciencemuseum.org.uk www.vandashop.com www.wallacecollection.org/shop

104 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 104 14.6.2016 12:14:42 Tartan, kilts and tweeds The bestknown mill shops in Scotland are around Stirling and Perth, but they are also found all over the UK. Full kilts are traditionally worn only by men and women wear kilted or tartan skirts. www.scotweb.co.uk

Markets The city is well known for its outdoor markets, selling different types of foods, antiques, clothing and collectibles. www.timeout.com/london/shopping/lon- donmarkets

Bermondsey Market Antique Market on Fridays, Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. www.bermondseysquare.co.uk

Billingsgate Market For the largest selection of fish. Tuesday to Saturday mornings 4 to 8am. www.billingsgateshmarket.org

Borough Market For fresh produce, speciality food items and fantastic for breakfast and lunch. Open Wednesday through Saturday. www.boroughmarket.org.uk

Brick Lane Market Bricabrac. From Cheshire Street to Sclater Street. Sundays. www.bricklanemarket.com

Camden Market For alternative fashion as well as a wide range of other goods. Open 7 days a week, but some stalls only open on weekends. www.camdenlock.net

Columbia Road Flower Market Open Sundays only from 8 to 15. www.columbiaroad.info

FOCUS Living in the UK 105

LIUK==3.indd 105 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Shopping

London Farmers Markets For locally grown produce, poultry and seafood as well as organic baked goods. All London area. www.lfm.org.uk

Old Spitalelds Market For an eclectic range of items. Open every day, with main market days on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. www.oldspitaleldsmarket.com

Portobello Road Antiques, fresh produce, funky fashion and more. Open every day, except Sunday. Full market on Saturdays from 9 to 19. www.portobelloroad.co.uk

Smitheld Market For meat and poultry. Wholesale oriented, so you will need to buy large quantities. Open Monday to Friday from 2am. www.smitheldmarket.com

Shopping outlets

Bicester Village Designer clothes and accessories. Located on the outskirts of Bicester in Oxfordshire. www.bicestervillage.com

Costco Membership warehouse with multiple locations in the UK. www.costco.co.uk

McArthur Glen Designer Outlets Various outlets in the UK and Europe. www.mcarthurglen.com

TK Maxx Clothes, accessories, toys and more. Various locations across London and the UK. www.tkmaxx.com

106 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 106 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment 14.6.2016 12:14:43 132 133 135 138138 143 144 108 113 116 119 130 ...... Adult education courses education Adult Annual UK events Annual Places of worship Places Libraries Music Spectator sports courses education Adult Libraries of worship Places Clubs & organisations Clubs & entertainment Eating tness Sports & Cinema & performances Theatre LIUK==3.indd 107 Activities & Entertainment

Annual UK events This is a list of the major events in the UK. Advance booking for events where tickets are required is highly recommended. Every six weeks, FOCUS Favourites is emailed to all FOCUS members with information on what’s going on in the UK. Here are some ideas to get you started.

January � New Year’s Day Parade 1st January One of the biggest parades of its kind in the world. � Chinese New Year January or February Celebrations throughout Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Central London.

February � Pancake Day Shrove Tuesday Pancake races take place across the UK. Participants have to toss pancakes in a frying pan whilst completing the course.

March � Mothering Sunday (UK) 4th Sunday of Lent Your home country probably celebrates it on a different date. � St Patrick’s Day 17th March The patron Saint of Ireland. Celebrated with parades and festivals. � Head of the River Race A processional rowing race held on the River Thames between eights rowed from Mortlake to Putney. � The Boat Race: Oxford vs. Cambridge Annual contest between rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities. The Race takes place close to Easter each year on the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake. � British Summer Time begins last Sunday of March Clocks go forward one hour for summer time.

April � The Queen’s Birthday Gun Salute 21st April A gun salute to celebrate the Queen’s actual birthday. Cannon and gunshots are fired in Green Park, Windsor Great Park and from outside the Tower of London. � St. George’s Day 23rd April St George is England’s patron Saint. His emblems include the flag of England and the English rose.

108 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 108 14.6.2016 12:14:43 � Shakespeare’s Birthday 26th April Celebrated in his hometown, StratforduponAvon and at the Globe Theatre in London. � The London Marathon The second largest in the world. First held in 1981.

May � Royal Windsor Horse Show A celebration of all things equestrian in the private gardens and parkland of Windsor Castle. � Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppetry Festival Puppeteers from all over the country celebrate the birthday of Mr Punch, first introduced to the public in May 1662. � RHS Chelsea Flower Show The grounds of the Royal Hospital are transformed into fabulous show gardens, inspirational small gardens and vibrant horticultural displays. � Bath International Music Festival A range of quality events, including classical music, contemporary jazz and world music. � Glyndebourne Famous opera festival starting around middle of May and ending in August. � Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival Internationally renowned literary festival in Wales. � Regent’s Park Open Air Great plays from May to September in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park.

June � The Epsom Derby Race Festival One of the oldest horses races in the world. � Queen’s Birthday Parade – Trooping the Colour Celebration of the Queen’s official birthday carried out by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen in attendance and taking the salute. � Hampton Court Festival Taking place in the Tudor Courtyard the festival brings world class artists in a spectacular setting. � Opera Holland Park Summer opera in lovely setting of Holland Park.

FOCUS Living in the UK 109

LIUK==3.indd 109 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

� Royal Ascot Major horse racing event. The Royal Family drives from Windsor each day in open horsedrawn carriages to watch high quality racing. � The Aegon Championships The Tennis Championships attract many of the world’s top ranking male players to The Queen’s Club, London. � Glastonbury One of the most famous music festivals in the world. � Wimbledon Championship This is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is widely considered the most prestigious. � Bike Week A celebration of cycling with more than 1‚500 events across the UK. � Order of the Garter Ceremony A special service at St George’s chapel in Windsor marks the oldest order of chivalry in England. � Henley Royal Regatta First held in 1839, it has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars.

July � Hyde Park-British Summer Time A variety of concerts and festivals. � British 10K London This race offers a totally unique experience of running through the heart of London. � Pride Festival Showcases inspiring talents and celebrates the LGBT community along with the parade. � British Grand Prix at Silverstone The highlight of the British motor racing calendar. � RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show This spectacle is one of the largest of its kind in the world and gardening fans can see, smell and touch an abundance of floral delights and display gardens. � Royal Garden Parties Every summer, the Queen hosts garden parties at Buckingham Palace. In- dividuals cannot apply for an invitation directly. Nominations are made through Lord Lieutenants and organisations such as the Civil Service, Armed Services, Diplomatic Corps, charities and societies.

110 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 110 14.6.2016 12:14:43 � Royal International Air Tattoo The world’s largest military air show. � BBC Proms Mid July to mid September An annual music festival over 100 years old with over seventy concerts representing a wide range of music.

August � Kids Week During Kids Week, a child can go free to any participating theatre show when accompanied by an adult paying full price. There is also a range of free activities and events including workshops and behind the scenes tours. � Edinburgh Festival One of the largest arts festivals in the world. The programme includes a variety of performing acts including dance, music theatre and opera. � Notting Hill Carnival Bank Holiday weekend There are numerous floats, steel drums, amazing music and stalls selling a variety of food and drink.

September � The Regent Street Festival Regent Street is closed to traffic on this date. The festival features live performances, activities and demonstrations. � Great River Race Regarded as the rowing equivalent of the London marathon, the extensive course takes crews from the Docklands to Ham in Surrey. � Open House London The Capital’s largest annual festival of architecture and design.

October � BFI London Film Festival UK’s largest public film event, screening more than 300 features, documen- taries and shorts from almost 50 countries. The festival is on every year in the second half of October under the umbrella of the British Film Institute. � British Summer Time ends Last Sunday of October Clocks go back one hour for daylight saving.

FOCUS Living in the UK 111

LIUK==3.indd 111 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

November � Guy Fawkes Night 5th November Also known as Bonfire Night. In 1605 a group of 5 conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, devised a plot to destroy Westminster with powerful explosives. Though no explosions actually took place on 5th November 1605, the historic event is traditionally celebrated each year with colourful fireworks displays and festivities. � Remembrance Day 11th November Remembrance Day is observed on Armistice Day, the date that the First World War finished in 1918. The event celebrates the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians during times of war. Buying and wearing poppies mark the event. � The Lord Mayor’s Show 2nd Saturday of November There has been a Lord Mayor of the City of London since 1189, not to be con- fused with the Mayor of London who is responsible for Greater London. The elected Lord Mayor has made the journey to Westminster to swear allegiance to the Sovereign in the presence of the judges of High Court since 1215.

December � The Great Christmas Pudding Race A fun event with teams competing in a relay race whilst balancing a Christ- mas pudding on a tray! � Christmas Tree Lights at Trafalgar Square The annual Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in which a huge tree, given by the people of Norway, is lit. � Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 25th December A 100yard swimming race held at the Serpentine, Hyde Park on Christmas Day since 1864. � New Year’s Eve Fireworks 31st December Launched from the foot of the London Eye and from rafts on the Thames, the fireworks are visible from most of Central London. Tickets can be purchased to watch from Southbank.

112 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 112 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Clubs & organisations

Professional & business organisations There are many networking opportunities for professionals. For a more extensive list visit the FOCUS website www.focus-info.org

British Association of Women Entrepreneurs Organisation for UKbased women business owners providing training and development programmes. www.bawe-uk.org

Business Biscotti Private membership organisation. http://businessbiscotti.co.uk

City Women’s Network One of the most established networks for senior professionals and busi- nesswomen in the UK. Includes women in a variety of sectors including technology, media, management, publishing and real estate. www.citywomen.org

Everywoman Training, resources and support services for women in business. www.everywoman.com

Gay Business Association / GBA Network for the LGBT community in the UK. www.gba.org.uk

Institute of Directors Business organisation for company directors, senior business leaders and entrepreneurs. It is the UK’s longest running organisation for professional leaders. www.iod.com

Nederlandse City Lunches (NCL) Dutch business club in the City of London. www.nedcitylunch.org

FOCUS Living in the UK 113

LIUK==3.indd 113 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Professional Women’s Network Provides women with the necessary tools and support for leadership posi- tions. www.pwnglobal.net

Social & cultural organisations These organisations offer social, cultural, educational and philanthropic activities in a welcoming atmosphere for expatriates.

American Women of Berkshire & Surrey Opportunities to travel, do charity work as well as attend lectures and other activities. www.awbs.org.uk

American Women of Surrey Assists families moving to the area and further their knowledge of England and supports many philanthropic activities. www.awsurrey.org

American Women’s Club of London A welcoming organisation for all Americans living in London. www.awclondon.org

Britain-Australia Society Brings together British and Australian individuals through service, entertainment, sport and culture. http://britain-australia.org.uk

Canadian Women’s Club Connects Canadians living in the London area. www.canadianwomenlondon.org

Chilterns American Women’s Club Networking opportunities while doing philanthropic work in the community. www.cawc.co.uk

114 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 114 14.6.2016 12:14:43 FIWAL The Federation of International Women’s Associations in London (FIWAL) is an umbrella organisation comprised of 28 international women’s associations and clubs based in London. www.wal.org.uk

Hampstead Women’s Club Multinational organisation that provides women with a sense of community in the northern London area. www.hwcinlondon.co.uk

Il Circolo Italian Cultural Association offering several activities. www.ilcircolo.org.uk

Junior League of London Women promoting voluntary service in the community. www.jll.org.uk

Kensington and Chelsea Women’s Club Offers lectures, courses, tours of London, as well as monthly guest speakers. www.kcwc.org.uk

London Ladies Club Weekly informal talks on Tuesday mornings. www.londonladies.co.uk

Londres Accueil An organisation for the French speaking community. www.londresaccueil.org.uk

North American Connection Supporting North Americans in the East and West Midlands. www.naconnect.com

Northwood Area Women’s Club A multinational organisation for women in Harrow, Pinner, Rickman- sworth or Northwood. www.northwoodareawomensclub.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 115

LIUK==3.indd 115 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Petroleum Women’s Club Membership is open to all women with the majority of members are spouses or partners of oil company employees. www.pwc-london.co.uk

Rotary Club of London Dedicated to helping those in need. Members include politicians from all parties, leading figures in the arts, finance and more. www.rotaryclub.london

St John’s Wood Women’s Club Activitiesbased social and civic nonprofit organisation promoting friend- ship through activities and social events. www.sjwwc.org.uk

Eating & entertainment

Restaurants London is without a doubt one of top cities in the world for gastronomy. Not only there are many British chefs acclaimed worldwide, but as a cosmopolitan city there is an incredible array of international restaurants. For more information on restaurants across Britain, Harden’s, TimeOut and Zagat’s are a great place to start. These recommended websites are also great resources.

www.hardens.com www.squaremeal.co.uk www.timeout.com/london www.opentable.co.uk www.zagat.com/london www.bookatable.co.uk

Pubs Pubs, or ‘public houses’, are a British institution and a large part of the social fabric of the county. Whether in a large city or small village, the pub can be the focal point for local activity. Going to your local neighbourhood pub is a great way to get to know your area. Breweries run many pubs, so beer is often better value than wine and spirits. Beer served in a pub is mostly draught (draft) beer served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can. Pubs associated

116 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 116 14.6.2016 12:14:43 with a brewery are called ‘tied houses’ while those not strictly associated with one brewery (though often owned by a brewery) are called ‘free houses’. Pubs generally close around 11pm but many stay open until 1am. Traditionally, pubs in England were drinking establishments with bar snacks such as pork scratchings, pickled eggs, crisps and peanuts as the only offer. For those with food, a British pub menu tends to include items such as beef and beer pie, steak and kidney pie, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Sunday roast, ploughman’s lunch and pasties. Typically pub food is ordered at the bar and paid for in advance. Customers traditionally seat themselves and are often given a number or a unique table marker to assist the bar staff in delivering their food. A gastro pub specialises in highquality food. The name is a combination of pub and gastronomy and was coined in 1991 when David Eyre and Mike Belben opened a pub called The Eagle in Clerkenwell, London that gave greater emphasis to the food on offer. While your ‘local’ may be your favourite, it is worth venturing out to pubs across Britain, as the architecture and history of individual pubs can be fasci- nating.

Fancy a Pint www.fancyapint.com

Good Pub Guide www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk

Tipping If the bill says, “service not included”, it is customary to add about 10% – 15% as a tip. At many restaurants, a 12.5% service charge is automatically added to the bill. You should check the bill to make sure you don’t pay twice. To ensure that the staff receives your tip, try to leave it in cash.

Catering There are many options to order prepared party food, platters and buffet foods to be picked up or delivered to your home, from supermarkets such as Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, as well as from food halls like Harrods and Selfridges and by catering specialists.

Greycoat Lumleys (FOCUS Sponsor) www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 117

LIUK==3.indd 117 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Blue Strawberry www.bluestrawberry.co.uk

Rhubarb www.rhubarb.net

Standby Chef www.standbychef.co.uk

Private member clubs It is not easy to get into the most coveted London clubs, membership is usually required and expensive cover charges may deter you. However, booking tables (which can be prohibitively expensive) or eating there will give you access after hours and help you avoid the queues.

Quintessentially Global private members’ club and 24hour concierge service, part of the Luxury Lifestyle Group. www.quintessentially.com

As clubs come in and out of fashion here are some of the currently wellknown and established places to try:

Annabel’s Club Mayfair W1J www.annabels.co.uk

Beaufort House Chelsea SW3 www.beauforthousechelsea.com

Boujis South Kensington SW7 www.boujis.com

The Groucho Club Soho W1D www.thegrouchoclub.com

118 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 118 14.6.2016 12:14:43 High Road House Chiswick W4 www.highroadhouse.co.uk

Raes Chelsea SW3 www.raeschelsea.com

Soho House Soho W1D www.sohohousegreekstreet.com

Shoreditch House East London E1 www.shoreditchhouse.com

Sports & tness

Health clubs

Anytime Fitness 24hour gym with several locations in London and England. www.anytimetness.co.uk

BodyWorksWest Exclusive gym in Notting Hill. www.bodyworkswest.co.uk

David Lloyd Multiple locations in the UK. Some with tennis courts and outdoor swimming pools. Classes for children. www.davidlloyd.co.uk

Equinox Luxury gym in Kensington. www.equinox.com/clubs/london/kensington

FOCUS Living in the UK 119

LIUK==3.indd 119 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Fitness First Multiple locations and various membership options. www.tnessrst.co.uk

Foxhills Tennis, golf, fitness, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, social activities and kids playgrounds. Located in Surrey. www.foxhills.co.uk

Harbour Club Luxury clubs in Chelsea and Notting Hill for tennis, fitness, swimming and spa. www.harbourclub.com

KX Gym Exclusive gym in South Kensington. www.kxgym.co.uk

LA Fitness Multiple locations around the London area and in England. Provide a variety of classes and facilities. www.latness.co.uk

Park Club Health, fitness and sports club for the whole family located in Acton. www.theparkclub.co.uk

Reebok Sports Club Group classes and personal training in Canary Warf. www.reebokclub.co.uk

Chiswick Riverside Tennis, swimming, stateoftheart fitness facilities, dining and spa. www.virginactive.co.uk/clubs/chiswick-riverside

Soho Gyms Multiple locations in London. Variety of classes and personal training. www.sohogyms.com

120 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 120 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Virgin Active Multiple locations with classes for the whole family. www.virginactive.co.uk

Outdoor tness Stay active, burn calories and meet new people.

British Military Fitness Outdoor fitness classes held at various locations across the UK. www.britmilt.com

Free Fitness A range of classes in various parks and commons. www.freetness.uk.com

Bowling

All Star Lanes Various locations across London. www.allstarlanes.co.uk

Bloomsbury Lanes Bowling as well as private karaoke suites for 8–20 people. www.bloomsburybowling.com

Queen’s Ice skating and bowling in Bayswater. www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk

Cycling & spinning

British Cycling The British Cycling is the National Governing Body for cycling in the UK whose aim is to inspire participation in cycling. www.britishcycling.org.uk/travel

CTC UK’s National Cycling Charity. www.ctc.org.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 121

LIUK==3.indd 121 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

London Cycling Campaign A membership organisation encouraging a healthier life style and environment through cycling. www.lcc.org.uk

Psycle High intensity, low impact, headtotoe workout on a bike. psyclelondon.com

Dance

Barrecore Low impact, full body, interval training program using isometric exercises alternated with stretching. Various locations. www.barrecore.co.uk

Charlotte Toner Ballet and barre classes for adults, suitable for all levels. www.charlottetoner.co.uk

Danceworks Extensive selection of dance classes as well as yoga, martial arts and fitness. www.danceworks.net

Pineapple Dance Studios A variety of dance classes for all levels in Covent Garden. www.pineapple.uk.com

Studio LaDanza Classes in beginner and advanced ballroom dancing. HighburyIslington location. www.studioladanza.co.uk

Fencing

The City Fencing Club A social and competitive fencing club for adults. www.cityfencingclub.org

122 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 122 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Egham Fencing Club For all ages (from 10) and abilities. www.eghamfencingclub.org.uk

London Thames Fencing Club For ages from 16 to 80. www.londonthamesfencingclub.com

London Fencing Club From beginner lessons to private lessons. All ages welcome. www.londonfencingclub.co.uk

Football

Amateur Football Combination One of the biggest adult football leagues in Europe, with around 100 clubs and 350 sides playing Saturday afternoons in and around London and the Home Counties from September through to May. www.amateurfootballcombination.com

London Football Network For those who fancy a kick about or want to join a team. www.slfn.co.uk

Golf Most clubs allow nonmembers during the week and some on weekends.

Duke Meadows Golf and Tennis No membership required. For all levels. Located in Chiswick. www.dukesmeadows.com

The Grove (Resort and Golf Club) 18 hole championship golf course located in 300 acres of mature parkland. Course is open to any golfer throughout the season. Located in Hertford- shire. www.thegrove.co.uk/golf

FOCUS Living in the UK 123

LIUK==3.indd 123 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Moor Park Beautiful parkland course and 17th century mansion club house. Two 18 hole courses. Located in Hertfordshire. www.moorparkgc.co.uk

Richmond Golf Club Two courses set in the beautiful surroundings of Richmond Park. www.richmondparkgolfclub.org.uk

Stockley Park Golf Offers all golfers a chance to play tournamentquality golf on a pay and play basis. www.stockleyparkgolf.co.uk

Sunningdale Golf Club Golf club with handicap certificate of 18 for men and 24 for ladies. Only 30 miles outside of London www.sunningdale-golfclub.co.uk

Urban Golf 3 indoor golf venues with state of the art simulators. www.urbangolf.co.uk

Martial arts

Budokwai The oldest Japanese martial arts club in Europe. Judo, Shotokan Karate, Brazilian JuiJitsu and Aikido as well as Hontai Yoshin Ryu JuJitsu and Pilates. Classes for children and adults. www.budokwai.co.uk

Kyo Rei Shukokai Karate Karate lessons for children and adults held in various clubs and schools. www.londonkarate.co.uk

Kobox High intensity boxing based classes in Chelsea. www.koboxlondon.com

124 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 124 14.6.2016 12:14:43 London Kickboxing Various classes for children and adults with locations in Chiswick, Ealing and Guildford. www.londonkickboxing.co.uk

New Life Taekwondo Promotes all aspects of Kukkiwon WTF Olympic Taekwondo with classes for all. www.taekwondoclub.london

Riding

Hyde Park Stables Horse riding and lessons for all ages. www.hydeparkstables.com

Orchard Cottage Riding Stables Riding school in Surrey providing qualified instruction and escorted hacks for children and adults. www.ocrs.co.uk

Ross Nye Stables Longestestablished riding school in Hyde Park. www.rossnyestables.co.uk

Stag Lodge Riding school situated uniquely on the borders of both Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common. www.ridinginlondon.com

Indoor & outdoor rock climbing

Rockhoppers Mountaineering Club Climbing and hiking club in Central London. www.rockhoppers.org.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 125

LIUK==3.indd 125 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Westway 14.5 metres with routes from grade F3 to grade F8 and bouldering problems up to V10. Offering a variety of classes. www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk/climbing

Rowing

London Rowing Club A great place to start for a competitive rower. www.londonrc.org.uk

Mortlake, Anglia and Alpha Boat Club Friendly rowing club in Chiswick. www.maabc.com

Tideway Scullers School Sessions to suit all abilities and ages. Located in Chiswick. www.tidewayscullers.squarespace.com

Rugby

London Rugby League Foundation Opportunities to play rugby in London and the surrounding area. For children and adults. http://londonrugbyleaguefoundation.org/play

London Wasps Playing opportunities for all ages. www.wasps.co.uk

Running clubs

London Frontrunners Inclusive club for the LGBT community. www.londonfrontrunners.org

126 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 126 14.6.2016 12:14:43 London Heathside Welcomes runners of all levels and ages to participate in many races and train for the London Marathon. www.londonheathside.org.uk

Mornington Chasers Running Club Meets regularly for training sessions, track sessions and other activities in Kentish Town. www.chaser.me.uk

Serpentine Running Club in Hyde Park One of the largest running and triathlon clubs in Britain. www.serpentine.org.uk

Wimbledon Windmilers Convenient for residents of Wimbledon, Putney, Richmond. www.windmilers.org.uk

Swimming

British Swimming Association National Governing Body for swimming, diving, water polo, open water and synchronized swimming. Supports 1600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National, Regional and County structure. www.swimming.org/britishswimming

London Aquatics Centre After hosting the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic games, the world class venue is now open to the public. www.londonaquaticscentre.org

Swimming Nature Bespoke programmes for complete beginners through to advanced improv- ers. Coaching for novice triathletes. www.swimmingnature.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 127

LIUK==3.indd 127 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Tennis

Battersea Park 19 floodlit tennis courts with lessons available. www.batterseapark.org

Cumberland Lawn Tennis Club For tennis, squash, cricket, hockey, snooker and bridge. www.cltc-hcc.com

Dorking Lawn Tennis and Squash Club Tennis, squash, racketball, small gym, and other social activities for all levels and ages in Surrey. www.dorkingtennisandsquash.org.uk

Will to Win Tennis lessons and camps for all at Hyde Park, Regents Park, Ealing, Chiswick and Greenwich Park. www.willtowin.co.uk

Hyde Park Sports Centre Six highquality outdoor tennis courts. www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park

Lawn Tennis Association The national governing body of tennis in Great Britain. A good place to search for tennis clubs and courts. www.lta.org.uk

London Tennis Large database to help you find players and leagues to suit your ability. Membership options available. www.londontennis.co.uk

Regents Park Tennis Centre Offers coaching and membership. www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park

128 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 128 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Westway LTA High Performance Centre with eight professionalquality indoor acryl- ic tennis courts and four outdoor clay courts. www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk/tennis

Yoga & pilates

Astanga Yoga London Traditional Mysorestyle studio near Euston station. Experienced and beginners welcome. www.astangayogalondon.com

The Life Centre Offers natural therapies, yoga and Pilates in Notting Hill and Islington. www.thelifecentre.com

London Yoga Circle Small group classes for all levels in Kensington. www.londonyogacircle.com

NY Pilates Offers training in the authentic Pilates method of body conditioning in Queens Park. www.nypilates.co.uk

Triyoga Yoga, Pilates and beauty treatments in Primrose Hill, Covent Garden and Soho. www.triyoga.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 129

LIUK==3.indd 129 14.6.2016 12:14:43 Activities & Entertainment

Cinema Most London cinemas offer memberships. Perks include savings on tickets, advance sales and newsletters about upcoming events.

British Film Institute Exists to promote greater understanding, appreciation and access to film and moving image culture. www.b.org.uk

Cineworld Several London and other UK locations. Monthly subscription allows unlimited viewing. www1.cineworld.co.uk

Curzon Cinemas 11 locations in London and elsewhere, specialising in European and arthouse films. www.curzoncinemas.com

The Electric Cinema London’s oldest cinema featuring leather armchairs, footstools and tables for food and drinks from the bar. Book tickets up to one week in advance. Locations in Notting Hill and Shoreditch. www.electriccinema.co.uk

Odeon Cinemas Several locations in the London area and the whole of the UK. Catch the red carpet premiers at the Leicester Square location. www.odeon.co.uk

The Olympic Cinema Located in Barns this cinema offers premier Dolby Atmos surround sound. Very comfortable seats. www.olympiccinema.co.uk

Picturehouse Arthouse films at locations around the UK. Memberships available. www.picturehouses.com

130 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 130 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Prince Charles Cinema Annual membership includes ticket and bar discounts. Located off Leices- ter Square. www.princecharlescinema.com

Vue Cinemas Many locations across the UK with multiple offers and competitions. www.myvue.com

IMAX

BFI IMAX Cinema London, SE1 8XR www.b.org.uk/b-imax

Science Museum IMAX Theatre London, SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Film festivals

London LGBT Film Festival – March New and restored films from all over the globe. www.b.org.uk/llg

Portobello Film Festival UK biggest independent film competition. www.portobellolmfestival.com

Raindance Britain’s largest indie film festival. www.raindance.co.uk

BFI London Film Festival This Film Festival showcases the best new films from around the world. www.b.org.uk/l

FOCUS Living in the UK 131

LIUK==3.indd 131 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

Theatre & performances The following websites are great for information, tickets and all you need to know about shows.

www.o ciallondontheatre.co.uk www.whatsonstage.com www.ticketmaster.co.uk www.tkts.co.uk/leicester-square

The West End offers an amazing variety of theatrical performances including musicals, dance, comedy and serious drama. Below are some great theatres worth a visit:

The Almeida Some of the world’s finest artists perform a diverse range of British and international drama in this intimate 325seat theatre. The Almeida in Is- lington also produces an annual festival of contemporary opera, music and theatre. www.almeida.co.uk

Donmar Warehouse Though small at 250 seats and 20 standing, this exciting venue in the heart of Covent Garden produces a mixed programme of new plays, contemporary classics and smallscale musicals. www.donmarwarehouse.com

The National Theatre In addition to a wide range of productions in 3 separate and unique theatres, the National Theatre is also home to yearround free exhibitions and concerts throughout the building. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Old Vic This iconic 192yearold building has a rich history of great performances and continues to attract the best creative talent from the UK and all over the world to tread its famous boards. www.oldvictheatre.com

132 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 132 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Royal Opera House One of the foremost opera buildings in the world, The Royal Opera House is the home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. www.roh.org.uk

Sadler’s Wells This theatre has a rich history, having been rebuilt six times since 1683. It now specialises in dance productions from ballet to hip hop and from contemporary to flamenco. www.sadlerswells.com

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Enjoy Shakespeare in this modern reconstruction of the 16th century open air theatreintheround. www.shakespearesglobe.com

Music

Ain’t Nothin’ But…the Blues Bar Offering live New Orleans style blues, this cosy club is just a few minutes away from busy Oxford Street. www.aintnothinbut.co.uk

Barbican Centre Home to the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Or- chestra, the Barbican also packs its schedule with jazz, world, country, folk, rock, soul and contemporary classical. www.barbican.org.uk

City of London Sinfonia Chamber orchestra made up of people of all ages. www.cityoondonsinfonia.co.uk

Guanabara Featuring live Brazilian music nightly, Guanabara also offers free dance lessons several nights a week. www.guanabara.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 133

LIUK==3.indd 133 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

Hammersmith Apollo This 3‚600seat art deco theatre, built in 1932, is a great West London venue for comedy, indie bands and stage entertainment. www.hammersmithapollo.net

Jazz Café London Jazz, soul, funk, world, dance and hip hop in Camden. www.thejazzcafelondon.com

Kings Place Weekly themed performances and exhibitions including world music, classical and contemporary jazz in Kings Cross. www.kingsplace.co.uk

The O2 Arena London’s premiere concert venue located on the Thames at North Green- wich. Accessible by Tube, bus or convenient Thames Clippers river services. www.theo2.co.uk

Ronnie Scott’s London’s foremost jazz institution, open since 1959, offers up the best Jazz artists nightly. Soho W1D www.ronniescotts.co.uk

O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Once a BBC TV studio, the Empire is now a popular rock venue in West London. Shepherd’s Bush W12 www.academymusicgroup.com/o2shepherdsbushempire

Southbank Centre Attend an orchestral performance in the Royal Festival Hall or enjoy a free concert in one of the Centre’s smaller venues. Chamber, rock and pop, jazz and blues, folk and world, and contemporary classical are all represented here. Southbank SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

134 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 134 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Wembley Arena Recently refurbished, 12‚500 capacity. Wembley HA9 www.ssearena.co.uk

Wigmore Hall Presenting over 400 performances each year in classical, chamber and jazz, this venue also offers community and educational programmes and workshops. London W1U www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Church recitals & concerts Many of the churches in Central London give lunchtime concerts for free or a small donation. Check websites and visitor information centres for schedules.

London Symphony Orchestra St Lukes www.lso.co.uk/lso-st-lukes

St James Piccadilly www.sjp.org.uk

St Johns Smith Square www.sjss.org.uk

St Martin in the Fields www.stmartin-in-the-elds.org

St Paul’s Cathedral www.stpauls.co.uk

Spectator sports London is home to some of the most exciting sports and prestigious venues in the world. Experience the thrill of Wimbledon, the fashion at Ascot or the frenzied fans at a football match.

Cricket A game steeped in tradition, cricket is Britain’s oldest sport. London is a major centre for the sport, from county matches to international test matches.

FOCUS Living in the UK 135

LIUK==3.indd 135 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

Lord’s Cricket Ground Lord’s is known as the ‘Home of Cricket’. St John’s Wood NW8 www.lords.org

Oval Cricket Ground The 150yearold Brit Oval in South London also hosts cricket festivals, Aussie rules football and other special events. Kennington SE11 www.kiaoval.com

Horse racing & exhibitions

Ascot Racecourse Hosts yearlong racing and special holiday events. Attend Royal Ascot in June – five days filled with tradition, pageantry, fashion and style. This is the Queen’s favourite spot with many famous races. Ascot SL5 www.ascot.co.uk

Cheltenham Race Course Famous for The Festival and a great venue to see the best compete. Cheltenham GL50 http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Epsom Downs Hosting races and outdoor summer concerts. Epsom Dows 5LQ www.epsomderby.co.uk

Newmarket Race Course Newmarket has been a horseracing town since 1174 and is also home to Britain’s largest racehorse training centre. Suffolk CB8 http://newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk

136 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 136 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Olympia-London International Horse Show Seven day programme including show jumping and dressage. Olympia W14 www.olympiahorseshow.com

Football Perhaps the most popular spectator sport in the UK! Each team has a home stadium, here are a few of the most popular:

Arsenal Football Club Highbury N7 www.arsenal.com/emirates-stadium

Chelsea Football Club Fulham SW6 www.chelseafc.com

Fulham Football Club Fulham SW6 www.fulhamfc.com

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Tottenham N17 www.tottenhamhotspur.com

Polo Enjoy a day out at a tournament at one of London’s many polo clubs. Most clubs also offer training for all levels, individuals and corporate team building.

Ascot Park Polo Club Chobham, Surrey GU24 www.polo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club Epsom Surrey KT19 www.epsompoloclub.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 137

LIUK==3.indd 137 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

Guards Polo Club Egham, Surrey TW20 www.guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club Richmond TW10 www.hampoloclub.com

Rugby

Twickenham As well as being the home of the Rugby Football Union, Twickenham is host to major matches such as the Middlesex Sevens, the EDF Energy Cup and the Heineken Cup. Twickenham TW2 www.englandrugby.com/twickenham

Tennis London is fortunate to host many of the world’s most exciting tennis tourna- ments.

All England Tennis Club-Wimbledon Home to England’s most famous tournament. Wimbledon SW19 www.wimbledon.org

The Queen’s Club Hosting the Aegon Championship, the grass court tournament, which attracts many of the world’s top ranking male players. www.queensclub.co.uk

Adult education courses Greater London has a fantastic variety of courses.

City Lit London’s largest adult education centre with 5‚000 short courses. www.citylit.ac.uk

138 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 138 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Floodlight Comprehensive online guide to parttime, day and evening classes in Greater London. www.oodlight.co.uk

UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Services The UK organisation operating the application process for British universities. Courses can be searched online. www.ucas.com

Universities UK Lists all universities and colleges in the UK. www.universitiesuk.ac.uk

City of Westminster College Fulltime, parttime courses and training programmes. www.cwc.ac.uk

Cookery courses

Books for Cooks A treasure trove of cookbooks also hosting various cooking demonstration classes. Notting Hill W11 www.booksforcooks.com

Divertimenti Cookery School Hosting a variety of cooking classes and a great source of kitchen items. Various locations. www.divertimenti.co.uk/cookery-school

Le Cordon Bleu Courses for amateurs and professionals available for this premier culinary arts institute. Bloomsbury WC1A www.cordonbleu.edu/london/home/en

FOCUS Living in the UK 139

LIUK==3.indd 139 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

Leith’s School of Food and Wine Courses for amateurs, professionals and corporate events. They can also help you hire a chef for an event. Hammersmith W12 www.leiths.com

Tante Marie Cookery School Professional and lifestyle courses. Woking, Surrey GU21 www.tantemarie.co.uk

Floristry & gardening courses

The English Gardening School Offers short courses and oneyear certified courses in garden design. Chelsea SW3 www.englishgardeningschool.co.uk

Merrist Wood College Landbased programmes including horticulture, floristry, landscaping and animal care. Guildford GU3 www.merristwood.ac.uk

Judith Blacklock Flower arranging, floristry, garden design, flower painting. Knightsbridge SW1X www.judithblacklock.com

Language training

SKOLA (FOCUS Sponsor) Adult and child English language tutoring centres. London W1D and NW1 www.skola.co.uk

140 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 140 14.6.2016 12:14:44 TECLA Languages (FOCUS Sponsor) Connecting individuals with the best English courses for all ages and summer camps for teenagers. www.tecla-languages.co.uk

Berlitz School of Languages Inclass and online language courses. London WC1V www.berlitz.co.uk

Harven School of English A variety of language courses including English for professional development. Courses offered in multiple locations. Woking, Surrey GU22 www.harven.co.uk

Language Studies International Intensive courses available for English and other languages. Various locations including Cambridge and Brighton. www.lsi.edu

University of Surrey Day and evening language courses available. Guilford, Surrey GU2 www.surrey.ac.uk/languages

Public speaking & debates

The Association of Speakers Club This association helps people become better speakers and presenters. Loca- tions around the UK. www.the-asc.org.uk

Conway Hall A wide variety of lectures, classes, performances, community and social events. Holborn WC1R http://conwayhall.org.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 141

LIUK==3.indd 141 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

Intelligence² Debates and discussions on a variety of current affairs topics. Events are held at various locations. www.intelligencesquared.com

Lecture List A website with a searchable list of public talks taking place in the UK. The list is searchable by speaker, topic, date, institution and region. http://lecturelist.org

Toastmasters Not for profit organisation that helps people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. Clubs around the UK. www.toastmasters.org

5 × 15 Evenings of inspiration and entertainment where 5 speakers speak for 15 minutes each on various topics. Various locations. www.5x15.com

Photography, art & design courses

University of the Arts London Europe’s largest university for art, design, fashion, communication and the performing arts. Offers short courses as well as degree courses. London WC1V www.arts.ac.uk

Christie’s Education Fine and Decorative Arts Studies degrees and short courses. London W1W www.christies.edu

Royal Drawing School Daytime and evening courses for people of all levels. Locations in Shored- itch, Central London and west London royaldrawingschool.org

142 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 142 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Sotheby’s Institute of Art Offering short courses and Master’s programmes. London WC1B www.sothebysinstitute.com

Wine & spirits

Vini Italiani Wine masterclasses and tastings. South Kensington and Covent Garden www.italianwines.com

The Wine Education Service Wine and whisky courses in London, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Brighton, Manchester and Sussex. www.wine-education-service.co.uk

Wine & Spirits Education Trust Courses at all levels offered throughout over the UK. www.wset.co.uk

Libraries London is home to many libraries. Generally, you are never more than a mile away from the nearest one. Boroughs have their own public libraries –you may also find details of local reading groups, browse newspapers and magazines, as well as surf the internet free of charge.

The British Library National library of the UK and one of the world’s largest libraries. This library receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland and the current collection includes 150 million items, in most known languages. You can search the integrated catalogue online or visit the British Library at St Pancras, London NW1. www.bl.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 143

LIUK==3.indd 143 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

The City Business Library Public reference library specialising in current business information. Also hosts events and workshops. City of London EC2V www.cityoondon.gov.uk

Guildhall Library For business information more than five years old or for business history. City of London EC2V www.cityoondon.gov.uk

Places of worship This list is arranged alphabetically by religion. Some Christian congregations aimed at particular ethnic groups are listed by nationality.

American International Church www.amchurch.co.uk

Anglican Church www.london.anglican.org

Baptist www.londonbaptist.org.uk

Buddhism www.lbc.org.uk

Chinese Church in London www.ccil.org.uk

Christian Science www.thirdchurchlondon.co.uk

Church of Scotland www.stcolumbas.org.uk

Congregational www.orange-street-church.org

144 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 144 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Commonwealth Church www.commonwealthchurch.com

Filipino Christian www.c.adventistchurch.org.uk

Greek Orthodox www.stsophia.org.uk

Hinduism www.svnuk.org

International Community Church www.icc-uk.org

Islam www.iccuk.org

Judaism Liberal www.ljs.org Masorti www.masorti.org.uk Reform www.westminstersynagogue.org Sephardi www.sephardi.org.uk

Lutheran www.lutheran.org.uk

Methodist www.methodistlondon.org.uk

Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster www.rcdow.org.uk

There are churches offering masses in other languages:

Brazilian Portuguese parish.rcdow.org.uk/camdentown/portuguesechurch

FOCUS Living in the UK 145

LIUK==3.indd 145 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Activities & Entertainment

Chinese www.cocm.org.uk

French www.ndfchurch.org

Italian www.italianchurch.org.uk

Polish http://parish.rcdow.org.uk/stamfordhill

Spanish www.servitechurch.org

Russian Orthodox www.sourozh.org

Scientology www.scientology-london.org

Sikhism www.centralgurdwara.org.uk

Spiritual Societies in the UK www.spiritualistassociation.org.uk

Swedish Church www.swedishchurch.com

Unitarian www.unitarianfellowshipoondon.org

146 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 146 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Travel & Day Trips UK tourist information ...... 148 Day trips & short breaks ...... 148 Air travel ...... 151 Train travel ...... 154 Bus & coach travel ...... 155

LIUK==3.indd 147 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Travel & Day Trips

London and other areas of the UK are a great base from which to explore many other destinations throughout Britain or Europe. Thanks to its five airports and numerous rail stations, including an international one, travelling is relatively easy. It is advisable to have travel insurance to cover the eventualities such as flight delay, loss of baggage, theft of money or belongings, or medical costs if you travel both in the UK or abroad. Different levels of cover are available, depending on your personal or family needs. Call the FOCUS office for resources.

UK tourist information

Visit Britain UK official travel and tourism guide. www.visitbritain.com/gb/en

Tourist Information UK Information and links about Britain. www.tourist-information-uk.com

National Trust A conservation organisation for the preservation and protection of historic places and spaces. Owning over 300 historic buildings and gardens there is plenty of choice for great days out. Become a member for discounts on entry and events. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

English Heritage A registered charity looking after England’s historic buildings, monuments and sites. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Day trips & short breaks If you have already discovered the best of London, why not try some day trips or short breaks further afield. We have listed just a few to get you started.

Bath Set in the beautiful Somerset countryside, the city of Bath houses the Ro- man Baths, the Bath Abbey and beautiful Georgian stone crescents. Only 1.5 hours from London by train. www.visitbath.co.uk

148 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 148 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Beachy Head and Seven Sisters With its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Along with the Seven Sisters Country Park, it is a haven for those who like to explore the outdoors on foot or bicycle. www.beachyhead.org.uk

Blenheim Palace The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace is set in 2100 acres of parkland, lawns and formal gardens with a magnificent lake. Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 (8 miles north west of Oxford) www.blenheimpalace.com

Brighton Less than one hour from London, this seaside town is a rich mix of Regency heritage, boutique shopping, arts, beachfront cool and year round events. www.visitbrighton.com

Cambridge Home to the famous University, punting on the river Cam and carols in King’s College Chapel. Cambridge is a compact cosmopolitan city with outstanding architecture. www.visitcambridge.org

Canterbury The Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martins church form the trio of World Heritage Sites in Canterbury. There are also surviving structures from Roman times. www.canterbury.co.uk

Cornwall Sandy beaches, coastal walks, sailing, surfing, golf and more. Overnight trains from London take about 5 hours or a flight to Newquay takes 1 hour. www.visitcornwall.com

Cotswolds The quintessential English countryside filled with thatched cottages, gardens, antiques and picturesque country walks. Only 1.5hour train ride from London. www.cotswolds.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 149

LIUK==3.indd 149 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Travel & Day Trips

Edinburgh Scotland’s capital city is filled with art, culture, shopping and the spectacular Edinburgh castle. Summer boasts the sensational Edinburgh Festival for arts and culture enthusiasts. A 4.5hour train ride or a 1.5hour flight from London. www.edinburgh.org

Hampton Court Hampton Court provides an insight into life in the palace at the time of Henry VIII and William III. Visit the State Apartments, a Tudor kitchen, costumed guides, audio tours and maze set in the fabulous gardens. www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

Hever Castle The childhood home of Ann Boleyn. Visit the Castle and Gardens and enjoy boating, falconry, jousting, adventure playground and miniature model houses. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Lake District Twelve of the largest lakes in England, all in the northwest corner of the country. Biking trails, footpaths, boat hire and swimming will provide hours of outdoor activity. www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

Leeds Castle Set on two islands on the River Len, this castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years. Visit the Castle and also the gardens, maze, adventure playground and aviaries. It also has a payandplay golf course. www.leeds-castle.com

New Forest A walker’s paradise with many circular and linear routes and a fantastic place for cycling with miles and miles of traffic free tracks leading you right into the heart of the forest. www.thenewforest.co.uk

150 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 150 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Oxford Filled with museums, the famous university and many activities, this university town has so much to offer! Make the most of your time in Oxford with the Oxford Visitor Card. www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

Salisbury and Stonehenge One of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of earthworks surrounding a circular setting of large standing stones, 10 miles from the medieval city of Salisbury. The amazing Salisbury cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain and Europe’s oldest working clock. www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury www.stonehenge.co.uk

Shakespeare Country/Warwick Castle Visit StratforduponAvon, the home of William Shakespeare and explore the beauty of Warwickshire on the banks of the River Avon. Warwick Cas- tle will take you back to Old England and introduce children to Medieval times. Only 1.5 hours from London by train. www.shakespeare-country.co.uk

Windsor Castle One of the Queen’s Royal Residences, this castle is truly impressive. Queen Mary’s dollhouse is a must see as is a walk in Windsor Great Park’s 5‚000 acres of parkland. www.royalcollection.org.uk

Air travel There are five international airports that serve the Greater London area: Heath- row, Gatwick, Stansted, London City and Luton.

Heathrow Airport The largest international airport in the UK. www.heathrowairport.com Getting there: Tube Piccadilly Line to Heathrow making stops at the terminals this is a good economical option. Heathrow Express Trains from Paddington station depart every 15 minutes and take approximately 15 minutes for terminals 2 &3 (allow a few minutes more

FOCUS Living in the UK 151

LIUK==3.indd 151 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Travel & Day Trips

for terminal 4 or 5). For a full schedule check the website. Tickets are available online, at the station or on the train. You cannot use your oyster card to purchase tickets at present. www.heathrowexpress.com

Gatwick Airport The second largest UK airport located south of London in West Sussex. Gatwick is easily reached from Central London by train or bus. Most people do not drive or use a car service as it takes at least an hour when the traffic is good. www.gatwickairport.com Getting there: Gatwick Express A nonstop train between London Victoria station and London Gatwick Airport. It takes approximately 30 minutes and it runs every 15 minutes except from late evening and early morning when is every 30 minutes. For a full schedule check the website. You can purchase tickets online or at the ticket vending machine at the station. Special offers are available for online purchase. You can use your Oyster Card to buy your ticket. www.gatwickexpress.co.uk Thameslink Runs services to and from Gatwick from London Bridge, St Pancras International and Luton Airport including other London stops. www.thameslinkrailway.com Southern Operates train services to London Victoria via Clapham Junction and East Croydon. www.southernrailway.com The easyBus To and from Earls Court/West Brompton, London Waterloo and London Victoria. www.easybus.com/en/london-gatwick National Express Direct, high frequency, express bus services running 24/7 every 30 minutes between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria. www.nationalexpress.com/bd/Gatwick/gatwick-airport.aspx Terravision Comfortable lowcost bus transfer between Gatwick Airport and Bayswater in Central London, via Hammersmith and Cromwell Road. Services run every 30 minutes, seven days a week. www.terravision.eu/airport_transfer/bus-gatwick-airport-london

London City Airport Small airport, close to the City with flights to the UK and Europe. www.londoncityairport.com Getting there: Train The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an overground system connecting East London to the London Underground network.

152 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 152 14.6.2016 12:14:44 The DLR departs London City Airport every 8 to 15 minutes, with journey times of less than 7 minutes to Canning Town or Woolwich Arsenal and 17 minutes to Stratford International. You can use your Oyster Card.

Luton Airport Located north of London this airport is a major base for lowcost airlines. www.london-luton.co.uk Getting there: Thameslink Direct trains to Luton Airport from London (Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, London St Pancras International). Get off the train at Luton Airport Parkway station and catch the bus transfer which will take you to the terminal building in about 7 minutes. The transfer is included in your rail ticket to Luton Airport. www.thameslinkrailway.com/airport-travel/luton Green Line Route 757 operates up to four coaches per hour to and from London Victoria, Marble Arch, Baker Street, Finchley Road and Brent Cross, 24 hours a day. Journey time from 70 minutes. www.greenline.co.uk The easyBus Service to and from London Victoria to Luton Airport operates every 20 to 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. Journey time is 80 minutes. www.easybus.com/en/london-luton Terravision Operates London Victoria via Marble Arch, Baker Street, Finchley Road and Brent Cross. The service operates every 20 to 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. Journey time 65 minutes. www.terravision.eu/airport_transfer/bus-luton-airport-london

Stansted Airport Located in Essex. Many cheap European flights leave from Stanstead. www.stanstedairport.com Getting there: Stansted Express Is the fastest way to travel from London Liverpool Street Station to Stansted Airport. It departs every 15 minutes and the ride takes approximately 45 minutes. For a full schedule check the website. Tickets can be purchased online. www.stanstedexpress.com National Express Coaches travel to and from Stansted Airport from 38 pickup points in London and services run 24 hours a day. www.stanstedairport.com/ to-and-from-the-airport/coach/national-express-coaches Stanstead Citylink Non stop service coach runs between Stansted Airport and King’s Cross London with 70 minutes journey time, in operation 24 hours a day. www.stanstedcitylink.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 153

LIUK==3.indd 153 14.6.2016 12:14:44 Travel & Day Trips

Parking at airports Shortterm, business and longterm parking are available at all airports and also at independent car parks near to airports. It is advisable to prebook a parking space online.

Private airport car services There are a number of independent car services. In some cases, when travelling to Heathrow airport the price for a family to take one of these services may be a cheaper option than the Heathrow Express.

iRide London http://iridelondon.com

Just Airports www.justairports.com

London Airport Transfer www.londonairporttransport.co.uk/index.aspx

Meadway Cars www.meadway.com

Train travel

National Rail The main train stations in London are: Charing Cross, Euston, Fenchurch Street, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Marylebone, Moorgate, Pad- dington, St. Pancras, Victoria and Waterloo. Each station serves different parts of the UK so be sure to plan ahead. Most rail services offer First and Standard Class tickets. Many longdistance and intercity services have a buffet car or atseat trolley service for drinks and snacks. Families and others travelling with children (aged between 5 and 15 years) by train in the UK will want to take advantage of the Family Railcard. The card, valid on National Rail journeys, entitles adults to 1/3 off most train fares and 60% off the child’s fare. Up to four adults and four children travelling together can use the card, and, despite its name, you don’t need to be related. National Rail also provides the Young Person’s Railcard for people aged 16–25 which offers 1/3 off fares and costs £30 for a oneyear card (at the time of printing).

154 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 154 14.6.2016 12:14:45 For all train journeys it is advisable to book as early as possible to take advantage of cheaper fares.

Eurostar The highspeed passenger train operating between St Pancras Station in London and France (Lille, Paris, Disneyland Paris and some destination in the South of France), Belgium (Brussels and Bruges), Germany, the Nether- lands, Switzerland and some ski destinations during the winter. www.eurostar.com

National Rail For most commuter train services to London www.nationalrail.co.uk

Book train tickets in advance www.thetrainline.com www.qjump.co.uk

Family Railcard www.family-railcard.co.uk

Network Rail Fare information and timetables for any train journey www.networkrail.co.uk

Rail Europe Buy tickets and passes for travel throughout Europe including Interrail passes and ski trains. www.raileurope.co.uk

Bus & coach travel

Eurolines A long distance coach organisation. It operates a transnational network, connecting 600 destinations, covering the whole of Europe. Depart from Victoria Coach Station in London. www.eurolines.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 155

LIUK==3.indd 155 14.6.2016 12:14:45 Travel & Day Trips

National Express Coaches Britain’s scheduled coach service linking over 1‚000 destinations in Eng- land, Scotland and Wales. www.nationalexpress.com

Scottish Citylink Coaches Fast and frequent services to over 200 towns and cities across Scotland. www.citylink.co.uk

Other Resources

Eurotunnel From Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes this is the quickest way to cross the channel with your car. www.eurotunnel.com

Skyscanner Compare flights from all budget airlines to find the best deal. www.skyscanner.net

TripAdvisor Find reviews and compare hotels, holiday destinations and more. www.tripadvisor.co.uk

156 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 156 14.6.2016 12:14:45 Children International schools ...... 160 National schools ...... 165

LIUK==3.indd 157 14.6.2016 12:14:45 Children

Moving to a new country is a stimulating, exciting and challenging experience for the whole family. There are steps you can take before and after the move to help make settling in easier, enjoyable and rewarding. Before moving, make a list with your children of their interests, sports, activities and courses they currently enjoy, or new ones they are keen to try. If you can sign up for at least one activity before you move they will have the security of the familiar and also something to look forward to. At the same time, make sure that you leave some doors open back home; remind children they will return for visits and can still stay in touch. Goodbyes do not have to be final. With social networks and technology they can stay in touch regularly with old friends and this might help through initial difficulties or loneliness. One of your biggest considerations when moving with children, regardless of the age, is education. It is natural to be concerned about the welfare of your children as you move abroad and view the school choice as the paramount decision. The choice of school affects whether your children make friends, learn successfully, are prepared for the next phase of education (either reentry upon repatriation or going on to university) and ultimately whether they are happy. Furthermore, schools often become the primary source of social connections for the family, at least initially and therefore must provide a comfortable community for everyone. There are a myriad of factors that contribute to that decision, especially when you are moving to the UK where there are numerous schooling options available. An important consideration is the type of education that you would like your child to have: British, National or International. In making this decision it might be helpful to ask yourself a few questions about your future. When this assignment is over, will you go back to your home country, or move onto another assignment in a different country? Is there the possibility that your contract could be extended to remain longer in the UK than originally planned? Is it important to you that children are schooled in your home country’s educational system? Have you thought about which country your children may want to choose for university? These questions will not necessarily be easy to answer, but they will help you to identify more clearly the type of education that would be best for you and your children. If you are interested in immersing them in local culture, or if you think that you will be here in the UK for the longterm, a British school might be best. Within the British system, there are also many options to choose from, including state schools, independent schools, day schools and boarding

158 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 158 14.6.2016 12:14:45 schools. Children finishing their education within the British system will follow the curriculum of ALevels. If raising your children with your local culture is important to you, there are many national schools available in the UK, including, but not limited to these nationalities: American, French, Italian, German, Swedish and Japanese. This might be a good option should you be planning to return to your home country after a short stay here in the UK, as your child will be able to easily reintegrate upon returning. Another option to consider is International Schools, most of which offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) as the high school diploma. The students at these schools represent many different nationalities and the schools are focused on creating a warm and welcoming environment to new children arriving from abroad. There is normally a standardised curriculum in these schools, which makes transferring from one country to another very easy as long as your child remains in an IB school. The IB diploma will be recognised globally when applying to university. For more information on education and activities regarding kids, we have put together the best of our experience, knowledge and resources to help you easily navigate life in the UK with children. The FOCUS staff alone has over 50 years combined experience of life in the UK with kids! FOCUS Children in The UK Guide includes indepth resources and information about education, childcare, children’s healthcare, pregnancy, activities and shopping. The guide, free for FOCUS members, can also be purchased. Visit www. focusinfo.org or call the FOCUS office on 020 7937 7799 for more information.

Education

Department of Education All the government information on schools and children services. www.education.gov.uk

The Good Schools Guide In print and online; both versions have independent views on over 1‚000 UK schools. www.goodschoolsguide.com

IB – International Baccalaureate www.ibo.org

FOCUS Living in the UK 159

LIUK==3.indd 159 14.6.2016 12:14:45 Watch the ACS ﬁ lm Children

International schools

ACS Cobham International School (FOCUS Sponsor) A coed boarding and day school for ages 2–18. It is a large international school with American college preparatory programme, Advanced Place ment courses and International Baccalaureate Diploma available. Cobham, Surrey KT11 www.acs-schools.com/acs-cobham

ACS Egham International School (FOCUS Sponsor) Situated in prime London commuter belt, this is the only school in the UK to off er all four IB programmes, including the Primary Years (from age 3), Middle Years and Diploma Programme, as well as the IB Careersrelated Certifi cate. The US High School Diploma is also available. Egham, Surrey TW20 www.acs-schools.com/acs-egham

ACS Hillingdon International School (FOCUS Sponsor) An international day school for ages 4–18. Curriculum includes American college preparatory programme, Advanced Placement courses and Interna tional Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. Extensive school busing service covers Central London to Beaconsfi eld and beyond. Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 www.acs-schools.com/acs-hillingdon

For more International schools please see the next page. More than just a school Families just know when a relocation works. When all the pieces come together, it can deliver one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Here at ACS, we understand the complex needs of globally mobile families, having partnered the relocation industry since 1967 to create smooth and happy transitions. That is why each year hundreds of families from more than 100 countries make ACS ‘the’ social hub to their educational and lifestyle needs. To ﬁ nd out more about us, and our world renowned programmes, please visit www.acs-schools.com. Alternatively call either ACS Cobham +44 (0)1932 869744, ACS Egham +44 (0)1784 430611, ACS Hillingdon +44 (0)1895 818402. ACS schools are non-sectarian and co-educational (day and boarding) for students 2 to 18 years of age.

160 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 160 14.6.2016 12:14:45 3518_2403_ACS_FocusLivingInTheUK_Relo5_210x148_AW.indd 1 24/03/2016 13:07 Watch the ACS ﬁ lm

ADVERTISEMENT FULL PAGE ACS

More than just a school Families just know when a relocation works. When all the pieces come together, it can deliver one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Here at ACS, we understand the complex needs of globally mobile families, having partnered the relocation industry since 1967 to create smooth and happy transitions. That is why each year hundreds of families from more than 100 countries make ACS ‘the’ social hub to their educational and lifestyle needs. To ﬁ nd out more about us, and our world renowned programmes, please visit www.acs-schools.com. Alternatively call either ACS Cobham +44 (0)1932 869744, ACS Egham +44 (0)1784 430611, ACS Hillingdon +44 (0)1895 818402. ACS schools are non-sectarian and co-educational (day and boarding) for students 2 to 18 years of age.

FOCUS Living in the UK 161

LIUK==3.indd3518_2403_ACS_FocusLivingInTheUK_Relo5_210x148_AW.indd 161 1 14.6.201624/03/2016 12:14:46 13:07 Children

Dwight School London (FOCUS Sponsor) Dwight School London is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Dwight Global Campuses and Programmes: London | New York | Seoul | Shanghai | Canada It off ers mother tongue language support as well as learning support through its Quest Programme. Dwight School London is for children aged 2–18. London N11 www.dwightlondon.org

EIFA L’Ecole Internationale Franco-Anglaise (FOCUS Sponsor) Located in Central London, EIFA is an independent coeducational school off ering international and bilingual education for children aged 18 months to 18 years. They are a candidate school for the IB Diploma Programme which will be phased in from 2016–2018. London W1B www.ecole-ifa.com

International Community School (FOCUS Sponsor) Primary School (3–11) and Secondary School (11–18), coeducational. An IB World School with 3 campuses in Central London, off ering Primary Years, Middle Years and IB Diploma programmes. Intensive courses in English as a foreign language also off ered. London W2 www.icschool.co.uk Dwight is an IB World School for students aged 2-18, International School of London – ISL (FOCUS Sponsor) representing over 40 nationalities; no two students are alike. Coeducational, day school in west London; IB PYP (3–10), IB MYP (11–16) Our aim is to foster the development of the whole child, and IB Diploma (16–18). ISL London is a culturally diverse community. Students’ cultural and linguistic identities are valued and nurtured through whatever their talent or passion. Dwight is committed to the international curriculum and Mother Tongue programme, which in realising every student’s full potential. cludes 20 languages. London W3 www.isllondon.org For details of our International Baccalaureate Programmes International School of London Surrey – ISL Surrey (FOCUS Sponsor) for students of all ages contact: Coeducational, day school in Surrey; IPC, IB MYP and IB Diploma. Eng [email protected] or 020 8920 0634 lish as a second language support given; over 20 home languages taught. Woking, Surrey GU22 6 Friern Barnet Lane N11 3LX | www.dwightlondon.org www.islsurrey.org

Scan here to read the Good Schools Guide review

162 FOCUS Living in the UK

Dwight Global Campuses and Programmes: London | New York | Seoul | Shanghai | Canada

ADVERTISEMENT FULL PAGE

Dwight is an IB World School for students aged 2-18, Dwight no two students are alike. Dwightrepresenting is an over IB 40World nationalities; School for students aged 2-18, Dwight is an IB World School for students aged 2-18, representingOur aim is overto foster 40 nationalities; the development no two of studentsthe whole are child, alike. representing over 40 nationalities; no two students are alike. Ourwhatever aim is theirto foster talent the or developmentpassion. Dwight of isthe committed whole child, to realisingOur aim everyis to student’sfoster the full development potential. of the whole child, whateverwhatever their their talent talent oror passion.passion. DwightDwight isis committed committed to to realisingrealising every every student’s student’s fullfull potential.potential. For details of our International Baccalaureate Programmes for students of all ages contact: ForFor details [email protected] of of our our International International Baccalaureate or 020 8920 Programmes Programmes 0634 6 Friern Barnet for for students Lanestudents N11 ofof 3LX all agesages| www.dwightlondon.org contact: contact: [email protected]@dwightlondon.org oror 020 020 8920 8920 0634 0634 6 Friern6Scan Friern here Barnet to Barnet read the Lane LaneGood N11 SchoolsN11 3LX 3LXGuide | |review www.dwightlondon.orgwww.dwightlondon.org

Scan here to read the Good Schools Guide review Scan here to read the Good Schools Guide review

FOCUS Living in the UK 163

LIUK==3.indd 163 14.6.2016 12:14:47 Children

Marymount International School London (FOCUS Sponsor) Independent Catholic day and boarding school for girls aged 11–18, welcoming students of all nationalities and faiths. IB Middle Years and Diplo- ma Programmes offered in addition to High School Diploma. Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 www.marymountlondon.com

TASIS The American School in England (FOCUS Sponsor) International and American education for day (3–18) and boarding students (14–18) in Surrey. IB Diploma, Advanced Placement, American High School Diploma and EnglishasanAdditional Language programmes. They also offer summer programmes in the UK, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and France. Thorpe, Surrey TW20 www.tasisengland.org

Halcyon London International School Opened in September 2013, Halcyon is the only notforprofit, coeducational, exclusively International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Central London. Building on the foundations of the IB, Halcyon is a thinking community, committed to holistic teaching and learning, nurturing engaged, reflective and responsible, lifeready, global citizens. London W1H www.halcyonschool.com

International School of Aberdeen Day school offering an internationally recognised coeducational prekinder- garten through secondary school education for students of all nationalities. Aberdeen AB15, Scotland www.isa.aberdeen.sch.uk

The King Fahad Academy Bilingual, Muslim, international school also offering the IB programme. Children age 3 to 18 (Pre K to Grade 12). London W3 www.thekfa.org.uk

164 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 164 14.6.2016 12:14:47 Southbank International School International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for 3–18 year olds with campuses in Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster. London www.southbank.org

National schools

American School in London – ASL (FOCUS Sponsor) Coeducational, independent school of more than 1‚350 students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Providing an American education in an international setting. London NW8 www.asl.org

Dania School in London Opened in September 2013 Dania is the Danish School in London. It caters primarily to bilingual Danish/English children, offering the national curricula of both countries. London EC1R www.daniaschool.com

Deutsche Schule London Part of an international school system, providing German education from Kindergarten to Abitur in 140 schools worldwide. Deutsche Schule is also an IB World School. Richmond, Surrey TW10 www.dslondon.org.uk

French: Ecole Jeannine Manuel An independent school opened in September 2015, with students aged 4 to 12. This is a French bilingual education for students from Moyenne Section to 5e. Like its sister school in France, founded by Jeannine Manuel in 1954, the school mission is to promote international understanding through a bilingual education. London WC1B www.ecolejeanninemanuel.org.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 165

LIUK==3.indd 165 14.6.2016 12:14:47 Children

Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres This school follows the French curriculum from the age of 3 to 18. At secondary school there is also a British section offering GCSEs and ALevels. London SW7 www.lyceefrancais.org.uk

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill An Independent school set up by the French Education Charitable Trust (FECT). It is part of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). The Lycée provides an international education based on the French National Curriculum leading to the French Baccalaureate, through a rigorous, bilingual programme and innovative methods. London Wembley HA9 www.lyceeinternational.london

Greek Primary School of London The Greek primary & nursery School was established in 1983 by the Greek government in order to provide Greek education service in London following a combination of the Greek and British Curricula. Children at the school are immersed in Greek culture and music. London W3 www.greekprimaryschooloondon.com

Instituto Español Vicente Cañada Blanch Teachings cover Kindergarten to High School. The students, mainly coming from Spanish origin, study a bilingual curriculum. London W10 www.educacion.gob.es/exterior/centros/canadablanch/es/home/index.shtml

Japanese School Full time school and Saturday school, coeducational, 300 boys, 200 girls. London W3 www.thejapaneseschool.ltd.uk

166 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 166 14.6.2016 12:14:47 La Scuola Italiana a Londra A full time bilingual Italian and English nursery and primary school. Of- fers after school programme, including Italian language course open to all children. London W11 www.scuolaitalianalondra.org

Swedish School From primary school to sixth form, the Swedish School offers pupils high quality education in an open environment. Follows the Swedish course plan and Swedish grading criteria. London SW13 www.swedishschool.org.uk

The Norwegian School in London Nursery, primary and lower secondary school. London SW20 www.norwegianschool.org.uk

The Russian Embassy School Russian school for children from 6 years old. London W11 www.ukschool.ucoz.ru

FOCUS Living in the UK 167

LIUK==3.indd 167 14.6.2016 12:14:47 Pets General information ...... 169 Veterinary clinics ...... 170 Dog walking services & boarding ...... 172 Pet day care & sitters...... 173 Kennels ...... 174 Moving & transportation ...... 175 Shops & grooming ...... 176 Pet rescue centres ...... 177

LIUK==3.indd 168 14.6.2016 12:14:47 Pets are special members of the family and are often an important part of a relocation. They require great care and therefore many services are available to cater to their needs. For any type of information related to pets, from special care for different breeds to where to get a puppy and the best pet health plans, please contact The Kennel Club (www.thekennelclub.org.uk) or Royal Veteri- nary College (www.rvc.ac.uk). Several companies (even big supermarkets) have a wide range of health products for pets, but choose carefully and get informed about what’s the most suitable for your pet. If you intend to take your pet on a trip to continental Europe they will need a pet passport. Most vet clinics can provide one and it should not take too long to obtain (usually less than a week). Your pet will need particular vaccinations and a check in their microchip (which is now compulsory for dogs). For more information speak to your vet or check the website take-pet-abroad (www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad). Refer to the section Moving for additional information.

General information

Department for Environment, Food & Rural A airs (DEFRA) This UK Government department is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment- food-rural-aairs

Dog People An online directory for locating the best dogfriendly hotels, restaurants, parks and other areas. www.dogpeople.co.uk

Pet Health Council This website has useful information for people interested in owning a pet, as well as, current pet owners. www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk

The London Dog Forum A forum which aims to provide essential information to all dog owners encouraging responsible dog ownership, improving dog welfare and enhanc- ing the enjoyment of the man/dog relationship. www.londondogforum.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 169

LIUK==3.indd 169 14.6.2016 12:14:47 Pets

Veterinary clinics It is important to locate the closest vet clinic to your home as soon as you move. Have your pet registered at the clinic you choose and ask them what emergency clinic they use out of regular hours.

Abingdon Veterinary Clinic Small animal surgery that treats all types of pets. Complementary medicine and therapies, radiology and acupuncture available at this clinic. Kensington W8 and Chiswick W4 www.abingdonclinic.co.uk

All Creatures Veterinary Surgery Treating cats, dogs and small animals. Veterinary surgeons are on staff. Battersea SW11 www.allcreatures.co.uk

Amwell Veterinary Services Offer advice and treatment for pets. Islington EC1R www.amwell.co.uk

Animal Medical Centre Veterinary treatment and diagnostic services. Cats and dogs and also small animals. Open 7 days a week. Offers also Pet Passport Service enabling you to travel with your pet to countries under the pet travel scheme. Cricklewood NW2 www.amcvetlondon.co.uk

Beaumont Animal Hospital From routine vaccination, worming and consultations to advice, diagnosis, treatment and care. Also provides Pet Passports. Camden NW1 www.rvc.ac.uk/beaumont-sainsbury-animal-hospital

Blue Cross Animal Hospital Charity that treats pets whose owners cannot afford private veterinary treatment and finds permanent homes for unwanted or abandoned animals. Several location throughout the UK. www.bluecross.org.uk

170 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 170 14.6.2016 12:14:47 Elizabeth Street Vet Clinic and Emergency Services Small animal veterinary practice. Open during the day and also offers an emergency service. Also Pet Passports: The Pet Travel Scheme (P.E.T.S.). Belgravia SW1W www.esvc.co.uk

Goddard Veterinary Group Surgeries across London. They also offer 24 hour emergency cover and 3 hospitals in Wimbledon, Northolt and Wanstead. www.goddardvetgroup.co.uk

Hornsey Vets Veterinary clinic for dogs, cats and rabbits. Finsbury Park N19 www.hornseyvets.co.uk

Hyde Park Veterinary Centre Provides both routine and specialised healthcare for dogs and cats. Offers also Pet Passport Scheme. Hyde Park W2 www.hydeparkvet.co.uk

Kynance Veterinary Clinic Preventative health care for puppies, adults and senior pets including ex- aminations, vaccinations and micro chipping. South Kensington SW7 www.kynancevetclinic.co.uk

London Vet Clinic Provide primary and specialist care for companion animals and their people. Marylebone W1H www.londonvetclinic.co.uk

Paws Inc. Offers surgeries, diagnostics, dental work and house calls for your pets. Fulham SW6 www.pawsinc.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 171

LIUK==3.indd 171 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Pets

The Village Pets Animal veterinary practice and hospital. Open day and night, offering emergency services for several vet practices in north and north west Lon- don, Cambridge and Hertfordshire. www.villagevet.co.uk

Dog walking services & boarding Selected pet stores such as Pet Pavilion (www.petpavilion.co.uk – with 4 locations in NW and SW London) and Purple Bone (www.purplebone.com – several locations in London) will do grooming and dog walking services, but you can also try the ones below, which are very reputable as well:

Pets in the City One stop for all your dog needs with grooming, supplies and dog walking services. North Kensington W10 www.petsincity.com

Dog Walkers UK Pet sitters, boarding and walkers. North Somerset BS23 www.dogwalkersuk.com

Happy Dogs Dog walking, daycare, sitting, boarding, grooming, dog training, dental descaling and vet visits. Wood Lane W12 but do cover a vast area of London www.happy-dogs.co.uk

Happy Hounds Providing dog walking, pet sitting, dog boarding and pet transport service. East London and Kent www.happyhounds.co.uk

The Dog Jogger Daily off the lead dog runs in Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park and Kensing- ton Gardens. www.thedogjogger.co.uk

172 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 172 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Urban Tails Dog walking, feeding, boarding and sitting. Covering NW and W parts of London www.urbantails.co.uk

Pet day care & sitters

Animal Aunts Pet sitting service all over the UK. www.animalaunts.co.uk

Cats, Dogs and Peace of Mind (CDPOM) Pet care, grooming and training. Kent DA12 www.cdpom.com

Company for Cats Cat feeding service, home pet sitting and private boarding. West London and Middlesex www.companyforcats.com

Dogs Downtown Dog day care in various locations around south west London. www.dogsdowntown.co.uk

House of Mutt For dogs of distinction a real country club for dogs. Norfolk IP24 www.houseofmutt.com

Max & Kitty With 80‚000 pet sitters across Europe, they offer petsitting services in your home or in host families for dogs, cats and other pets. The certified petsit- ters do also home visits and dog walking. www.maxkitty-petsitting.co.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 173

LIUK==3.indd 173 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Pets

National Pet Sitters The largest pet care company in the UK with registered pet sitters. Oxford www.dogsit.com

Tailster Thousands of trusted, vetted pet walkers and sitters across the UK. www.tailster.com

Urban Mutts Full dog day care with pickup and dropoff service from various locations in London. www.urbanmutts.co.uk

Kennels

Chingford Quarantine Kennels Dog, cat and other pet facilities. Emergency vet on site. Chingford E4 www.chingfordkennels.co.uk

Countryside Kennels and Cattery For personal and caring supervision of your family pets. Staffordshire www.countryside-kennelsandcattery.co.uk

Home and Home Pet Care Kennels, cattery, grooming and training. East Yorkshire www.hfhpetcare.co.uk

London & Essex Kents Farm Kennels & Catteries For dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. Essex www.lekf.co.uk

174 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 174 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Ryslip Quarantine Kennels Kennel, grooming, store and travel needs. Bracknell, Berks www.ryslip.com

Wey Farms Pet quarantine and boarding as well as pet travel information. Surrey www.weyfarm.co.uk

Moving & transportation

Air Animal Domestic and international movers for your pets. www.airanimal.com

Air Pets Organise and provide facilities for all aspects of pet import and export. www.airpets.com

Delahaye Moving Pet relocation. www.delahayemoving.com

Ladyhaye International Pet Travel Agents LLP Export and import pets, quarantine services, boarding and cattery. www.petravelagent.com

Pet Exports Ltd Experts in pet exporting conveniently based at Heathrow. www.petexports.co.uk

World Care Pet Transport Provides services in the transport of household pets for individuals moving anywhere in the world. www.worldcarepet.com

FOCUS Living in the UK 175

LIUK==3.indd 175 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Pets

Shops & grooming

Animal Fair Kensington Pet Shop that sells most of the traditional family pets and all kind of products for dogs, cats and smaller animals. Kensington W8 www.animal-fair.co.uk

K9 Capers Online pet food and accessories. Stores in Brighton and Hove. www.k9capers.co.uk

Pampered Pets Pet shop and grooming parlor. North London N19 www.pamperedpetsltd.co.uk

Pets at Home Largest chain of pet supplies in UK. Website helps one find the closest store. www.petsathome.com

Pet Planet Online store with pet food and products for any kind of animal. www.petplanet.co.uk

Pet-Supermarket Shop online for pet food and other essentials. www.pet-supermarket.co.uk

Zooplus Top brands and lows prices online store for all of your pet needs. www.zooplus.co.uk

176 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 176 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Pet rescue centres

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Rrescue, reunite, rehabilitate and rehome the lost and abandoned dogs and cats. www.battersea.org.uk

National Animal Welfare Trust Animal rescue and rehoming charities in England. www.nawt.org.uk

FOCUS Living in the UK 177

LIUK==3.indd 177 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Apps Culture ...... 179 Transportation ...... 180 Shopping...... 182 Food & drinks ...... 182 Theatre ...... 183 Cinemas ...... 184 Music ...... 184 Travel ...... 185 Children ...... 185

LIUK==3.indd 178 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Apps provide an excellent means of orientating yourself and navigating all that there is to experience here in the UK. Below are the apps most popular when this guide went to print, but with new apps being released every day there are sure to be even more available now!

Culture

Blue Plaques London Map location for nearly 1‚700 plaques of historical significance across the UK. You can search by profession, city and awarding body.

Culture Key The one stop shop for culture in London. Find handpicked art exhibitions, theatre plays and other cultural events.

English Heritage Days Out Find the perfect place to visit in England whether you fancy a majestic castle, a beautiful historic house, an English garden or a magical ruin.

Hidden London Discover a hidden world beyond Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.

HHA (Historic Houses Association) Get ideas for days out and places to visit. The Historic Houses Association (HHA) represents hundreds of privatelyowned properties: from ancient castles and opulent palaces to quirky medieval manor houses or elegant Elizabethan mansions.

King’s Cross, London – Street stories extra Immersive audio walking guide. As you walk through the streets of King’s Cross, London, the app will automatically activate stories relevant to your GPS location.

London Maps and Walks Selfguided walks featuring the best of the city, from world famous attractions to hidden gems.

FOCUS Living in the UK 179

LIUK==3.indd 179 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Apps

National Trust Guide to memorable days out at historic houses and buildings, archaeo- logical sites and monuments and stunning coast and countryside. It also shows the events happening throughout the year.

Street Art London Experience London’s prestigious street art using your smart phone with this comprehensive and authoritative mobile application.

Streetmuseum (Museum of London) Select a destination from the London map or use your GPS to locate an image near you. Hold your camera up to the present day street scene and see the same London location appear on your screen, offering you a window through time.

Time out Discover the best things to do in London.

YPlan Discover and book the best things to do from an expertly curated selection.

Transportation

General

Citymapper The ultimate real time public transport app for London. A to B journey planning, realtime info on all modes of transport where available, book a taxi or a car through the integration with Uber and Hailo, find weather, receive alerts and disruption notices.

Cabs

Gett (GetTaxi) The black cab app allowing you to request a ride, monitor in realtime, pay with your card securely via the app. Ondemand or book in advance.

180 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 180 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Hailo Set your pickup location, select a car of your choice and tap HailoNow. Track your car in real time and make payments from the app. All drivers are licensed by the local authority.

Minicabs

Addison Lee London minicabs allow you to get a car in minutes. The app gives you a fixed price for your journey upfront and tells you exactly how long your car will take to arrive. You can also see your driver’s details and track their arrival.

iRide London Minicab booking app with no surgepricing. Ondemand rides and pre booking options available.

Kabbee Book a minicab in London and compare to taxi prices: compare all of London’s best minicab companies so you get the cheapest quote for the car you need. Available 24/7.

Uber Request a car using the app and get picked up within minutes. Payments from the app.

Public transportation

Cycle Hire London for Santander Cycles The best app for the ‘Santander Cycles’ cycle hire scheme in London.

London Bus Times Live TfL Countdown and Route Gives live information for all 20‚000+ bus stops and 1‚400 routes.

Tube Map London Underground Select a station, either by using the search bar at the top of the screen or by tapping on the map.

FOCUS Living in the UK 181

LIUK==3.indd 181 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Apps

Parking

Appy Parking Allows drivers to see every controlled parking zone in Greater London and helps you make informed choices about parking before you arrive. It can even tell you if it’s ok to park on single yellow lines!

Parkopedia Parking Find parking using your current location or by entering an address, get directions straight to the space, see parking space availability in realtime (where available).

Shopping

Etsy Shop handmade, vintage and creative oneofakind goods.

Groupon Daily local deals on restaurants, spas, hotels, massages, shopping voucher, things to do and much more.

HubBub The best food from small shops, delivering from 100+ small butchers, ba- kers and macaroonmakers in a single delivery.

Living Social Save up to 80% on great local restaurants, tickets and events, relaxing spas, unique products, luxurious hotels and more.

London Market Guide Comprehensive and detailed guide to the best indoor and outdoor markets in London.

Food & drinks

British Street Food Showcases the best street food in Britain. It’s revolutionary, with live GPS maps showing who’s trading where and when.

182 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 182 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Co ee (in)Touch Ultimate guide to the best independent coffee shops in London.

Craft Beer London Explore London’s best craft beer pubs, breweries and shops in the capital’s leading guide dedicated to craft beer. Maps, listings, reviews and news.

Deliveroo Order food from the best loved restaurants around you and have it delivered to your door.

Great Littler Place Uncover hidden gems around you, from cool and quirky restaurants to weird and wonderful bars.

JustEat Search and order from loads of local restaurants and pay by card, or cash on delivery.

Open Table Discover, explore, reserve and manage restaurant reservations free and in- stantly. View menus, reviews and photos and earn reward.

Orogo Browse for restaurants in your area, order and pay for your takeout.

Uncover Discover, book and settle the bill at London’s best restaurants. Only shows you restaurants with availability.

Theatre

London Theatre Direct Discounted and last minute London theatre tickets. Always best seats for given date, performance and section and useful information about venues.

FOCUS Living in the UK 183

LIUK==3.indd 183 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Apps

Love Theatre Official agent for booking London theatre tickets, featuring exclusive pro- ducerallocated tickets and direct access to all West End theatres and for the most popular London events and attractions.

StubHub Get tickets to the games, concerts and theatre shows you want to see, or sell them when you can’t go.

Twickets Europe’s largest fantofan secure ticket exchange that enables users to buy and sell spare tickets to events at face value or less only.

Viagogo Claims to be the world’s largest selection of tickets.

Cinemas

Fandango Get the latest show times, guarantee tickets, and check out trailers, videos and Fandango original series.

Flixter Movie reviews, trailers and show times.

Movie Map London Features a map of London with pins representing movie locations from the very best London movies. Using GPS you can view your position as you explore the movies shot in the city.

Showtimes Recognises your location and connects you to every movie playing near you.

Music

Bandsintown Provides a personalised concert calendar and a way to track your favourite artist and discover new touring musicians, based on your musical preferen- ces and location.

184 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 184 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Dice Buy tickets to the best gigs in town with no booking or transaction fees.

Travel

National Rail Enquiries Official app from National Rail Enquiries allowing users to access detailed and realtime train information.

Trainline Plan your journey, check live train times and platform information. Buy tickets for any UK rail route in seconds.

Skyscanner Searches millions of flights from hundreds of airlines around the world, both lowcost and scheduled to find the perfect flights at the cheapest price.

Children

funKidDays The family friendly location based guide for parents in London. It covers playgrounds, parks, afterschool and weekend classes, sports, farms, attractions, coffee mornings and lots more.

GoBaby A guide to baby changing spots and pram accessible London Underground stations.

London for Families Guided walks, a loo finder and offline maps. If the little ones are getting bo- red, switch to Mission Mode and give your kids a local challenge to solve.

FOCUS Living in the UK 185

LIUK==3.indd 185 14.6.2016 12:14:48 14.6.2016 12:14:48

Emergency numbers LIUK==3.indd 186 Police, Ambulance Service, Fire Brigade & Coastguard 999 or 112 Only use in the case of an emergency, otherwise refer to the below contacts.

Non-emergency police 101 Call to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. For example: your car has been stolen, your property has been damaged or to give the police information about crime in your area. Available 24 hours a day.

Non-emergency health issues 111 Speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you. Available 24 hours a day.

Gas emergency 0800 111 999 Phone if you smell gas, detect carbon monoxide or want to report an explosion.

Power cut 0800 3163 105

Thames Water 0800 3169 800 – for water supply 0800 714 614 – to report a leak

Police anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321

In London every borough has its own list of contact numbers for social services, street lighting, transportation, dangerous trees and dangerous structures.

FOCUS Living in the UK 187

LIUK==3.indd 187 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Notes

188 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 188 14.6.2016 12:14:48 FOCUS Living in the UK 189

LIUK==3.indd 189 14.6.2016 12:14:48 Notes

190 FOCUS Living in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 190 14.6.2016 12:14:48 FOCUS Living in the UK 191

LIUK==3.indd 191 14.6.2016 12:14:48 London Postcode Map

South Western / Battersea Eastern Central SW1 Belgravia, Pimlico, Westminster EC1 Barbican, Clerkenwell, SW2 Brixton, Streatham Hill Finsbury SW3 Brompton, Chelsea EC2 Moorgate, Liverpool Street N4 Finsbury Park, Manor House SW4 Clapham EC3 Aldgate, Monument, Tower Hill N5 Highbury SW5 Earl’s Court EC4 Fleet Street, St Paul’s N6 Highgate South Eastern SW6 Fulham, Parson’s Green N7 Holloway SE1 Bermondsey, Borough, Southwark, SW7 South Kensington Western Central N8 Crouch End, Hornsey Waterloo SW8 Nine Elms, South Lambeth WC1 Bloomsbury, Gray’s Inn N9 Lower Edmonton SE2 Abbey Wood SW9 Brixton, Stockwell WC2 Covent Garden, Holborn, Strand N10 Muswell Hill SE3 Blackheath, Westcombe Park SW10 West Brompton, World’s End N11 Friern Barnet, New Southgate SE4 Brockley, Crofton Park, Honor Oak Park SW11 Battersea, Clapham Junction Eastern N12 North Finchley, Woodside Park SE5 Camberwell SW12 Balham E1 Mile End, Stepney, Whitechapel N13 Palmers Green SE6 Bellingham, Catford, Hither Green SW13 Barnes, Castelnau E2 Bethnal Green, Shoreditch N14 Southgate SE7 Charlton SW14 East Sheen, Mortlake E3 Bow, Bromley-by-Bow N15 Seven Sisters SE8 Deptford SW15 Putney, Roehampton E4 Chingford, Highams Park N16 Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington SE9 Eltham, Mottingham SW16 Norbury, Streatham E5 Clapton N17 Tottenham SE10 Greenwich SW17 Tooting E6 East Ham, Beckton N18 Upper Edmonton SE11 Lambeth SW18 Earls eld, Wandsworth E7 Forest Gate, Upton Park N19 Archway, Tufnell Park SE12 Grove Park, Lee SW19 Merton, Wimbledon E8 Hackney, Dalston N20 Totteridge, Whetstone SE13 Hither Green, Lewisham SW20 Raynes Park, South Wimbledon E9 Hackney, Homerton N21 Winchmore Hill SE14 New Cross, New Cross Gate E10 Leyton N22 Alexandra Palace, Wood Green SE15 Nunhead, Peckham Western / Paddington E11 Leytonstone SE16 Rotherhithe, South Bermondsey, W1 Marylebone, Mayfair, Soho E12 Manor Park North Western Surrey Docks W2 Bayswater, Paddington E13 Plaistow NW1 Camden Town, Regent’s Park SE17 Elephant & Castle, Walworth W3 Acton E14 Isle of Dogs, Millwall, Poplar NW2 Cricklewood, Neasden SE18 Plumstead, Woolwich W4 Chiswick E15 Stratford, West Ham NW3 Hampstead, Swiss Cottage SE19 Crystal Palace, Upper Norwood W5 Ealing E16 Canning Town, North Woolwich NW4 Brent Cross, Hendon SE20 Anerley, Penge W6 Hammersmith E17 Walthamstow NW5 Kentish Town SE21 Dulwich W7 Hanwell E18 South Woodford NW6 Kilburn, Queens Park, West Hampstead SE22 East Dulwich W8 Kensington E20 Olympic Park, Stratford NW7 Mill Hill SE23 Forest Hill W9 Maida Vale, Warwick Avenue NW8 St John’s Wood SE24 Herne Hill W10 Ladbroke Grove, North Kensington Northern NW9 Colindale, Kingsbury SE25 South Norwood W11 Holland Park, Notting Hill N1 Barnsbury, Canonbury, Islington NW10 Harlesden, Kensal Green, Willesden SE26 Sydenham W12 Shepherd’s Bush N2 East Finchley NW11 Golders Green, SE27 Tulse Hill, West Norwood W13 West Ealing N3 Finchley Central Hampstead Garden Suburb SE28 Thamesmead W14 West Kensington

192 FOCUS Working in the UK

LIUK==3.indd 192 14.6.2016 12:14:49 THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND

LIUK==3.indd 202 22.6.2016 11:47:28

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND 22.6.2016 11:47:25 Living in the UK UK UK UK UK in the in the in the in the in the Living Living Living Living Living

An Essential Guide to the UK Guide Essential to An 896826039 780956 9

Living in the UK ISBN 978-0-9568260-3-9 ISBN £ 20