Living in London

Rich in history and culture, London’s history spans nearly two thousand years. First settled by the Romans in 43 AD, the city has survived invasion, war, plague, fire and The Blitz.

Evidence of London’s long and varied history can be most easily spotted in the architecture of the city, with Tudor, Stuart, Georgian and Victorian-period buildings often found side-by-side.

Anyone who wishes to the immerse themselves in London’s regal past should take a tour around Belgravia, Chelsea, Kensington or Fitzrovia. These grand neighbourhoods lend themselves to picturesque squares, charming townhouses and allow tourists and residents alike to step back in time.

London can also lay claim to being home to not one, but four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sites include the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew and Maritime Greenwich.

Moving abroad to study in a new country, especially one with a different language or culture to yours, can seem daunting. However, one of the best things about living in London is that it’s one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.

The UK capital has a wealth of different cultures and communities, with more than 230 languages spoken in the city. Your first days in London may be a little bit challenging because of the weather, the language barrier or just the overall culture difference, but at the same time, every day you will meet people from different corners of the world, learn about their culture, traditions and cuisine.

Le Cordon Bleu is located only minutes away from the world-famous British Museum, which is home to a spectacular collection of art and artefacts from around the world.

Throughout the city students can visit a range of attractions, with many of the most renowned museums free to visit, for example the Tate Modern, the National Gallery or the British Film Institute.

London is a vibrant and exciting city packed full of music venues, theatres and cinemas, not to mention its pubs and clubs –  there truly is something for everyone.

There’s no denying that London is an expensive city, and even more so when you’re on a student’s budget. To help students enjoy the best that London has to offer and make some savings, we recommend checking out Time Out, which offers great deals on events, gigs and dining out.

London is considered by many, including The Globe Shopper Index as the best shopping destination in Europe. Our school is only a few minutes away from two renowned shopping areas, Oxford Street and Covent Garden. The city also boasts an incredible variety of markets, shopping centres and independent shops.

When it comes to picking vintage fashion and artisan produce, students should check out Old Spitalfields Market near Liverpool street station or the Camden Market.

Did you know that 47% of London is classified as being a green space? As one of the greenest cities in Europe, Londoners enjoy the unique privilege of being both city and country dwellers. With an abundance of parks and green spaces to choose from, residents will never have to venture too far to relax or enjoy nature.

Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park and Kensington Gardens are all firm favourites with Londoners and are an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. The parks also boast a number of attractions and activities. It’s possible to hire row boats in Hyde Park and take a boat trip at your own pace across the pond, while Richmond Park boasts two golf courses.

As a student of the culinary arts, there’s no better city to live in than London. Widely considered to be one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, the city attracts some of the world’s most talented chefs.  

Boasting over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll never be short of options when it comes to exploring gourmet restaurants and food.

Aside from high-end restaurants, there are more than 6,000 restaurants in London, offering almost any type of cuisine you can think of and great options to suit every budget – you'll never be short of exciting new food to try!

You can find out more about London's eclectic food scene in our articles: 6 must-try foods when in London, London for foodies, trendy restaurants in London & London street food trends.

If you’ve moved from warmer climes, it might be difficult to reason that the weather is one of the best things about living in London. However, the city’s temperature is known to regularly eclipse those of its Mediterranean neighbours and when the sun shines in London, there’s no better place to be. The parks and beer gardens of London fill as residents relax and enjoy the summer sunshine.

Overall London enjoys a mild climate. In winter, the temperature rarely dips below zero degrees, while spring and autumn bring mild, but sometimes wet days.  

Football fans rejoice! London is home to Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur; some of the top teams in the English Premier League. With such an abundance of top level clubs, Londoners have the enviable opportunity to see some of the world’s best footballers play live.

Each summer the world’s greatest tennis players travel to London to play in the world’s oldest tennis tournament, Wimbledon. Ruled by tradition and known for its strict rules involving dress, Wimbledon is the social event of the summer for many, with locals convening with picnics and Pimms to watch matches on the big screen on the famous Wimbledon Hill.

Fans of horse racing don’t have to travel far to attend Grade 1 races. Ascot Racecourse is located about one hour from London, while Epsom Downs, home to the famous Derby race, is only 45 minutes away by train.

Studying at Le Cordon Bleu London, you’re going to enjoy a culinary learning experience that is unrivalled anywhere else in the world.  But that’s only the beginning. Venturing outside the school building, you can embark on another adventure and learning experience every day! Immerse yourself and enjoy the experience of a lifetime as a bona fide Londoner.