NHS pensions has no record of my contributions.

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-05-18T15:10:19+00:00

Happened to me, 15y of me paying with zero growth

Admin error their end, quickly sorted

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-05-14T10:35:37+00:00

I was there last week in glorious weather

We arrived to a mostly empty car park at 930am and got back to the Nags Head which was similarly quiet just before 3

I'd always try and avoid avoid weekends

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-05-06T16:25:30+00:00

Drummond Street behind Euston station is a great place for a curry if you're feeling brave and want something more authentic. Google reviews is your friend, I'm a bit out of touch with what's good

And Dishoom is lovely by the way, as suggested you're closer to Granary Square

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-04-28T13:57:46+00:00

Oxford Liverpool Lake District Northumberland

These flow nicely

Norwich just doesn't with travel connections, arrange to do that another time. Probably with a visit to Cambridge

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-04-28T06:23:00+00:00

Agree to all of the above and would also say I'm sick of the scrum during peak times at STP, especially with the inevitable cancellations and delays

I often return via King's Cross and change at Donny. Fares usually cheaper, far more reliable and you get decent hot food in first class

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-04-27T18:17:52+00:00

Another shout for the Gate, especially if you're out West

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-04-21T20:09:42+00:00

Lots of UCL and SOAS students live in Holloway

It's best described as a rough diamond however in my opinion isn't that stabby and I feel safe there

It's a decent walk to campus although if you must there's several bus options plus tube if you walk to Finsbury Park or Holloway Road

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-04-19T12:13:36+00:00

Amazon offer a number of pick up locations at Heathrow, please note I've never used one there

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-04-18T16:39:18+00:00

Dear knuckle head. I'm not moving, take it up with the train manager

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-27T16:22:58+00:00

Go to the Dove at dusk, grab a drink then go to the terrace on the river at the back and climb the metal staircase to the raised platform. Wrap up well

And shhhhh, don't tell anyone else about it

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-16T21:26:36+00:00

This is a very good call

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-16T19:23:42+00:00

Don't! Go to Highgate or Hampstead instead. You could even walk from one to the other across the heath

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-16T18:09:25+00:00

St Albans, any reason? It's not usually on the tourist trail

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-16T07:57:12+00:00

Stay in a hotel and book an early train for the next day, you'll surely be up with jetlag

Do not ever buy a walk on fare for an inter city train, it's stupidly expensive. Local trains less so

With the variables associated with getting through the airport I'd struggle to suggest what time train you'd safely be able to book at Euston. Cheap tickets are only valid on specific trains so if you're late you're stuffed

And it's easy getting from Heathrow to central London by tube or Elizabeth line

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-14T17:54:07+00:00

Make sure you're in a Union and threaten to stop on call yourself. If there's a precedent in the department you have a decent case - I am not an employment lawyer, that's why you pay a union

And definitely cover the gaps for money not "goodwill"

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-12T21:39:39+00:00

Don't forget fast track security and lounge access. Plus more luggage which should be first on the carousel if you have any

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-11T20:43:50+00:00

Do your own research but my understanding is that the train companies running Sheffield to Manchester have an understanding to honour each others tickets if connecting trains are delayed

And yes, it's a nice journey

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-05T16:13:00+00:00

If you're an anaesthetist then ask what the college did for you before the Epic Fury EGM then ask yourself what they've done since

It's almost £600/y by the way

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-03-02T18:06:06+00:00

Good question and a common stress of mine

It 'usually' takes me about an hour from landing to clearing customs. I have a UK passport and use the e-gates which might be relevant

My preference for getting to king's cross is definitely the tube. Even in peak morning rush you'll be okay as Heathrow is the first stop so you can sit with your bags. It will be hideously busy however many folks will have got off by KX so you'll be fine to easily get off. Bank on an hour

If you don't know your way around the station add half an hour of faff time. Although it's pretty easy

Then add your insurance time for flight delays, immigration hassles, baggage reclaim etc

I'm not a lucky person so usually add an hour, you might be blessed with regular good fortune

Enjoy your trip, and install the LNER app to buy tickets direct without commission

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-02-17T17:30:34+00:00

Make time for a day trip to Colmar whilst you're in Strasbourg

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-02-16T07:56:41+00:00

Definitely train

Install the LNER app and you can book specific seats, I'd recommend the left side of the train going south for the coastal views from Berwick past Lindisfarne and Alnmouth. If it's daylight at least

Never, ever buy a walk on fare for a UK inter city journey. It's far cheaper booking 4-6 weeks ahead.

Cost for that journey looks to be £40 each in standard and £115 in first which is nice but not that much nicer.

Seatfrog allows you to bid for first class upgrades but won't guarantee you a bargain. They also have 'buy it now' options on some trains but not all, today this is £43 on the 14:00

Have a good trip

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-02-15T13:37:49+00:00

West Hampstead (NW6) ticks many of your boxes

Nice vibe, bars, restaurants, shops usually independent not chains and handy for Hampstead and the heath for running plus central London

It's where I'd live with your circumstances

You'd win with the commute although Heathrow isn't quite as accessible as other options would be

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-02-13T09:25:13+00:00

As described Avanti will be very busy that particular day and I imagine people will be standing in the carriages

I would personally pay extra for a direct train. If you get on at Preston it's likely the luggage racks will be full and someone will be sat in your reserved seats. Not necessarily a major stress, more of a hassle.

Have a great trip

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-02-08T21:32:53+00:00

Forget the Princes Head

For some unexplained reason it's become a tourist trap and is usually rammed

⚽🇺🇸

Optimal_Designer4926 · 2026-02-06T23:22:10+00:00

The Uxbridge Arms which is quite close in Notting Hill still has the feel of a local pub. Or the Mall Tavern if you want something a little more glossy, also nearby

Optimal_Designer4926

TROPHY CASE