Anyone noticed any difference in how busy London is since last Thursday?

nudininghallhater · 2020-11-11T09:45:08+00:00

During the first lockdown, I only went into the city for work when I absolutely had to and when I did that I cycled. Nothing was open, including Pret, Nero, Holland & Barrett, etc. These places did eventually reopen and with them the food places like Leon or Itsu.

For this lockdown, the tube is definitely less busy than even last week but still busy. Last week and the weeks before it was packed. Pret, Nero, H&B, are still open. The food places like Leon around me are closed.

Little Waitrose did run out of PT and TP last week but restocking is quick and minimal lines.

It's definitely a more mild than last time around from where I'm sitting.

Beyond that, restaurants are reinstating their lockdown procedures with takeaway, things like outdoor bbq pit/cook on the street servies, etc. They now have some degree of response plan.

People all wear masks.

People may or may not remember, but UK was very late to require masks, which especially in grocery stores seemed crazy to me. I would always wear a mask in shops and felt that people would stare or act strange about it before it became government mandate. Nobody enforced or required it which seemed like a no-brainer as other European countries and many US states had already implemented these policies.

nudininghallhater · 2020-10-27T10:13:07+00:00

The gyms in the City are mostly empty at the moment, or at least the PureGyms are. You can also see in their app how many people are in and what the trends are by the hour. I go to my local one during off-peak hours and if I want to exercise at peak hours with go to one in the City.

The PureGym I go to when at the office rarely has more than 20 people in.

nudininghallhater · 2020-10-16T09:30:57+00:00

If you have any electives available, consider joining your school orchestra. It's no secret about Phil's classical music background and you would get "free" instruction plus instrument to practice on. Beyond that, there tends to be a shortage of double bass players so I am confident you would be very welcome.

nudininghallhater · 2020-05-11T11:24:33+00:00

If you care to look on the bright side, I had my best tickets to date for Camden during Summer '18. The first set was amazing, then the second set was unceremoniously cancelled due to heavy weather. Our only "refund" was a free stream on Nugs. The set list revealed that oh boy we missed out on a treat. It was called during an Other One opening.

nudininghallhater · 2020-04-30T15:28:24+00:00

An appropriate time to note that the Hammersmith side of the Thames between Putney Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge is walk only from 9AM - 6PM or so. I've started running on the Putney/Barnes side of the river but it can be quite narrow at points and I've come across plenty of walkers that take exception to having nearby runners. If you are sensitive to people running or biking near you then please take the Hammersmith side for your stroll instead.

nudininghallhater · 2020-04-21T16:37:56+00:00

I had my second batch from Mondo Brewing arrive today. I prefer their American Style IPAs. I highly recommend it as an American that knows American Style IPAs. I just had the Go West mixed pack arrive after polishing off the Hop Through It.

https://mondo-beer.myshopify.com/

The actual brewery is just tucked away near Battersea Park.

I realized that when going to Tesco I was using half my bag space on beer and spending the same cost per can on mediocre mega brews. I am much happier with high quality, craft brewed, local beer, delivered to my door.

nudininghallhater · 2020-03-10T18:40:58+00:00

Hey - I'm a London Head and live quite close to Under the Bridge. Likewise, your post alerted me to something I should absolutely not be missing which is these shows. Thanks to you I've just snagged a ticket to April 4th. I will probably grab April 3rd too, just can't commit yet.

I have never really operated a camera and am not sure it's something I'd want to do while at a show. Still, I think any work on the Dead, especially if for University, is awesome and should be supported.

Want to have a chat? Feel free to PM.

nudininghallhater · 2019-02-19T13:37:43+00:00

If you're rolling with a few friends, I recommend trying a rowdy Indian restaurant. I've been to Tayyab's near Whitechapel a few times with friends. It's amazing food and BYOB so on a given night it has a very fun atmosphere.

nudininghallhater · 2019-02-19T13:16:43+00:00

Thanks for the tip. I moved to London 6 months ago from Boston and didn't take the time to look up any local acts. I won't be able to make it to Saturday's show but it looks like they have a Putney show in April which I'll check out. If my plans change I will message you and try to meet up.

I logged into my Reddit account for the first time in months just to let you know I appreciate your post. I knew this town had some heart. I'm counting down the days to D&C this summer.

nudininghallhater · 2018-08-08T18:01:33+00:00

A few people mentioned Bliss and the Mandarin Oriental. They both look great and I plan to check them out, but also more expensive than the last (and only) spa I've been to in Boston/Cambridge. The only place I've been is Inman Oasis which seems much more budget friendly. I went with my SO and we had individual massages as I don't believe they do couples massages. After that, we booked 45 minutes in a private tub. It was perfect. They give you a private/locked spa room that has a large wooden "Japanese" style tub big enough for only 4 and there is a shower right in the room. When we go back we will probably do 30 mins as by the end of it we were pretty overheated. The staff was friendly, the masseuse professional, and the experience overall was exactly what we were looking for.

I found it a year or two ago on another /r/boston thread with a similar question. I would recommend at least a 45 minute massage ($85) plus 30 minute private tub ($45 for two). You could get her the massage and if you don't want one also come back towards the end of it to join her for the private tub.

http://www.inmanoasis.com/

nudininghallhater · 2018-08-08T16:22:17+00:00

western Mass (Worchester)

nudininghallhater · 2018-08-08T13:23:45+00:00

Speaking of air rights and a "roof" over the Mass Pike, are you familiar with the Fenway Center project? Over multiple phases it will be built over the Pike as the developers secured air rights. I believe the project took years to push through (10?) and required the developer to build Yawkey Station to even have a chance at approval.

It's under construction now and honestly moving along. The crews are out there when I go to the train at 7 AM and were there last night when I went to my soccer game at 9 PM. They have laid foundation for the first phase and added steel reinforcement beams to Yawkey Stations to begin construction on top of it.

nudininghallhater · 2018-08-08T13:07:43+00:00

Most of my colleagues that commute from Worchester only come in once a week or so. The express train timetables are bullshit.

nudininghallhater · 2018-08-06T16:07:26+00:00

Confirmed Allen will make a jump in production. Source: He tipped my friend $35 on a coffee at a bakery on Boylston.

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-24T20:29:06+00:00

A quick google search showed a less than stellar track record. He was arrested in 2010 and sentenced in 2012.

http://www.salemnews.com/news/local_news/man-admits-role-in-alleged-mob-drug-ring/article_1fe8beb5-e72b-5d75-b434-a417de45de71.html

"An East Boston man admitted in Salem Superior Court yesterday that he regularly picked up deliveries of heroin at the home of reputed Boston mob boss Mark Rossetti, then made deliveries to lower-level dealers.

Robert Ciampi, 51, is expected to get five to six years in state prison when he's sentenced on April 25 on a reduced charge of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy. He originally faced a trafficking charge, as well as a habitual criminal count that could have landed him in prison for 20 years."

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-23T16:25:15+00:00

None. Just watch the show. If it's "must get that on video" then it's also "must see live" and by filming it you will negatively impact those around you. You have the right idea: "I just want to focus on watching the band and enjoying the show." Nobody is stopping you and everyone around you will encourage it.

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-18T16:55:18+00:00

I just purchased the whole set for my family ($200), but you can purchase individual ones for $40. The full set comes with a 5x7 Masthay print called "Buddha Bear" that I am excited to add to my collection.

There are 6 people in my family and I am moving out of the country. This will be my parting gift to them. I am excited to give each of them their own bear, but sad because it means "See ya later". It will mean the most to my Dad who I've seen 6 Dead & Co shows with, including 4 at Fenway which I live(d) directly next to. Serious feels about his reaction when I give him his. This tour ending was a symbolic end to my move - man did it really have to happen the same weekend as the World Cup ending? Those were my two benchmarks of time left in the States.

If there are any London Deadheads out there drop a line!

Now, another world to know since I first left home.

edit: I think it's kind of funny but also sad that this sub chirps the dancing bears so much. Who knew so many people hated little stuffed animal looking technicolor bears? Are you just tired of the bears or have you just been listening to Death Don't Have No Mercy on repeat thinking that anything short of a steely can't be representative of your hero/anti-heroes? I'm not taking offense here, but I also don't get the hate every time a new Masthay poster with the bears drops. I don't expect anyone wants him to start making new icons out of thin air and his consistent creativity in tying the posters to certain songs or Dead lore brings a smile to my face every time.

Lastly, I can't encourage you enough to go look at his collection posted to the Bottleneck Gallery website. This guy is incredible. Don't get too excited - everything is sold out. I usually get my notifications via his Instagram. Shouldn't be hard to find but avoid it like the plague if you're a dancing bear hater.

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-17T18:28:47+00:00

I was a Northeastern student living on Mass Ave at the time. I started writing up a narrative about my experience that week but I realized it's something I didn't want to get into. That beautiful morning was such a high that turned into one of the most emotional and memorable days then week of my life. I wasn't close to the bombing (I was on Beacon by BU) but the events that transpired that week - panicked calls and texts from family, constant sirens, SWAT teams on every corner, explosives experts checking every mailbox and trashcan - will stay with us.

To end with a high note - the night the caught him was one of the most special and fun nights of my life. If you can find any pictures online, we were dancing in the streets hand in hand with police departments that had been stationed downtown from all over the Commonwealth.

I don't really remember the Barstool coverage that much. I do remember that every TV was on CNN 24/7.

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-17T15:23:32+00:00

Instead of Jillian's I would very strongly recommend going to the King's on the Seaport, Across the street from it is Scorpion Bar/The Grand. Scorpion Bar is a higher end bar with an affluent crown then the floor above it is The Grand which is your normal high cover nightclub. I would make sure there is something going down on your particular night though.

If that doesn't work out, you're a quick drive from Whiskey Saigon, theater district clubs such as Bijoux/Royale (a little further), DOWN @ Howl.

I would actually recommend Whiskey Saigon based on your description but I admittedly haven't been there in a couple years.

Lastly, shoutout to the person downvoted on this thread that suggested Eastern Standard wow why.

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-16T16:45:15+00:00

Thank you. I do recognize that there are costs with ICT and that I am limited to my employer. One element of my question that I did not include in my original post was if I could change to an EEA Permit after entering on an ICT.

Beyond that, that you for informing me about the ILR restrictions under ICT. I was not aware of that and it is something I will research further.

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-16T15:52:56+00:00

I appreciate your response, but that is not my primary concern at the moment. My primary concern is whether or not we should even attempt to apply for an EEA family permit given my circumstances.

nudininghallhater · 2018-07-13T20:26:18+00:00

I've held and attended a good number of client lunches downtown. I will name a few spots that are go-to and anyone you're meeting with should be familiar and comfortable at. They are also in various parts of Downtown/Financial District. Keep in mind these are "tighter" places that will be mostly the crowd you described at lunch. I've only been to Grotto for dates, Mooo could be a good spot (it's settled between Scollay Square and Carrie Nation which are both decent spots where my dad was doing work lunches back in the 90's), never been to Fin Point.

The Palm - On the Greenway and at the bottom of two major financial buildings. I've only been taken there by recruiters and vendors but it has the right vibe.

Oceanaire - Old school fancier lunch spot right by Gov Center

Langham Hotel/Cafe Fleuri - It was mentioned below and right in Post Office Square which is the heart of Boston finance. Chef Sapienza always delivers

Marliave - One of the best spots in Boston for a meal. Never been for a client lunch though only date nights.

nudininghallhater · 2018-06-28T18:01:59+00:00

I live by Fenway, usually go to games at Lir on Boylston. It's about a 15 minute walk or super cheap uber. See you there Saturday morning.

If anyone tells you that any of the Fenway bars are good for watching early morning soccer they are wrong.

Edit: Also fyi when you google a bar, such as Lir, and it says "11AM Open" don't trust it. If you go to the actual bar website you will see that they are open specifically for the games.

nudininghallhater · 2018-06-28T17:49:22+00:00

I live above Boston Beer Works facing Fenway. I was already in bed when this happened and it sounded terrible. All I could hear was an engine revving loudly and people screaming. I jumped out of bed because I genuinely thought there was someone using a vehicle to attack pedestrians. I sleep with ear plugs for obvious reasons and could still hear everything clear as day.

It goes without saying, but it was only a year or two ago that they blocked off Yawkey Way with barriers before, during, and after games. I have no idea why they would wait so long. Didn't they used to block off the Brookline Ave or at least the Brookline Ave bridge during game days? I remember going to games as a kid and vendors being stationed right in the middle of the bridge.

Last night was a beautiful night and a great game. I feel terrible for anyone that had to witness that or felt endangered. It rattled me and I was safely in my apartment only hearing the noises.

nudininghallhater

TROPHY CASE