Best Places For Aussies to Live in London
London is an incredible city! Like any big city, its neighbourhoods are unique and vibrant places, whether they are one of the historical villages that became part of the city, or new districts thrown up as places change their make-up and allegiances. So how do you choose where to live in London, particularly if you’ve never been there before?
If you are considering relocating to London, one way to help choose where to live is to look at where your fellow Aussie’s and Kiwi’s have chosen to settle down. According to the 2021 census there are 87,000 Australian nationals currently living in the UK and the majority choose to live and work in various places in London. And with approximately 80% of Kiwi’s having British ancestry, it is no surprise they are just behind with close to 60,000 calling London home.
Top 5 Expat Communities in London (plus a wildcard!)
Here are the top five Aussie and Kiwi communities in London and a wildcard choice for those of you looking to live somewhere a little bit different:
1. Clapham & Balham
Clapham is the favourite location for Aussie and Kiwi expats in London and boasts an array of pubs, cafes and bars beloved by Aussie’s of all stripes. Brickwood Coffee and Bread started here, famous for their TimTam muffins and Margot Robbie has professed her love for the nightclub Infernos.
Clapham Common is a great space for those of you who like to get outdoors and is also the home of Aussie Rules club, Wandsworth Demons. Close to Clapham, Balham has also proved popular with Aussie’s and Kiwi’s in London, and you can expect to find plenty of pubs and café’s catering to antipodean tastes here including Aussie owned Milk.
2. Shoreditch
For those of you seeking a more artistic, hipster atmosphere like Sydney’s Newtown, then Shoreditch is the place to go. Away from the usual Aussie hotspots in the west and south of the city, Shoreditch has great access to culinary delights from around the globe. Get great curries in Brick Lane or sample the more familiar delights of Vietnam and Southeast Asia in Kingsland Road. There is even an Aussie/Greek fusion popup, Esti, due to surprise tastebuds with a six month residency at TT Liquor.
Shoreditch also boasts great nightlife with bars, clubs and galleries catering to every taste. For weekend mooching there is also Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane market and Old Truman Brewery to name just a few.
3. Hammersmith & Fulham
When the Aussie community was priced out of Earl’s Court, once known as Kangaroo Valley, in the ‘90’s they moved into other areas close by like Hammersmith & Fulham. It’s here you’ll find the famous Slug, full of Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans watching live sport and indulging in the infamous Bogan Bingo every week.
Hammersmith & Fulham is also home to Antipode, one of Time Out’s best cafés in London and serving coffee, brunch and cocktails to satisfy the most demanding Aussie or Kiwi foodie. Try their signature kimchi and cheese toastie.
4. Highbury & Islington
Conveniently close to central London but boasting the prices of Zone Two and Three, Highbury & Islington is proving popular with Aussie’s and Kiwi’s looking for a cheaper option. It’s a large area which means there is something for everyone, from the hip Angel at its southern edge, through leafy Highbury and family friendly Clissold Park to the gritter Finsbury Park at its northern reaches.
Visit the Union Chapel for a unique comedy and music venue or soak up the atmosphere with a match at the Emirates.
5. Camden Town
Slightly closer to central London than Highbury & Islington, and not coincidentally, more expensive, is Camden Town. Chances are when you think of London living, you are imagining Camden. Traditionally attracting alternative scenes Camden is full of iconic places to visit.
Check out Camden Market for vintage finds and Instagrammable food trends and go drinking in the pubs and clubs that welcomed music legends from David Bowie to Amy Winehouse. And at the very edge of Camden Town, along the Regent’s Canal where the new King’s Cross development has sprung up in the post-industrial Gasholder Park, is an outpost of Granger & Co.
And the Wildcard… Brighton!
Ok, so it’s not London but it isn’t called “London by the Sea” for no reason. Not only does Brighton offer a more chill, seaside vibe without sacrificing the vibrancy of a London neighbourhood, it has great transport links. You can be in central London in under an hour and Gatwick Airport being nearby means you have a great base for exploring further afield.
And, if you’re missing the more nature-led, laid-back feel of Brisbane or Melbourne, Brighton is perfectly placed on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Ideal for hiking, surfing and sea views. Check out Redroaster for great coffee or catch the 12X for a bracing walk along the iconic Seven Sisters.
Wherever you lay your head in London we’ll be there to help you find work!
Based in London or looking to relocate? At Australasian Recruitment Company we have an overview of the whole London market, so we know the companies that are hiring and the opportunities available. Whether you are looking for an in-office or hybrid role we can help you connect with employers and find the perfect role.
Explore our current vacancies or send us your CV!