New Year, New Job, New Start in the Big Smoke @capitalliving #placestorent #london #wheretolive #propertysearch

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Happy New Year to all of you wonderful readers, we hope you’ve had a great night celebrating and are optimistic and excited about all that 2014 has to bring. If, after you’ve recovered from your hangovers, you’re starting a brand new job (and life) in London, then hopefully this post will be very helpful to you.

 

Like many before you, the prospect of starting a new job and life in our Capital may be a little daunting, with its busy lifestyle, super savvy Londoners and endless string of bars, nightclubs, cultural sites and so on. So, when we met up with Capital Living owner Adam Goff, we finally found something that might just make the adjustment to city living that little bit easier.

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What is Capital Living?

Well, in short it’s the answer to all your London living needs. If you’re a professional coming to London to live, there is always the risk of paying a fortune for living somewhere not so nice, and with Capital living, they run a professional house share which provides everything that is needed for you to enjoy minimum fuss and maximum lifestyle in London.

Sounds good, tell me more…

Ok, so to keep it simple you pay one monthly bill which basically includes everything except your laundry and food. Which is great because you get the highlights of things like Sky TV +HD Flatscreen TV thrown in, your Council Tax paid for, a weekly housekeeper and there are no hidden charges. Capital Living also position its properties a short walk from the nearest tube stations, so your commuting time is efficient for wherever you have to get to! It really does almost sound too good to be true, and that’s what we thought until we actually visited Adam in one of the properties, which was incredibly impressive! Screen Shot 2013-12-31 at 15.48.33

But who do I live with?

Well, this is the clever part, sometimes you just have to uproot and head to the Big Smoke all on your own, and that often means you’ll know little or no one which can again be a hugely daunting prospect! We’ve all been there and in fact Adam has been there himself too, which is why as well as the property renting side of things, he knew that it was important that he built communities. This is a really nice personal touch, as you are placed in properties which fit to not only your financial capabilities and location specifics, but also your compatibility with other ‘members.’

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Capital Living doesn’t like to refer to its tenants as ‘tenants’, to help build this community and make you as the consumer feel that you’re getting the service you’re paying for, everyone is treated like part of a members club, which may sound a bit odd from the outset, but actually fits the abode you are renting. There are also social mixers which take place on a regular basis which allow you to instantly meet new people, which can often be quite difficult in London, and all members have access to an active and engaging online forum on Facebook where you can share stories, photos from some of the mixers and generally stay in touch with the rest of the community.

Where did the idea come from?

Screen Shot 2013-12-31 at 15.48.03Well, its founder Adam Goff has always been a savvy entrepreneur ever since he left university. From a humble online student ticketing service through to mobile phone assistance and eventually property, he’s gained knowledge and know how along all of his entrepreneurial journeys, making each business a little bigger and better than the last. The real turning point to kick start Capital Living however, came from his own experience of moving to London from the Midlands, the idea of huge rent and bills in the most sort after locations came hand in hand with small dingy flats with dodgy landlords. Thinking about what he would want out of living in London, Adam carved out his ideal renting plan and got to work. Soon after, Capital Living was born, and with his team, like his other projects its just seems to be getting bigger and better.

The Big Snoochie Summary

So, you live in these lovely properties with like minded people, who following careful research from Capital Living, seem to have similar interests and lifestyles to you, there are no hidden charges so you can manage your money wisely, so what’s the catch?Screen Shot 2013-12-31 at 15.55.33

Well, we struggled to find a catch really, its like being placed in an up market house share, which if you’ve dreamed of living in London gives you the setting and lifestyle that you can only imagine comes with a big city rather than the over priced nightmare flatshare dives which happen far too often.

The only real catch is that to maintain this standard of living, you initially have to meet Capital Living’s criteria for application, which first and foremost starts by being a professional in London.

So if you think that Capital Living might be right up your street, we would definitely encourage you to try a new way of flat hunting in London, its unique, luxurious and comes with an affordable price tag too, so give it a whirl and get in contact with Adam and the team here.

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Revealed: Covent Garden Tops Your Tipple! #nightlife #drink @London_Pride #facts

Screen shot 2013-09-04 at 08.49.40So this Summer is going on and on and on! Not that we’re complaining in any way, but if you’re enjoying those long Summer nights of sociable drinking and hanging out with friends in the Capital, then this new insight might be of interest to you! Impress your friends by becoming the most knowledgable of nights out with these interesting facts.

Think you know where the best night out is? Are you the go-to person for the hottest night out in town? Well, did you know that during the week Londoners are most likely to go to Covent Garden for a night out and order a pint to unwind after a working week, according to a new poll on behalf of London Pride.

Over 23% of the 1,000 Londoners surveyed chose Covent Garden as their favourite area to go out in and over a fifth (21%) of Londoners go for a pint on a Friday night.

Whats the top tipple? 

While a pint is the preferred tipple on a night out for the majority of Londoners, 15 per cent choose a glass of white wine and 11 per cent go for a spirit and a mixer. Do you know which category you fall into?

 And surprise, surprise, Londoners don’t break the age old gender habit with 49% of men ordering a pint whilst the ladies of London (20%) much prefer the more feminine glass of white wine! Screen shot 2013-09-04 at 08.41.29

 Call yourself a Hipster? Here’s where the cool kids hang out…

Hot spots for younger Londoners on a night out include Shoreditch and London Bridge. Areas such as Islington, Mayfair, Clapham, Chelsea/Fulham and Greenwich are equally enjoyed by a range of generations in London, whereas Notting Hill and Kensington are more favoured by the older age groups.

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So does your hang out top the poll? 

Where’s the best night out in London?

1. Covent Garden – 23.1%

2. Soho – 18.1%

3. Camden – 11.5%

4. Shoreditch – 6.8%

5. Mayfair 5.7%

6. London Bridge 4.9%

7. Islington 3.9%

8. Clapham 3.6%

9. Notting Hill 2.8%

10. Chelsea/Fulham 2.7%

11. Greenwich 2.6%

12. Fitzrovia 2.3%

13. Kensington 1.8%

14. Clerkenwell 1.4%

15. Stoke Newington 1.1%

Other 7.7%

 

What are you most likely to order first on a Friday night after work?

1. A cold pint – 21.2%

2. A glass of white wine – 15.1%

3. A spirit and a mixer – 11.3%

4. A soft drink – 9.5%

5. A glass of red wine – 8.2%

6. A glass of rose 7.9%

7. A pint of cider – 7.7%

8. A cocktail – 7.3%

9. Liquor – 1.2%

N/A or I do not work – 8.6%

Other – 2%

And Finally….

Londoners were also asked which brand they feel is most associated with the capital. Men chose Fuller’s London Pride, at 24 per cent, and women chose Fortnum and Mason, at 37 per cent. Do you agree?

Well, whatever you think Snoochers, remember at the end of the day the most important thing is to drink in moderation and stay safe! The Summers not over just yet so make sure you still enjoy the long evenings in the Capital!

 

Keep the Summer going with @fordhambeersuk American Craft Beers! #beer #drinks #summer

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So just when we thought the Summer was beginning to say adieu and we were starting to unbox our Autumn fashion, there’s word that yet another heat wave is on the horizon! So to celebrate we thought it’s a perfect opportunity to open some bottles of beer – delicious American craft beer to be exact!

Whilst the sun shines on this side of the pond, having a taste of these lovely beers will bring back memories of holidays abroad (particularly to the US) or if you’ve never been it will probably bring to life your imagination as to what this land across the Atlantic might just be like!

Now for some history!

Fordham Beers originated in Maryland in 1703, formed to serve a new colony in need of good beer (aren’t we all!) the brewery was reborn in 1995 with a similar purpose and passion. In 1989 Fordham Beers opened its doors to the Old Dominion Brewing Company founded by beer enthusiast Jerry Bailey and the two breweries live side by side in Delaware.

Here’s some of the Dominion beers we tasted and reviewed:

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The Beach House Pilsner

At a very affordable £1.95* per bottle we found this to be a perfect Summer lager. It has a good happy flavour with a refreshing and crisp taste. You can put the ciders to one side and lap this up next to the BBQ on a lovely Summer evening.

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Hop Mountain

Apparently this little number is becoming the UK’s favourite out of the selection, and its not hard to see why. At a competitive £2.15* it’s a rich red ale with strong hop character and a medium bodied dry finish…perfect to cool you down on a hot summer night or after something a little bit spicy!

Now if its not all about the alcoholic beers for you , never fear, Dominion Sodas provide the perfect family summer drink too… 

Screen Shot 2013-08-20 at 12.21.59Creamy Orange Soda

Now this really will bring back childhood memories… a modern take on a traditional American orange soda – creamy is the key word as you cut out the fizz and enjoy a very sweet easy to drink soda for only £1.95*

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Black Cherry Soda

You can mix this number with a spirit of choice, but if you’re sticking to its traditional format you may feel that you’ll need an ice cube or two to help dilute its slightly over powering taste. Those without a sweet tooth need not apply! But for those with no trips to the dentist coming up, treat yourself for only £1.95*

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Ginger Ale

We Brits just love a good old Ginger Ale, and with some very strong competitors out there like Crabbies, the market is a pretty tough place. This version is mostly for those who like a slightly lighter version of the popular drink, with a combination of ginger and citrus, you’ll either bask in its subtle taste or need to try something a little stronger.

So more choice for you all as we see the Summer continue to shine, so stay refreshed, stay merry and drink responsibly.

*prices shown are a guide and based on retail sales. Prices may vary by outlet and will be higher in pubs and restaurants.

** Fordham and Dominion beers are available at selected bars and restaurants across the UK including:

– In London: Electric Diner in Notting Hill; Beard to Tail in Hoxton;  Jetlag Bar in Fitzrovia; The English Pig in Westminster; The Diner in Soho; Bodean’s in Fulham; All Star Lanes in Brick Lane

-Outside London: Gordon Bennett in Surbiton, Surrey; The Brewery Tap in Brighton; Jake’s Place in Edinburgh; Colston Yard in Bristol; Chicago Rib Shack in Southampton.