Corporate Accommodation in Old Street
Located right in the beating heart of London, the area around Old Street offers excellent transport links to and from the nearby commercial and financial hotspots, as well as throughout the capital as a whole, making it the perfect destination for sole traders and enterprising start-ups. Beautiful, bespoke living spaces, every one of these upmarket accommodation options from TheSqua.re is designed with its guests in mind. A great solution to corporate accommodation woes, the apartments come furnished with fully-stocked kitchens, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs and more, helping even the busiest business traveller unwind after a long day, and ensuring every trip is a productive and profitable one.
Holiday Accommodation in Old Street
Old Street is also a convenient destination for those looking for a place to stay during a long-awaited city break or weekend getaway. With all of London’s top sights and attractions right on its doorstep, this neighbourhood is a great choice for both families and solo travellers looking to escape for a few nights, no matter what is on the agenda. The inclusion of home-cooking and entertainment facilities means that guests can make their own fun in their own way, accommodating for both quiet evenings in and nights on the town. What’s more, the cosy bedrooms allow guests to be well-rested for every night they are away, helping them make the most out of their leisure retreat.
Where to Stay in Old Street
A popular destination among tourists and business travellers alike, there are a number of notable neighbourhoods in the area around Old Street in which serviced accommodation is much sought-after. Hackney and Hoxton are popular destinations due to their bustling nightlife, while neighbourhoods like Angel and Spitalfields combine this social energy with a proximity to many historic buildings and businesses. Commercial travellers meanwhile should look to apartments in Finsbury or Barbican, as these properties provide easy access to the many institutions of the City of London, as well as several major travel hubs.
For the most part, London is pretty safe for tourists, especially when compared to other major capital cities, and Old Street is no exception. Even in the quieter areas though, residents are still advised to be aware of pickpockets, and it is not wise to leave any personal possessions unattended, as opportunistic thieves may operate within crowds.
Facts About Old Street
Though these days most closely associated with the tech start-up scene around Silicon Roundabout, the history of Old Street still dates back to the 13th century, when earliest records had it denoted ‘Ealdestrate’. Thought to be Roman in origin, Old Street and the surrounding area is steeped in a history much in keeping with the wider city. Here then are some of our favourite facts about the area surrounding Old Street, which new and returning visitors will find fascinating:
- Due to the discovery of several ancient coins and remains in the nearby area, Old Street is believed to date back over 2000 years, and is believed to lie on a former Roman road connecting Silchester and Colchester.
- Old Street has become a popular haunt of graffiti artists, including the likes of Banksy and Jef Aerosol, whose art has appeared several times on Shoreditch Bridge.
- Boxpark, in nearby Shoreditch, is the world’s first pop-up mall. Featuring 60 shipping containers converted into shops and restaurants, it is a popular haunt for shopping and dining out, and a great way of starting a night on the town.
- Old Spitalfields Market is one of London’s oldest markets, and dates back to 1638 when then King Charles I gave a licnce for ‘flesh, fowl and roots’ to be sold on a rural area on the outskirts of the City of London. The market still operates today, selling everything from fresh fruit and furniture to pastries and antiques.
- The nearby Barbican Conservatory is a fantastic nature depository. Over 2,000 species of tropical plants are stored here, as well as hundreds of tropical fish. It’s also a hugely popular wedding venue, with capacity for up to 120 guests.
- London’s first two theatres, The Theatre and The Curtain Theatre, were both built in nearby Shoreditch. The Lord Mayor of the time had prohibited plays being performed within the city walls, and so Shoreditch became a home of theatre and tomfoolery, the likes of which even attracted William Shakespeare to its streets.
Cost of Living in Old Street
Though less expensive when compared to some neighbouring parts of Central London, rental prices in and around Old Street can still be pretty high for most properties. The cost of an apartment can range anywhere from £700 to £2000+ per month, making serviced accommodation an increasingly viable option for longer term travellers, particularly given the many perks associated with extended stays that TheSqua.re offers its guests.
Day to day activities can range in price from the dear to the easily affordable, depending on a visitor’s choice. Weekly travel passes (for Zones 1-2) can run to upwards of £35, though there are discounts available for certain residents, while meals out can range from £15 for a meal for one to £55 for a three-course dinner for two. Medical costs will usually be far reduced thanks to the NHS, with residents normally needing to pay only for private healthcare treatments, cosmetic surgeries, or dental care. Money can also be saved on weekly entertainment, including trips to the theatre and cinema, with a wide selection of inexpensive ticket prices and membership options.
Things to Do in Old Street
From paid day trips to fun freebies, there is plenty for visitors to see and do local to Old Street. Whatever the reason for visiting, these are just a few suggestions to help guests make the most out of their leisure time:
Q. What are the most popular things to do near Old Street?
Here are just a few of the many opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment to act as the cherry on top of any stay:
- Explore some of the most iconic landmarks in London, from the Tower of London to the Bank of England and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Grab a drink at the Sky Garden for some of the most breathtaking views in the city.
- Take in a show at Shakespeare’s Globe or Vue Islington.
- Experience the bustling nightlife of Hackney and Shoreditch.
Q. What are some free things to do near Old Street?
Want to save some pennies on those day-to-day activities? Here are some great ways of passing the time in Hampstead without breaking the bank:
Here are some great ways of passing the time in Kingston without breaking the bank:
- Visit Old Spitalfields Market to browse the wares of local wholesalers and retailers.
- Embark on a river walk and experience London from the bankside.
- Tour some of the free museums and galleries in the area, including the Charles Dickens Museum, Museum of London, and the Tate Modern.
Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do near Old Street?
For families with children, or simply the young at heart, there are a number of fun days out we would recommend:
- Go ten-pin bowling at All Star Lanes in Tower Hamlets.
- Ride the underground mail train at The Postal Museum.
- Don those wellies and check out the animals of Spitalfields City Farm.
- Dive back into Roman times with a visit to London Mithraeum.
Places to Visit in Old Street
Wondering how to spend that precious day off? Old Street and the surrounding area are home to a great range of enjoyable and interesting places to visit, from historic buildings to popular tourist attractions. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Brick Lane – this famous street in London’s East End is the heart of the city’s Bangladeshi community and is known for its many curry houses.
- Museum of London – as its name suggests, the Museum of London chronicles the turbulent history of this famous city, from pre-Roman to modern times, via a series of artifacts and interactive exhibits. A great place to spend an afternoon, and admission is free.
- Bunhill Fields Burial Grounds - Grade I listed, this serene spot of green in the centre of London is now managed as a public garden, though still bears the graves of many famous former Londoners, including John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe and William Blake.
- Barbican Conservatory - a hidden tropical oasis, this glass-roofed sanctuary is the second-biggest Conservatory in London, and features tropical plants, trees, fish and birds.
- St Paul’s Cathedral - one of the most famous sights in London, this Grade I listed building is the official seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the London Diocese. Built on Ludgate Hill at the highest point in the City of London, its iconic roof can be seen from most places in the city.
- Monument to the Great Fire of London - often simply referred to as ‘The Monument’, this 200-foot tall Doric column is Grade I listed and marks roughly the spot where the Great Fire started in Pudding Lane in 1666. A viewing platform near the top also commands stunning views of the local area.
- Tower of London - dating back to the 11th century, this historic fortress in the heart of the city has been used as a prison, an armoury, a menagerie, and most recently the site of the Royal Crown Jewels.
- Charles Dickens Museum - home of the celebrated author, 48 Doughty Street near Clerkenwell is now the site of a museum dedicated to its former owner’s life, including many personal effects and old manuscripts of his works.
- Tate Modern - a gallery located on the south bank, the Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world, with collections ranging from 1900 to the present day. The museum regularly pulls in millions of visitors every year, and admission is free.
- Shakespeare’s Globe - this reconstruction of Shakespeare’s famous Elizabethan-era playhouse is again located on the south bank of the Thames. Built based on approximate estimations of the original, the theatre opened its doors in 1997 with a performance of Henry V, and has a capacity of 1,400.
Places to Eat in Old Street
Whatever is on the itinerary, dining out is always an option in Old Street. The surrounding area is well-stocked with a fantastic assortment of restaurants and eateries catering to all tastes, from traditional British pub food, to Italian, Indian and Chinese smorgasbords.
Here are a few places to eat in Old Street we would recommend to any visitor:
- Enoteca da Luca.
- The Princess of Shoreditch.
- Hoxton Grill.
- Ceviche Old Street.
- Cay Tre Hoxton.
- Lantana Shoreditch.
- The Old Street Chinese Restaurant.
- McQueen.
- Bone Daddies Old Street.
- TĀTĀ Eatery.
Street Food in Old Street
Street food is also an option in the area for those travellers who are always on-the-go. Dinerama, Brick Lane and Boxpark Shoreditch are the most popular local takeaway street food options, but more adventurous visitors can also take in some of the more regular pop-up markets around Central London, such as Maltby Street Market, Model Market, Street Food Union, The Street Pig, Vauxhall Street Food Garden, and the Southbank Centre Food Market. A great dining experience no matter the season.
Shopping in Old Street
Offering a short commute to the most popular shopping destinations in the city, such as Oxford Street, Stratford Westfields and Covent Garden Market, residents of the Old Street area will be able to easily get out and find any general goods or specific item they need to buy. There are also plenty of high street chains and independent retailers close to home, providing a great selection of local gifts, groceries and fashion, and provide that much-needed retail therapy.
Some of the best places to shop near Old Street include:
- Broadgate Circle - a lively hub of shopping and dining, featuring many high street chains and independent names, located between Liverpool Street Station and Finsbury Avenue Square.
- Angel Central - a busy shopping centre boasting a host of popular chain retailers, casual eateries, a cinema, and a live music venue.
- One New Change - a shopping centre featuring an eclectic mix of high-end and high street fashion, gifts and restaurants, all within a glass-walled complex.
- The Royal Exchange - a shopping complex in the heart of the City of London offering a fantastic collection of boutique shopping and dining within one of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings.
- Brick Lane Market - one of the most famous streets in London, many independent and family-owned retailers set up stalls along its length every weekend to sell food and fashion accessories at great prices.
- Boxpark Shoreditch - a pop-up mall for independent and global fashion stores and street food, built within several shipping containers.
Transportation in Old Street
Wherever visitors choose to hang their hats, getting around London is always an effortless matter. The capital’s Underground system is world-famous, with 11 lines covering 270 stations, which makes it arguably the most effective method of getting around. The Old Street area is served by several lines and stations, among them Old Street (Northern, National Rail), Moorgate (Northern, Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City), and Liverpool Street (a central terminus serving the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines, and also providing National Rail links and airport transfers). Day Travelcards are available to purchase (accepted through Zones 1-5) for £18.10, and trains can also be purchased with a simple tap of a Contactless Payment Card.
London is of course famous for its iconic black taxis and red buses, and these can both be a great way of sightseeing during travel. Bus fares cost just £1.50 (roughly £4.50 for a day of bus-only travel), and run over 700 routes citywide, including 52 night services, meaning that wherever guests end up during their day, they can always be sure of getting back to that inviting serviced apartment. Black taxis are also a popular way of travelling, and many of the cab drivers can also offer unique insights and local knowledge of the various neighbourhoods. Fares can be a little pricy though, so make sure to use sparingly.
Weather in Old Street
With a generally temperate climate across much of the UK, the weather can range from temperatures below freezing during winter, to hot and balmy heights of thirty and above in July and August. Even in summer though, rain may still be just a cloud away, and so visitors are encouraged to pack wet weather gear no matter the time of year. September is usually a good time to visit Old Street, as this month offers comfortably warm days and cooler evenings, enabling travellers to get out and about whenever they choose and make the most out of their trip.
