Brits and Americans are separated by a common language. Here is a starter guide to the terms you are likely to be confused by when in east London. I am still rather confused, so this is a work in progress.
All Saints: A DLR stop. Also a clothing chain based in east London with many locations, and which has planted itself in some fancy galleries all the way in LA and Asia. Many items are "distressed" like at Abercrombie, but for a similar price at least you get a bit of bling and creativity, and the glamour of skulls and gothic colours. Also boasts a line of dark, cool, unisex toddler clothes (a very easy fit in LA). I don't know where the brand was actually born, but one legend suggests it is a relic from the days when Spitalfields Market was actually "edgy" -- nowadays you will have to travel a bit further for the same.
Asian: In the UK, "Asian" is usually referring more specifically to "South Asian". Therefore, you may not find any soy sauce in the Asian section at Tesco.
Anarchy in the UK: The thing that made London cool in the 80s has a long history in London's East End. There is a wall celebrating famous anarchists in the alley near Freedom Press, and anarchist publisher and bookstore, adjacent to Whitechapel Gallery in Aldgate. In addition to anarchists, other radical movements, such as socialism and communism, are best associated with this area within London. Major universities in east London (e.g., Queen Mary, Birkbeck, Goldsmiths, and UEL) are especially famous for their anarchist and left-wing traditions.
Artist: Many come from places of sunshine and lush natural landscapes because they are drawn to the east London art scene. Everyone who has travelled the world has met someone who is a starving artist in Hackney, which reportedly has the highest concentration of artists in Europe. I suspect east London is a good place for creative people because it is so diverse, you can express yourself exactly how you choose.
Beefeater: Or, usually, Yeoman Warder, east Londoner inhabiting, the Tower of London, lucky! But someday, they all must retire and move away.
Black Cab: In east London, black taxicabs are vehicles parked in front of the homes of many residents. It is very hard to get a taxi to pick you up in east London, and you will typically have to wait a long time. Taxis are not typically relied upon for travel beginning in east London. Many east Londoners prefer to drive their own cars, and east London has a very good public transportation system. I know of the synonym "Hackney carriage", but only from souvenir stores.
Café: A bit like a diner but without booths, and table-service is optional. English breakfasts are always available, no matter the hour or the nationality of the owners. For more information read the picture book "The Tiger Who Came to Tea", which actually explains a lot about London eating! I would not advise one which looks dirty (check Scores on the Doors rating), but have found several to be surprisingly good, and definitely the best places for an authentic English breakfast. The best cafes have deli counters.
Chain: Chains are generally looked down upon, and many east London high streets boast that they are "chain-free".Visitors from the USA will also stick their noses up at chains, preferring something quaint and local. But truth be told, the chains in London are not all bad. In fact, once a restaurant which is affordable and has some sort of special appeal gets a reputation around here, it quickly opens up a second location.London has the best chains in Britain, and many run-of the-mill chains in London are desirable restaurants in the rest of the country.
My most visited chain restaurants and quick eats in east London: Jamie's Italian, Carluccio's, Pret a Manger, Zizzi, Pizza Express, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Nando's, Wagamama, Tortilla, Itsu, Wasabi. I like the food at Busaba Eathai but the setup is not comfortable and the waiters are rude, in stark contrast to Wagamama, which has the same management.
Charity shop: A second hand thrift store which functions to raise money for a particular charity. Some specialise in one type of merchandise, but most stock a bit of everything, and are well organised. The most famous group is Oxfam, which has an extensive network of used books which can be ordered online and tend to cost £2 each. They also make a delicious fair trade couscous if you happen to come across it. The status charity in the UK is mostly synonymous with nonprofit in the USA. Charity shops are found on all east London high streets, many which otherwise would lack second-hand bookstores, or any books at all. On the more stylish high streets, east London also has regular second hand clothing shops selling focusing on the most fashionable items.
Chav: A category of British person. I have not heard about chavs from people in east London, but people from Hertfordshire (N and NW of London) are rather obsessed with them, and have informed that chavs are to be found in Essex. I have also been told by a person from west London that chavs are to be found at Westfield Stratford City (where many customers are from Essex). Therefore, I was mislead into assuming that a chav was a type of person specific toEssex. To set the record straight, the true geographic spread of chavs includes the entirety of England, Wales, and Scotland. There are local concentrations on the high streets of outermost London and especially the Home counties. The definitive chav behaviour is the desire for overpriced branded clothing, especially athletic gear (that was soooooo me in Junior High, right?) The place of worship for chavs is JD Sports, many of which have high street cut-out displays of there most revered footwear. I have read chavs are an alternative British monarchy, and although both groups suffer from infiltrations of women armed with heavy eye makeup, they differ in that membership in the chav monarchy is based on excellence in athletics and mass-made celebrity, whereas true monarch membership is based on inheritance.The king and queen of chavs are David Beckham and Posh Spice, the duke and duchess are Jordan and Peter Andre, and next in line are theWAGsand the reality TV stars.The TOWIEs are considered fashionably chavie in the UK, so the west Londoners got jealous and created Made in Chelsea (which is not even famous enough to show on Virgin Airlines TV).
Chips: English french fries are hunky and a bit on the soggy side, by tradition. Fish and chip places are always extremely popular. Although English teenagers seem to adore their chips as much as the Belgians, they do not compare, and do not expect them to. If you want really good, crispy chips by international standards, either go to a gastropub, or better, an American or Belgian place -- but then it won't be fish and chips, will it? My favourite fish and chip place is George's Fish & Souvlaki Bar, a Greek Place in South Woodford, where the chips are as good as they can be and still seem authentically British, and the whole meal is helped by Greek accompaniments.
Cockney: A real Cockney-speaking person from the East End. Although to Americans Cockney's seem to exist in legend only, the slang language (published by Abson Books Limited) is real. My evidence: my daughter went to an East End school and came home rhyming like mad. (To top things off her new teacher is a Geordie -- the accent so challenging to Americans it gets one fired from X Factor). Apparently the term Cockney has been expanded to include working class Londoners as far away as Brixton but I think there is a difference, because cab drivers who get lost in Stepney Green are certainly not Cockney. Cockney people, I think, are limited to the East End, and don't go much further out than East Ham. They are the people who proudly talk about their ancestors in East End a century ago. Perhaps they are declining because central London is totally unaffordable to the humans who actually have a reason to live in it. They remind me of the authentic New Yorkers in attitude and history, but without rent protection they are much more threatened.Most of their relatives have since moved away, many to the USA.
Cream tea: Tea with one or two scones and jam and clotted cream. Takes place in the early afternoon, usually 2:00-4:00 PM. In central London, many good tea establishments have disappeared, although you can get a nice tea with a (cold) scone at most museum cafes. In east London, there are two places I like for tea. First, the Fan Museum in Greenwichis amazing in many ways and currently my favourite cream tea in London. Second, there is a really good one in the cafe across from Spitalfields, formerly Market Coffee House now The English Restaurant. There is also a third place: Waitrose Cafe, but I didn't want to admit it -- it can be really annoying when they claim they have run out of clotted cream and you are in a giant grocery store! Note that afternoon tea differs from cream tea -- it is much more elaborate and includes sandwiches.
A Curry: In the UK "a curry" can refer to any spicy South Asian meal. A "curry house" serves South Asian food, also known as "Asian" or "Indian" cuisine. The most famous street for its curry houses is Brick Lane, which serves Bangladeshi cuisine, and is also called Banglatown.
DLR: functionally speaking, part of the subway system, almost exclusively in east London. Similar situation for the East London line, which is usually just called the Overground. Unlike the tube lines, which tend to be colour-coded, the overground and DLR lines are under-labelled so check where you are going. DLRs may results in motion sickness but they are fun for kids who play driver at the front. The easiest way to tour the Docklands.
East End: There is a popular TV show on this topic. The East End has since the 19th century been a poor, immigrant region, and its changing demographic consistently tells a story of the latest economically-motivated immigrations into Britain. However, the area might be the most socio-economically diverse in the country. There are people of all classes, including foreigners,British transplants (many raised in London suburbs and now City yuppies), and also some East Enders who have ancestors in the area.In spite of the fact that is obviously the most exciting part of London, there continues to exist for some people a stigma attached to the East End, because it tells a history of coming from a poor immigrant family (see "middle class")
east London: When referring to a part of London (and not the city in South Africa), the "east" is not supposed to be capitalised, because it is just a sub region not worthy of its own Wikipedia page. However, in practice, everyone talks about capital E "East London" as if it is a real thing. The term is geographical and cultural, and maybe economic, and it changes. The quintessential "east London" boroughs are places which were part of Essex a generation ago. East London must be very cool, because there are a lot of people who say they are from east London, when in fact their neighbourhoods are "disputable". Islington and Camden are wonderful places, but they are strictly north London, and do not get to be east London. Of course, I am most happy to include the historical East End and any E postcodes. Also someIG and RM(Essex) postcodes, a bit of EC (City of London), and N postcodes (Hackney). Hackney gets to be east and north, and Greenwich and Lewisham get to be east and southeast, and outer east London gets to be east and West Essex, that is fine. I will consider including the City of London, which has EC postcodes, and claims to be both east London and God. And while I am at it, I will include anywhere I please in south east London, all the way to Bromley, which is uncharted quaint territory, especiallyCharles Darwin's Down House.
East London Tech City: Aspires to be Britain's Silicon Valley. Originally the core was the Silicon Roundabout of Old Street -- the geographic midpoint between brainy north London and creative east London. The centre is now the origin, as it is extending eastward to Stratford, which is developing more into an academic centre with a UEL- Birkbeck University Square and UCL campus.
Eggless: In some parts of east London (e.g., Ilford), all the cake shops are eggless. In Hindu religion eggs are forbidden, so I suspect that is the reason.
Essex girl: There is a popular TV show on this topic. Aspects of a Jersey girl (at the edge of the big city, with a bad reputation) and a Valley girl (blond and tan, shopaholic). The borders between Essex and London, and Kent and London, have recently been blurred, so some Essex girls are also technically Londoners. This stereotype is based on the perceived pattern that, as is the case in Orange County and New Jersey, outer-city mentality is more concerned with money, appearances and popularity than intelligence and more wholesome virtues. I will have you know, however, that many east Londoners are clever people, and some actually commute to Cambridge especially if living around Liverpool Street (by train) or outer east London (by car).
Eurostar: A train which passes through east London on the way to or from France, but does not stop. It permits one to get to and from Paris or Brussels in less than 2 hours, fast enough that the cheese stays fresh, and without liquid and weight restrictions you can bring back all the beer and wine you please. Past promises of having the Eurostar trains stop at Stratford International (they already pass through it) are in consideration. Until then, St. Pancras is not particularly convenient for east London, but it is a lovely station with the wonderful British Library next door. To get to/from St. Pancras you have three options: cab (see "Taxi"), tube (you will probably need to transfer, not great with suitcases), or high-speed train from Stratford (expensive and not included in Eurostar ticket price, nor particularly convenient). If you know someone with a car (most dedicated east Londoners drive) get a lift, especially during the wee hours before the traffic starts!
Excuse me, please: The appropriate way to ask someone to get out of the way. "Excuse me" meaningless on its own and should always be followed by "please" -- especially on a packed tube, where humans tend to be less forgiving.
Fit: Very good looking (physical fitness helps in this department, of course). According to Galton's beauty map of Britain, Londoners are the best looking. I am pretty sure east Londoners are the best looking Londoners. There is a huge beauty industry going towards Essex. Beauties like Keira Knightly buy up property in Shoreditch. And the creative East End has been the source of the most beautiful London designs and fashions since the time of William Morris (whose wife embodied the Pre-Raphaelite ideal of beauty). American women have long been attracted to the "English charm" of west Londoners like Prince Charles and Hugh Grant, but seriously, only East End Boys like David Beckam and Idris Elba are fit enough to model underwear.
Fried chicken: Upon complaining that certain high streets in east London have far too many fried chicken options, I have been told that students prefer to eat nothing else (and thus often smell of fried chicken on public transport, despite of the "no hot smelly foods" policy). In fact, there is always a new fried chicken outlet popping up. Several are "name-your-state" just like in north Manhattan, but, to their defence, the London ones at least tend to look clean, and don't offer quite as many cuisines as in NY (where you can get sandwiches, Chinese, etc). Most fried chicken places in east London are halal.
Gastropub: In many parts of east London, where French cuisine and Michelin stars are rare, gastropubs are the top level dining options. They are nice places with good beer, but what they offer -- expensive British food -- does not suit everyone. Do your research to avoid disappointment. Some are famous. If you are particularly carnivorous, the reviews of British food expert Jay Rayner will be helpful and entertaining.
Gypsy: In the UK, the use of this term is ambiguous and can refer to a member of any of several distinct nomadic ethnic groups, including Travellers and Romany. There is a TV show which claims to portray an ethnic group recognised in the UK, but not the USA, called Irish Travellers or simply Travellers. The show has been deemed misleading and disrespectful, and its advertisements on London bulletin boards were met with disapproval from the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit.
Halal: Halal food is often available in east London because a large proportion of residents are Muslim. Many international chains, like Nando's and KFC, are available in halal and standard versions. Compared to the USA, in the UK is rare to substitute healthier turkey for red meat, but sometimes you can find this for example at the halal Subway.
Hammer: a player for West Ham United F.C., aka., The Hammers, immortalised by a statue across from Newham Bookshop, which along with West Ham'sStadium, the Boleyn Ground (named for Henry VIII's 2nd wife), is located near to the Upton Park tube (not theWest Ham tube). Hammer Bobby Moore is a legend in English football, and has an additional statue at Wembly. West Ham fans include all self-respecting people in east London and Essex, where the aesthetically pleasing team colours form the basis of many school uniforms.
(H)'ave a fink: East Londoners are pretty laid back people and will generally expect you to return with a decision at a later date, no pressure -- be it shopping at the mall, signing up for a sport, or whatever. Also, some pronounce "th" as "f". Strangely, "h" is sometimes silent in words, but not when pronouncing the name of the letter of the alphabet, "haitch". These things should be taken into consideration prior to sending your kid to the speech therapist. In any case, don't trust anyone who asks you to register for anything on the spot.
Hipster: kind of like a Rockabilly but extremely thin and with a hat. Inhabitant of the periphery of Victoria Park and possible student at Queen Mary. In south east London the young adults around Goldsmiths are fashion leaders, but look better fed and have more of a 60s Beatles look. Hipsters in the USA (LA is capital) are a different story.
IdeaStore: One of several public libraries in Tower Hamlets. They are better than most public libraries and offer many courses and activities.
Innit: British slang term, akin to Native American (Rezbonic) "Is it?" The "Innit" lollipops are big sellers at the Museum of London.
International store: Turkish grocery store
Lido: If you are hearing about lidos in east London, you are probably at a museum. Of the many public outdoor swimming pools built in the 20th century, few remain. However, there is one big heated lido, London Fields Lido in Hackney and there are plans for other major swimming pool developments to open to the public after the olympics.
Middle class: Generally people who elsewhere would be considered upper middle class or wealthy, but in the UK it has a lot to do with education and family origin. There exists a British ideal involving aged houses with well-kept gardens, related to a certain "suburban snobbery" which causes people to deny their inner-city ancestry and quickly become assimilated into the British middle class. Many wealthy and successful Londoners go to lengths to conceal their own upbringing (or that of their ancestors) in the East End (or in other poor areas). These are the sorts of stories which would make someone head-of-state back home. This behaviour applies to many people with East End ancestors, regardless of ethnicity, and it applies in many parts of London. However, there exist stereotypes that suburban east Londoners are"End End done good", that is,the wealthier descendants of east Londoners, and that south east Londoners are proudly working class, so the residents in these areas seem (somewhat) more comfortable with their stories.
Mum: a hyper-sociable, over-educated woman who teaches her children to read from the moment they become bipedal. Constant source of tea. The best ones will offer "a nice glass of wine". Warning:at mum's night outs, be careful to decline any offers of white wine.
Panto: Short for pantomime, which is an interactive musical comedy occurring annually during Christmas time. Most east London families attend the panto at Hackney Empire. The Hackney panto always receives exceptional reviews and offers an up-to-date summary of east London culture. Men in the 1st row tend to catch the eye of the drag-outfitted Dame.
Pearly Kings and Queens: Best dressed people in east London, sure to brighten your day when you spot one. Often seen in the East End. Important inspiration for the fashions of the late Alexander McQueen.
Pie: Pies range from something posh with steak in it at a gastropub, to something vegetarian, cheap and Asian-inspired you eat on the street! It is pretty much anything in pastry, usually savoury. To best experience East End culture, you MUST visit a pie and mash. They are extremely modest places (in fact, even cheaper than cafes), but nonetheless very charming and quaint. The food is kid-friendly, and is eaten without a knife -- fork and spoon only. These eateries are home to East End specialities and personalities, so show up expecting a cultural experience! If eaten while walking, a pie is called pasty.There are easily approachable versions like Square Pie, which is great if you develop a taste for pies (and don't mind the calories). But, if you like authentic experiences, you do need to try an old-fashioned pie shop like G Kelly in Bethnal Green or like Robin's of East Ham (locations all over east London).
Pims O'Clock: It must be sunny outside! Pims is the sangria of Britain. For some it is a valid reason to buy a house with a garden. But it can be enjoyed all over town, at pubs along the Thames, at school fairs, and best of all, at the festivals which pop up unpredictably all over town. One of my favourite Pim stands was at a festival in Victoria Park.
Pint: about 200 imperial fluid ounces of beer. Although it may seem small at first, it is impossible to have only one pint of beer with friends, peers, or colleagues, and you will soon discover you have drunken much more than planned. Remember to offer the next round.
Piri piri chicken: Either Nando's or a Nando's-inspired fried chicken alternative. Nando's itself is huge in east London, probably due to the large South African, Portuguese, spicy, and chicken-loving populations, and comes in halal and traditional versions. The first time I spotted a Nando's (in Durham) I was excited. It is extremely clean with exposed sinks, spacious and pretty decor, Portuguese and South African drinks, and the kids meals are a good deal. It is often better than the other options, especially outside of London where the food is really really boring.
Pleasure Garden: According to the exhibit at Museum of London,in the 18th and 19th Century London had several pleasure gardens like the one simulated there. Currently a new project entitled London Pleasure Gardens intends to recreate this theme on Pontoon Dock in Newham. The description is hard to interpret but there is mention of the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
Posh: An item or behaviour which subtly expresses the high class and wealth of its owner. Different from in the USA, where posh is the same as fancy and can also mean elaborately decorated. Posh applies not only to clothes, but also accents, which vary considerably according to the neighbourhood and the school (state funded versus independent).
Pound Shop: common on the larger residential high streets in east London, along with other bargain stores: Wilkinson's, Tiger, Lidl, and Aldi. I have discovered the cheap stores (especially Lidl) carry hard-to-find European products like cookies and shampoos.However, Aldi, Iceland, and ASDA are not really useful.
Pub: establishment typically occupying east London's best architecture. Usually kids are welcome until the evening, but many of the quaintest ones (especially around the City of London) are restricted to adults. No matter how nice on the outside, inside it may be a different story. Sadly the offerings at many are homogenised by the mediocre, but cheap, Wetherspoons or similar chains. The best ones have local beers, a range of snacks, and an attractive beer garden. Cheap, ugly student pubs are the sources of weekend pavement vomit.
Republican: supporter of the movement to remove the British monarchy. Republicans are often in favour of other typically American political ideals, such as the separation of church and state particularly in public education (currently, the UK government sponsors religious education and funds faith schools). Unlike in the USA, Republicans in the UK are not aligned to free market economics.
Yummy mummy: In east London, mostly synonymous with Essex girls who are stay-at-home mums. Always present at mum's nights out, where they are dressed to the nines, stay late to go dancing, and compare notes on being hung over the next day. Overworked planning their next holiday, but pleased to sleep in when off from the school runs.
All Saints: A DLR stop. Also a clothing chain based in east London with many locations, and which has planted itself in some fancy galleries all the way in LA and Asia. Many items are "distressed" like at Abercrombie, but for a similar price at least you get a bit of bling and creativity, and the glamour of skulls and gothic colours. Also boasts a line of dark, cool, unisex toddler clothes (a very easy fit in LA). I don't know where the brand was actually born, but one legend suggests it is a relic from the days when Spitalfields Market was actually "edgy" -- nowadays you will have to travel a bit further for the same.
Asian: In the UK, "Asian" is usually referring more specifically to "South Asian". Therefore, you may not find any soy sauce in the Asian section at Tesco.
Anarchy in the UK: The thing that made London cool in the 80s has a long history in London's East End. There is a wall celebrating famous anarchists in the alley near Freedom Press, and anarchist publisher and bookstore, adjacent to Whitechapel Gallery in Aldgate. In addition to anarchists, other radical movements, such as socialism and communism, are best associated with this area within London. Major universities in east London (e.g., Queen Mary, Birkbeck, Goldsmiths, and UEL) are especially famous for their anarchist and left-wing traditions.
Artist: Many come from places of sunshine and lush natural landscapes because they are drawn to the east London art scene. Everyone who has travelled the world has met someone who is a starving artist in Hackney, which reportedly has the highest concentration of artists in Europe. I suspect east London is a good place for creative people because it is so diverse, you can express yourself exactly how you choose.
Beefeater: Or, usually, Yeoman Warder, east Londoner inhabiting, the Tower of London, lucky! But someday, they all must retire and move away.
Black Cab: In east London, black taxicabs are vehicles parked in front of the homes of many residents. It is very hard to get a taxi to pick you up in east London, and you will typically have to wait a long time. Taxis are not typically relied upon for travel beginning in east London. Many east Londoners prefer to drive their own cars, and east London has a very good public transportation system. I know of the synonym "Hackney carriage", but only from souvenir stores.
Café: A bit like a diner but without booths, and table-service is optional. English breakfasts are always available, no matter the hour or the nationality of the owners. For more information read the picture book "The Tiger Who Came to Tea", which actually explains a lot about London eating! I would not advise one which looks dirty (check Scores on the Doors rating), but have found several to be surprisingly good, and definitely the best places for an authentic English breakfast. The best cafes have deli counters.
Chain: Chains are generally looked down upon, and many east London high streets boast that they are "chain-free".Visitors from the USA will also stick their noses up at chains, preferring something quaint and local. But truth be told, the chains in London are not all bad. In fact, once a restaurant which is affordable and has some sort of special appeal gets a reputation around here, it quickly opens up a second location.London has the best chains in Britain, and many run-of the-mill chains in London are desirable restaurants in the rest of the country.
My most visited chain restaurants and quick eats in east London: Jamie's Italian, Carluccio's, Pret a Manger, Zizzi, Pizza Express, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Nando's, Wagamama, Tortilla, Itsu, Wasabi. I like the food at Busaba Eathai but the setup is not comfortable and the waiters are rude, in stark contrast to Wagamama, which has the same management.
Charity shop: A second hand thrift store which functions to raise money for a particular charity. Some specialise in one type of merchandise, but most stock a bit of everything, and are well organised. The most famous group is Oxfam, which has an extensive network of used books which can be ordered online and tend to cost £2 each. They also make a delicious fair trade couscous if you happen to come across it. The status charity in the UK is mostly synonymous with nonprofit in the USA. Charity shops are found on all east London high streets, many which otherwise would lack second-hand bookstores, or any books at all. On the more stylish high streets, east London also has regular second hand clothing shops selling focusing on the most fashionable items.
Chav: A category of British person. I have not heard about chavs from people in east London, but people from Hertfordshire (N and NW of London) are rather obsessed with them, and have informed that chavs are to be found in Essex. I have also been told by a person from west London that chavs are to be found at Westfield Stratford City (where many customers are from Essex). Therefore, I was mislead into assuming that a chav was a type of person specific toEssex. To set the record straight, the true geographic spread of chavs includes the entirety of England, Wales, and Scotland. There are local concentrations on the high streets of outermost London and especially the Home counties. The definitive chav behaviour is the desire for overpriced branded clothing, especially athletic gear (that was soooooo me in Junior High, right?) The place of worship for chavs is JD Sports, many of which have high street cut-out displays of there most revered footwear. I have read chavs are an alternative British monarchy, and although both groups suffer from infiltrations of women armed with heavy eye makeup, they differ in that membership in the chav monarchy is based on excellence in athletics and mass-made celebrity, whereas true monarch membership is based on inheritance.The king and queen of chavs are David Beckham and Posh Spice, the duke and duchess are Jordan and Peter Andre, and next in line are theWAGsand the reality TV stars.The TOWIEs are considered fashionably chavie in the UK, so the west Londoners got jealous and created Made in Chelsea (which is not even famous enough to show on Virgin Airlines TV).
Chips: English french fries are hunky and a bit on the soggy side, by tradition. Fish and chip places are always extremely popular. Although English teenagers seem to adore their chips as much as the Belgians, they do not compare, and do not expect them to. If you want really good, crispy chips by international standards, either go to a gastropub, or better, an American or Belgian place -- but then it won't be fish and chips, will it? My favourite fish and chip place is George's Fish & Souvlaki Bar, a Greek Place in South Woodford, where the chips are as good as they can be and still seem authentically British, and the whole meal is helped by Greek accompaniments.
Cockney: A real Cockney-speaking person from the East End. Although to Americans Cockney's seem to exist in legend only, the slang language (published by Abson Books Limited) is real. My evidence: my daughter went to an East End school and came home rhyming like mad. (To top things off her new teacher is a Geordie -- the accent so challenging to Americans it gets one fired from X Factor). Apparently the term Cockney has been expanded to include working class Londoners as far away as Brixton but I think there is a difference, because cab drivers who get lost in Stepney Green are certainly not Cockney. Cockney people, I think, are limited to the East End, and don't go much further out than East Ham. They are the people who proudly talk about their ancestors in East End a century ago. Perhaps they are declining because central London is totally unaffordable to the humans who actually have a reason to live in it. They remind me of the authentic New Yorkers in attitude and history, but without rent protection they are much more threatened.Most of their relatives have since moved away, many to the USA.
Cream tea: Tea with one or two scones and jam and clotted cream. Takes place in the early afternoon, usually 2:00-4:00 PM. In central London, many good tea establishments have disappeared, although you can get a nice tea with a (cold) scone at most museum cafes. In east London, there are two places I like for tea. First, the Fan Museum in Greenwichis amazing in many ways and currently my favourite cream tea in London. Second, there is a really good one in the cafe across from Spitalfields, formerly Market Coffee House now The English Restaurant. There is also a third place: Waitrose Cafe, but I didn't want to admit it -- it can be really annoying when they claim they have run out of clotted cream and you are in a giant grocery store! Note that afternoon tea differs from cream tea -- it is much more elaborate and includes sandwiches.
A Curry: In the UK "a curry" can refer to any spicy South Asian meal. A "curry house" serves South Asian food, also known as "Asian" or "Indian" cuisine. The most famous street for its curry houses is Brick Lane, which serves Bangladeshi cuisine, and is also called Banglatown.
DLR: functionally speaking, part of the subway system, almost exclusively in east London. Similar situation for the East London line, which is usually just called the Overground. Unlike the tube lines, which tend to be colour-coded, the overground and DLR lines are under-labelled so check where you are going. DLRs may results in motion sickness but they are fun for kids who play driver at the front. The easiest way to tour the Docklands.
East End: There is a popular TV show on this topic. The East End has since the 19th century been a poor, immigrant region, and its changing demographic consistently tells a story of the latest economically-motivated immigrations into Britain. However, the area might be the most socio-economically diverse in the country. There are people of all classes, including foreigners,British transplants (many raised in London suburbs and now City yuppies), and also some East Enders who have ancestors in the area.In spite of the fact that is obviously the most exciting part of London, there continues to exist for some people a stigma attached to the East End, because it tells a history of coming from a poor immigrant family (see "middle class")
east London: When referring to a part of London (and not the city in South Africa), the "east" is not supposed to be capitalised, because it is just a sub region not worthy of its own Wikipedia page. However, in practice, everyone talks about capital E "East London" as if it is a real thing. The term is geographical and cultural, and maybe economic, and it changes. The quintessential "east London" boroughs are places which were part of Essex a generation ago. East London must be very cool, because there are a lot of people who say they are from east London, when in fact their neighbourhoods are "disputable". Islington and Camden are wonderful places, but they are strictly north London, and do not get to be east London. Of course, I am most happy to include the historical East End and any E postcodes. Also someIG and RM(Essex) postcodes, a bit of EC (City of London), and N postcodes (Hackney). Hackney gets to be east and north, and Greenwich and Lewisham get to be east and southeast, and outer east London gets to be east and West Essex, that is fine. I will consider including the City of London, which has EC postcodes, and claims to be both east London and God. And while I am at it, I will include anywhere I please in south east London, all the way to Bromley, which is uncharted quaint territory, especiallyCharles Darwin's Down House.
East London Tech City: Aspires to be Britain's Silicon Valley. Originally the core was the Silicon Roundabout of Old Street -- the geographic midpoint between brainy north London and creative east London. The centre is now the origin, as it is extending eastward to Stratford, which is developing more into an academic centre with a UEL- Birkbeck University Square and UCL campus.
Eggless: In some parts of east London (e.g., Ilford), all the cake shops are eggless. In Hindu religion eggs are forbidden, so I suspect that is the reason.
Essex girl: There is a popular TV show on this topic. Aspects of a Jersey girl (at the edge of the big city, with a bad reputation) and a Valley girl (blond and tan, shopaholic). The borders between Essex and London, and Kent and London, have recently been blurred, so some Essex girls are also technically Londoners. This stereotype is based on the perceived pattern that, as is the case in Orange County and New Jersey, outer-city mentality is more concerned with money, appearances and popularity than intelligence and more wholesome virtues. I will have you know, however, that many east Londoners are clever people, and some actually commute to Cambridge especially if living around Liverpool Street (by train) or outer east London (by car).
Eurostar: A train which passes through east London on the way to or from France, but does not stop. It permits one to get to and from Paris or Brussels in less than 2 hours, fast enough that the cheese stays fresh, and without liquid and weight restrictions you can bring back all the beer and wine you please. Past promises of having the Eurostar trains stop at Stratford International (they already pass through it) are in consideration. Until then, St. Pancras is not particularly convenient for east London, but it is a lovely station with the wonderful British Library next door. To get to/from St. Pancras you have three options: cab (see "Taxi"), tube (you will probably need to transfer, not great with suitcases), or high-speed train from Stratford (expensive and not included in Eurostar ticket price, nor particularly convenient). If you know someone with a car (most dedicated east Londoners drive) get a lift, especially during the wee hours before the traffic starts!
Excuse me, please: The appropriate way to ask someone to get out of the way. "Excuse me" meaningless on its own and should always be followed by "please" -- especially on a packed tube, where humans tend to be less forgiving.
Fit: Very good looking (physical fitness helps in this department, of course). According to Galton's beauty map of Britain, Londoners are the best looking. I am pretty sure east Londoners are the best looking Londoners. There is a huge beauty industry going towards Essex. Beauties like Keira Knightly buy up property in Shoreditch. And the creative East End has been the source of the most beautiful London designs and fashions since the time of William Morris (whose wife embodied the Pre-Raphaelite ideal of beauty). American women have long been attracted to the "English charm" of west Londoners like Prince Charles and Hugh Grant, but seriously, only East End Boys like David Beckam and Idris Elba are fit enough to model underwear.
Fried chicken: Upon complaining that certain high streets in east London have far too many fried chicken options, I have been told that students prefer to eat nothing else (and thus often smell of fried chicken on public transport, despite of the "no hot smelly foods" policy). In fact, there is always a new fried chicken outlet popping up. Several are "name-your-state" just like in north Manhattan, but, to their defence, the London ones at least tend to look clean, and don't offer quite as many cuisines as in NY (where you can get sandwiches, Chinese, etc). Most fried chicken places in east London are halal.
Gastropub: In many parts of east London, where French cuisine and Michelin stars are rare, gastropubs are the top level dining options. They are nice places with good beer, but what they offer -- expensive British food -- does not suit everyone. Do your research to avoid disappointment. Some are famous. If you are particularly carnivorous, the reviews of British food expert Jay Rayner will be helpful and entertaining.
Gypsy: In the UK, the use of this term is ambiguous and can refer to a member of any of several distinct nomadic ethnic groups, including Travellers and Romany. There is a TV show which claims to portray an ethnic group recognised in the UK, but not the USA, called Irish Travellers or simply Travellers. The show has been deemed misleading and disrespectful, and its advertisements on London bulletin boards were met with disapproval from the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit.
Halal: Halal food is often available in east London because a large proportion of residents are Muslim. Many international chains, like Nando's and KFC, are available in halal and standard versions. Compared to the USA, in the UK is rare to substitute healthier turkey for red meat, but sometimes you can find this for example at the halal Subway.
Hammer: a player for West Ham United F.C., aka., The Hammers, immortalised by a statue across from Newham Bookshop, which along with West Ham'sStadium, the Boleyn Ground (named for Henry VIII's 2nd wife), is located near to the Upton Park tube (not theWest Ham tube). Hammer Bobby Moore is a legend in English football, and has an additional statue at Wembly. West Ham fans include all self-respecting people in east London and Essex, where the aesthetically pleasing team colours form the basis of many school uniforms.
(H)'ave a fink: East Londoners are pretty laid back people and will generally expect you to return with a decision at a later date, no pressure -- be it shopping at the mall, signing up for a sport, or whatever. Also, some pronounce "th" as "f". Strangely, "h" is sometimes silent in words, but not when pronouncing the name of the letter of the alphabet, "haitch". These things should be taken into consideration prior to sending your kid to the speech therapist. In any case, don't trust anyone who asks you to register for anything on the spot.
Hipster: kind of like a Rockabilly but extremely thin and with a hat. Inhabitant of the periphery of Victoria Park and possible student at Queen Mary. In south east London the young adults around Goldsmiths are fashion leaders, but look better fed and have more of a 60s Beatles look. Hipsters in the USA (LA is capital) are a different story.
IdeaStore: One of several public libraries in Tower Hamlets. They are better than most public libraries and offer many courses and activities.
Innit: British slang term, akin to Native American (Rezbonic) "Is it?" The "Innit" lollipops are big sellers at the Museum of London.
International store: Turkish grocery store
Lido: If you are hearing about lidos in east London, you are probably at a museum. Of the many public outdoor swimming pools built in the 20th century, few remain. However, there is one big heated lido, London Fields Lido in Hackney and there are plans for other major swimming pool developments to open to the public after the olympics.
Middle class: Generally people who elsewhere would be considered upper middle class or wealthy, but in the UK it has a lot to do with education and family origin. There exists a British ideal involving aged houses with well-kept gardens, related to a certain "suburban snobbery" which causes people to deny their inner-city ancestry and quickly become assimilated into the British middle class. Many wealthy and successful Londoners go to lengths to conceal their own upbringing (or that of their ancestors) in the East End (or in other poor areas). These are the sorts of stories which would make someone head-of-state back home. This behaviour applies to many people with East End ancestors, regardless of ethnicity, and it applies in many parts of London. However, there exist stereotypes that suburban east Londoners are"End End done good", that is,the wealthier descendants of east Londoners, and that south east Londoners are proudly working class, so the residents in these areas seem (somewhat) more comfortable with their stories.
Mum: a hyper-sociable, over-educated woman who teaches her children to read from the moment they become bipedal. Constant source of tea. The best ones will offer "a nice glass of wine". Warning:at mum's night outs, be careful to decline any offers of white wine.
Panto: Short for pantomime, which is an interactive musical comedy occurring annually during Christmas time. Most east London families attend the panto at Hackney Empire. The Hackney panto always receives exceptional reviews and offers an up-to-date summary of east London culture. Men in the 1st row tend to catch the eye of the drag-outfitted Dame.
Pearly Kings and Queens: Best dressed people in east London, sure to brighten your day when you spot one. Often seen in the East End. Important inspiration for the fashions of the late Alexander McQueen.
Pie: Pies range from something posh with steak in it at a gastropub, to something vegetarian, cheap and Asian-inspired you eat on the street! It is pretty much anything in pastry, usually savoury. To best experience East End culture, you MUST visit a pie and mash. They are extremely modest places (in fact, even cheaper than cafes), but nonetheless very charming and quaint. The food is kid-friendly, and is eaten without a knife -- fork and spoon only. These eateries are home to East End specialities and personalities, so show up expecting a cultural experience! If eaten while walking, a pie is called pasty.There are easily approachable versions like Square Pie, which is great if you develop a taste for pies (and don't mind the calories). But, if you like authentic experiences, you do need to try an old-fashioned pie shop like G Kelly in Bethnal Green or like Robin's of East Ham (locations all over east London).
Pims O'Clock: It must be sunny outside! Pims is the sangria of Britain. For some it is a valid reason to buy a house with a garden. But it can be enjoyed all over town, at pubs along the Thames, at school fairs, and best of all, at the festivals which pop up unpredictably all over town. One of my favourite Pim stands was at a festival in Victoria Park.
Pint: about 200 imperial fluid ounces of beer. Although it may seem small at first, it is impossible to have only one pint of beer with friends, peers, or colleagues, and you will soon discover you have drunken much more than planned. Remember to offer the next round.
Piri piri chicken: Either Nando's or a Nando's-inspired fried chicken alternative. Nando's itself is huge in east London, probably due to the large South African, Portuguese, spicy, and chicken-loving populations, and comes in halal and traditional versions. The first time I spotted a Nando's (in Durham) I was excited. It is extremely clean with exposed sinks, spacious and pretty decor, Portuguese and South African drinks, and the kids meals are a good deal. It is often better than the other options, especially outside of London where the food is really really boring.
Pleasure Garden: According to the exhibit at Museum of London,in the 18th and 19th Century London had several pleasure gardens like the one simulated there. Currently a new project entitled London Pleasure Gardens intends to recreate this theme on Pontoon Dock in Newham. The description is hard to interpret but there is mention of the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
Posh: An item or behaviour which subtly expresses the high class and wealth of its owner. Different from in the USA, where posh is the same as fancy and can also mean elaborately decorated. Posh applies not only to clothes, but also accents, which vary considerably according to the neighbourhood and the school (state funded versus independent).
Pound Shop: common on the larger residential high streets in east London, along with other bargain stores: Wilkinson's, Tiger, Lidl, and Aldi. I have discovered the cheap stores (especially Lidl) carry hard-to-find European products like cookies and shampoos.However, Aldi, Iceland, and ASDA are not really useful.
Pub: establishment typically occupying east London's best architecture. Usually kids are welcome until the evening, but many of the quaintest ones (especially around the City of London) are restricted to adults. No matter how nice on the outside, inside it may be a different story. Sadly the offerings at many are homogenised by the mediocre, but cheap, Wetherspoons or similar chains. The best ones have local beers, a range of snacks, and an attractive beer garden. Cheap, ugly student pubs are the sources of weekend pavement vomit.
Republican: supporter of the movement to remove the British monarchy. Republicans are often in favour of other typically American political ideals, such as the separation of church and state particularly in public education (currently, the UK government sponsors religious education and funds faith schools). Unlike in the USA, Republicans in the UK are not aligned to free market economics.
Yummy mummy: In east London, mostly synonymous with Essex girls who are stay-at-home mums. Always present at mum's nights out, where they are dressed to the nines, stay late to go dancing, and compare notes on being hung over the next day. Overworked planning their next holiday, but pleased to sleep in when off from the school runs.
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