Rugby in London

by **RDW** Mon 25 Jul 2016, 4:12 pm

First topic message reminder :

Folks,

Mrs RDW and I moving to London next month , so knowing that there are lots of Londoners / ex Londoners on here I thought I would start a thread to discuss London rugby and all things London related. We have a flat in Putney and my work is near Euston so any thoughts on either of those will be appreciated.

So, questions!

Playing Rugby

I am keen to keep playing when I move down but from a quick look there are many, many rugby clubs in London (probably more than in the whole of Scotland!). Ideally I would be looking for a club with 1st, 2nd and even 3rd XV so I can get started at a fairly low level and work my way up if I can. I am certainly not good enough to play at a high level but I’d like to think I’m not at the lowest of the low. Being honest though I am closer to the lower end than the top end! Ideally it would be a club easy to get to from Putney or my way home from work. Any suggestions?

Watching Rugby

Being so close to Richmond, and being Scottish, London Scottish are the obvious draw for me when it comes to supporting a new team. There’s a few Scots at Harlequins now (plus the missus fancies Tim Visser and Chris Robshaw) so I am sure we will go to some of their games too. It is handy that they have drawn Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup!

Living in London

London living is pretty much the main reason why we’re moving! I appreciate it is overcrowded, unfriendly, hot and dirty but there are plenty positives to hopefully make up for that. We love sport, good pubs/cafes/restaurants, music and theater so I’m sure there will be plenty things on. Any specific suggestions are welcome however, especially around the Putney area and beyond.

Thanks!

by BamBam Fri 29 Jul 2016, 11:55 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Well I'm a Civil Engineer so I can very much relate to the salary issue!

My wife is going to work in Commercial Property Management in the City - I'm going to be a kept man soon hopefully!

I wouldn't hold your breath. Farage and co have seen to it that the City faces a challenging future in the short term and, whilst this is obviously retail rather than commercial property, Foxtons have just announced a very slow 1st half set of results for 2016 (profits down by a whopping 42%).

....and people say I don't have a sunny disposition....

I had dealings with Foxtons while looking for flats and it is fair to say they don't have my sympathies! I understand they aren't overly well liked in London....

Foxtons are the Steve Walsh of the estate agent world. And that's saying something

by funnyExiledScot Fri 29 Jul 2016, 12:05 pm

If Foxtons were a man, they'd have what would be described as a "punchable face".

I spent an afternoon in a Foxtons mini many moons ago, being shown properties well outside of my budget and preferred area. They are vile, and I hope they fold.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Fri 29 Jul 2016, 12:08 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:If Foxtons were a man, they'd have what would be described as a "punchable face".

I spent an afternoon in a Foxtons mini many moons ago, being shown properties well outside of my budget and preferred area. They are vile, and I hope they fold.

Come on now FES, get off that fence and tell us how you really feel

by SecretFly Fri 29 Jul 2016, 12:12 pm

An afternoon in a Foxtons mini many moons ago?

Hmmm...seems to be more of a story there than we're hearing about. Come on Exiled, what was the traumatic tale that happened in that mini that turned you so against this company? Did it involve a semi-naked clown with red eyes?

by **RDW** Fri 29 Jul 2016, 12:12 pm

Had a similar experience (in a Foxtons mini) - told the guy what our budget was and the flat I was interested in. He then showed me another 2 that were well outside our budget and completely not what we were after.

I'm glad we've got a flat now because it wasn't an overly pleasant experience having to regularly deal with that industry!

by Eejit Mon 01 Aug 2016, 12:47 pm

On the subject of cycling, fear not fellow Jocks in Exile for they now do these wanky foldaway bikes - for the bell-end on the go.

by Irish Londoner Mon 01 Aug 2016, 3:09 pm

SecretFly wrote:An afternoon in a Foxtons mini many moons ago?

Hmmm...seems to be more of a story there than we're hearing about. Come on Exiled, what was the traumatic tale that happened in that mini that turned you so against this company? Did it involve a semi-naked clown with red eyes?

"OK FES, using the dolly, show the court where the man from Foxtons touched you...."

by **RDW** Tue 23 Aug 2016, 8:43 am

Well we moved down to London at the weekend and that’s me started my new job now. Putney is brilliant – really nice part of the world to live and found some decent boozers already!

Commute hasn’t been too bad – the District Line wasn’t too busy at all and even had semi-working aircon! Changeover to Victoria line wasn’t great though and it was very busy and hot – I’m only on it for a few stops though.

So far so good then – the 29 degree heat for the next few days might change that though!!

by funnyExiledScot Tue 23 Aug 2016, 2:06 pm

Irish Londoner wrote:
SecretFly wrote:An afternoon in a Foxtons mini many moons ago?

Hmmm...seems to be more of a story there than we're hearing about. Come on Exiled, what was the traumatic tale that happened in that mini that turned you so against this company? Did it involve a semi-naked clown with red eyes?

"OK FES, using the dolly, show the court where the man from Foxtons touched you...."

Thankfully I can run faster than a Foxtons Mini in rush hour traffic.

by funnyExiledScot Tue 23 Aug 2016, 2:09 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Well we moved down to London at the weekend and that’s me started my new job now. Putney is brilliant – really nice part of the world to live and found some decent boozers already!

Commute hasn’t been too bad – the District Line wasn’t too busy at all and even had semi-working aircon! Changeover to Victoria line wasn’t great though and it was very busy and hot – I’m only on it for a few stops though.

So far so good then – the 29 degree heat for the next few days might change that though!!

Pleased you're enjoying it. I was in London at the weekend and navigated the tube from Ealing to Green Park and then Victoria to Herne Hill (overground) and then Victoria to Paddington. It was a nice reminder as to why I live in Edinburgh - it's lovely and cold here.

by **George Carlin** Tue 23 Aug 2016, 9:18 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Well we moved down to London at the weekend and that’s me started my new job now. Putney is brilliant – really nice part of the world to live and found some decent boozers already!

Commute hasn’t been too bad – the District Line wasn’t too busy at all and even had semi-working aircon! Changeover to Victoria line wasn’t great though and it was very busy and hot – I’m only on it for a few stops though.

So far so good then – the 29 degree heat for the next few days might change that though!!

Bugger me with a Putney traffic cone and call me Doris - how did I not see this thread?

As a 12 year London resident, I would recommend the following:

1. Get a good local in Putney. The Prince of Wales on Upper Richmond Road is perfect. A top gastropub.
2. Get a decent date night restaurant in town. J Sheekey on St Martin's Court is perfect. Wife and I had our first date there.
3. Free walks - get to know Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, St James' Park and Richmond Park. Yes, I know that the first two are the wrong side of the Thames, but is that my fault? Eh?
4. Go to the Comedy Store on Oxendon Street at least twice a month. Friday and Saturday are the best. Go to the midnight show at least once - everyone is sh!tfaced, including the stand-ups. It's amazing for heckling.
5. Join the Donmar Warehouse mailing list. The best money you'll ever spend as you won't be able to get tickets any other way for the good stuff. And it's all good stuff.
6. Do the London Eye, sure. But only once.
7. Never, ever do Madame Tussauds. You're not (a) under 10 or (b) a Japanese tourist.
8. Forget the preconceptions - Shakespeare's Globe is a great laugh, particularly if you're standing in the prom.
9. Start buying shoes for 'going out' from Jeffrey West in the Piccadilly Arcade. You're not 15 any more. You can't wear trainers to go out in the evening, man.
10. Take Mrs RDW for breakfast at The Wolsely on Piccadilly. Be a hero for the rest of the month.
11. Monmouth Coffee in Covent Garden is the best java in town.
12. The best Chinese in Chinatown is Yming on Greek Street.
13. Eating the stacked cheese and ham pie, with a glass of their amazing house burgundy in the Cork & Bottle, the underground wine bar at Leicester Square is officially my Happy Place.
14. Cab drivers are absolutely bloody amazing. Usually. Just don't give them Scottish money because they're legally not required to take it.
15. Get away to Oxford in the winter - only one hour from Paddington and god's own country.

God bless you. Run free, London rookie, run free.

by **RDW** Tue 23 Aug 2016, 9:29 pm

You're a legend GC - great recommendations. We're close to the Prince of Wales! The pub that is...

Mrs RDW is lady of leisure just now as she doesn't start her new job until September - she's already finding out ways to spend all our money!

Commute wasn't so good today - District line had signalling issues (which I suspect is s common issue) and I got stuck with loads of Chelsea fans on the way home!

by sad_gimp Wed 24 Aug 2016, 10:01 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Well we moved down to London at the weekend and that’s me started my new job now. Putney is brilliant – really nice part of the world to live and found some decent boozers already!

Commute hasn’t been too bad – the District Line wasn’t too busy at all and even had semi-working aircon! Changeover to Victoria line wasn’t great though and it was very busy and hot – I’m only on it for a few stops though.

So far so good then – the 29 degree heat for the next few days might change that though!!

Try the Sun Inn in Barnes, regular haunt of Jason Leonard Wink

The jazz room behind the Bull's Head is great too, speak to the guy running the little bar, he's been there forever and has great stories.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 10:44 am

George Carlin wrote:3. Free walks - get to know Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, St James' Park and Richmond Park. Yes, I know that the first two are the wrong side of the Thames, but is that my fault? Eh?

?????

First four all north of the Thames, while try telling the "posher" residents near Richmond Park that they are south of the river.

by **George Carlin** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 11:06 am

LondonTiger wrote:
George Carlin wrote:3. Free walks - get to know Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, St James' Park and Richmond Park. Yes, I know that the first two are the wrong side of the Thames, but is that my fault? Eh?

?????

First four all north of the Thames, while try telling the "posher" residents near Richmond Park that they are south of the river.

I meant the wrong side from RDW's perspective.

The poor boy doesn't understand that's why his house was cheaper....

by **LondonTiger** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 11:31 am

I was commenting on the fact you stated only the first two were wrong side Very Happy

.

The walk from Blackheath down through Greenwich park is rather pleasant.

by **George Carlin** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 11:48 am

LondonTiger wrote:I was commenting on the fact you stated only the first two were wrong side .

The walk from Blackheath down through Greenwich park is rather pleasant.

The first two are the ones with the well upholstered North London ladies walking their manicured dogs and with lots of decent pubs around the fringes.

So therefore, the important ones. Very Happy

by **LondonTiger** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 12:00 pm

Hmm, Hampstead Heath may not be safe for RDW after dark though.

by Bathman_in_London Wed 24 Aug 2016, 12:23 pm

The locals always seem friendly on the Heath after dark and on Clapham Common for that matter...

As mentioned above, if you haven't been to the prince of Wales yet I would, they do very good food at the back. There are also enough good places for breakfast/brunch to keep you going for months. Grind, brew, hudsons and tried and true are all worth a visit. Also try the restaurant emiles which has been there for years for a midweek date or entoeca on the high street. Hare and tortoise for noodles and try the Nepalese curry place called munal tandoori.

That should keep you going for a while, a list of places to try further afield would take a while!

by **RDW** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 12:27 pm

Went to the Duke's Head on Sunday for lunch - really liked that place! Mrs RDW then got a coffee from Grind after, which was also good apparently.

Friday night though it will be all about Wahaca - partially one of the reasons we have moved to London! Rugby in London - Page 3 3559488474

Although apparently there is one opening in Edinburgh soon - FES I would recommend it if you like Mexican street food, and if you manage a night out sans child any time in the next decade.

by **George Carlin** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 12:37 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Went to the Duke's Head on Sunday for lunch - really liked that place! Mrs RDW then got a coffee from Grind after, which was also good apparently.

Friday night though it will be all about Wahaca - partially one of the reasons we have moved to London!

Although apparently there is one opening in Edinburgh soon - FES I would recommend it if you like Mexican street food, and if you manage a night out sans child any time in the next decade.

FES is currently trapped under a pile of nappies and told me to pass on his regards and notice of his desire to kill himself very soon.

by Bathman_in_London Wed 24 Aug 2016, 12:46 pm

Yeah that's a good place too, nice for a drink after work by the river when it's like this. wahaca is always a safe bet, in fact the real issue in London tends to be running out of time/money rather than not having anywhere to go!

by **BigGee** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 1:35 pm

sad_gimp wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Well we moved down to London at the weekend and that’s me started my new job now. Putney is brilliant – really nice part of the world to live and found some decent boozers already!

Commute hasn’t been too bad – the District Line wasn’t too busy at all and even had semi-working aircon! Changeover to Victoria line wasn’t great though and it was very busy and hot – I’m only on it for a few stops though.

So far so good then – the 29 degree heat for the next few days might change that though!!

Try the Sun Inn in Barnes, regular haunt of Jason Leonard

The jazz room behind the Bull's Head is great too, speak to the guy running the little bar, he's been there forever and has great stories.

We bumpeed into Jason Leonrd at he Quins game at the weekend, litteraly! He had been playing in the vets game pior to the main event and had walked down to the gates, now named after him and was just chatting to punters as they came into the ground.

I was amazed at the size of him, he was just huge and it must have been some challenge to get a rugby shirt to fit him. would not have fancied propping against him now, let alone in his prime! Seems like a great guy though, no airs about him at all.

by Dourauldscot Wed 24 Aug 2016, 2:23 pm

Just spotted this thread. I’m a London Scottish season ticket holder/Glasgow fan who moved to Putney from Chiswick two months ago. Didn’t really know the place too well before but it seems like a nice part of the world. The direct train from Putney to Richmond will certainly make getting to the games nice and easy. Not played for years so not too sure about teams to join but I know a few lads from the Chiswick 3rds and they seem to have a good time.

Lots of nice pubs in the area but not sure how easy it will be to get rugby on in them until the season starts! Will second the suggestions for the Prince of Wales for a drink. Been in a few times and it seems to have a nice locals atmosphere to it. Main sports pubs look to be the Coat and Badge, the Fox and Hounds and the Temperence. The Fox & hounds just near the station seems to be the best hope of persuading the staff to be able to sneak the rugby on a side TV – bit rough and ready but it’s also pretty cheap by London standards which is a bonus. Might also take a look at the Tir Na Nog in Wandsworth as they might get the Irish Pro 12 games on. The Famous 3 Kings in West Kensington isn’t a million miles away and they’ve always put the rugby on when asked, but I think they’ve recently had a refurb so can’t vouch for it still being the same.

As for the transport issue, I also work near Victoria and definitely prefer cycling in. After a few hair-raising attempts I’ve got a decent cycle route which takes about 25 minutes from the Putney rail/East Putney area and is virtually all the way along river paths, Battersea Park and backstreets. There’s a decent downhill section (on the way to work anyway) which means you don’t turn up too sweaty.

Anyway, if you spot anybody around wearing Scotland, London Scottish or Glasgow gear then it’s probably me. Feel free to say hello!

by **RDW** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 2:57 pm

Thanks for that - even more good words of wisdom!

My work is near Euston so would be a hell of a trek to cycle there, plus I'm not really a fan of the idea of cycling every day in London (I find 16 degrees hot never mind the 30 it is today). I think I'll stick to the tube / train when Chelsea games are on!

by **George Carlin** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 4:51 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Thanks for that - even more good words of wisdom!

My work is near Euston so would be a hell of a trek to cycle there, plus I'm not really a fan of the idea of cycling every day in London (I find 16 degrees hot never mind the 30 it is today). I think I'll stick to the tube / train when Chelsea games are on!

Putney overland to Clapham Junction in a couple of minutes, change for the Victoria train. Less than half an hour.

Sorted. Go on. Give me another. Rugby in London - Page 3 3933776953

by **RDW** Wed 24 Aug 2016, 4:55 pm

Close, need to change at Vauxhall for Victoria line!

Worth saying too that I get off at Warren Street, not Euston.

by **George Carlin** Wed 02 Nov 2016, 1:30 pm

Just re-discovered this thread. I can bore the living arse off anyone with ideas about things to do in London so feel free to ask anything that you like.

by **RDW** Wed 02 Nov 2016, 1:32 pm

Um, if you look 2 posts up you'll see that you 'discovered' this thread back in August! Whistle

by BamBam Wed 02 Nov 2016, 2:45 pm

by **George Carlin** Wed 02 Nov 2016, 3:09 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Um, if you look 2 posts up you'll see that you 'discovered' this thread back in August!

Post above amended.

by **RDW** Wed 02 Nov 2016, 3:11 pm

That's old age for you!

by **George Carlin** Wed 02 Nov 2016, 3:42 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:That's old age for you!

by yappysnap Wed 02 Nov 2016, 4:57 pm

Too late now but if you get the chance next spring/summer venture down to Brighton and the south coast for the day/weekend and enjoy the space/peace/lack of air pollution.

by Lost In London Wed 02 Nov 2016, 8:04 pm

I've played for a few teams in London. Millwall Rugby Club was good fun, located just south of canary wharf. No training required, full of young(ish) guys working centrally and standard is pretty mixed. Completely different reputation to the football team.

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