Living in Acton

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Living in Acton

by Kirsty Henderson

It's a bit hard to believe that hundereds, maybe even thousands of Australians, Kiwis and South Africans would travel to the other side of the world only to end up living in a community together - but that's exactly what happens! The community is West London, specifically the Shepherd's Bush and Acton areas and it's crawling with them!

Earl's Court used to be well known as the Aussie hotbed in London but, being on the edge of zone one, things have gotten too expensive for the hard living, often broke Australians and their fellow Kiwi and South African antipodean brothers and sisters. Their operation has been pushed further west and many have found a home in Acton.
Acton is well stocked with very large, old houses which are perfect for cramming as many people in as possible.

Acton is well stocked with very large, old houses which are perfect for cramming as many people in as possible. Leases are taken out, people are added, dossers arrive, common rooms are converted to bedrooms, bunkbeds are added and next thing you know a 6 bedroom house will very likely be home to anywhere from 10 to 20 people looking to skimp on accommodation costs in order to have more to spend at the pub.

If you go out to a pub in Acton you are bound to meet as many antipodeans as locals, especially in the infamous Redback Tavern which caters specifically to the crowd. The Southern Cross, The Puzzle, and the Askew further up Uxbridge Road are also popular spots and a good night out - especially if a sporting event from down under has been on during the day.

Acton is fairly spread out but served well by buses so getting around it is easy. It feels like a small community unto itself and has an identity of it's own. I definately wouldn't consider living in Acton if you're looking for an authentic English experience, but if you want good times, good friends, some great nights out at the pub, lots of house parties and cheap accommodation then it's the place to be for sure.