15 Signs You Definitely Grew Up In London

Nothing quite compares to growing up in London. Whether you grew up in the North, West, South or East, there are some things we all had to put up with, whether we liked it or not. Here’s 15 signs that you grew up in London!

1) The green man does not dictate when you cross

Lets face it, as a Londoner we’ve got places to be, people to see, we simply don’t have the time to be milling about waiting for the red man to turn green. Count your blessings and make a run for it really.

2) You avoid Oxford Street at all costs

Yeah its nice to see all the lights at Christmas, pop into a few high end shops every now and again but with all the pedestrian traffic, is it really worth it? Quite simply no. You’ll find yourself being thrown between pushchairs, backpacks, umbrellas, kids on a school trip. No thank you.

3) Suns out? Better race down to Hyde Park

Considering the fact that the nearest beach to London is 2hrs away, Central Park will have to do. Head down there with friends, a bottle of wine, and if it’s not too packed, maybe even enjoy a romantic pedalo ride.

4) Not seeing a Pret on every corner sends you into despair

What do you mean there’s no Pret? What so where do you guys get your ginger shot and falafel and halloumi wrap? Starbucks? Good one.

5) You are completely un-phased by the stark faces of the immigration officers at Heathrow

Whilst one would expect a warm welcome when they arrive in another country. If you’re a Londoner there will be no surprise to the cold officers you embark on your arrival. Procedures as followed: Yep. Cool. Yes, that’s me in the passport picture. Yes. Cool. Thanks.

6) You and your friends have regular disputes over what defines living in London.

The London Underground Tube map? Living within the M25? Your phone number? Your postcode? Who knows? Who cares? (well, Londoners)

7) You live your life by the “if I have not seen it, it is not my problem” principle

Even though you’ve most definitely seen it and it probably should be somebodies problem, there’s no way you’re going out of your way to deal with it. Group of drunk teenagers, having a cigarette out of the train window? Where? A cigarette? What’s that?

8) You mimic the “Please mind the gap between the train and the platform” to yourself at least once every tube journey

See, if you grew up in London, you probably even finished that quote in your head before actually reading the end of it. It’s like its been ingrained in our brains.

9) You consider £8 a pint in Central London not too shabby

On a good day, in the suburbs, you might be lucky to find a pint for £3. But as soon as you hit zone 3, you’re not surprised at the price almost tripling.

10) You know Westfield Shepherds Bush > Westfield Stratford.

Come on, we all know it, only few will dare to admit. Shepherds Bush trumps Stratford. No questions asked.

11) Notting Hill Carnival is either the highlight or nadir of your summer.

You either can’t wait to drink your red stripe and dance to reggae music all night long through the streets of West London, or you find the train strikes annoying, the event unnecessary and would rather spend your summers evening at home wrapped up on the couch. BORING

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12) Hearing “We’re being held at a red signal” ruins your day completely.

Great. So now I’m going to miss my connection at Kings Cross. Miss the end of Macdonalds breakfast. And then miss my chance to squeeze in my third coffee of the morning. What a palaver.

13)  You know making the North to South or West to East journey is the worst thing you can be asked to do

A journey ventured by many. Survived by few.

14) You feel utterly flustered when holding people up behind you at the train barriers.

Seek assistance? Again? And the walk of shame begins. Alexa, play Ain’t My Fault by Zara Larsson.

15) You compare any other city to London

Non Londoner:

Me, Londoner: Yeah it’s lovely but in London… Oh well in London we… Hmm in London it’s…..

Non Londoner: Oh did you grow up in London? Would’ve never of guessed

What can I say? Well, if you grew up in London I’m sure you know, theres no other place quite like it. And I’m glad to call it home.

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