Why not bed up on a street that every time you look at the sign, it reminds you of Australia?
If nothing else, it will freak out your relatives when you send them your postal address. Here are some capital Aussie options …
Perth Road, Finsbury Park, N4
Area: This place is a demographic melting pot, with families, students and lots of expats – including a big Irish community.
Property: Well-maintained, terraced Victorian houses line this street. The period conversions come in various-sized flats and full houses from one-bedders to six.
What’s on offer: The Faltering Fullback is a corker of a pub, an immensely popular place which could pass as three separate, equally terrific, watering holes.
There’s a cosy and sport-friendly boozer where locals sip away on their pints for hours, a lively games area where you can rack up a few games of pool, and a trendy greenery-stacked patio and outdoor terrace overlooking Perth and Ennis Road.
There are some seriously good restaurants in the area, too. For Thai food that’s perfect to share try Cats. Its wild décor includes a panther model leaping from the wall and a tuk-tuk.
Pizzeria Pappagone is always buzzing and exceptional value for money. Their pizzas are all cooked from scratch in the stone oven, which is also an outstanding heating system.
Tube: Finsbury Park
Canberra Road, Charlton, SE7
Area: Half of this road is either opposite or fronting Charlton Park and the other half is residential.
The road’s lined with cherry blossoms in the winter and there’s a cute cottage vibe in nearby Charlton Village.
Property: Find double-fronted detached 1920-60s houses, with massive hedged driveways and gardens.
What’s on offer: On the other side of the park, traditional pubs include the White Swan (22 The Village), with real ale, dart comps and a sizable beer garden, and the Bugle Horn (6 The Village), another local haunt made up of three 18th-century cottages.
Beneath its low ceilings, walls are doused with Charlton Athletic memorabilia. Not a footie fan? Steer clear on match days.
Tube: North Greenwich
Sydney Road, Wanstead, E11
Area: This tiny little road is a stone’s throw from a number of beautiful green spaces, some of which are considered parts of Epping Forest. It has easy rail links to central London, but with a distinct country feel – the place to live if you crave fresh air.
Property: This quiet neighbourhood has small two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses, full of quaint English charm.
What’s on offer: Wanstead High Street has a number of European-style coffee shops, including local institution Nice Croissant selling hot drinks, pastries and freshly toasted bacon and stilton baguettes.
If you’re looking to impress, but not spend too much cash, try the delicious French brasserie Provender Cafe Bistro, which serves dishes including smoked duck breast, with green beans, mushrooms and foie gras.
Tube: Wanstead
Brisbane Road, Ealing, W5
Area: Oddly, there’s a cluster of Aussie-named streets here.
Brisbane Road runs adjacent to Sydney Road and Adelaide Road, and they all offer a real sense of suburban life – tree-lined with lots of families and big gardens.
But contrary to the streets’ Antipodean link, there are more Polish residents than Aussie ones.
Property: Houses around this area are a medley of semi-detached Victorian and Sixties-style, super spacious properties.
what’s on offer: The pace of life is relaxed.
You won’t find a raucous nightlife or hidden raves, so it’s an ideal place to recover from crazy city stress.
The are also a few worthy restaurants to try when you do feel like heading out, such as Zayka, which serves up a solid selection of curries, and Magnolia Café for typically Polish sopocka (ham) sandwiches, pierogi (dumplings) and cabbage stew.
Tube: Ealing Broadway
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Adelaide Road, Leyton, E1
Area: Though it’s still rough and ready, Leyton got a facelift before the Olympics and the shop fronts were given a bright splash of colour.
The area is a hugely multicultural place to live, with a strong contingent of residents from Pakistan, African nations and the Caribbean. There’s a great community spirit and often a festival or celebration going on.
Property: A combination of new builds and Victorian terraces of varying sizes, but all great value when it comes to renting.
What’s on offer: Well-serviced is the word, with bookies and corner stores, kebab shops, hairdressers, nail bars and pubs.
Tube: Leyton
My area
Melanie Sharpe
From: South Kensington
“I’m not Australian, but I live on Sydney Street (SW3). It’s a fairly quiet road but there are lots of dress shops along it so I can window shop, which I love.”
Ella Stern
From: Whitechapel
“There’s nothing really Australian about Adelaide Street (WC2N), but I do think that the name gives it character. It helps the street stand out a little bit.”
Mary Whitmore
From: Fulham
“Melbourne Place (WC2B) is kind of a second home for Australians living in London, as it’s where the Australian High Commission is located. They flock to the area.”
Tim Richmond
From: Westminster
“I work near Adelaide Street (WC2N), so I eat in the area often. A great tip is to visit Porky’s Pantry, it’s hidden away but has great sandwiches.”
Justina Maciejczak
From: Clapham
“The name of a street definitely has an impact on who or what is there, especially in London with all its history. The name reflects the tone of the street.”
Photos: Google Maps, TNT
