"Filthy Glorious" a London Travel Page by SirAliztare

Sherlock Holmes once said that in a grand Empire such as Britain's it was ineluctable that all the most undesirable of scum from around the world would surface in the nation's capital. There must be something in this, as Mr. Holmes' career of cleaning up the streets of London spanned many publications, and walking around the city today one is presented with echoes of this observation. However, once you've choked on the fumes, laughed at the drunks and watched the bathwater turn black just seconds after getting in, London provides one of the greatest cities in the world.

Hoxton is an area just north of the City of London, and has become known for its trendy bars and boutiques. In real terms, it is one of the trendiest areas in London, which in turn makes it one of the trendiest areas of Europe, don't you think. At present everyone dresses like Spandau Ballet does bohemia- it's quite an acceptable look to the trained eye, although likely to incite derogatory remarks from more provincial attitudes. If you want to see what people in Hoxton were wearing 5 years ago, go out in central Birmingham on a Saturday night.

Hoxton is also known for the many art galleries that are found here. There are a lot of stencils on the streets conveying different messages. I saw one once reading 'ADVERTISING ***S ON YOUR BRAIN'. Underneath was graffitied 'so does artwank'. These parodies furnish the area, with most outlandish artistical gestures generally being made in self-interest. If in the area make the effort to have a look around some galleries- the White Cube in Hoxton Square is a more well known venue. I would advise anyone looking for more than some decoration for their downstairs cloak to keep their hand in their pockets.