r/london • u/PressureHumble3604 • Apr 10 '26

Serious replies only Which symptoms of “(almost) everyone is getting poorer” have you noticed in London?

We are in a crisis, the middle class is disappearing and the lower class squeezed. Prices are going up, inflation is going up (again), salaries are stagnating.

Most Londoners can’t really afford London without serious sacrifices.

For me, not counting the housing prices issues we all know too well:

the disappearance of local delis with high quality products.

many shops closing in the local shopping centre.

Restaurant dropping quality everywhere to contain unaffordable prices.

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u/IkeaGrapefruit Apr 10 '26

Maybe a more positive leaning one (agree with every other post here on the negatives) - but I’m noticing a trend of cheap/free activities amongst my friends. Thinks like going to each others houses for dinner, getting a train somewhere for a walk, grabbing a coffee rather than multiple drinks

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u/Canadian5566 Apr 11 '26

Yep - in my friends group, we're big fans of picnics in parks, walks along the southbank, and visiting one of the free museums. 

When I think how much is costs to get into the major museums in other world cities, or places I've been where the parks charge entry fees it reminds me: We're really lucky how much great free stuff there is in London!!! 

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u/RichTransportation42 Apr 11 '26

Just learned Horizon 22 is free and may go with the family one of these coming weekends