‘My first experience of the Tube left me alarmed at how noisy it is’ – My London

It had barely been one hour since I left the confines of my flat. The sun beat heavily, and I had walked along Brixton High Street with followers of the Quran and Socialist Worker all fiercely defending their corner of the pavement, eager for a passer-by to listen. Market-sellers jostled to sell their fish and wares, alongside new-age apothecaries selling everything from incense to muscle oil. I made my way, shoulder-to-shoulder, with fellow Londoners, to the steps of the Tube.

Suddenly, I had delved deep into the rattling underbelly of London. My first experience of the London Underground was the Northern line, recently labelled as the noisiest line in London. I was travelling northbound to Stockwell, to change for the Victoria line. It seemed to groan under the shuddering weight of the capital. I was alarmed by the noise at first, but now it has almost become ritual. It was a proper introduction to the city.

I moved to Brixton in February 2022, after working in two pubs for six months in Derbyshire. Immediately, I knew Brixton was a world away from the sleepy villages of the Peak District, where I would encounter more sheep than people. In the three months I have been here, Ive walked down Electric Avenue, eaten Jamaican food at Rudies, played Squash at Brixtons monolithic recreation centre, plus much more.

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Im still amazed by the tube and have quickly gotten to grips with it. Im slowly feeling less like a terrified tourist, tentatively gripping the escalator with one hand and Citymapper with the other. That being said, Im convinced there is no shame in embracing the touristic aspects of London. Its full of spectacle and grandeur. Want to visit Buckingham Palace? Go for it. Want to go on a tour of Westminster and various embassies? By all means, do it.

As a Northerner, my stereotypical understanding of London was that it was busy, big and unfriendly. Only the first two of these have proved to be true. Busy, yes. Big, of course. But Ive never understood why Londoners are labelled unfriendly. In the short time I have been here, Ive seen friendliness everywhere. Train stewards are quick to point out its a nice day, and tube-drivers have cracked jokes on the Tannoy. Quotidian acts of kindness are abundant.

Thats not to portray London as some kind of utopia, though. After a busy day, some people might be tired and unsociable, glued to their phones on the tube or train home. But thats like everywhere. For now, Brixton is my home, and it has welcomed me with open arms. It might not replace the north forever, but for now it has. It has far too much to offer, and Im excited to explore it all.

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'My first experience of the Tube left me alarmed at how noisy it is' - My London