London is home to many Greek people, and many Greek things. Some of them are in the British museum and the Greek government has been asking for them to be returned for centuries – more vociferously in recent years. The main objects are the Parthenon marbles which have been in the British museum for the last 150 years. The marble sculptures were a part of the Acropolis in Greece and are also known as the Elgin marbles – after the British Ambassador to Greece. He claimed to have permission from the Greek authorities to remove the marbles but there is a huge controvosy as to whether this permission was given properly – or whether the marbles were in fact stolen. Whatever the history you should really take the opportunity while you are in London to visit the British museum and see the marbles for yourself. UIC social activities often include visits here – it’s only a 15 minute walk from the school.

London’s Greek community was established thousands of years ago but the first real Greek immigrants came around 1670 – fleeing from persecution of the Greek Orthodox church. In the 1920s and 30s many Greek Cypriots left home to settle in London – many opening cafes and restaurants in Soho. Nowdays there are almost 200,00 Greek speakers in London – often held together by religion – it was, and still is a very important influence in Greek life and can be experienced in the cathedral of St Sophia (the Church of the Wisdom of God). Founded in 1877, it still stands in all its glory in Moscow Road, Bayswater. And today, most Greek immigrants from the mainland try to settle in West London, as close as possible to their favourite place of worship.

If you want to try one of the longest running restaurants in Soho (and one with a bit of history) then Jimmys in Frith Street (Jimmy the Greek) is for you. It’s been described as the ‘coolest traditional Greek restaurant in London”

What most of know Greece for though is holidays, beaches, sun and sea. In June you don’t need to go to Greece to get this. From Friday 18th to 27th June, a “Greek Beach” by the Thames will pop up on the South Bank, with sun loungers, Greek music, sand sculptures, beach football and competitions to win Greek holidays.  Find out all about it at the Taste of Greece website. It’s a great opportunity to try some Greek food, learn some Greek songs and do a little Greek dancing.

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