Living with Fizzy: Kathleen at Fizzy East16

This month we are featuring our first resident from Fizzy East16. Kathleen moved into her apartment in May and generously shared a glimpse into life at our newest location and starting a new chapter. 

Kathleen, you recently made the move from Hong Kong to London, what inspired you to make this change and had you visited London before?

I love travelling and learning foreign languages, so I have wanted to live in a foreign country for a really long time. When Hong Kong residents began being granted BNO visas it was the perfect opportunity to achieve the dream.  

I had visited London for a month 10 years ago and loved it. I was amazed by the diversity of cultures that the city had to offer so that’s what made me choose London as the first city to move to the UK.

You are one of the first residents to move in to Fizzy East16, can you tell us a bit about the process of finding your ideal apartment with Fizzy?

When I first moved to London, I was actually based in a hotel whilst I looked for somewhere more permanent. Initially I found it quite challenging to find the right apartment for me that was also pet friendly, it’s definitely not that easy to find in London. I also like my privacy whilst still having the option to use commons areas to meet people and get to know your neighbours but using ‘pet’ as a keyword when searching on Zoopla brought me to Fizzy!

This was the only apartment that suited all my requirements, the main one being that my dogs were welcome, and is actually the one and only apartment I viewed! I made the decision to move that day.

You have two dogs; can you tell us a bit more about them?

I have two poodles, Bea Bea, nine years old, and Bean, eight years old. I got them both back in Hong Kong when they were each two months old. They’re not actually here with me yet because I had to get settled here before having them make the journey so I can’t wait to be reunited with them next month! I’m really looking forward to going for walks, to cafés and exploring the parks!

Kathleen with her two dogs, Bea Bea and Bean. 

What made you choose Fizzy East16 as the location you wanted to live at?

It is so well-connected here that the whole city feels really accessible. Work is just a 20-minute walk away so that was definitely one of the main factors in my choice, and the fact that, with both the DLR and the Jubilee line, I can be in the city centre really quickly. There’s also Stratford not far away and I can find everything and anything I need there.  

I also feel safe here, even walking back to the building after a late night. That was really important to me.

What are the best things about your apartment?

Definitely the kitchen and the balcony. I love cooking and baking and I’ve got plenty of space to do it in this kitchen.

I also really enjoy having drinks with my friends on the balcony and being on the 12th floor means that the view is amazing, especially as it overlooks the O2.

Oh, and the bath! I have a full-size bath which is really not common and I very much appreciate it.

You work at a language school; can you tell us a bit about that and your role there?

I am a Student Services Officer so I mainly deal with students’ enquiries and organize activities, etc.  but, as I said, I really love languages and I actually speak five (Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Korean and Spanish),  so for me it’s such a great place to work.

Wow! Being able to speak five languages is incredibly impressive! Have you had a chance to explore much of East London yet? If so, what have been your favourite discoveries?

Yes, I’ve done lots of exploring but there are obviously still so many places to discover!

I really like the area around the Emirates Air Line where you can walk next to the river and there is also a nice café called The Windjammer near West Silvertown station. Now that things are really opening back up, I’m excited to find new favourites.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to us and a very warm welcome to Fizzy East16! For more information on Fizzy East16, including prices and how to book a tour, please click here.