Of course Aerodrome seems a lot more appealing - as Simon said you get to see the aircraft you're controlling. But NATS stream about 80% of their intake down the Area route so I hear.
Personally I love area, especially TC. I was flying online just a short while ago and I think the Area controllers have a fun job, giving climb/descent/vector etc instructions. I think I like it because it's very varied and there seems to be an big element of creativity in it. I flew a BIG3B into LL but ended up being directed elsewhere due to me being to high, then orbited round to fly a long downwind due to other traffic coming in which was scheduled for arrival before me. Coming from a design background I love it, it's so creative.
Area is cool.
Kirk