Hi Bober, and welcome to the student pilot clan!
and I meant to say- the flyer forums are often better for general PPL student chat unless you've got a specific question - although there are a few of us student PPLs who hang around here and are tolerated...
Like the comment riverrock, and tolerated is just about right!
But Flyer Forum is great for we studes, I use it more than PPrune these days for my questions which probably seem daft to the experienced pilot!.
Can't really help you much with clubs around S London (Biggin Hill, I think that may have some? Although have you contacted the RAF Flying Club at Halton? Grass strip (I prefer concrete!!) But much cheaper than a civilian flying club/school. But as to aircraft. Yes it does seem to be personal choice, but I wouldn't want to fly in anything other than a low wing type now.
Anyway, good luck and welcome to the hours of pleasure and frustration (and cursing the weather as I was doing today!!)