Shepherd Neame
Branded as Britain's Oldest Brewer, this great pub, right at the back of the Greenwich Market, is spacious, has a fire place and a semi-circular bar, stocked with unusual and usual English bitters and ales. Standard lagers and beers are also available, so are some stouts and droughts.
This is one of my favourites. I go there always when I have visitors at my places and we go to see Greenwich. Now, as it is illegal to smoke in closed public spaces, it is splendid to sit there and reflect on life, the universe and everything. more
Tai Won Mein
In Greenwhich right opposite the Greenwich Market, there is this fabulous Japanese noodle house, which is one of very few budget and incredible value places. Their portions are massive (Texan sizes!!), so ladies - be prepared to take at least half of it home (they provide plastic containers for an extra £0.50.
The menu has 85 food positions, ranging from chicken wings, deep fried squid or prawns, dumplings to clear and won ton soups to soup noodles with vegetables and choice of chicken, duck, seafood, pork... to fried noodles with vegetable and choice of chicken, king prawns, prok, duck... to vermicelli in soup mixed with as above to fried vermicelli mixed with as above to ho fun to fried rice dishes with as above, etc. All priced between £2 - £4.30.
There are 16 drink positions including wine, Chinese and Japanese beer, Cokes, lemonade, mineral water, Japanese tea, and wonderful freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit and mixed juices.
Cash only. Take away available. more
Harrington Court Apartments
I have stayed at Harrington Court apartments several times in the last six months and really recommend them for location, cleanliness and overall value.
The apartments are rated 4 star and the furnishings and decor are all contemporary. I have stayed in Studio and One Bedroom apartments but was upgraded once to a Two Bedroom, which has 2 bathrooms and really a lot of space for central London. Whichever apartment I have stayed in has been exceptionally clean - and I have stayed in a lot of places - and the service very good. Daily housekeeping is part of the deal and, of course, you have a full kitchen and dining.
Harrington Court apartments are 1 minute from South Kensington tube station and buses also go from very close by. Natural History Museum, Science Museum, VandA Museum, Kensington Palace and Gardens, High Street Kensington etc. are all an easy walk and other sights are rerally easy by tube - mostly direct. From Heathrow, the tube comes direct to South Kensington. more
San Marco Bar
Very good sandwiches. Perfect value for money! The only bad thing is that they dont have a customer toilet ;-) more
The Ship
I just have great memories of going to this pub and enjoying the beer garden on a late evening overlooking the Thames. The food is alright as well. more
Quality Crown Hotel Kensington
Quality CRown Hotels in London seems to be a small chain of 3 london hotels that is part of the Choice Hotels group but seperately run. We all know that London hotels - especially mid and upper levels - are not cheap. I have stayed at two of the Quality Crown Hotels - Quality Crown Hotel Kensington and Quality Crown Hotel Hyde Park. They are completely different in style - Quality Crown Hotel Kensington is contemporary style whilst Quality Crown Hotel Hyde Park is a sort of classic "english" style but both are equally good value for money, in my view, and very well located. Kensington for events I have attended at earls Court and Olympia as well as for my business in Holborn and Hyde Park for easy travel from and to heathrow - always take the Heathrow Express from the airport to London. It costs more than the tube but it will get you there in 15 minutes and the tube takes 45 plus. Quality Crown Hotel Hyde Park is a short walk from Paddington. Not cheap but very good value. more
Tamnag Thai
A cool friendly place to have a meal outside of central London. The food is really good I tried the seafood hot pot - unusualy but very nice. more
Reuters For The Birds
As you travel look for these new birds.
A study of of North American birds has found DNA evidence of 15 new species birds on top of 10,000 identified so far.
The discovery of so many new species was made possible after analyzing and comparing the DNA genetic "bar codes" of 643 North American bird species.
I don't know the name of this one do you?
http:www.reuters.com/home
The Reuters Building, South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EP, UK
1-44-20-7250-1122
editor@reuters.com more
The Market
A wonderful modern hotel location in the heart of the West End, right on Marble Arch and Oxford Street and has rooms that overlook Hyde Park. I stayed here for a conference and really enjoyed it. The lunch was especially good as they have about four different counters where you can chose food from various continents. more
Caribbean Scene
The food was absolutely wonderful and the decor had a rustic Caribbean flavour with the smooth sounds of reggae and calypso played in the background. On weekends they have a live act. The Caribbean Scene is in a good location next to the Excel centre and across the road from the Crown Plaza. The closest rail conection is the DLR at Royal Victoria, however if driving you have to pay and park but it is truly worth it. The average price per dish is £5 for a starter and £13 for a main. The cocktails are a little expensive but that's what you get for Canary Wharf. more
Acacia Adventures
If you camped before doing an overland safari in Africa is pretty cool. Acacia provide a well organised tour covering all the essentail tourist spots. The travelling is intense a couple of days covering 600km, but the road are really good which makes it a lot easier. Of the vehicles I saw our vehicle rated high for comfort and convenience. more
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Very old and friendly Pub, great atmosphere. Dr Samuel Johnson's who invented the dictionay loved to retreat here. Many other famous peole went through there as well.
Only stayed here to have a drink, I did not sample the food, but a wide range of menu is on offer.
Once inside you forget you are in a big city. more
Gilgamesh
This is a truly wonderful restaurant, the decor is fabulous with wood panels and engravings, its quite baroque. They serve pan Asian food and it really lovely; their dim sum is fabulous. You must try this restaurant, I have to go again. more
Jason's Trip
I spent a wonderful afternoon cruising the Regent's Canal on a traditional narrow boat. We cruised pass London Zoo and through the lock at Camden Town, before making the return journey while enjoying a lovely meal with Champagne on tap. Just the enjoying the trip (excluding lunch) is around £7.50. more
The British Library
The British Library is located between Euston and Kings Cross stations and is more than just a library. There are eleven reading rooms but you will need to register in advance and obtain a readers pass.
The public gallery has some fascinating exhibits including a 10th century Buddhist prayer sheet, Akbar’s five poems of Nizami, the memoirs of Babar and the Lindisfarne Gospels as well as sacred texts from many of the worlds religions. There is a special display of the Magna Carta and many old maps and historical documents. More up to date the music section includes Beatles lyrics scrawled on scraps of paper, napkins, even the back of a birthday card.
The Front Page exhibition runs to 8th Oct 2006 celebrating 100 years of newspapers with front pages showing many of the major events of the past 100 years.
The piazza outside is popular and is overlooked by a large statue of Isaac Newton and includes a quiet circular garden which is very peaceful. more
Dali Universe Exhibition
The Dali Universe exhibition contains more than 500 works of art from the great surrealist Salvador Dali. It is based on the three major themes that influenced his work, Sensuality & Femininity, Religion & Mythology and Dreams & Fantasy.
It is located in the County Hall Gallery on the South Bank next to the London Eye.
It is a semi-permanent exhibition and opens daily 10.00am to 5.30pm with some late night summer openings.
The cost is £12 and the ticket also allows entry in to see the Picasso collection that is currently on display. more
Ask!
A chain of Italian restaurants. Quite nice, with good service (usuaully). This outlet is on the Thames and it has a distinct Continental feel eating al fresco. The average price per mean is around £22 (three courses). more
Zizzi
This is a lovely modern restaurant, in the heart of victoria. Located in the vicinity of Westminster Cathedral. The food is Italian with lots of pasta, pizza on the menu. more
Dr Samuel Johnson's House
Dr Johnston House is one of the few surviving late 17th century Georgian building. The house is now a museum in memory of Samuel Johnson, who lived here from 1748-59 and compiled his Dictionary.
He did not have time to see his reputation and did not make any money, his life was dodge by debts.
In the museum you can find a collection of books, first editions of the Dictionary, letters, prints and portraits. There is alo a Wedgwood medaillon of Dr Johnson as well as a stain Glass. The house id really pretty ans well maintain, you are in the heart of the city, but it was so quiet!.
Closed on Sudays.
A small fee is required on Entrance.
Nearest Tube: Blackfriars (also National rail) or Chancery lane.
Situated in a small alleyway by Fleet street. more
Temple Church
It was named after the Knights Templar, who were gifted the land in about 1160. The Templar's church survived with a round nave of 1160-85, modelled on the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The church was damaged in World War II, but was reconstucted.
The church was the chapel serving the London Headquarters to the Knights Templars. After the end of the Templars, the church changed hand many times, from the Order of St john, coolleges of Lawyers, Henry VIII...
The Temple Church was a big feature in the Book of Dan Brown and the film "The Da Vinci Code", it has now triple the numbers of visitors since the book was published, and since the film is comming out, numbers are expected to rise.
It was very nice to walk in this church, it is so well decorated, it was very impressive to see the effegies to the Knights.
Nearest tube : Temple
Closed At week ends!
Admission is free, but a donation is greatly appraciated, there is small stand selling books and postcards. more
George and Vulture
Another survirving chop house of the city. The building dates from the 1730's but since was altered. It says that Dickns was a regular dinner. But the atmosphere is lovely, I did not eat there as I had my lunch already, I just got in for the history of the place and a quick drink. You need to count £3o per head for a full course meal. It is very popular with city workers
It is closed on week ends!
Nearest Tube Station: Bank more
Simpson's Tavern
Established in 1757, It is one of the last and best preseved of one of the great City institutions, the chop house and the coffee house. It was in these king of places that business deals were made in the 17th and 18th century.
It is located in a small alleyway off Cornhill.
It offers traditional English food also a vegetarian option.
2 Courses £10.00 / 3 Courses £12.50.
The atmosphere is really nice, it is mainly use by business man having a" business lunch".
Nearest tube stop is Bank. more
Tate Britain
Sir Henry Tate, 1st Baronet (March 11, 1819 - December 5, 1899) was an English sugar merchant, noted for establishing the Tate Gallery in London. The Tate family were slave owners, Sir Henry Tate was also the inventor of the sugar cube.
Tate rapidly became a millionaire, and donated generously to charity. In 1889 he donated his collection of 65 contemporary paintings to the government, on the condition that they be displayed in a suitable gallery.
Previously known as Tate Gallery it was rename Tate Britain, when Tate Modern openned in 2000.
The most famous paintings are Ophelia by John Everett Millais and Study of a Pomeranian Bitch and Puppy by Thomas Gainsborough as well as the Turner collection.
Entrance is free (not special exibitions), but donations are welcomed.
Nearest Underground stop: Pimlico more
Sherlock Holmes
Situated a stone throw from Embankment tube station, it is a perfect place to stop after a long walk in the capital.
The pub staff is super friendly.
But the main attraction is that inside the Pub there is a collection of Sherlokmania. That's includes a mask used for the film "The Hound of the Baskervilles", a few others items such a a violin, clothes and a pipe. It also has a copy of Homes study in Baker street.
The pub has got a really warm atmosphere. Not too pricy for central London. more
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art in London. The museum is housed in the former Bankside Power Station. The tower is 99 metres tall. It opened in 2000 and became a popular tourist attraction.
Thematically-arranged exhibitions from the gallery's permanent collection are located on the third and fifth floors, while temporary exhibitions are located on the fourth floor. The main hall of the building, which originally housed the power station's turbine, is also used for temporary exhibitions. The turbine hall, that once housed the electricity generators of the old power station, is seven storeys tall with 3,400 square metres of floorspace.
The architects of the transformation herzog&demeuron came from Switzerland
The best thing: it is freeee!!!!!!!!. more
The Monument
The Monuments stands in Monument street, meters from Monument Tube Station in the City of London.
It was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and celebrate the rebuilding of the City. The fire began on the 2nd of September 1666 from a Baker's house and lasted for three days. It destroyed most of the City, the only buildings that survived were the one built in stones such as St Paul Cathedral. Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke provided a design for the column which contains a spiral staircase of 311 steps. This was surmonted by a drum and copper urn from which the flames emerge to symbolise the Great Fire. The Monument is 202 feet high (60.60meters), the exact distance rom the start of the fire.
The view really is fantastic, and it is really cheap to go up (£2). I think it is the best view over London. more
The Lord's Cricket Ground Tour
Take a tour around Lord’s Cricket Ground in St. John’s Wood, home of both Marylebone and Middlesex cricket clubs and considered to be “The Home of Cricket.” Visit the 1890’s built pavilion with the famous Long Room then have a look around the MCC Museum with exhibits covering 400 years of cricket including the Ashes urn. Lords also has one of the few Real Tennis courts in the UK (also called Royal/Court Tennis or Jeu de Paume in other countries).
Continue round the ground and get great views from the new Grandstand, the Mound Stand and the iconic and strangely shaped Media centre opposite the pavilion. This structure somehow finished above St. Paul’s Cathedral in a 2001 poll of Britain’s fifty best buildings.
Tours take place most days throughout the year but it is advisable to check first as they are curtailed if there is a big game being played. The cost is around £8 including admission to the museum. more
MCC Cricket Museum
The MCC museum is the oldest sports museum in the world dating back to 1953 and takes you through 400 years of cricket history with paintings, artefacts and old equipment. All the great players are featured, WG Grace, Bradman, Botham and current England favourite Andrew Flintoff. There is the famous stuffed sparrow which was killed in flight by a cricket ball in 1936.
But the star attraction is the ashes urn dating back to 1882 when England were beaten on home soil for the first time by Australia and a newspaper printed an obituary to English cricket stating that the body would be burned and the ashes taken to Australia. Later that year England went to Australia and after beating them captain Ivo Bligh made a speech about retrieving the ashes of English cricket. He was later given a small urn full of ashes that he bought back to England. The original urn now sits in in the MCC museum and a replica is played for in England vs Australia “Ashes” cricket matches every couple of years. more
Geffrye Museum
The Geffrye Museum is named after Sir Robert Geffrye, Lord Mayor of London and Master of the Ironmongers' Company, who founded the almshouses in 1715. A suitably grand statue of him, complete with long wig, still stands below the clock tower at the building's main entrance. Anyone interested in home interiors through the ages will delight in the Geffrye Museum, a small but enjoyable exhibition in London's East End.
The Geffrye Museum specialises in the history of the English domestic interior from 1600 to the present day.
The museum is set in the former almshouses of the Ironmongers’ Company. This is the only museum in the United Kingdom to show a specialist collection of English furniture
Tickets are £2.00 for adults with free admission for children under 16. more
Viet Hoa Cafe
One of the best and most authentic Vietnamese restaurant in London, the outside might not sound..great, but the food really is!
The menu is huge! The food is so tasty, especially the monkfish and the shrimps. It is really good value for money, excellent for a quick lunch break!
Please don' t take notice of the email, I do not have it, impossible to upload the tip without @mail address. more
Russell House Hotel
Russell House Hotel is a family run hotel, with en-suite rooms and a downstairs lounge with lots of books to while away rainy days.
The inclusive continental breakfast is more a mini English breakfast. Roomrate GBP 60 (euro 87) (in Febr 2006)
The location is perfect, right next to Russell Square Tube Station. (on the Piccaddily line, straight to Heathrow, 45 mins) more
imli
This is a lovely modern indian restaurant. And they try to encourage you to enjoy the menu like tapas, trying all the different indian dishes. I think imli means tamarind and a lot of the dishes are garnished with it. The food was wonderful, the place was spacious yet it had a really nice feel. The manager was very friendly and made the evening quite enjoyable more
Royal Observatory Greenwich
"Centre-of-the-Scientific-World" for time, exploration, geography, travel, mapping the universe and much more..... shows the history of it's usage and importance.
Home of the Prime Meridian of the World
Longitude 0° 0' 0", Latitude 51° 28' 38" more
Madame Tussauds
The world's most famous wax museum. Meet most famous personalities face to face, they are quite real!
In those days (1991) I never new names like "Spears" or "Beckham" or "Bin Ladin" but today they are household names and one can visit realistic 1:1 figures of most famous (and infamous) persons of living history.... more
Giraffe
This is a lovely around the world restaurant which is child friendly. (A main course costs around £9-£12.) The meals are very different, like a turkey enchiladas, cajun chicken wings, or a rib eye steak, whatever, your taste, I'm sure you find something to enjoy. It has a nice informal atmosphere and the are are very friendly. more
The Travel Book Shop
The Travel Book Shop in London Notting Hill is a very good store for several kinds of travel literature. Almost every country of the world has its own shelf and specially about all that tiny british islands around the world you´ll find interesting stuff. The service was great and the employees are not proud of working at a place, which was used as a location in the Hollywood movie "Notting Hill". This place is just a really good shop for travel literature and for people who want to make a journey soon or just travel around the world in a day while dreaming of all that places you´ll have in front of you.
Price niveau depends on the sort of book you´d like to buy. Some special offers in baskets outside and on the floor all over the place.
A good choice for everyone who checks out the Notting Hill area with its nice houses and the street market. more
Ping pong Dim Sum
This is a lovely smoke free restaurant which serves lovely dim sum. It was recently opened but the clientele is growing. It has a great atmosphere, with chiefs which demonstrate noodle making. A set 3 course menu costs £10.50 and be sure to order the jasmine tea and watch the flower open in your glass. more
Tate Modern
Check out the website for details of exhibitions. Just been for the first time in ages to see the Frida Kahlo exhibition - great.
Sunday to Thursday, 10.00-18.00
Friday and Saturday, 10.00-22.00
Underground:Southwark (Jubilee Line) and Blackfriars (District and Circle Lines) are the closest underground stations
Great views across the river to St. Paul's too. more
Chop House
This restaurant overlooks the River Thames close to Tower Bridge. It has a lovely airy feel and its possible to eat alfresco on summer evenings. more
Mr Jerk
This is a Caribbean restaurant, with red coloured walls, and not too large. Whilst its mostly take-away you can dine in. The food is great and the protions are quite large. The main course cost around £6 which is probably the most expensive thing on the menu. I was pleasantly surprised. more
Dial Bar
This restaurant is described as being modern British. It has a really nice atmosphere, and it light and airy. It cool for lunch but also serves a dinner menu. It located in the trendy Covent Garden area. more
WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Many historical tombs and memorial. Exclusive art and architecture
7.50Pounds per adults more
Coffee Cake & Kink
This is a little coffee shop in London devoted to providing a safe place for people to explore their "kink".
The couple who owns are just about the loveliest people you could care to meet. They make a great cup of coffee and if you weren't surrounded by kink art and books, you wouldn't be surprised to meet them at a picnic they are so friendly and down to earth!
They have poetry readings, fetish groups, art exhibits, lectures and so much more!
I highly recommend stopping in for a cup of coffee, a chat and a perusal of the "interesting" artwork! more
Tate Modern
My favourite art museum in London. Galleries are arranged by themes, so you find paintings, sculpture and video installations on a theme all in one place, which makes it less boring. There is aways a big installation in the vast Turbine Hall, last year's 'Sun' by Olafur Eliasson was awsome (see photo).
Open Mon-Thur & Sun 10.00-18.00, Fri & Sat 10.00-22.00, free more
The Gaucho Grill
Probably the best one of all The Gaucho restaurants in London. Very professional and attentive. Good wines and steaks are heavenly. The river proximity is great in the summer!! It is not cheap, though. more
Jerk City
Nice Caribbean Restaurant, serving perfect tasting food. Try out the Chicken Roti or if you prefer more hot meals e.g. the Jerk Chicken.
Excellent food, no tourist place ;-) more
Dennis Severs' Museum
Dennis Severs, an American from California, who died in 1999 lived at 18 Folgate Street. At local markets he bought period pieces and furniture.
This old house inspired him to write the life story of a family who could have lived here. He invented a Huguenot family, the Jervis family, who fled from France in 1688.
Sounds and scents bring their world to life, floorboards creak, fires crackle, a kettle hisses on the hob, it is all very real. As if you step back in time.
The tour starts in the cellar from where you move on to the kitchen. Then to the eating parlour, where you can hear the ticking of a clock. You then move upstairs to the ‘better’ rooms and now you are in the Georgian era. Then on to the smoking room where the men retired after dinner. The tour ends in the withdrawing room, where men and women partook in social talk.
During the tour you are asked not to speak so that you can absorb the atmosphere more intensely. more
Sonargaon
Billed as the largest restaurant on Brick Lane, it serves Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine. They have two floors however when I went the downstairs wasn’t being used.
We were coerced try this restaurant with two free drinks, plus some poppodums. Initially I thought we had made the wrong choice as it was empty, however we just had to give it 20 minutes and the place was full. It was a pleasant experience, with really nice food, that I would do again; however there are so many restaurants in Brick Lane that I will have to try another. more
Up for a curry?
Brick Lane has become synonymous with a curry and the experience is truly special. The closest tube is Aldgate East on the District and Hammersmith & City Line and then it’s a short walk up Whitechal Road taking the first left on to Osborn Street that leads into Brick Lane. Or you can follow the sweet alluring smell of curry.
Initially it can be quite a daunting experience, as most restaurants have someone outside to entice you in with the promise of a free beer or 20% of your bill. But once you get pass that, the food is really good and you realize that you are in a hive of activity. There are not only restaurants along Brick Lane, but also Asian groceries, clothing and fabric shops, as well a few galleries. All in all it is an introduction to Ethnic culture in London. more
Pepperpot Takeaway Restaurant
For something really spicy, I sampled the Pepperpot, and it was true to form. The food was very spicy and pepery hot. I enjoyed the oxtail in butterbeans stew. more
Peng Shang Princess
Located near London Zoo, floating on the Regents Canal is the Feng Shang Princess restaurant. It is a wonderful setting, watch the barges pass up and down the canal. It is a little expensive - average main course around £15 - and has good service. There are 2 floor. more
Novotel London Heathrow
The rooms are clean. The staff is super great. There's internet access, but most website aren't accessible as the Java program isnt uploaded. There's a bar, restaurant and many assorted vending machines. more
Westminster House Hotel
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This B&B is in Ebury Street and close to Victoria train and coach stations. It is a quiet street with many small hotels and B&Bs.
Westminster House is a 200 year old building built for rich people who wanted to have a town house in Belgravia, a still well-sought after part of London.
There is no lift but a family room downstairs if the stairs are a problem. All rooms have TV (a small one), and coffee and tea making facilities. Full English breakfast is served in the resident owner Mr Jones who is helped by one all three of his daughters more
Gourmet Buffet
I popped in here on Friday evening and it was very busy. It's one of those places that you eat as much as you like for a fixed fee (4.70 lunch and 7.9 for dinner). The food is alright and if on a budget its very economical. I liked the sweet and sour pork - once in a way a little MSG is tasty. more
Özer, Modern Ottoman Cuisine
Özer: Modern Ottoman Cuisine, Chief executive Huseyin Özer: What better recommendation
Start with Humus, the classic Middle eastern dish. A blend of chickpeas, tahini which is sesame seeds paste and garlic. It is served lavishly sprinkled with olive oil.
Let it be followed by Adana Kebab, meatball grilled on a skewer as they make them in Adana a big city in southern Turkey. Adana Kebab is a mixture of minced lamb and hot spices, served with basmati rice.
Or try Patlican Kizartma, grilled aubergines, served with grilled green pepers, yoghurt, tomato sauce and dill.
Fresh crusty bread accompanied all dishes. As a dessert take baklava filo pastry filled with nuts and very sweet or sutlaç rose-water flavoured rice pudding.
Finish the meal with Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight.
Özer Restaurant is open from noon to 2.30 pm Monday to Friday and 6 pm – 11 pm Monday to Saturday. The nearest tube is Oxford Circus. more
Copthorne Tara
This hotel would have been perfect if there was a swimming pool, or a pub with big screen sports-TV. more
Nandos
For a fabulous taste of Portugal, Nandos is a great place to eat some flamed grilled chicken (and only chicken) with some lovely peri peri sauce. It more like a fast food restaurant and you have to go to the counter order and pay for your food before you sit down. They usuaully promise it should only take 10 minutes. I like the cmobinaton meals at only £7 its good value, plus you can order endless softdrink refils. more
The Original London Sightseeing Tour
Awesome tour guides with comfortable and clean buses! This is my first recommendation for new visitors to london - especially if you are travelling alone.
Pick a sunny day and take your camera and a bottle of water. I would also recommend grabbing a tour map and a pen so you know where you want to go back to and spend more time. You can hop on and off over a 24 hour period even! more
Dennis Severs' House
Dennis Severs, an American from California, lived at 18 Folgate Street. He furnished the house with period furniture and lived here until his death in 1999
This old house inspired him to write the life story of a family who could have lived here. He invented a Huguenot family, the Jervis family, who fled from France in 1688. They bought the house in 1724 and here his tale begins.
Sounds and scents, creaking floorboards, crackling fires, a hissing kettle on the hob, it is all very real. You take a step back in time.
The tour starts in the cellar from where you move on to the kitchen. Then to the parlour, where you can hear the ticking of a clock. You go upstairs to the family room, the smoking room where the men retired after dinner. The tour ends in the withdrawing room, where men and women partook in social talk.
During the tour you are asked not to speak so that you can absorb the atmosphere more intensely. more
Geffrye Museum
This is not one of London's best known museums to visitors - but it deserves to be. It is primarily a museum of furniture and has what as far as I know is unique in England, a series of rooms with the decor and furniture representing different periods of English history.
Getting there, which usually means tube and then bus, is fully described on the website. more
Strada
They describe themselves as 'simple but top quality Italian food', I would have to agree. Its a mixture of pizza and pasta, but I had Lamb shank with tomato sauce and mash potatoes. I'm not sure whether that's typically Italian, but it was a great meal. It's not a non smoking restaurant, but now the smoking section is much small non. It has a great atmosphere and seems child friendly. more
Some cheaper hotels
London hotels are not cheap but some are far cheaper than others. I have used quite a few of the hotels on this site and found them acceptable. You may want to search on a decent engine for the specific hotel before you book. more
Bonnington Hotel
This is a very comfortable hotel with non-smoking rooms and some for disabled persons. It is used quite a lot by trade Unions. The price classification only applies to online bookings - otherwise expensive. more
The Key
I went there for a Christmas party and it was great. They have two level - the first level has large mirrors and big leather sofas spread over two room which makes it perfrect for chatting. Then upstairs is a large dance floor, a chill out room and then in the back roller skating (you heard me). It was brilliant roller skating to 70 music. The location is a bit strange but the club is cool, techno meets R&B with some mainstream thrown in. more
Franco
Lovely place to catch a meal, especially if it's just two of you. There is seating up and downstairs. Its an italian restaurnt, but I enjoyed the lamb shank with lentils. more
La Tasca
For a taste of Spain in London. This is a chain of Spanish Tapas bars, and its always lively with loud music, spicy food; it's a great night out. This site is located the Catholic Cathedral. more
Cafe Lazeez
This is a nice Indian Restaurant, I chose from their evolved menu and enjoyed barbaque chicken (indian style) with mash potato for lunch. It was very filling and really tasty. They also have a buffet service. The waiters were friendly and it was an enjoyable experience. more
China Bowl
While it wasn’t as good as some of the Chinese restaurants back home in Edmonton, it did have a couple of decent dishes, at affordable prices. The most expensive dishes were seafood at about 5 pounds, but everything else was 3 or 4 pounds. I really liked their Hong Kong style Sweet & Sour chicken. more
Imperial Tandoori
Located opposite Kennington police station near Lambeth North station. It offers takeout at decent prices and is good for travellers. more
Walkabout Pub
Taking a page from North America, this pub has several large screen TVs and broadcasts sporting events and its patrons cheer on their favourite teams. It is very busy during rugby and football season, so arrive early if you want a seat. It is on the north bank of the Thames, just a short walk from Embankment station. more
Imperial War Museum
One of London's many museums, this war museum has many incredible exhibits and displays. Be sure to check out the Blitz exhibit and investigate the WW2 displays. more
Village Pizza
This pizzeria offers over 50 different types and free delivery, so if you are in a hotel/hostel, it is great to order it in and eat it while watching some TV in the evening. The prices were ok, about 11 pounds for a Large (13 inch)and 14 pounds for an XL (15 inch). more
Journey's Waterloo Hostel
This hostel is located near Waterloo subway station, it is within walking distance to the Parliament buildings, the Imperial War Museum and the London Eye. It has internet access and both private and dorm rooms. The rooms are small, but the prices aren't bad for central London (about 14-20 pounds/night) depending on the room. Included in the price was a cold breakfast (cereal, juice, toast). more
Mela Indian Restaurant
Let me start out by saying, I have hated all the Indian food I've had in the past... BUT...
After a great night at the theater, just continue eastward down Shaftesbury Avenue to this GREAT Indian place. It's "yuppie" Indian, but still absolutely fabulous! There was room on a Saturday night - it was still busy though!
There's a set menu as well as a regular menu and everything we had was fantastic! My mouth was on fire but I loved it (beware the lentils)! There's a South African wine on the list for 13.50 Pounds Sterling and it went fabulously with the food! A MUST GO! more
Moshi Moshi
Located upstairs of Liverpool Street Station (above Platform 1). The food is great, I had the battered crab, if was great and well worth the visit. more
Wasabi
I just tried this for lunch to day and it was very pleasant. The sushi was nice and seemed a little californian. They also serve teriyaki. more
Cotto Restaurant
This was an affordable Italian restaurant. The Carbonara was delicious, and only about 6 pounds. Pretty good for central London. more
Ponti’s Mangiare Bene
Located outside of Liverpool Street Station, it is open 24 hours and offers a variety of coffees, teas, and food for late night excursion. It has tables to sit down at and also offers take out. more
Chez Gerard
This a lovely restaurant/brasserie/bar. There are about 13 other branches but this is my favourite. more
Noodle Noodle
Good fast chinese food. the most expensive dish costs £6.95. Great for lunch with substantial portions more
bbar
This bar is located to the side of Buckingham Palace in Victoria. It is a great location and has a great feel. The interior is decorated with lots of browns and leather, and has a distinct African/Safari feel. The atmosphere is great, if not a little expensive. The bar food is delightful. more
Brick Lane Beigel Bake
24 hour-a-day take-away in Brick Lane in the East End that serves the best bagels (or beigels, as they call them) in London. Cream cheese and salmon or salt beef, the choice is yours! more
The Page and Thai Restaurant
The Page is a pub and restaurant. The restaurant is upstairs and servies good Thai food, reasonably priced. The atmosphere was pretty good as well. It was nice having lunch here. more
Apollo Hotel
Very nice b&b in the Kings Cross Section of London, England. A family run place that serves an awesome breakfast. The rooms are somewhat small, but that is typical in London.
I would return. more
Le Meridien, Hotel Russell
Very nice Victorian Hotel in the very heart of London. Just opposite of the British Museum. A London subway station is just around the corner, so there is no need to travel in by car. Be sure to book in advance! One of my favorites in London. If the Russell is booked out, try the Montegue on Montegue street which is just across Russel square. more
Anchor Bankside
Location, location, location! This historic pub on the banks of the river Thames near London Bridge is fantastic. It has several bars and a great terrace where you can gaze at the London skyline and watch the boat traffic on the river.
Samuel Johnson wrote parts of his famous dictionary here (presumably words like: beer, wine, drink and hang-over!) more
Italian Graffiti
Decent Italian food (fresh pasta, wood fired oven pizzas) in a popular trattoria in the middle of Soho. Friendly service. more
Big Easy
If you find yourself at this end of the King's Road you could do much worse than pop into the Big Easy. Yes, it is a themed restaurant (Gulf coast crab shack), but the food is good, the portions big, the atmosphere fun and the service friendly. There is a lunchtime special (2 courses for £7.95) and Mondays is non-stop Happy Hour. more
Amato
The first thing you notice are the cakes in the window which look like works of art. Visit their web site and have a look at the cakefinder and you'll see what I mean!
But there is much more to this friendly cafe in Soho, they do good pastas and salads and the coffee is one of the best in London.
Mon-Sat 8.00-22.00
Sun 10.00-20.00 more
Jerusalem Tavern
Tiny pub in Farringdon with a lot of charm. It still has the original fireplaces and is the only pub in London to serve the delicious beers from the St.Peter's Brewery, which come in unusual formed bottles and several different flavours. more
Theatre Museum
Neat Museum in Covent Garden that exhibits everything thespian. Take part in a free special effects make-up demonstration or in a costume workshop, darling!
Open Tues- Sat 10.00-18.00. Free. more
British Library
The British Library moved a few years ago from the British Museum to St.Pancras. The architecture is a bit controversial but for the bibliophiles among us, there is a free exhibition of treasures such as the first edition of Alice's Adventures in wonderland, Leonardo da Vinci's sketch book, the Magna Carta and handwritten Beatles' lyrics
9.30-6.00 Mon, Wed-Fri
9.30-20.00 Tues
9.30-17.00 Sat
11.00-17.00 Sun more
British Museum
The daddy of all museums in which you could happily spend several days if you are so inclined. If you haven't been in a while, come and marvel at Norman Foster's Great Court, a fantastic piece of architecture. All the old favourites are still there: the Rosetta Stone, Lindow Man and the historic Reading Room.
10.00-17.30 Mon-Wed, Sat & Sun
10.00-20.30 Thur & Fri,
free more
Bank of England Museum
Even if you don't have an account in this famous bank, you can visit the museum and learn all about money and banking. Specialist, but interesting for all history buffs
Open Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00, free more
Somerset House
This could go under museums as there are several in the building, but I haven't visited any of them yet! But I do love the building, sitting on the terrace overlooking the Thames and the courtyard, which has a 'jumping fountain' you walk through and in the winter an ice rink(which is over-priced and needs to be booked weeks in advance, but the atmosphere is brilliant). The galeries charge an entrance fee, but the terrace and courtyard are free. more
Museum of London
Excellent museum where you can learn all about the history of London from pre-Roman times up to now. Highlights are the Great Fire Experience, a walk-through Victorian street and the splendid red and gold Lord Mayor's coach. Cinderella eat your heart out!
Open Mon-Sat 10.00-17.50. Sun 12.00-17.50, free. more
Texas Embassy Cantina
Great tex-mex food just off Trafalgar Sqare. Big and tasty portions of all your favourites. There is a bar on the first floor that serves potent cocktails and a range of tequilas. Especially good for happy hour! more
Shezan
One of theU.K. oldest Pakistani and Indian restaurants, serving mainly Punjabi style cuisine, just off Brompton Road. If you are just after any old curry, don't go. This is a little bit more special, although it is not outrageously expensive. The food is delicious. more
Vinopolis
If you are a wine lover and visiting London make sure you go into this museum. It takes you on a tour through the world of wine . Starting with it's history, making and circling the globe with informations of all the major wine regions. You can taste wines from all over the world.
The restaurant attached to it is very good too.
There is also a shop where you can buy all sorts of wine goodies and books and also a lot of wine. more
North Gower Hotel
At Euston Train Station area. Dorms(3 beds) 11 pounds. Shared bathroom. Near the British Museum. more
Tate Modern
Great modern art collection, free admission and free audioguide help explain it all. more
National Gallery
Free admission. Lectures, films and guided tours avail. Special exibitions at low fee more
National Gallery
Great art collection. Paintings of Renoir, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jan Van Eyck, Rembrandt, ... Free. more
The London Dungeon
Dedicated to the dark side of British history; interesting, but not for the squeamish. more
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