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Your
guide
to the
best of
London
+ tube, bus and
street maps
visitlondon.com
Know London
Welcome to the Official City Guide to London 4 We Love London
2007 – brought to you by Visit London, every 6 London by Area
visitor’s first port of call for information on 9 Weekend Itineraries
this great city. This guide shows the range 14 An A-Z of London Facts
of activities and sights that the capital can
offer – whether you’re here for a weekend or 18 What’s On
a few weeks. And even the most experienced 21 Festivals
visitor still has a lot to learn about a city that 23 Sightseeing
continues to surprise and excite year after year. 37 Outdoors
45 Shopping
51 Food & Drink
65 Entertainment
visitlondon.com 3
Razvan
Hitesh out
Stallholder, Andy To find out
Portobello Horticulturalist, more a,bgo to
Market Kew Gardens Londondon.com
“London allows me “You can always visitlon
to be what I want to find a new green
be – and it’s always space, a secret park
full of surprises” or hidden square”
visitlondon.com 5
London Northern Lights Eastern
Promise
by Area
The capital is made up of villages,
If you’re wondering what
that roar is, it’s the crowds
flocking to see Tottenham
Hotspur and Arsenal
movement. Shoppers can
find all the best high-street
names at Brent Cross, plus
boutiques and restaurants
Nowhere does the old sit
more comfortably beside
football clubs! But there’s in the villages of Islington, the new than in east
boroughs and districts, all with much more to north London Crouch End, Walthamstow, London, where diverse
their own distinctive flavour
Centre than football. Not far away
is Epping Forest, a 10,000-
Hampstead and Muswell
Hill. Those in search of
cultures and maritime
heritage make for great
Stage year-old woodland that was
once a hunting ground of
international flavours
should head to the Turkish
exploring. This is London’s
fastest growing area as
From the lively streets of the Henry VIII, the RAF Museum enclave of Green Lanes – if it prepares for the 2012
West End and Theatreland, in Hendon, which boasts you time it right you might Olympic and Paralympic
to the historic sites of the more than 100 planes, and catch a music festival in Games. Visit the once-
Houses of Parliament and a museum dedicated to Finsbury Park. And further rundown areas around
Buckingham Palace, there’s William Morris, founder of to the north is the 19th- Hoxton and Hackney,
much to see, eat and enjoy the British Arts and Crafts century Alexandra Palace, now transformed into
in central London. The sights set in 196 acres of parkland buzzing scenes boasting
can be admired up close and offering ice-skating in great nightlife and
– marvel at masterpieces the winter and open-air eclectic markets like
in the National Gallery events in the summer. Spitalfields and Columbia
– or from afar, atop the Road. Across the river,
British Airways London the World Heritage site
Eye. Wander along the of Greenwich marries
Go West South Bank admiring the
riverside views, enjoy the
centuries of maritime
history – brought to life
With its live music venues, of historic houses – the gastronomic delights of at the National Maritime
parks and riverside villages, most impressive being Chinatown and unique Museum – a vibrant
it’s no wonder that west Syon House – open spaces atmosphere of Soho or market and riverside
London attracts millions and riverside walks to treat your loved ones to taverns. Head to the
of visitors each year. enjoy. Football lovers luxurious gifts at Harrods Bangladeshi and Indian
Some of the country’s will flock to Chelsea and in Knightsbridge. Culture restaurants on Brick
top chefs have opened
fine restaurants and
Fulham football clubs
and the new National
vultures should go to
Exhibition Road with the
Journey South Lane for a delicious and
authentic taste of the
bars in Hammersmith, Stadium, built to replace Natural History Museum, From Richmond upon perfect opportunity to like Clapham, Barnes, Asian sub-continent.
Chiswick and Ealing, and Wembley Stadium. The the V&A and the Science Thames in the west to roll out the picnic blanket. Kingston upon Thames
whether your preference nearby Wembley Arena, Museum in close proximity. Bromley in the east, Historical buildings such and Croydon. Outdoor
her
is Caribbean, Indian or along with venues like the south London is as Down House – where attractions include the For furt find
fo and to
Oriental – try Edgware Hammersmith Apollo, packed full of history, Charles Darwin wrote Royal Botanic Gardens at in u’re
what yofor in
Road’s Oriental City make the area a prime culture and charming The Origin of Species Kew, the London Wetland looking go to
foodhall – you’ll find spot for live music. Or if neighbourhoods. – and Hampton Court Centre – 100 acres of London n.com/
do
something to tease your TV and film are more your Picturesque riverside Palace are brimming with wetlands in Barnes – and visitlonplorer
ex
taste buds. To help you thing, take a tour around settings provide the colourful tales. Shoppers Richmond Park, London’s
while away the daylight the BBC’s headquarters in will marvel at the choice largest open space, where
hours, there’s a wealth White City. of shopping in places deer roam free.
6 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 7
Voyage of Discovery
Visiting London for the first time?
Here are a few things not to miss
visitlondon.com 9
Easy Does It
A visit to the world’s most
exciting capital city needn’t
be all hustle and bustle…
Spend the morning Gardens for dinner –
Off the Beaten Track
enjoying some leisurely a rooftop oasis with Beyond the red buses, Black Cabs
window shopping on award-winning food and Beefeaters, there’s a hidden
Bond Street. Along amid beautiful planting, London waiting to be discovered
the way, call in at The and even flamingos!
Chocolate Society for Then it’s on to Ronnie Start by browsing Bluebird Café, discover
some delectable treats, Scott’s in Soho – the Camden Lock Market, Chelsea Physic Garden
which can be consumed archetypal jazz venue. where you’ll find (open April-Oct), a
in the shelter of Farm Next morning, take second-hand clothing secret, walled treasury
Street’s little park. The a riverboat to Kew and all kinds of weird of fragrant herbs.
Wallace Collection Gardens (pictured). and wonderful things to Then tour the amazing
provides escapism The journey is dreamily
buy. Then head to Sir warren of the little-
of a different kind. relaxing, and the
John Soane’s Museum, visited Inner Temple in
Fine furniture, Sèvres destination is the
china and remarkable ultimate pleasure garden a jumble of ancient the City. Its medieval
paintings will transport – 300 acres of botanical relics and Egyptian church was built by
you to a bygone age beauties and magnificent sarcophagi. On to edgy crusading Knights
of aristocracy. If the glasshouses. Head back Hoxton, home to many Templar, and you can
sun comes out, head into the centre to the fashionable BritArtists enjoy fine choral recitals
for Hyde Park, where luxurious May Fair Spa, – the White Cube gallery during services. The
you’ll forget you’re in where divine massages makes for stimulating City’s quirky ancient
Europe’s biggest capital. and healing mud baths viewing. Finish the pubs, including the
Admire the lovely Rose await you. Take your day with dinner at Old Doctor Butler’s
Garden and Apsley place in the sumptuous The Real Greek, a Head in Moorgate,
House, once home to the Ritz hotel for afternoon converted chapel whose are well worth a
Dukes of Wellington. On tea among gilded statues
chandeliered interior pilgrimage. Then head
Christmas Day, scores of and cascading waterfalls.
brave (or mad) souls dive Later on, Portobello perfectly complements south to Dulwich, a
into the Serpentine’s Road’s Electric Cinema brilliant meze food. charming village with
Londonstills.com; Chelsea street
frozen waters – but we is perfect for classic Next morning, after a neoclassical Picture
recommend a genteel double-bills on roomy breakfast at the trendy Gallery. But leave room
boating trip instead. leather couches. for dinner at Joanna’s
Retreat to the exclusive brasserie in nearby
Kensington Roof Crystal Palace.
10 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 11
The only way to see London
On a Budget
Feeling the pinch? Don’t worry, as fed at 2.30pm. The
you’ll still find plenty to keep you theatrical wonder of IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM LONDON
entertained in London… Harrods Food Hall has
towering displays of every Discover the story of those
For a unique place to necessities. From here, conceivable comestible, who have lived, fought and died
stay that won’t break discover some free but forgo its caviar for in conflicts from the First World
the bank, try the YHA culture at the vast nearby Stockpot’s low- War to the present day.
London St Paul’s (once Tate Modern and Tate cost feasts. Feed the brain
home to St Paul’s Britain. A visit to London for free in the Natural Featuring
Cathedral’s choirboys). wouldn’t be complete History Museum The Holocaust Exhibition
While you’re there, visit without taking in a show – absorbing exhibits The Children’s War
Sir Christopher Wren’s – and you needn’t miss range from dinosaur
masterpiece during out. The tkts booth in eggs to technicolour New exhibitions for 2007
a morning service to Leicester Square sells gemstones. And a final, Camouflage
avoid paying admission. half-price tickets to the traditional treat is fish The Falklands War
Start your Saturday by biggest shows in town. and chips, followed
crossing the Thames on In the morning, hit by a good old English
the futuristic Millennium Topshop on Oxford pub quiz: friendly
www.iwm.org.uk
12 visitlondon.com
An AtoZ H
ighgate
Cemetery
This beautiful
of London
Did you know that over 300
Victorian ‘garden
cemetery’ is full of Gothic
monuments and is ideal
for a stroll. Known as a
mo re a m
t
Find ou g facts
azin at
ondon
about L don.com
visitlon
E
pping Forest dissenters’ burial ground,
different languages are spoken in Just ten miles it’s where Karl Marx
the capital, or that most Black Cab from central (below) is laid to rest.
drivers can identify any location you London, this former
give them? Read on to find out 26 royal hunting forest
L
ord’s
still boasts Elizabeth I’s
fascinating facts about London… hunting lodge, which
As well as hosting
many of England’s
you can visit for free. international fixtures, the
‘home of cricket’ – known
A
bbey Road for its Old Father Time
zebra crossing weather vane and futuristic
In 1969, a crossing in grandstand – will host the
quiet St John’s Wood shot to archery at the 2012 Olympic
world fame when The Beatles and Paralympic Games.
featured it on the front of their See page 42.
album Abbey Road. Rock fans
still make pilgrimages there.
I
ce Rinks
F M
oundling illennium Bridge
Fancy a twirl? Many The first new bridge over the
B
eck, Harry Museum
Paid just five Discover the moving grand institutions boast Thames for 100 years, this
guineas, this story of London’s abandoned floodlit open-air ice-rinks pedestrian walkway links the Tate
draughtsman devised the children, and the hospital in winter, among the most Modern gallery with St Paul’s Cathedral.
London Underground map founded by composer scenic is the courtyard of
in 1933, rationalising a GF Handel in 1739 to take Somerset House.
hugely complex network them in. Personal artefacts,
J
into one iconic diagram. photographs and recordings ack the Ripper
create a truly poignant The infamous murderer is
experience. See page 32. believed to have killed
at least five women in the
19th century, and was never
caught. Take a tour around
C
anals
Whitechapel and see if you
G
A peaceful, herkin
picturesque way Norman can uncover his identity.
to explore London is along Foster’s See Tours, page 30.
the nine-mile Regent’s daring addition to
K
Canal. See page 38. London’s skyline nowledge, The
(left) towers over the Black Cab drivers
Getty; Illustration: Jenny Clarke
are London’s
financial district,
D
owning Street
unsung heroes and fonts
No 10 has been and is nicknamed of wisdom. The Knowledge,
the home of for its unusual shape their intensive training
British Prime Ministers – its real name is course, means they can
since 1732, and is now 30 St Mary Axe. identify any landmark
the abode of Tony Blair. or location.
14 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 15
R
outemasters
After 50 years
of loyal service,
these stately chariots were
U X
retired from London’s bus mbrellas enophilia
lanes. Happily, nostalgists In the event that Multicultural
can still jump aboard along it rains, pick London has a
selected ‘heritage routes’. up a bespoke brolly at tradition of welcoming
the splendidly eccentric foreigners. And with 300
S
ketch emporium James Smith languages spoken here,
One of the most & Sons on New Oxford it’s the most cosmopolitan
extravagant of Street. See page 49. and linguistically diverse
all London’s restaurants, city in the world.
N
otting Hill both in terms of its
Carnival virtuoso gourmet fare
Y
Every August, and extraordinarily oung British
millions flock to this
dynamic Caribbean
celebration – Europe’s
largest street festival.
Expect a three-day riot
cool interior, which
doubles as a gallery
space and dance club.
See page 56.
V &A South Kensington
The Victoria & Albert museum houses
a decorative-arts collection that’s among
the greatest in the world, with fine examples
from every discipline imaginable. Among the
Artists
BritArtists
Damien Hirst, Tracey
Emin and Rachel
Whiteread revitalised
T
of steel bands, calypso ime the 90s art scene with
dancing and exotic Greenwich is must-sees in this treasure-house are the Cast often provocative shows.
costumes. See page 21. packed with Room and costume collection. See page 33. Now Charles Saatchi has
maritime history – launched a new Chelsea
and is the birthplace showcase of their works.
of world time, no less. See page 35.
Straddle the Prime
Meridian (0° Longitude)
and you’ve one foot
each in the eastern and
western hemispheres.
O W Z
ld Bailey andle River oo
This ornate A Thames A haunt of the
court building, tributary, young Charles
a stone’s throw away from this south London river Darwin, this venerable
St Paul’s Cathedral, handles once supported many establishment in Regent’s
Britain’s most high-profile working mills on its banks Park remains a favourite.
trials, which you can watch – among them William Bring walking shoes, as
from the public gallery. Morris’s. Today, it’s a there are many species to
wildlife haven and green meet. Feeding time is a
corridor, home to trout, special treat. See page 26.
P
rimrose Hill minnows and mayflies.
With fine views
over London,
this charming district
is a favourite for picnics,
kite-flying and celebrity-
Q ueen, The
Highly popular since her
first appearance in public
as Princess Lillibet, the Queen
now reveals more of her private life
spotting: Jamie Oliver,
Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude
to the public. One can visit HRH’s
Law and Ewan McGregor home, gardens and art collection at
all have houses here. Buckingham Palace. See page 29.
16 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 17
August November
What’s On
Use our events diary to help plan your trip to the e page
Turn th t about
Trooping the Colour*
Horse Guards Parade SW1
www.royal.gov.uk
Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon
4-5 Aug
ExCel London E16
Festival of Remembrance*
Royal Albert Hall SW7
fin d ou
capital. You can check the online Events Diary at to in the Royal Academy of Arts www.thelondontriathlon.com The London BBC Good Food Show
festivalsital
cap Summer Exhibition Olympia, Earls Court SW5*
visitlondon.com for further information and
details of all Official Royal Ceremonies. 11 June - 19 Aug September www.londonbbcgoodfoodshow.com
Royal Academy of Arts W1 Great River Race*
www.royalacademy.org.uk River Thames, from Ham TW10 Remembrance Day*
to Greenwich SE10 Service & Parade
January February Wimbledon Lawn Tennis +44 (0)20 8398 9057 Cenotaph SW1
New Year’s Day Parade London Fashion Weekend Championships www.greatriverrace.co.uk
1 Jan 1 Feb 25 June - 8 July Lord Mayor’s Show
From Parliament Sq SW1 Duke of York’s HQ SW3 All England Lawn Tennis London Fashion Weekend* & Fireworks Display
www.londonparade.co.uk www.londonfashionweek.co.uk and Croquet Club SW19 Duke of York’s HQ SW3 11 Nov
www.wimbledon.org www.londonfashionweek.co.uk City of London, River Thames
London Boat Show March www.lordmayorsshow.org
5-14 Jan Daily Mail Ideal Home Show July October
ExCeL London E16 9 Mar - 2 Apr St George’s Day
Buckingham Palace Black History Month December
www.londonboatshow.com Earls Court SW5 Flora London Marathon Summer Opening* Various venues in London The BlackRock Masters Tennis
www.idealhomeshow.co.uk 22 Apr July-Sept www.black-history-month.co.uk 4-9 Dec
London Art Fair From Greenwich SE10 Buckingham Palace SW1 Royal Albert Hall SW7
17-21 Jan St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival to The Mall SW1 www.royal.gov.uk Frieze Art Fair www.theblackrockmasters.com
Business Design Centre N1 17 Mar www.london-marathon.co.uk 11-14 Oct
www.londonartfair.co.uk Various venues in London Hampton Ct Palace Flower Show Regent’s Park NW1 Christmas Tree
www.londonstpatricksday.org.uk St George’s Day Events 3-9 July www.friezeartfair.com Until first week Jan 2008
Charles I Commemoration 23 Apr Hampton Court Palace KT8 Trafalgar Sq WC2
28 Jan The Vitality Show Various venues in London www.rhs.org.uk London Bierfest*
Banqueting House SW1 29 Mar - 1 Apr Old Billingsgate EC3 New Year’s Eve
+44 (0)1430 430 695 Olympia W14 May Tour de France Le Grand Départ www.londonbierfest.com 31 Dec
www.thevitalityshow.co.uk Chelsea Flower Show 6-8 July Various venues in London
22-26 May Various venues in London Turner Prize Exhibition*
Head of the River Race Royal Hospital, Chelsea SW3 www.tourdefrancelondon.com Tate Britain SW1
31 Mar www.rhs.org.uk www.tate.org.uk
The Thames, Mortlake to Putney The Proms
June 13 July - 8 Sept Autumn Ideal Home Show
April Royal Ascot* Royal Albert Hall SW7 5-14 Oct
Oxford & Cambridge Ascot Racecourse SL5 www.bbc.co.uk/proms Earls Court SW5
University Boat Race www.royalascot.co.uk www.autumnidealhomeshow.co.uk
Chinese New Year
7 Apr Christmas Tree, Trafalgar Square
Chinese New Year River Thames, from Putney Taste of London* Trafalgar Day Parade
Celebrations SW15 to Mortlake SW14 Regent’s Park NW1 22 Oct PLEASE NOTE: Always check the
28 Jan www.theboatrace.org www.tasteoflondon.co.uk Trafalgar Sq WC2 date and venue with the organisers
Soho W1 +44 (0)20 7928 8978 as these may change.
www.chinatownchinese.co.uk *Where no date is marked please
Trooping the Colour check visitlondon.com for details.
18 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 19
More
Festivals
London’s calendar is packed with
Events
Brick Lane Festival
Sept*
Low-key fun in E1, with
stalls, music and dance.
Vaisakhi City Showcase
April* Sept*
events celebrating the city’s diversity Sikh harvest festival with Fashion and music festival
processions and music across now in its fifth year.
the capital. www.cityshowcase.co.uk
© Tim Whitby © Gideon Mendel Festival of Youth Arts London Design Festival
May* Sept*
Music, dance and drama in A host of free events
Trafalgar Square kick off a celebrate international
week of creative projects. design across the capital.
www.festivalofyouth www.londondesign
arts.co.uk festival.com
Summer Festival Regent Street Festival
May - Sept* Sept*
The Royal Botanic Gardens Street entertainers and two
in Kew play host to various stages replace the usual
Notting Hill Carnival
events through the summer. traffic for a day of musical
www.rbgkew.org.uk and theatrical extravagance.
Hampton Court Gay Pride parade winds Meltdown Shoreditch Carnival
© The Samuel Courtauld Trust
ancient palace, this lavish peaking with a rally in www.rfh.org.uk London Open House
open-air musical event Trafalgar Square. Greenwich & Docklands 15-16 Sept
International Festival More than 600 buildings
attracts artists as diverse www.pridelondon.org July* open their doors to the
as Eric Clapton and Dame Exciting theatrical, musical public for one weekend.
Kiri Te Kanawa. www. Rise: London and outdoor events. www.londonopenhouse.org
Somerset House
hamptoncourtfestival.com United www.festival.org Diwali Festival
London Mela Festival Oct*
July Aug* The annual Hindu festival
City Of London London’s biggest annual Free South Asian festival of light is celebrated with
Festival free music festival has in Gunnersbury Park W5, fireworks and displays in
June - July a strong anti-racist with food, music and more. Trafalgar Square.
Gorgeous inside and out Now in its 45th year, message, and attracts a *DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
this celebration of line-up of bands and DJs.
Art Architecture Food Fountains classical music features Venue tbc. parade, while soaking up London BFI Film
performances in some www.risefestival.org the sun and good vibes. Festival
Overlooking the Thames, by Waterloo Bridge, Somerset House is home
of the City’s most Oct - Nov
www.nottinghillcarnival.org.uk
to the Courtauld Institute of Art, Gilbert Collection, and Hermitage Rooms. ancient churches and Notting Hill Now in its 51st year, the
In summer, linger and relax in the refreshing fountains, riverside terrace, halls, including St Paul’s Carnival Thames Festival annual film festival features
cafes, and bars, or enjoy concerts, cinema, and dance in the majestic Cathedral and the Lord 25-27 Aug 22 & 23 Sept 300 films from more than
courtyard and, in winter, be captivated by London s most beautiful ice rink. Mayor’s Mansion House. This street carnival with This free arts festival 60 countries, as well as
www.colf.org Caribbean roots has been features pyrotechnics, river lectures, talks and other
Open Daily celebrated since 1964. events, street theatre and movie-related events.
Admission to Somerset House is free (Entry fees apply to galleries and events)
www.somerset-house.org.uk 020 7845 4600 Strand London WC2
Gay Pride Day Today, some two million music. It climaxes with the www.lff.org.uk
Temple, Charing Cross, Embankment, Covent Garden July revellers take to the streets Night Carnival, complete
Colourful, flamboyant, of west London to watch with costumes and music. For further details go to
www.londongov.uk/london
outrageous: the annual the vibrant costume www.thamesfestival.org and visitlondon.com
visitlondon.com 21
Major Sights & 25
Attractions
Sightseeing
Houses & Palaces 29
Tours 30
Museums 32
Galleries 34
Gorilla
Kingdom
New at
London Zoo
From Easter
2007
visitlondon.com 25
Attractions Chiswick Lane South W4 Trinity Buoy Wharf
Amora +44 (0)20 8996 2000 As well as being a venue
The Academy of Sex and www.fullers.co.uk for films, art exhibitions
Relationships offers a U Turnham Green and dance performances,
fascinating insight into this is also a venue for
these universal themes. London Aquarium educational workshops.
London Trocadero Walk among everything London Zoo Orchard Place E14
Coventry St W1 from starfish to sharks, London Zoo +44 (0)20 7515 7153
+44 (0)20 7734 2529 stingrays to crabs, at this Get closer to animals and www.trinitybuoyarts.com
www.amoralondon.com spectacular, £25-million wildlife at London Zoo. DLR East India
U Piccadilly Circus underwater world. Gorilla Kingdom opens
South Bank SE1 Easter 2007, along with Vinopolis
British Airways +44 (0)20 7967 8000 ‘Into Africa’ where you’ll A grape lover’s paradise,
London Eye www.londonaquarium.co.uk find giraffes, zebras and Vinopolis gives you the
This 135m-high U Waterloo many more exotic animals. opportunity to explore
observation wheel affords Outer Circle, (and taste!) different
views over the whole of London Dungeon Regent’s Park NW1 wine regions.
London. Celebrate that With attractions such +44 (0)20 7722 3333 Bank End SE1
special occasion with a as The Great Plague, www.zsl.org/london-zoo +44 (0)870 241 4040
‘Champagne Capsule’. The Ripper and The U Camden Town www.vinopolis.co.uk
South Bank SE1 Torture Chamber, you’re U London Bridge
+44 (0)870 990 8883 guaranteed a spine-chilling Madame Tussauds
www.londoneye.com time! Beware, as some of Cuddle Brad Pitt or touch Further Afield
U Waterloo/Westminster the exhibits have a habit Kylie Minogue’s bottom at Leeds Castle
of coming back to life… the world’s most famous Kent’s elegant castle not
Fuller’s Griffin Tooley St SE1 waxworks collection. only offers an evocative
Brewery +44 (0)20 7403 7221 Marylebone Rd NW1 tour of its rooms, but
Discover the beer-making www.thedungeons.com +44 (0)870 999 0046 the chance to enjoy the
secrets of this historic U London Bridge www.madame-tussauds.co.uk extensive grounds.
brewery, then sample a U Baker Street Maidstone, Kent ME17
pint or two for yourself! +44 (0)1622 765400
Tower Bridge www.leeds-castle.com
Exhibition Q Maidstone
Enjoy amazing views of the
Royal Thames and learn about Windsor Castle
London the iconic bridge’s history.
Although this magnificent
Legend has it that if the September, the palace’s Tower Bridge SE1 castle has existed for more
ravens leave the Tower lavish State Rooms are
+44 (0)20 7403 3761 than 900 years, it is still
of London, the British open to the public. Prince
monarchy will fall. Initially Charles and his sons www.towerbridge.org.uk a working royal residence
a potent symbol of Norman are based at Clarence U Tower Hill today.
power following the House, also open during Windsor, Berkshire SL4
conquest in 1066, today, it’s the summer. In front of Tower of London +44 (0)20 7766 7304
home to the Crown Jewels. Buckingham Palace are the This 900-year-old building www.royal.gov.uk
Buckingham Palace Queen Victoria Memorial has been the scene of many Q Windsor
is where the Queen and and the Mall. a bloody royal intrigue.
Prince Philip live while in From Hampton Court
Tower of London E1
the capital. From July to Palace, home to Henry
VIII, to Westminster, scene +44 (0)870 756 6060
© Justin Sutcliffe 2005
Tower of London
of every coronation since www.hrp.org.uk
1066, and not forgetting U Tower Hill
historic Greenwich, there is
plenty of Royal London to
see and enjoy. Windsor Castle
Ham St, Ham TW10 Ranger’s House
Palaces
Enjoy a glimpse inside some of the
Q Kingston/Richmond
Jewel Tower
+44 (0)20 8853 0035
www.english-heritage.
org.uk
One of only two surviving U Greenwich
capital’s more stately residences buildings of the original
Palace of Westminster. Red House
Abingdon St SW1P Commissioned by William
Apsley House Carlyle’s House +44 (0)20 7222 2219 Morris and central to the
Also known as ‘Number The writer Thomas Carlyle www.english-heritage. Arts and Crafts Movement.
One, London’, this was entertained the ‘in crowd’ org.uk Red House Lane,
the home of the first Duke of the Victorian era here. U Westminster Bexleyheath, Kent DA6
WITHIN A CASTLE
Piccadilly W1 www.nationaltrust.org.uk The former home of the late Q Bexleyheath
+44 (0)20 7499 5676 U Sloane Square Diana, Princess of Wales.
www.english-heritage. Kensington Gardens W8
org.uk Chiswick House +44 (0)870 751 5170
U Hyde Park Corner A fine 18th-century building www.hrp.org.uk
within glorious grounds. U High St Kensington
Baden-Powell House Burlington Lane W4
Explore the history of +44 (0)20 8995 0508 Marble Hill House
Kensington Palace
Baden-Powell’s Scout Q Turnham Green A lovely Palladian villa set
and Guide movements. in 66 acres of parkland. The Royal Mews
Queen’s Gate SW7 Fenton House Richmond Rd TW1 Houses the stables for
+44 (0)20 7584 7031 This 17th-century house +44 (0)20 8892 5115 Buckingham Palace.
www.rbkc.gov.uk has elegant exhibits and www.english-heritage. Buckingham Palace Rd
U Gloucester Road wonderful gardens. org.uk SW1
Windmill Hill NW3 U Richmond +44 (0)20 7766 7302
The Banqueting +44 (0)20 7435 3471 www.royal.gov.uk
House www.nationaltrust.org.uk Osterley Park House U St James’s Park
Built to house James I, U Hampstead This neoclassical house is
this was also the scene situated in farmland to the Sutton House
of Charles I’s execution. Hampton Court west of London. A great example of
Whitehall SW1 Palace Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 Tudor architecture.
+44 (0)870 751 5178 One of the most beautiful +44 (0)20 8232 5050 Homerton High Street E9
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U Charing Cross Famous for its maze, as U Osterley www.nationaltrust.org.uk
well as its Tudor history. Q Hackney Central
Buckingham Palace East Molesey, Surrey KT8 The Queen’s House
A THOUSAND YEARS OF ROYAL HISTORY The Royal residence in +44 (0)870 751 5175 Designed for the wife of Syon House
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Ham House
a fine-art collection.
Romney Rd SE10
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gardens set in a beautiful
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OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN +44 (0)20 7766 7301 A Tudor house with a www.nmm.ac.uk +44 (0)20 8560 0881
www.royal.gov.uk history steeped in the Civil DLR Cutty Sark for www.syonpark.co.uk
Open daily, except during royal visits U Green Park/Victoria War – and lots of fine art. Maritime Greenwich Q Brentford
+44 (0)20 7766 7304 www.royalcollection.org.uk
visitlondon.com 29
A trip to London isn’t complete
without a visit to Tate Britain and
Tours Good Company
Private sightseeing tours
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Southwark/Blackfriars Bankside
Blue and humble dwellings, these
plaques all have one thing
now more than 800 plaques
commemorating the capital’s
Plaques in common: they celebrate
great figures of the past
more renowned residents
– such as Agatha Christie and
While you’re exploring the who once lived or worked Mahatma Gandhi, to name
capital by foot, be sure to keep at that address, giving their but two. As well as being To find out more, visit www.tate.org.uk
a look out for blue plaques profession and the year/s they fun to spot, they provide a
– a familiar and much-loved stayed there. From artists fascinating picture of the city’s
and sign up for free monthly email bulletins
feature of London streets. and authors to politicians history. For specific locations, or call 020 7887 8888
Found on both grand houses and scientists, there are go to www.blueplaque.com.
30 visitlondon.com Photo © Matt Stuart
Geffrye Museum Museum of London Natural History Exhibition Rd SW7 V&A Museum
Galleries Glassblowing
Workshop
Enjoy a free glassblowing
the chance to see a
selection of items from
the Royal Collection.
From Old Masters to multimedia demonstration and pick Buckingham
up some bargain gifts. Palace Rd SW1
installations, London has it all The Leather Market, +44 (0)20 7766 7301
Weston St SE1 www.royal.gov.uk
Bayswater Road important collection. +44 (0)20 7403 2800 U Victoria
Artists Furniture and ceramics U London Bridge
Every Sunday, over 250 are also represented. Royal Academy
artists and craftsmen Somerset House, The National Gallery of Arts
display and sell their Strand WC2 Houses a collection of An outstanding
The Hayward Gallery
original works along the +44 (0)20 7848 2526 European paintings from permanent collection
railings of Hyde Park and www.courtauld.ac.uk Dulwich Picture Guildhall Art 1250 to 1900, including shares space with
Kensington Gardens. U Charing Cross Gallery Gallery Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. temporary exhibitions.
Bayswater Rd W2 Charming art gallery Changing exhibitions Trafalgar Square WC2 Burlington House,
www.bayswater-road- Dali Universe situated in the leafy of art and photography +44 (0)20 7747 2885 Piccadilly W1 “The DNA of this city is constantly
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U Lancaster Gate surrealist genius Salvador Gallery Road SE21 modern-day works. U Charing Cross www.royalacademy.org.uk never be bored” Jason, music consultant, Australia
Dali’s works are on +44 (0)20 8693 5254 Guildhall Yard EC2 U Piccadilly Circus
Ben Uri Gallery, display at this labyrinth www.dulwichpicturegallery. +44 (0)20 7332 3700 National Portrait
The London Jewish of eccentricity. org.uk www.guildhall-art-gallery. Gallery The Saatchi Gallery
Museum of Art County Hall SE1 U West Dulwich org.uk Politicians, monarchs and Advertising mastermind Serpentine exhibits Wallace Collection
Historical and +44 (0)870 744 7485 U Bank TV celebrities are among Charles Saatchi’s new contemporary art in A collection of 18th-
contemporary artworks www.countyhall Estorick Collection those who are spotlighted gallery space is due to a 1930s tea pavilion. century French painting,
by British, European gallery.com of Modern Hayward Gallery in this collection of open in 2007. Kensington Gardens W2 furniture and porcelain.
and Israeli Jews. U Waterloo Italian Art With a focus on 20th- paintings, photography Duke of York’s www.serpentinegallery.org Hertford House,
Boundary Rd NW8 Housed in a grade II-listed century art, the Hayward and illustrations. HQ Building SW3 U Queensway Manchester Sq W1
+44 (0)20 7604 3991 building, this is the only features everything from St Martin’s Place WC2 +44 (0)20 7823 2363 + 44 (0)20 7563 9500
www.benuri.org.uk gallery in Britain that is sculpture to photography. +44 (0)20 7306 0055 www.saatchigallery.com Tate Britain www.wallacecollection.org
U St John’s Wood dedicated to the work of South Bank Centre, www.npg.org.uk U Sloane Square British art from 1500 U Bond Street
There modern Italian artists. Belvedere Rd SE1 U Leicester Square onwards is displayed at
s
Courtauld Institute are load es in Canonbury Square N1 +44 (0)20 7921 0813 Serpentine Gallery this Thameside gallery, Whitechapel
lleri
more gan! Go to
of Art Gallery Londo on.com +44 (0)20 7704 9522 www.hayward.org.uk The Queen’s Gallery Taking its name from along with regular major Exhibitions, films and
d
Michelangelo, Rembrandt, visitlonnd out www.estorickcollection.com U Waterloo Part of Buckingham the nearby lake, the visiting exhibitions. talks feature at this
to fi
Cezanne and Turner are U Highbury & Islington Millbank SW1 modern gallery.
among the masters The Hermitage +44 (0)20 7887 8888 Whitechapel High St E1
on display at this Gilbert Collection Rooms www.tate.org.uk +44 (0)20 7522 7888
The late Sir Arthur An introduction to, U Pimlico/Vauxhall www.whitechapel.org
Gilbert’s collection and featuring exhibits U Aldgate East
includes Italian mosaics, from, the world-famous Tate Modern
Did you know? gold boxes and plenty Hermitage Museum of This iconic building on White Cube
of his beloved silver. St Petersburg in Russia. the South Bank is the Jay Jopling’s trendy
There are 17 national museums and galleries in London that Somerset House, Somerset House, home of modern and gallery showcases
have free entrance, including the British Museum, National Strand WC2 Strand WC2 contemporary art in imaginative talent
Gallery, Tate Modern and the V&A.
+44 (0)20 7420 9400 +44 (0)20 7845 4600 London. by British artists.
Tate Britain also offers half-price entry to paid-for exhibitions www.gilbert-collection. www.hermitagerooms.com Bankside SE1 Hoxton Sq N1
Richard Haughton
during its evening sessions on the first Friday of every month. org.uk U Charing Cross +44 (0)20 7887 8000 +44 (0)20 7749 7450
U Charing Cross www.tate.org.uk www.whitecube.com
London’s galleries host a wide range of exhibitions with A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, Édouard Manet, Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery U London Bridge U Old Street
approximately 49 exhibitions open to the public every day!
34 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 35
The River 38
#HELSEA 0HYSIC 'ARDEN
39
Outdoors
Cruises
Parks 40
2ELAX IN ,ONDONS Sport 42
Tours 43
OLDEST BOTANIC GARDEN GET CLOSER TO
AND BEST
KEPT SECRETx WIMBLEDON
From river cruises and expansive parks, to world-class
spectator sports and boating on the Serpentine, there are
Celebrate Wimbledon The Museum Building
The All England Lawn
enough al fresco activities to keep any visitor satisfied
at the new world-class Tennis & Croquet Club
Museum. Church Road,
Wimbledon
With its unique access London, SW19 5AE
to the legendary players Open Daily
the Museum provides a 10.30am until 5.00pm
Nearest Underground:
closer view of tennis than Southfields
ever before through its Telephone:
artefacts, inter-actives 020 8946 6131
visitlondon.com 37
The River Setting Sail
From idyllic cruises to high-speed
Colourful history, fascinating wildlife and some of voyages, London’s got it covered
the finest watering holes in the capital vie for your Bateaux London/ London RIB Voyages
Catamaran Cruisers High-speed voyages up
attention along the Thames, London’s main artery Enjoy London’s best sights the Thames, complete
aboard a restaurant boat. with expert guides.
+44 (0)20 7925 2215 +44 (0)20 7928 2350
Richmond The South Bank Oxo Tower. Or you could www.catamarancruisers. www.londonribvoyages.com
co.uk
Upon Thames just sit in the sunshine
London River Services
to Putney and cheer on the throng British Waterways Information on boat
From Richmond, with its of street entertainers TheSouth
The Southbank
Tower Bridge
Bank London services and charters.
waterfront bars, cobbled that line the promenade. For news and information. +44 (0)20 7941 2400
streets lined with chic As the sun goes down, Paul’s Cathedral. By the Tower Bridge restaurants such as +44 (0)20 7985 7200 www.tfl.gov.uk/river
boutiques, vast deer park admire the fabulous Tate, you can view the to Greenwich Sir Terence Conran’s www.britishwaterways.
and Royal history (Henry views east and west Millennium Bridge, the The Tower of London, Le Pont de la Tour. co.uk/london London Waterbus
VIII and Elizabeth I both from Waterloo Bridge. first footbridge to be a commanding flint and After lunch, continue Company
stayed at Richmond Oxo Tower
built across the river in stone castle, has been a the Conran theme with City Cruises Operates along Regent’s
Offers dinner-dance Canal, linking Little Venice,
Palace), the river runs Stretching east from Bankside over a century. Nearby feature on the riverscape a visit to his Design and lunch voyages. London Zoo and Camden.
east to Kew, where Westminster Bridge, the Built six years ago from is the Golden Hinde, of London for 900 years. Museum. Then catch a +44 (0)20 7740 0400 +44 (0)20 7482 2660
attractions include the South Bank is home to the derelict remains of a replica of Sir Francis boat to Greenwich for www.citycruises.com www.londonwaterbus.com
Royal Botanic Gardens many of London’s most a power station, Tate Drake’s 16th-century the Victorian covered
celebrated attractions. Modern has emerged as galleon, and HMS market, National Crown River Cruises Silver Fleet –
The only problem is an iconic centre for the Belfast, a World War Maritime Museum, Royal Take the Circular Cruise, Woods River Cruises
knowing where to start! arts in Britain. Besides II battleship and naval Naval College, Cutty or charter a boat. Bespoke boat parties.
If culture’s your thing, its collection – art from museum. Further along is Sark – the last of the +44 (0)20 7936 2033 +44 (0)20 7481 2711
www.crownriver.com www.silverfleet.co.uk
head for the Dali 1900 onwards – its walls Shakespeare’s Globe, an tea clippers – Greenwich
Universe and County contain highly rated accurate reconstruction Park and many excellent Dixie Queen (Thames Thames Clippers –
Greenwich
Hall Gallery, the cafés and restaurants of the Elizabethan bars, restaurants Luxury Charters) The Riverline
Royal Festival Hall, with spectacular views theatre where the Today, its Yeoman and riverside pubs. Upmarket cruises between Offering commuter services
Richmond
the Hayward Gallery of the Thames and St playwright worked, and warders also act as tour Putney and Thames Barrier. and popular tourist routes.
and Kew Palace. It then and the National Film a venue for open-air guides. Next to the castle +44 (0)20 8780 1562 +44 (0)870 781 5049
loads www.thamesluxury www.thamesclippers.com
continues past Barnes, Theatre. Kids will love performances during the is St Katharine Docks, There’s e river! charters.co.uk
home of the London the London Aquarium summer. Winelovers will thriving with yachts, do on th
to out
Wetland Centre, to and the British Airways want to visit Vinopolis, bars and restaurants. To find to Topsail Events & Charters
more gon.com London Ducktours Spectacular Thames cruises
Putney. Visit in April and London Eye, which offers a museum celebrating Cross Tower Bridge for do
visitlon Boasts amphibious on beautifully restored
you might catch the start incredible views over the wine, and, further City Hall and Butler’s vehicles that travel on historic ships.
of the annual Oxford/ capital’s rooftops – as along, Hay’s Galleria, a Wharf, a redevelopment roads and river. +44 (0)20 7022 2201
Cambridge University does the swish eighth- collection of shops, bars of waterside warehouses +44 (0)20 7928 3132 www.topsailevents.co.uk
Boat Race. floor restaurant at the HMS Belfast
and restaurants. that includes popular www.londonducktours.co.uk
visitlondon.com 39
Parks London Wetland
Centre
As well as attracting 180
Henry VIII, this much-
loved green space offers
one of the loftiest vantage
fireworks display over
the lake. Concerts may
be cancelled due to bad
Get away from it all with a visit wild bird species every points over the city. weather.
year, this man-made www.primrosehill.com www.picnicconcerts.com
to one of the capital’s green oases wetland park is home U Camden Town U East Finchley/
to eight types of bat, Golders Green
Battersea Park Hampstead Heath seven types of reptiles/ Royal Botanic
Just over the river from Just four miles from amphibians, and over Gardens, Kew Holland Park
Chelsea, this park boasts the centre of London, half the UK’s dragonfly This World Heritage Site For the quintessential
tennis courts, a bowling Hampstead Heath is and damselfly species. is a must for garden lovers, English experience, you
green, a lake thriving a sprawling 800-acre www.wwt.org.uk/visit/ boasting more plant and need look no further than
with all manner of wildlife green space boasting wetlandcentre flower species than any the al fresco opera season
and the Pump House ancient woodland, 25 U Hammersmith, then other garden in the world. that takes place under Richmond Park
Gallery. Little ones will ponds and eight children’s take the special 283 www.rbgkew.org.uk canopy cover in Holland
love the adventure
playground and zoo.
play areas, in addition
to English Heritage’s
Duck Bus U Kew Gardens Park. The season runs for
nine weeks from early June Royal Parks
www.batterseapark.org Kenwood House. Tibetan Peace Garden to August. First-timers The city’s nine Royal Parks encompass 5,000
Q Battersea Park www.cityoflondon.gov.uk The perfect spot for a bit of mingle with music buffs for acres of carefully conserved historic parkland
U Hampstead quiet contemplation – a picnic followed by a
Chelsea Physic especially given its classic opera. As darkness Brompton Greenwich Park Kensington Regent’s Park
Garden Holland Park poignant setting, so near falls, the park’s peacocks Cemetery Spot fallow and red Gardens Designed in 1811 by
London Wetland Centre The only Crown deer, and enjoy Formal avenues and celebrated architect
Founded in 1673, this One of London’s best- to the magnificent Imperial provide an atmospheric Cemetery in London, fabulous views of the ornamental flower John Nash, Regent’s
is one of Europe’s oldest kept parks. Features Morden Hall Park War Museum. background chorus. Brompton is also River Thames and St beds create the Park is the largest
botanic gardens. include rose gardens, A former deer park, this St George’s Rd SE1 www.operahollandpark. one of the finest Paul’s Cathedral, at perfect setting for outdoor sports area
Highlights include an ecology centre, a wide picturesque place is U Elephant & Castle com in the country. It’s the oldest enclosed Kensington Palace, in London. Other
a haven for wildlife. Royal park in London. the Albert Memorial features include an
England’s oldest rock variety of sports pitches, peppered with pretty U Holland Park U Fulham It’s also home to the and Serpentine open-air theatre,
garden and the largest children’s play areas – 18th-century buildings Broadway National Maritime Gallery. a vast rose garden,
fruit-bearing olive tree including an under-eights and waterways. Marble Hill Museum and the U Lancaster Gate playgrounds and
in Britain. section – and a dog run. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ The magnificent riverside Bushy Park Royal Observatory. London Zoo.
The second largest DLR Cutty Sark for St James’s Park U Camden Town
www.chelseaphysic www.rbkc.gov.uk/ places/mordenhallpark villa in leafy Twickenham of the Royal Parks, Maritime Greenwich Surrounded by three
garden.co.uk parksandgardens U Morden provides a suitably Bushy is situated Royal palaces, and Richmond Park
U Sloane Square U Holland Park atmospheric backdrop north of Hampton Hyde Park featuring a lake that Once a Royal hunting
Painshill Park Holland Park
for a series of popular Court, so you can Visitors flock to this harbours ducks, ground, this 2,000-
visit both in a day. vast oasis in the heart geese and pelicans, St acre park offers the
Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park
History, art and landscape Summer music concerts. Make sure Q Teddington of London to row on James’s Park is a chance to walk
Best for... come together at this Concerts you arrive early to enjoy the Serpentine lake, perfect picnic spot for among roaming deer,
Views spacious park in Surrey, Kenwood House a stroll through the Green Park take a horse ride historians and as well as an
promising a great day out When the sun shines, beautiful gardens. The smallest of among the ancient birdwatchers alike. uninterrupted view
Richmond Park
London’s Royal Parks, trees, visit Kensington U St James’s Park of St Paul’s Cathedral,
Wildlife for all the family. around 10,000 people take www.picnicconcerts.com
© IMG www.picnicconcerts.com 2006
42 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 43
SHOP Department 46
Stores & Fashion
WEST
END Markets 47
Classic Cool
Contemporary
Shopping
Indulge in a spot of retail therapy. London’s chic
Shopping 48
Destinations,
Antiques &
Museum Shops
Traditional Shops 49
& Souvenirs
Shopping Fashion
Agent Provocateur
Treat yourself to some For moreg
shoppin to
With more than 300 street markets
to browse in London, you’re sure
to pick up a bargain
Spitalfields is justifiably
popular, with stalls
offering anything from
dyed sheepskin rugs to
From famous department stores to luxury lingerie from ideas gon.com Covent Garden
handmade cards, while
do
trendy boutiques, London has it all this renowned brand. visitlon Covent Garden Piazza the surrounding stores sell
Bridalwear and cosmetics rare posters, books and
It’s easy to see why Covent
are also sold. Garden Piazza is such a
great food. There’s
Department John Lewis Broadwick St W1 people magnet. The Italian
a weekly fashion market
Stores A one-stop shop for +44 (0)20 7439 0229 neo-classic structure was
on Friday, but Sunday is
the main day with the
Fenwick all your fashion, www.agentprovocateur.com Mulberry designed by Inigo Jones in
largest number of stalls.
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Open Mon-Fri 10am-
women’s fashion, as well and sporting goods. purses, gift ideas and market at its heart has
4pm, Sun 9am-5pm,
as home collections. Oxford St W1 The Duffer of stationery can be become one of London’s best
www.visitspitalfields.com
design showcases. Rows of
New Bond St W1 +44 (0)20 7629 7711 St George bought at this British
colourful barrows selling
U Liverpool Street
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www.fenwick.co.uk U Oxford Circus with a contemporary New Bond St W1 Hall, while street performers
U Bond Street twist. Knitwear and T- +44 (0)20 7491 3900 can regularly be found in
Liberty shirts are specialities. www.mulberry.com the courtyards – making it
This distinctive, Shorts Gardens WC2 U Bond Street popular with all ages.
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houses exquisite men’s www.thedufferofstgeorge.com New Look Camden Lock largest fruit and veg market
and women’s clothes, U Covent Garden Great women’s fashions Camden Lock Market (now in Vauxhall), it’s still a Portobello Road
This diverse market has undergone a facelift and now food lover’s paradise with
homeware and cosmetics. that won’t cost you an comprises stalls and converted workshops selling everything an array of eateries – so a Portobello Road
Regent St W1 arm and a leg. Particularly from furniture to wedding dresses. You can root around the lunchtime visit is a must. Market
Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, West London’s renowned
Harrods
+44 (0)20 7734 1234 good for shoes. nearby Camden Stables Market for antiques, while the
Harrods www.liberty.co.uk Oxford St W1 Horse Hospital is pure vintage heaven. Note: Saturday Sun 11am-6pm, www. market has it all: plentiful
U Oxford Circus fruit and veg stalls, retro
As much a tourist +44 (0)20 7025 6700 tends to be less busy than Sunday. Open daily, coventgardenmarket.co.uk
clothing and accessories.
attraction as a department www.newlook.co.uk www.camdenlockmarket.com U Camden U Covent Garden
And it gets very busy on
store, Harrods features Peter Jones U Marble Arch Saturdays, when some
to-die-for fashion and Choose from a wide range Columbia Road selling garden bric-a-brac,
1,500 antiques dealers
home collections, plus of clothes, kitchenware, Esprit Paul Smith Flower Market vintage clothing and
descend on the Notting
Tucked away in the heart furniture, and cafés line
a luxurious food hall. lighting and gifts, with The biggest UK branch This super-chic British Hill end, so be sure to
of London’s East End, this the street. Note: overseas
Brompton Rd SW1 many exclusive lines. of the global label that’s designer offers classic sharpen your elbows.
market has blossomed visitors won’t be able to take
+44 (0)20 7730 1234 Sloane Square SW1 strong on casual clothes, tailoring with an Open Mon-Sat
into one of London’s most plants and flowers home!
8am-4.30pm (except
www.harrods.com +44 (0)20 7730 3434 childrenswear and stylish emphasis on quality. colourful areas. The 50- Open Sun 8am-2pm,
Thurs 8am-1pm),
U Knightsbridge www.peterjones.co.uk accessories for the home. Kensington Park Rd W11 plus stalls offer countless www.columbia-flower-
www.portobelloroad.co.uk
U Sloane Square Regent St W1 +44 (0)20 7727 3553 varieties of flowers and market.freewebspace.com U Ladbroke Grove
plants, while a host of shops U Bethnal Green
Harvey Nichols +44 (0)20 7025 7700 www.paulsmith.co.uk Columbia Road
Boasts all your favourite Selfridges & Co www.esprit.com U Notting Hill Gate
upmarket labels, as Browse the latest U Piccadilly Circus More Markets serves all your gift needs, with crafts and
speciality foods. Further south, the cute
12-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm, www.borough-
market.org.uk; Chelsea Farmers’ Market,
well as a renowned bar designer labels, play Poste Mistress off the beaten track Merton Abbey Mills Market has stalls open Mon-Sat 9.30am-8pm, Sun
that stays open after with the latest gadgets, J&M Davidson Everything from Vivienne Borough Market is foodie heaven, teeming with crafts and other goodies, 10am-6.30pm, www.chelseafarmersmkt.
the store closes. eat sushi and drink Offers a wide range Westwood to Converse is offering all kinds of lovingly sourced and while Chelsea Farmers’ Market is a org; Dover Street Market, open Mon-Sat
Knightsbridge SW1 champagne at this vast of leather bags, belts represented at this store, created produce. The City’s Leadenhall haven of independent shops on the 11am-6pm, www.doverstreetmarket.
+44 (0)20 7235 5000 department store. and clothing that have which is decked out like Market is a more affluent affair – the King’s Road. Borough Market, open Fri com; Greenwich Market, open Thurs
www.harveynichols.com Oxford Street W1 been made to last. a 1970s boudoir. stunning 19th-century hall offers the likes 7.30am-5pm, Fri, Sat & Sun 9.30am-5pm,
of salmon, grouse and oysters. Equally Cheese at Borough Market www.greenwich-market.co.uk; Leadenhall
U Knightsbridge +44 (0)8708 377 377 Ledbury Rd W11 Monmouth Street WC2
upmarket, Dover Street Market is as far Market, open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Merton
www.selfridges.com +44 (0)20 7313 9532 +44 (0)20 7379 4040
removed from the idea of a market as Abbey Mills Market, open Sat, Sun &
U Bond Street www.jandmdavidson.com U Covent Garden
possible: ‘stall holders’ include Dior’s Hedi Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-5pm,
U Notting Hill Gate Slimane. The historic Greenwich Market www.mertonabbeymills.com
46 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 47
Stella McCartney at this cavernous store. village feel, but don’t be two sales: modern and Hamleys
Even if you can’t afford Kensington High St W8 fooled: its hip boutiques traditional furnishings, Kids will love exploring
the Beatle’s daughter’s +44 (0)20 7761 1001 keep it very much at the followed by antique this vast toy emporium.
designs, her catwalk www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk forefront of fashion. furniture and pictures. With everything from
classics are well worth U High St Kensington Off Monmouth St WC2 Lots Rd SW10 traditional teddies to
a browse. www.sevendials.co.uk +44(0)20 7376 6800 high-tech Robosapiens
Bruton St W1 Shopping Neal’s Yard
U Covent Garden www.lotsroad.com on show, don’t expect
+44 (0)20 7518 3100 Destinations U Fulham Broadway to keep your wallet in
www.stellamccartney.co.uk The Brunswick Carnaby Street & West One Shopping your pocket for long!
U Green Park Fountains and an open Kingly Court Situated above Bond Traditional There’s another branch at
arcade make this recently London’s famous street Street underground The Chocolate Heathrow Airport, if you
Topshop developed historic building offers an array of fashion station, West One is Society want to keep them happy
The flagship outlet for a relaxing place to shop. stores, while Kingly Court perfect for shopping. Bonbons, truffles and during a long flight.
the UK-wide fashion Judd Street WC1 boasts flagship stores and U Bond Street Easter Eggs are some of Regent St W1
chain. Four vast floors of +44 (0)845 450 5463 individual boutiques, with the delights on offer at +44 (0)870 333 2455
catwalk-based trends, www.thebrunswickblooms a piazza-style courtyard. Antiques this tempting shop. www.hamleys.com
shoes and accessories bury.com Carnaby Street W1 Bermondsey Market Shepherd Market, W1 U Oxford Circus “London can’t be beaten for
that’ll suit even the U Russell Square www.carnaby.co.uk This Friday morning +44 (0)20 7495 0302 shopping, from hot new designers
most modest of budgets. U Oxford Circus market thrives with www.chocolate.co.uk James Smith & Sons to high street fashion”
Oxford Circus W1 Burlington Arcade antiques fans bartering U Green Park Be prepared for all Lina, designer, Selfridges
+44 (0)20 7636 7700 London’s most elegant Duke of York Square for that old vase or weathers with a stylish
www.topshop.co.uk shopping arcade still In the heart of trendy Edwardian tea chest. umbrella from this classic
U Oxford Circus employs ‘Beadles’ who Chelsea, shops include Bermondsey Square SE1 British institution. R Twining & Co its luxury products.
ensure customers act LK Bennett and Ted Baker. U Bermondsey New Oxford St WC1 Anyone for tea? Now New Bond Street W1
Turnbull & Asser with decorum. Off King’s Rd SW3 +44 (0)20 7836 4731 more than 300 years old, +44 (0)20 7629 8558
Prince Charles is among Piccadilly W1 U Sloane Square Camden Passage www.james-smith.co.uk R Twining sells a wide www.smythson.com
the luminaries who buy +44 (0)20 7630 3833 Open from Wednesday to U Tottenham range of tea leaves and U Bond Street
their shirts and ties www.burlington-arcade.co.uk The Mall Ilford Saturday, this atmospheric Fortnum & Mason Court Road bags sourced from across
here. A bespoke service U Green Park Over 80 shops and thoroughfare is a hotpot the globe. Souvenirs
is available. restaurants within easy of fascinating collectables. Fortnum & Mason Penhaligon’s Strand WC2 Crest of London
Jermyn St SW1 Canary Wharf reach of central London. Camden Passage N1 Ever since it was founded Offering pretty vintage +44 (0)20 7353 3511 With nine stores in the
+44 (0)20 7808 3000 Three malls house 200- Ilford, Essex +44 (0)20 7359 0190 in 1707, Fortnum & Mason packaging and distinctive www.twinings.com West End, Crest sells
www.turnbullandasser.com plus shops and a wide +44 (0)20 8553 3000 www.camdenpassage has been synonymous with fragrances, this long- U Temple everything from ‘I Love
U Green Park selection of bars, cafés www.themall.co.uk islington.co.uk luxury foods – it’s known established store now has London’ T-shirts to
and eateries. Q Ilford U Angel as the Queen’s grocer. a cult following. Smythson fridge magnets – great
Urban Outfitters +44 (0)20 7477 1477 Piccadilly W1 Brook St W1 One of the most famous for gifts and mementos.
Funky clothes, CDs and www.mycanarywharf.com Seven Dials Lots Road +44 (0)20 7734 8040 +44 (0)20 7493 0002 stationers in the world, Various locations
quirky household goods U/DLR Canary Wharf Cobbled streets give Every Sunday, this www.fortnumandmason.com www.penhaligons.co.uk Smythson offers a +44 (0)20 7935 0044
vie for your attention Seven Dials a distinct auction house holds U Piccadilly Circus U Bond Street bespoke service on www.crestoflondon.co uk
London’s top museums the museum’s exhibitions. architects Herzog and de Stylish works by cutting- splash out on telescopes and shui cats and a black-resin
and galleries… There’s also William Morris Meuron, and offers an edge designers are up for glow-in-the-dark stars, while statue of Bastet, the Egyptian
See page 32 for contact details.
print scarves and glasswork exclusive leather range by grabs here. Tord Boontje James Bond fans will love goddess of love.
Design Museum by Dale Chihuly, the creator www.britishmuseum.co.uk British Museum replica
Bill Amberg, among other offers up affordable plates the radio-controlled cars.
48 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 49
British 52
French 53
“I love sitting
watching the East
London faces go
by… it’s always
Veeraswamy Masala Zone inspiring”
ALEXIE, DESIGNER,
Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant. Delicious street foods and BRICK LANE
The restaurant has just been traditional home style cooking
recently transformed. in a lively atmosphere.
Opulent, playful and No reservations required.
aristocratic 1920s India.
Marshall Street, Soho,
Mezzanine Floor, Victory House, London W1. Tel: 020 7287 9966
99 Regent Street, London W1 80 Upper Street, Islington,
(entrance located London N1. Tel: 020 7359 3399
on Swallow Street). 141 Earls Court Road,
Tel: 020 7734 1401 London SW5. Tel: 020 7373 0220
Blueprint Café
Blueprint Café Cantina del Ponte Chamberlains Coq d’Argent Galvin at Windows Kensington
Best A stunning place to watch Simple Italian food with Restaurant Spectacular views over the Situated on the 28th floor, Roof Gardens
for views the sun go down over Tower
Bridge. The modern British
a focus on seasonal
ingredients – and fantastic
Set in a stunning, Grade II-
listed Victorian building,
City of London and St Paul’s
Cathedral. And there’s even
this French restaurant named
after its Chef Patron has
High above Kensington High
Street, this unique restaurant
There are few things food is equally dazzling. £££ views of Tower Bridge. £££ this restaurant’s menu a lawned terrace for those unparalleled city views. ££££ boasts exotic gardens and
more romantic than Design Museum, Butlers Wharf Building, focuses on fish. ££ warm summer evenings. ££ The London Hilton on views of London’s skyline. £££
a splendid vista while Shad Thames SE1 Shad Thames SE1 Leadenhall Market EC3 Poultry EC2 Park Lane, Park Lane W1 Kensington High St
you wine and dine. +44 (0)20 7378 7031 +44 (0)20 7403 5403 +44 (0)20 7648 8690 +44 (0)20 7395 5000 +44 (0)20 7493 8000 +44 (0)20 7368 3993
Here’s a selection www.conran.com/eat www.conran.com/eat www.chamberlains.org www.conran.com/eat www.hilton.co.uk www.roofgardens.com
of our top choices… U London Bridge U London Bridge U Monument U Bank U Hyde Park Corner U Kensington High Street
52 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 53
De Cecco Indian The Delhi Brasserie Tamarind Value Eats
Classic Italian dishes Amaya This popular eatery in Glamorous, Michelin- Just the slightest detour off the
in a warm and relaxed Top-end Indian cuisine the heart of the West starred restaurant. £££ beaten track can pay great
atmosphere. Don’t miss with an open-show End offers diners award- Queen St W1 dividends for those food-lovers
the speciality lobster. ££ kitchen and grill to winning Indian cuisine +44 (0)20 7629 3561 looking for a delicious meal Brick Lane
54 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 55
Best for
Floridita Miyabi a modern twist. £££ Palm Court +44 (0)20 7514 1700 Entertainment
Combines all the elements Serves up excellent Bargehouse St SE1 Check .com Ideal for informal dining www.hardrock.com Swing by one of these restaurants
don U Hyde Park Corner
that make a lively Cuban hand-rolled sushi. ££ +44 (0)20 7803 3888 visitloneal deals or afternoon tea – in art
for a toe-tapping treat
bar: fat Cohiba cigars, Great Eastern Hotel, www.oxotower.co.uk for m deco surroundings. £££
U Waterloo Dover St W1
a menu that’s heavy Liverpool St EC2 Sheraton Park Lane
+44 (0)20 7491 7509
on the ceviche and, of +44 (0)20 7618 7100 Hotel W1 www.doverst.co.uk
course, lots of rum. ££££ www.great-eastern- Royal Exchange +44 (0)20 7290 7170 U Green Park
Wardour St W1 hotel.co.uk Grand Café & Bar Café/brasserie www.sheraton.com/parklane
U Liverpool Street U Green Park Hackney Central
+44 (0)20 7314 4000 Fine establishment The Brasserie R&B and funky house music
www.floriditalondon.com housed in the central Graze on a modern British play in this train station
U Tottenham Court Rd Rainforest Café court of a colossal menu with a global twist Zinc Bar & Grill turned bar/restaurant. ££
Themed restaurant Victorian building. £££ at Chelsea Football Club’s In the summer, sit on Amhurst Rd E8
+44(0)20 8986 5111
offering American and The Courtyard, relaxed restaurant. ££ the terrace and order
www.hackneycentral.com
tropical cuisine. £££ Royal Exchange EC3 Stamford Bridge SW6 a glass of Chablis to Dover Street Restaurant Q Hackney Central
Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)20 7618 2480 +44 (0)20 7565 1400 wash down the brasserie-
+44 (0)20 7434 3111 www.conran.com/eat www.chelseafc.com style fare. ££ Harry Ramsden’s Bateaux London Quaglino’s
U Bank U Fulham Broadway Enjoy world-class live Retains the glamour of the
www.therainforestcafe. Heddon St W1 Great British favourites
Floridita entertainment while you 1920s with live jazz. ££££
co.uk +44 (0)20 7255 8899 at reasonable prices. ££ eat lunch or dinner on a Bury St SW1
The Gaucho Grill U Piccadilly Circus Rules Café in the Crypt www.zincbar.co.uk Various locations Thames cruise. £££ +44(0)20 7930 6767
Free-range Argentinian Renowned as London’s Enjoy a tasty, cheap U Piccadilly Circus www.harryramsdens.co.uk Embankment Pier, Victoria www.conran.com/eat
Embankment WC2 U Green Park
beef is this restaurant Landmark oldest restaurant, this meal by candlelight. £
+44 (0)20 7925 2215
chain’s raison d’etre. £££ Locations plush dining room was St Martin-in-the-Fields, Chains My Old Dutch www.bateauxlondon.com RS Hispaniola
Heath St NW3 and Grill Room once frequented by Trafalgar Square WC2 Chez Gérard Excellent sweet and U Embankment Dine on Mediterranean
other locations Oscar Wilde dined at this Charles Dickens. £££ +44 (0)20 7766 1158 Eleven branches in savoury pancakes. ££ classics aboard this elegant
Dover Street Thameside ship. £££
+44 (0)20 7431 8222 restaurant, and it’s still one Maiden Lane WC2 www2.stmartin-in-the- London, serving up steak- Various locations
Restaurant & Bar Bury St SW1
www.gaucho-grill.com of London’s finest. £££ +44 (0)20 7836 5314 fields.org frites et al in a 1930s- +44 (0)20 7242 5200 Listen to live jazz or +44(0)20 7839 3011
U Hampstead Heath Café Royal, Regent St W1 www.rules.co.uk U Charing Cross style brasserie. £££ www.myolddutch.com rhythm and blues in this www.hispaniola.co.uk
+44 (0)20 7439 1865 U Covent Garden Various locations restaurant, which serves U Embankment
creative French fare. £££
Gilgamesh www.grill-room.com Carluccio’s +44 (0)20 7881 8870 Outback Steakhouse
Vast, Babylon-themed U Piccadilly Circus The Savoy Grill Popular cafés serving www.santeonline.co.uk Serving juicy steaks in a Museum Mouthfuls
restaurant in the heart Still one of the most fresh Italian food, with relaxed atmosphere. ££
Visiting a museum is not meal, try the level-two café.
of Camden Town. £££ Harvey Nichols glamorous places to dine excellent shops in case you Fine Burger Co. Riverside West Complex,
just about seeing a great Amid the history of the
Chalk Farm Rd NW1 Fifth Floor out in London. ££££ want to take something With several branches in Wandsworth SW18 exhibition – with excellent British Museum, sit under
+44 (0)20 7482 5757 A great pit-stop for Strand WC2 edible home. ££ London, this chain serves +44 (0)20 8877 1599 shops (see page 48), cafés Norman Foster’s awe-
www.gilgameshbar.com shoppers at London’s top +44 (0)20 7592 1600 Various locations classic burgers alongside www.outbackpom.com and restaurants, there’s a inspiring glass roof in the
U Camden Town U Wandsworth whole day’s entertainment. Court Restaurant, or head
fashion emporium. £££ www.fairmont.com/savoy +44 (0)20 7580 3050 international fare. ££
After admiring the art, to the gallery café or court
Knightsbridge SW1 U Charing Cross www.carluccios.com +44 (0)20 7224 1890 refuel at Tate Britain’s café café for a lighter meal.
Meza +44 (0)20 7235 5250 www.fineburger.co.uk Planet Hollywood and espresso bar, or marvel For further details, see
Tempting Spanish tapas www.harveynichols.com Sketch Coffee, Cake & Kink Gaze at the movie at the stunning mural in the museum listings, page 32
U Knightsbridge more formal restaurant as
and good old-fashioned This 18th-century building A coffee shop with a Hard Rock Café memorabilia as you tuck
you browse the modern Court Restaurant
cocktails. ££ is now a venue for fine naughty difference! £ A guitar that Lenny into steaks and ribs. ££ British menu.
Wardour St W1 Oxo Tower food, arts and music. ££££ Endell St WC2 Kravitz smashed and a Coventry St W1 Tate Modern’s level-
+44 (0)20 7314 4002 Restaurant, Conduit St W1 +44 (0)20 7419 2996 shawl worn by Janis Joplin +44 (0)20 7437 7639 seven restaurant boasts
British Museum
56 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 57
Visit the home of one of the
world’s greatest writers in the
Delhi
The
the 30s. Creation at great pride in offering a could be preceded by a in the world, and features
the Kenilworth allows culinary experience that romantic Thames walk. a four-piece band on
diners to watch the matches its high-quality
accommodation. The
Addendum at the Apex
City of London (www.
apexhotels.co.uk) serves
Friday and Saturday nights.
Finally, One-O-One at
the Sheraton Park Tower
brasserie
A different day out
Ben
Woburn Place Dining up the likes of diver-caught (www.starwoodhotels. Visit The Ben Uri Gallery
Room at the London seared scallops and roast com) offers sumptuous ‘The best museum of the region’, just off the
Euston serves up English, squab pigeon to diners on French cuisine and serves Beatle's famous Abbey Road, followed by
leather banquettes. The some of the finest seafood
European and Far Eastern lunch in Little Venice then onto nearby London
deVille Restaurant at the in London.
Uri
fare within a Victorian Zoo in Regent’s Park or Madame Tussauds
conservatory. The
Jan-Feb Ambiguous Realities, Photographs by Dorothy Bohm
chefs preparing food Tiger Green Brasserie with majestic views. dishes amid elegant March-April Art of the Holocaust
influenced by cuisines at the London Green Further views are to be surroundings. And May Julie Held & Shanti Panchal painting different experiences
from the Far East through Park entices you with had at Nippon Tuk, an the Waldorf Hilton’s June-July The London School, Freud, Auerbach, Kossoff
Ideally situated in the heart of London’s theatreland August Contemporary artists’ festival
a glass divide. Glass contemporary dishes Oriental restaurant on Homage serves up classic for business lunches and pre- or after-theatre dinners. Sept-Nov Varian Fry and the artists he saved from tyranny
at the Marlborough is inspired by world cuisine. the 23rd floor of the and contemporary fare Dec Highlights from the renowned Ben Uri collection
Dishes from various regions cooked to perfection
furnished with individual Visitors to the London London Metropole. Plum in a dramatic setting. and served with style. www.benuri.org.uk for details
mirrors and the dramatic Hilton on Park Lane at the London Olympia www.hilton.co.uk 44 Frith Street, 134 Cromwell Road,
Soho W1 Kensington, SW7
canvasses of Heidi can choose between wows guests with Tel: 020 7437 8261 Tel: 020 7370 7617
Harrington. The open the Park Brasserie international classics and Fax: 020 7437 3789 Fax: 020 7244 8639
kitchen and grill at (Mediterranean-inspired), traditional favourites. Indian Cuisine Mon-Fri 10-5.30pm April to October and from 10-3.30pm on
the May Fair’s opulent Trader Vic’s (Polynesian) The Brasserie at the Recommended by prominent food critics
including BBC Good Eating Guide Fridays between November and March, Sunday opening 12-4pm
Amba is renowned for or the 28th-floor Galvin London Paddington www.delhibrasserie.com 108A Boundary Road, London NW8 ORH. Tel: 020 7604 3991
its bread-and-butter at Windows, complete offers cross-continental
58 visitlondon.com
Bar Etiquette
Drink Be patient. Don’t wave your cash at the barman or shout
for attention. It’s considered rude.
Fancy a tipple? Here’s a sample of Pick a good spot at the bar. Everyone tries to squeeze
the capital’s best watering holes in from the edges but this is often where dirty glasses are
collected. Stand here and you will be ignored.
Make eye contact when you want to get served.
Pubs Crown & Greyhound Smile, keep looking at the bar person’s eyes and,
Butcher’s Hook A large Victorian public at some point, they’ll come to you.
Popular gastro pub house with a real taste of
Always ask before you join someone’s table. In crowded
serving high-quality traditional British pubs, sharing tables is acceptable. In bars, they may look
food and wine. drinking, set in pretty at you in horror!
Fulham Rd SW6 village surrounds. Expect to buy rounds of drinks. The British usually take
+44 (0)20 7385 4654 Dulwich Village SE21 turns around the table to buy the drinks. Be prepared to
U Fulham Broadway +44 (0)20 8299 4976 offer to buy the next round.
Q North Dulwich
Cork & Bottle Lamb’s Conduit St WC1 Fleet St EC4
Atmospheric wine The Elgin +44 (0)20 7405 0713 +44 (0)20 7583 6470
bar that also serves A good selection of real www.youngs.co.uk www.tipperarypub.co.uk
U Leicester Square +44 (0)20 7229 5663 The Oak offers a range of
but one mistress U Ladbroke Grove specialist beers. There are
also regular book readings
Lamb and other events.
master’
Ascribed to Elizabeth I in response to the Earl of Leicester Canary
Seven Stars traditional dishes like Irish
Situated behind the Royal stew and mussels.
Courts of Justice, this old Rupert St W1
Wharf pub is, unsurprisingly,
popular with lawyers.
+44 (0)20 7287 0255
U Leicester Square
History Art Biography Fame
Office workers and shoppers Carey St WC2
Discover them for Free www.npg.org.uk create a buzzing atmosphere +44 (0)20 7242 8521 Bars
around the waterside bars U Holborn
and restaurants of Canary
Auberge Bar &
Wharf. Champagne and wine Restaurant
Open daily bar Corney & Barrow puts on
The Fine Line
The Tipperary European beers are a firm
summer barbecues, The Fine
10.00 – 18.00 Line combines soft furnishings
special try stylish restaurants
Ubon and Plateau.
This 400-year-old favourite at this café bar
pub survived the tucked away near
Thursdays and Fridays with contemporary art, and
Great Fire of London Waterloo station.
Davy’s and Smollensky’s Canary Wharf E14
Queen Elizabeth I
until 21.00 offer delicious informal dining. +44 (0)20 7477 1477 to become the city’s Sandell St SE1
The Jubilee Place Food Court
u Leicester Square
by an unknown artist, c.1600 www.mycanarywharf.com first Irish pub. Great +44 (0)20 7633 0610
© National Portrait Gallery, London serves food from around the U/DLR Canary Wharf pub food is available. U Waterloo
globe, and for something
visitlondon.com 61
Julie’s
This wine bar next to the
Ruby Blue
A funky bar, restaurant
Hotel Bars
The Blue Bar
Dial Bar
Funky urban bar serving
Historic Pub Tour
London’s oldest inns offer much
restaurant of the same and club where you This chic bar offers tasty great snacks and cocktails.
name has a great can dance until 3am. cocktails and a choice of Radisson Edwardian
more than just a great pint…
selection of French and Leicester Place WC2 more than 50 whiskies. Mountbatten, The old pubs of London not Ye Olde Mitre
Absolut Ice Bar only give the city its character,
New World wines. +44 (0)20 7287 8050 The Berkeley, Monmouth St WC2
they also capture its history.
Portland Rd W11 www.rubybluebar.co.uk Wilton Place SW1 +44 (0)20 7836 4300 Ye Olde Mitre, off Chancery
Bar Soho Crazy Bear +44 (0)20 7229 8331 U Leicester Square +44 (0)20 7235 6000 www.radissonedwardian.com Lane, was founded in 1546,
Late bar offering great This beautiful basement www.juliesrestaurant.com www.the-berkeley.co.uk U Leicester Square though the current building
U Holland Park U Hyde Park Corner was erected in 1772. A tree
cocktails and food in the bar offers oriental-style Sirocco trunk in the front bar is said to
bustling heart of Soho. cocktails and bar snacks. Boasting twelve plasma Long Bar have been part of a maypole
Old Compton St W1 Whitfield St W1 La Casa del Habano screens, this is a great bar The Bridge Bar An 80ft-long bar buzzing that Elizabeth I danced around.
+44 (0)20 7439 0439 +44 (0)20 7631 0088 Thick cigars, delicious to catch some sport, but Drink with soccer stars at with fashionistas. If you want something a bit more decadent, try the
Jerusalem Tavern in Britton Street, where William
www.barsoho.co.uk www.crazybeargroup.co.uk cocktails and tapas there’s also a dance floor. Chelsea Football Club. Sanderson Hotel,
Hogarth and Handel used to drink. Today, this warren of
U Leicester Square U Goodge Street transport you to Cuba. 39-45 Shaftesbury Av W1 The Hotel at Chelsea, Berners St W1 a pub stocks some of the best real ales in the city.
Wardour St W1 +44 (0)20 7437 0847 Stamford Bridge SW6 +44 (0)20 7300 1496 Charles Dickens frequented the 18th-century George
Cellar Gascon Greenwich Park +44 (0)20 7314 4001 www.sirocco-london.com +44 (0)20 7565 1400 www.sandersonlondon.com Inn in Borough, and even plugged it in his serial novel Little
Dorrit. The building is now a National Trust monument.
Boasts a vast wine list Bar & Grill www.lacasadelhabano.co.uk U Piccadilly Circus www.thehotelatchelsea.com U Goodge Street
The lovely Windsor Castle in Kensington dates back
from Gascony in France, Three-storey venue with U Tottenham Court Rd U Fulham Broadway
to 1835 and was frequented by farmers bringing their
also some weird and a fine array of beers, as Vertigo 42 Rockwell animals to sell at Hyde Park.
wonderful snacks. well as a patio courtyard Los Locos This champagne bar on Claridge’s Bar Top-notch cocktails amid The quiet Star Tavern in Belgravia, on the other hand,
is surrounded by mews cottages originally created as
West Smithfield EC1 for summer evenings. A cocktail bar, TexMex the 42nd floor of Tower 42 Art-deco bar serving chic monochrome décor.
stables. Its lovely upstairs
+44 (0)20 7796 0600 King William Walk SE10 restaurant and club is the highest in London. cocktails to die for The Trafalgar Hotel, room is thought to have
U Barbican +44 (0)20 8853 7860 that stays open till 3am. Old Broad St EC2 and rare champagnes. Spring Gardens SW1 been where the Great Train
www.thegreenwichpark.com Russell St WC2 +44 (0)20 7877 7842 Claridge’s, Brook St W1 +44 (0)20 7870 2900 Robbery was planned.
The French House, on
Cheers Bar DLR Cutty Sark for +44 (0)20 7379 0220 www.vertigo42.co.uk +44 (0)20 7629 8860 www.thetrafalgar.com
Dean Street, was named
A reproduction of the bar Maritime Greenwich www.los-locos.co.uk U Bank www.claridges.co.uk U Charing Cross
after the Resistance fighters
from the legendary TV U Covent Garden U Bond Street who met here during WWII.
The George Inn
series. At night it’s a club Jewel Zoo Bar The Tenth The Coach and Horses,
on nearby Greek Street, is a favourite haunt of actors and
with DJs from London Enjoy a cocktail in LVPO A great party venue with Tenth-floor bar with
theatre folk – and was, until recently, famous for having
radio stations Kiss, beautiful surroundings. Candles, cocktails and top DJs spinning the tunes. views across Hyde Park. the rudest landlord in the city!
ut
Capital and Virgin. Glasshouse St W1 banquettes combine at Bear St WC2 Check o o.uk Royal Garden Hotel,
ho.c
iloveso ils of PUB TOUR CONTACT DETAILS
Regent St W1 +44 (0)20 7439 4990 this chic bar/restaurant. +44 (0)20 7839 4188 for deta ars Kensington High St W8
great b nts
Ye Olde Mitre Ely Court, Ely Place, +44 (0)20 7405 4751
+44 (0)20 7494 3322 www.jewelbarlondon.co.uk Dean St W1 www.zoobar.co.uk +44 (0)20 7361 1910
aura (closed weekends); Jerusalem Tavern Britton St EC1, +44
www.cheersbarlondon. U Piccadilly Circus +44 (0)20 7434 3399 U Leicester Square and rest ho www.royalgarden
in So (0)20 7490 4281 (closed weekends); The George Inn
com www.lvpo.co.uk hotel.co.uk Borough High St SE1, +44 (0)20 7407 2056; The Windsor
U Piccadilly Circus U Leicester Square U High St Kensington Castle Campden Hill Rd W8, +44 (0)20 7243 9551; The
French House Dean St W1, +44 (0)20 7437 2799; The
Coach and Horses Greek St W1, +44 (0)20 7437 5920
Trailer Happiness
Top Five Absolut Ice Bar much, there’s Below Zero Albannach Cocoon Loungelover Trailer Happiness
As much a tourist attraction downstairs, where you can Scottish-themed bar offering Models and party people East End cocktail bar full of Kitsch basement bar serving
Design Bars as a bar, the Absolut Ice Bar get warm and lounge on the more than 200 whiskies, often prop up the bar at antiques and oddities. The vintage cocktails with
If stylish clientele is, as the name suggests, pillow-covered banquettes. cocktails and bar snacks. this futuristic Asian cocktails are equally eclectic. lots of West Indian rum.
in an even more entirely made of ice – from Heddon Street W1 Trafalgar Square WC2 restaurant-cum-cocktail-bar. Whitby Street E1 Portobello Road W11
stylish setting the walls, to the seats, to +44 (0)20 7478 8910 +44 (0)20 7930 0066 Regent Street W1 +44 (0)20 7012 1234 +44 (0)20 7727 2700
appeal, check out the glasses themselves. www.belowzerolondon.com www.albannach.co.uk +44 (0)20 7494 7600 www.lestroisgarcons.com www.trailerhappiness.com
these hot spots When the cold gets too U Piccadilly U Charing Cross U Piccadilly Circus U Liverpool Street U Ladbroke Grove
62 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 63
CHELSEA FC
Arts Centres & 66
West End
Open-Air Theatres 67
Entertainment
Off West End 68
73
VISIT THE HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS Nightclubs, Gay & 74
From top West End shows and cutting-edge fringe Lesbian London
theatre to live comedy, cabaret and jazz, make sure
you save enough energy to enjoy London after dark
*All Tours and photo opportunities with the Barclays Premiership Trophy are subject to availability, alteration or cancellation without prior notice.
Stadium Tours and Museum will be closed on all home Matchdays. Photo opportunities incur an additional fee.
ORDER ON-LINE ON AT
WWW.CHELSEAFC.COM/TOURS
OR CALL 0870 603 0005
visitlondon.com 65
undergoing a major refit. Upstairs at Donmar Warehouse
Theatre Mare St E8
+44 (0)20 8985 2424
www.hackneyempire.co.uk
the Gatehouse
Based in an historic inn,
at 446ft above sea level,
Earlham St WC2
+44 (0)870 060 6624
www.donmarwarehouse.com
The stars shine brightly in the Q Hackney Central this is quite literally U Leicester Square
London’s top theatre!
capital’s vibrant theatreland Lyric Hammersmith Highgate Village N6 Duchess
Two modern spaces host +44 (0)20 8340 3488 Catherine St WC2
Arts Centres Battersea Arts Centre new writing, live music and www.upstairsatthe +44 (0)870 890 1103
Artsdepot A grade II-listed building children’s theatre. gatehouse.com www.duchesstheatre.co.uk
North London arts centre provides the backdrop King St W6 U Highgate U Covent Garden
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
offering a vast array of for cutting-edge comedy, +44 (0)870 050 0511
entertainment – theatre, drama and modern dance. www.lyric.co.uk Duke Of York’s
live music, dance, spoken Lavender Hill SW11 U Hammersmith St Martin’s Lane WC2
word and more – to suit
all ages and tastes.
+44 (0)20 7223 2223
www.bac.org.uk Menier Chocolate
+44 (0)870 060 6623
www.theambassadors.com/
Open-Air Theatres
Take advantage of summer and enjoy an
Nether St N12 Q Clapham Junction Factory dukeofyorks
+44 (0)20 8369 5454 As the name suggests, U Leicester Square al fresco theatrical treat
www.artsdepot.co.uk Fairfield Hall the Menier began life as Shakespeare’s Globe Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park
U Finchley Central There’s much more than a 19th-century chocolate West End Garrick This carefully recreated 16th-century open- The beautiful outdoor theatre in Regent’s
theatre on the menu at factory. It now houses Adelphi Charing Cross Rd WC2 air theatre has a spectacular riverside Park opened in 1932 and hosts a crowd-
Barbican this buzzing arts centre. a studio theatre, gallery Strand WC2 +44 (0)870 890 1104 setting on Bankside. The thatched theatre friendly summer programme of mainly
Theatre, art, dance, film Park Lane Croydon CR9 and restaurant. +44 (0)870 403 0303 www.seetickets.com has run for 10 years to great acclaim, with Shakespearean classics.
and music – you name it, +44 (0)20 8688 9291 Southwark St SE1 www.adelphitheatre.co.uk U Charing Cross a programme of classics and new writing. Doors to the picnic lawn open early as a
U The seated tickets are under cover and thousand people enjoy the relaxed BBQ and
this vast lakeside complex www.fairfield.co.uk +44 (0)20 7907 7060 Charing Cross bar before the show, then afterwards the
Q offer an excellent view of the stage, or you
has it. Venues range from East Croydon www.menierchocolate Gielgud can buy a bargain-priced ‘groundling ticket’ bar stays open until midnight. The house
the 1,950-seat Barbican factory.com Aldwych Shaftesbury Ave W1 for ‘the yard’ in the centre of the auditorium favourite, A Midsummer Night’s Dream,
Hall to the intimate Pit, Hackney Empire U London Bridge Aldwych WC2 +44 (0)870 890 1105 to see the action up close. Prepare for all plays each year, as does a children’s
with just 200 seats. Charlie Chaplin is among +44 (0)20 7379 3367 www.seetickets.com weathers, as the show goes on regardless. programme throughout August.
Silk St EC2 the stars who have lit up National Theatre www.aldwychtheatre.com U Piccadilly Circus
+44 (0)20 7638 8891 this beautiful East End Three theatres stage classic U Holborn Insider’s tip: If you have a seat for the Insider’s tip: Don’t worry if you don’t
www.barbican.org.uk landmark, which reopened plays and cutting-edge Her Majesty’s show, splash out the extra £1 for cushion get a picnic table – you have the whole of
U Barbican its doors in 2004 after new work. Backstage tours Apollo Haymarket SW1 hire. If you’re standing, buy a rain mac sold Regent’s Park to spread out a picnic blanket.
at the theatre, as umbrellas are not allowed.
run daily from Monday Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)870 890 1106 May – Sept*, The Ironworks, Inner Circle,
to Saturday. +44 (0)870 890 1101 www.seetickets.com May – Oct*, New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 Regent’s Park NW1
South Bank SE1 www.seetickets.com U Piccadilly Circus +44 (0)20 7401 9919 +44 (0)870 060 1811
+44 (0)20 7452 3000 U Piccadilly Circus www.shakespeares-globe.org www.openairtheatre.org
www.nt-online.org London Palladium U London Bridge U Baker Street
U Waterloo Cambridge Argyll St W1 * SEE WEBSITES FOR PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Earlham St WC2 +44 (0)870 890 1108
Riverside Studios +44 (0)870 890 1102 www.seetickets.com
Former BBC TV studios U Oxford Circus
where you can enjoy
www.seetickets.com
U Leicester Square
Booking sometimes returns are sold
on the day, at reduced prices.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Advance Box Office
everything from theatre Lyceum Tickets You can snap up half-price +44 (0)870 240 1900
and dance to cinema Dominion Wellington St WC2 To avoid missing out on that tickets for selected West End www.advanceboxoffice.com
and comedy. Tottenham Court Rd W1 +44 (0)870 243 9000 show you’ve always wanted shows on the day of the See
Crisp Rd W6 +44 (0)870 169 0116 www.ticketmaster.co.uk to see, book your tickets performance at tkts booths +44 (0)871 230 0010
U before your visit to London, in Leicester Square and www.seetickets.com
“London’s like an enormous arts +44 (0)20 8237 1111 www.dominiontheatre.co.uk Charing Cross
either online or by telephone, Canary Wharf. tkts
www.riversidestudios.co.uk U Tottenham Ct Road
festival that runs all year round” U Hammersmith
as the popular shows tend Theatre tickets and a www.officiallondon
Imogen & Gerrard, tour guides, Theatre Royal to sell out long in advance. pre-theatre dinner table theatre.co.uk
But it is always worth asking can also be booked at
at the theatre’s box office as visitlondon.com
66 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 67
DISCOVER
THE V&A
Lyric Piccadilly THE WORLD’S
+44 (0)870 162 8787
GREATEST
Shaftesbury Ave W1 Denman St W1 www.stmartinstheatre.co.uk
U
MUSEUM
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OF ART
www.seetickets.com
U Piccadilly Circus
www.theambassadors.com
U Piccadilly Circus Savoy AND DESIGN
Admission free
Savoy Court WC2 www.vam.ac.uk
New Ambassadors Prince Edward +44 (0)870 164 8787 u South Kensington
Theatre Old Compton St W1 www.ticketmaster.co.uk
West St WC2 +44 (0)870 850 9191 U Charing Cross
+44 (0)870 060 6627 www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk
www.newambassadors.com U Leicester Square Shaftesbury
U Leicester Square Shaftesbury Ave WC2
Prince of Wales +44 (0)870 906 3798
New London Coventry St W1 www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Theatre +44 (0)870 850 0393 U Tottenham Ct Road
Drury Lane WC2 www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk TOP TICKETS TO OVER
+44 (0)870 890 0141 U Leicester Square Theatre Royal Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
30 WEST END SHOWS DAILY
www.seetickets.com Drury Lane WC2 The Bush Theatre
U Covent Garden Queen’s +44 (0)870 890 1109 Shpds Bush Green W12
Shaftesbury Ave W1 www.seetickets.com +44 (0)20 7610 4224
Noel Coward Theatre
St Martin’s Lane WC2
+44 (0)870 950 0920
www.delfont
+44 (0)870 950 0930
www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk
U Piccadilly Circus
U Covent Garden
Wyndam’s
Charing Cross Rd WC2
www.bushtheatre.co.uk
U Shepherd’s Bush
Old Vic
tkts Ewer. Fritware painted under a coloured glaze. Iran, Kashan, late 12th or early 13th century © V&A
mackintosh.co.uk Royal Shakespeare +44 (0)870 950 0925 The Cut SE1
U Leicester Square Company www.theambassadors.com/ +44 (0)870 060 6628
The RSC performs in wyndhams www.oldvictheatre.com
Novello venues across town. U Leicester Square U Waterloo
Aldwych WC2 +44 (0)870 609 1110 THE CLOCKTOWER BUILDING
+44 (0)870 534 4444 www.rsc.org.uk Off West End Royal Court Theatre
www.ticketmaster.co.uk Almeida Theatre Sloane Square SW1
U Covent Garden St Martin’s Almeida St N1 +44 (0)20 7565 5000
West St WC2 +44 (0)20 7359 4404 www.royalcourttheatre.com
Palace www.almeida.co.uk U Sloane Square
Christmas at the
Shaftesbury Ave W1 U Angel London Coliseum
+44 (0)870 890 0142 Victoria Palace 8 December – 13 January
your
www.seetickets.com To booskgo to Apollo Victoria Victoria St SW1
U Leicester Square et
tick don.com Wilton Rd SW1 +44 (0)870 895 5577
visitlon +44 (0)20 7834 6318 www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk
www.apollovictoria.co.uk U Victoria
N
ART
CIL
rock music and multimedia installations, Ewan McGregor are among the big names
performed by men in blue paint and caps! who’ve appeared in the hit show at the
The Lion King The adventures of lion cub Simba are Piccadilly Theatre.
68 visitlondon.com
theatre film
art education
dance music
Visit the
the Roundhouse has long swing once more, boasting
From concertos to cha-cha, the been recognised as an the Roundhouse Café and
outstanding example two bars, making it one
world’s culture descends on one city of mid-19th century of London’s most exciting
Barbican
architecture, but it wasn’t live-performance venues.
Barbican from ballroom to ballet. until 1964 that the Chalk Farm Road NW1
magnificent round building +44 (0)20 7424 9991
Theatre, art, dance, film, Kensington Gore SW7 became a cutting-edge arts www1.roundhouse.org.uk
music and workshops +44 (0)20 7589 8212 venue, with the likes of Jimi U Chalk Farm
Europe’s leading arts and conference centre are all hosted at this www.royalalberthall.com Hendrix and Pink Floyd
performing there. After
www.barbican.org.uk complex, which is also
home to the London
U South Kensington
closing for a lengthy spell,
it reopened in 2006
Box office 0845 121 6838 Symphony Orchestra. Royal Ballet following a multi-million
Silk St EC2 Based at the Royal Opera
u Barbican, Moorgate, Liverpool Street +44 (0)20 7638 8891 House, this company www.rfh.org.uk
www.barbican.org.uk performs classic and U Waterloo
U Barbican contemporary ballet.
Bow St WC2 Royal Opera House
English National +44 (0)20 7304 4000 A stunning venue for
Opera www.roh.org.uk opera and ballet with a
Performances of famous U Covent Garden history dating back to
London’s and lesser-known works 1732.
Dance at the London Coliseum.
St Martin’s Lane WC2
Bow St WC2
+44 (0)20 7304 4000
House +44 (0)870 145 0200 www.roh.org.uk
The Roundhouse
www.eno.org U Covent Garden
U Leicester Square South Bank Centre
Mark Morris Dance Company, V (18-22 Oct 2005). Photo Robbie Jack
The Royal Opera House offers bench, standing and/or Rosebery Ave EC1 Trafalgar Square WC2
From cutting edge contemporary to flamenco, from restricted-view tickets for opera and ballet performances
+44 (0)20 7863 8198 +44 (0)20 7839 8362
classical ballet to hip-hop, from the world's greatest for as little as £4.
Islington, London EC1 www.sadlerswells.com www.stmartin-in-the-
international companies to local youth projects, you can There are regular free performances in the Royal
Visit www.sadlerswells.com for more
see it all at Sadler's Wells - London's Dance House. information, videoclips and more. Festival Hall, part of the huge South Bank Centre complex. U Angel fields.org
These span classical, folk, modern jazz and rock music. U Charing Cross
visitlondon.com 71
Nightlife Newsrevue
Topical political satire
in the quaint setting of
St Katharine’s Dock E1
+44 (0)20 7480 5353
www.medievalbanquet.com
Ain’t Nothin But
Opened in 1993, this club
offers live blues until late
The 02
Set to open in July 2007,
the O2 can hold 23,000
Let’s Go to
the Movies…
When the sun goes down, the Little Venice. U Tower Hill every night of the week. for live music and sport.
Watch the latest Hollywood and arthouse
capital really comes into its own Canal Café Theatre, The Blues Bar, www.theo2.co.uk
Bridge House Pub, Thames River Kingly St W1 U North Greenwich films in style at London’s cinemas
Delamere Tce W2 Cruises +44 (0)20 7287 0514 Electric Cinema
Comedy The Comedy Store +44 (0)20 7289 6054 Your four-course dinner www.aintnothinbut.co.uk With its leather seating,
Amused Moose The birthplace of British www.newsrevue.com is accompanied by a live U Oxford Circus bar, and tables for food and
drink, the Electric offers a
Ricky Gervais and Eddie alternative comedy. U Royal Oak band on a luxury boat. very different, very stylish
Izzard are among those Oxendon St SW1 Westminster and Bar 606 movie-going experience.
who have played at these +44 (0)870 060 2340 Embankment Piers Top-drawer jazz every Portobello Rd W11
two intimate venues. www.thecomedystore.biz +44 (0)20 7439 2333 night. Note: to drink +44 (0)20 7908 9696
www.electriccinema.co.uk
www.amusedmoose.com U Piccadilly Circus www.expressevents.com alcohol, you have to U Ladbroke Grove/
Moonlighting, U Westminster eat. Be sure to book. Notting Hill Gate
Greek St W1 Jongleurs Lots Rd SW10
+44 (0)20 8341 1341 Enjoy great comedy, Madame JoJo’s
Casinos +44 (0)20 7352 5953 Electric Cinema
National Film Theatre
As well as showing new
U Tottenham Court Rd then dance the night Cabaret Golden Nugget www.606club.co.uk BFI IMAX films, the NFT puts on
The Enterprise, away after the show. Jermyn Street Shaftesbury Ave W1 U Fulham Broadway PizzaExpress Experience short films and seasons dedicated to
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on a 20-metre-high screen. Belvedere Rd SE1
U Chalk Farm Lock, Chalk Farm Rd NW1 combined with a pre- or london.com Indie-music pub hosting play to diners in a Charlie Chaplin Walk SE1 +44 (0)20 7928 3232
+44 (0)870 787 0707 post-show dinner at the U Piccadilly Circus up-and-coming acts. relaxed atmosphere. +44 (0)870 787 2525 www.bfi.org.uk/showing/nft
U Camden Getti restaurant above. Chalk Farm Rd NW1 Dean St W1 www.bfi.org.uk/ U Waterloo
Lavender Gardens SW11 Jermyn St SW1 Rendezvous +44 (0)20 7691 4244 +44 (0)20 7439 8722 incinemas/imax
U Waterloo Prince Charles Cinema
+44 (0)870 787 0707 +44 (0)20 7287 2875 Old Park Lane W1 www.barflyclub.com www.pizzaexpress.co.uk U An eclectic mix of one-off
Q Clapham Junction www.jermynstreet +44 (0)20 7491 8586 U Chalk Farm Tottenham Court Rd Curzon Mayfair screenings, seasons and
theatre.co.uk www.rendezvouscasino.com Foreign-language films events – with a low-pricing
The Medieval Banquet The Laughing Horse U Piccadilly Circus U Hyde Park Corner Borderline Pizza On The Park are the speciality at this policy on tickets.
two-screen cinema. Leicester Place WC2
Comedy Café With several branches in Hosts breaking and cult Enjoy a jazz show while Curzon St W1 +44 (0)20 7494 3654
Expect great stand-up London, The Laughing Madame JoJo’s Sportsman acts from the UK and US. you tuck into a pizza. +44 (0)870 756 4621 www.princecharles
acts, a late bar and Horse offers cutting-edge Kitsch, draggy cabaret – Old Quebec St W1 Orange Yard, Knightsbridge SW1 www.curzoncinemas.com cinema.com
U Green Park U Leicester Square
reasonably priced food. comedy and workshops. you really have to see it +44 (0)20 7414 0061 Manette St W1 +44 (0)20 7235 5550
Rivington St EC2 Kingly St W1 to believe it! www.thesportsmancasino.com +44 (0)20 7734 5547 www.pizzaonthepark.co.uk
+44 (0)20 7739 5706 +44 (0)7796 171 190 Brewer St W1 U Marble Arch www.meanfiddler.com U Hyde Park Corner
www.comedycafe.co.uk www.laughinghorse.co.uk +44 (0)20 7734 3040 U Tottenham Court Rd
U Old Street U Oxford Circus www.madamejojos.com Live Music The Ritz
U Piccadilly Circus 100 Club Jazz Cafe A five-piece jazz band National
Film Theatre
Comedy Camp Lee Hurst’s Backyard The Rolling Stones and Luminaries from the plays at the famous
Gay and straight comics Comedy Club The Medieval Oasis are two of the worlds of Latin, rock hotel on Friday and
perform to a similarly The madcap TV star owns Banquet big names to appear at and jazz music perform Saturday nights. Did you know?
balanced crowd. this East End club. Dress up for an evening of this renowned venue. while you eat and drink. Piccadilly W1 Check local listings magazines such as Time Out and
Archer St W1 Cambridge Heath Rd E2 feasting, merriment and Oxford St W1 Parkway NW1 +44 (0)20 7493 8181 visitlondon.com for one-off nights and short runs.
+44 (0)20 7483 2960 +44 (0)20 7739 3122 even jousting! The night +44 (0)20 7636 0933 +44 (0)20 7916 6060 www.theritzlondon.com
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and receive discounted entry to selected clubs,
U Piccadilly Circus U Bethnal Green Ivory House, U Oxford Circus U Camden Town
plus two-for-one drinks offers. From £10.
72 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 73
Ronnie Scott’s
Gay & Lesbian
For monre
Get up close and personal
with jazz legends at this
o don’s
aboutliLfe check
London
night don.com
visitlon
London is recognised as boys are strictly not
famous club.
one of the gay capitals of allowed (unless they’re gay
Frith St W1 the world, and at its centre and with girls).
+44 (0)20 7439 0747 are Soho and Old Compton If camp cabaret’s your A 75 minute adventure tour of the City of
www.ronniescotts.co.uk Street, where European
café culture has taken off
thing, head to Too2Much,
or go east and catch Tranny
Westminster by road and river onboard an
U Tottenham Court Rd spun by big-name DJs who amphibious ‘Duck’, including a live commentary.
in a big way. A mixed crowd Lipsync at slinky restaurant,
flock to the superclub. bar and club Bistrotheque.
Charterhouse St EC1 Edgy gay East Enders are London Ducktours offers more than just a sightseeing tour - it's an
+44 (0)20 7336 8898 found in the George and exciting road and river adventure appealing to visitors of all ages
Dragon pub, or dancing taking in some of London’s most famous landmarks.
www.fabriclondon.com
at Family at Bar Music Hall
U Farringdon Ask about our personalised tours for weddings, children’s parties,
on Saturdays.
In the south, head to the hospitality, educational tours, special events etc!
The Village
Ronnie Scott’s Lucky Voice Karaoke Royal Vauxhall Tavern,
sit and watch the world go where queues stretch round
The 12 Bar Club This nine-room private
by at the many bars and the block, even on Sundays.
Showcases three or four karaoke club promises coffee houses along the In North London, the guys
talented acts every night a night of uninhibited street. Balans and its go to indie club Popstarz
of the week. entertainment! smaller sister Balans Café every Friday at Scala in
are particularly popular. Kings Cross. But if you
Denmark Place WC2 Poland St W1
Afterwards, head to G.A.Y. want something a little
+44 (0)20 7240 2622 +44 (0)20 7439 3660 for live cheesy pop, or to more classic, try 18th-
www.12barclub.com www.luckyvoice.co.uk Village for some karaoke century gay pub The
U Tottenham Court Rd U Tottenham Court Rd singing (Tuesday nights William IV in Hampstead. w w w. l o n d o n r i b v o y a g e s . c o m
only). Alternatively, dance If all those nights out
the night away to funky wear you out, then unwind
Wembley Arena lounge sounds at with a good book from
The newly refurbished The Shadow Lounge. Gay’s The Word on
venue hosts the world’s The best night out for Marchmont Street. And if
the girls in London is the you’re here in summer,
biggest acts.
Candy Bar, a two-floor don’t miss July’s Gay Pride
Empire Way HA9 club known for its buzzing – visitlondon.com has all
Lucky Voice Karaoke
+44 (0)870 060 0870 parties. Be warned, though, the details.
www.whatsonwembley.com No 5
Look out for the official London Gay & Lesbian Guide
U Wembley Park Sumptuous members and go to visitlondon.com for more info
club playing funky soul,
Nightclubs R&B and Latin grooves. GAY & LESBIAN +44 (0)20 7278 7654;
Club Aquarium Cavendish Square W1 LONDON George and Dragon
CONTACT DETAILS Hackney Rd E2, +44 (0)871
Bring your swimsuit +44 (0)20 7079 5000 984 1146; Village Wardour AN ESSENTIAL ‘MUST DO’ EXCURSION
for a dip in the in-house www.no5ltd.com Balans Old Compton St St W1, +44 (0)20 7434 WHEN VISITING LONDON
jacuzzi and pool! U Oxford Circus W1, +44 (0)20 7439 2183; 2124; Royal Vauxhall Skim across the surface of the river in a rigid inflatable
Old St EC1 Bar Music Hall Curtain Rd Tavern, Kennington Lane boat, going further and faster in an hour than any other
EC2, +44 (0)20 7613 5951; SE11, +44 (0)20 7737 cruise. Enjoy this exhilarating experience with
+44 (0)20 7253 3558 Turnmills Bistrotheque Wadeson St 4043; The Shadow professional guides on board helping you explore the
www.clubaquarium.co.uk Dance to top-name DJs E2, +44 (0)20 8983 7900; Lounge Brewer St W1, +44 sites, sounds and stories of the Thames.
U Old Street until the early hours. Candy Bar Carlisle St W1, (0)20 7287 7988;
Clerkenwell Rd EC1 +44 (0)20 7494 4041; Too2Much Walkers Court Phone: 020 7928 2350 or 020 7401 8834
G.A.Y. @ ASTORIA Charing W1, +44 (0)20 7734 0377; Email: bookings@londonribvoyages.com
Fabric London +44 (0)20 7250 3409 Cross Rd WC2, +44 (0)20 The William IV
Three dancefloors www.turnmills.co.uk Kiosk situated on the Waterloo Millennium Pier underneath
7434 9592; Gay’s The Hampstead High St NW3, the BA London Eye
reverberate to tunes U Farringdon Word Marchmont St WC1, +44 (0)20 7435 5747
74 visitlondon.com
Hotels 78
G R E E N W I C H • L O N D O N
Admission free
Visit www.nmm.ac.uk or call 0870 780 4264
Greenwich (Zone 2) by rail, riverboat or Docklands Light Railway
visitlondon.com 77
The Beautiful
Where to Stay
to Kensington, its rococo
Boutiques décor tucked behind a
t-price-
Designer Hotels demure Georgian façade.
For bes e hotel In recent years, the The romantic, eccentric
rante
London has a huge range of accommodation, so there’s gua
s go to
booking on.com
number of small-but- Miller’s Residence (www.
something to suit every taste and budget. Here’s our visitlon
d perfectly-formed hotels millersuk.com), on the
in London has increased. fringes of Notting Hill,
guide to some of the best places to rest your head… The Soho Hotel (www. has six rooms and two
firmdale.com), tucked suites full of antiques and
down an alley in London’s curios, plus an extravagant,
The Familiar – where you can sip a liveliest neighbourhood, 40ft drawing room.
Faces martini and soak up has a very English blend In complete contrast
Hotel Groups the birdseye view of the of luxury and eccentricity, to this is The Zetter
Like any major city, capital from the 28th- while its sister, the Covent (www.thezetter.com),
London has its fair floor restaurant – Garden Hotel (www. a warehouse conversion
share of chain hotels, and the stylish, firmdale.com), is a little in Clerkenwell. Classic
Baglioni Hotel
most of which offer an newly refurbished more traditional but just 60s and 70s modernist
excellent standard of The May Fair. as decadent. Both are designs are everywhere,
accommodation The mid-range located close to some but there are also The Welcome stations, you’ll find a wider
and service, and often chains, including of the city’s best shops, touches of old-fashioned Signs choice of hotels with
at discounted prices. Thistle Hotels (www. restaurants and theatres. grandeur, such as the pink Airport And period character. Close to
Claridge’s At a four- or five-star thistlehotels.com), The Baglioni Hotel chandelier in the lobby Station Hotels Victoria Station, Hamilton
Radisson Edwardian Premier Travel Inn (www.baglionihotels. and the rooftop studio At London’s main airports, House Hotel (www.
The Grand the Strand are individually (www.radissonedwardian. (www.premiertravelinn. com) brings Italian style with a private terrace. chain hotels abound. hamiltonhousehotel.com)
Dames designed traditional and com), Radisson (www. com), Best Western Hilton has branches at and The Windermere
Luxury Hotels art-deco rooms, many radisson.com), Hilton (www.bestwestern.co.uk), Heathrow, Gatwick and Hotel (www.windermere-
If you want a flavour of with river views, and (www.hilton.co.uk) Novotel (www.novotel. Stansted (www.hilton. hotel.co.uk) are friendly,
quintessential England, a delightful, Michelin- or Sheraton (www. com), Holiday Inn co.uk). The following mid-range options, while
book into one of the starred restaurant. sheraton.com), you (www.holiday-inn.co.uk) chains also have hotels The Rubens at the Palace
capital’s grandest For London’s finest will feel part of an and Travelodge (www. near airports: Radisson (www.rubenshotel.com)
hotels. The Ritz (www. example of art-deco international community travelodge.co.uk) all have Edwardian (www.radisson has a Monarch Suite with a
theritzlondon.com), at the opulence, and another of business-trippers and a number of branches edwardian.com), Marriott jacuzzi and four-poster bed.
corner of Green Park, on great restaurant (headed holiday-makers, and in and around central (www.marriott.com), The area around
the cusp of Mayfair and by chef Gordon Ramsay), there will invariably be a London, and all promise Premier Travel Inn (www. Paddington Station teems
the West End, is perhaps book into Claridge’s fine restaurant and bar. a reliable stay in quality premiertravelinn.com) and with hotels. Royal Norfolk
the grandest of them all. (www.claridges.co.uk), Among the best of these surroundings. Visit the Sheraton group (www. Hotel (www.royalnorfolk
It remains as ritzy as ever, close to Bond Street. are the huge London the respective websites starwoodhotels.com). hotel.co.uk) is a good,
The Soho Hotel
with rooms to make you A little further west Hilton on Park Lane for location details. Near the city’s train traditional choice, while
feel like royalty (in fact, in Knightsbridge, The The Pavilion (www.
royals have been known to Berkeley (www.the- pavilionhoteluk.com) is
stay here) and a glorious
rococo restaurant, as
berkeley.co.uk) has two
excellent restaurants,
A Relaxing more eccentric, favoured
by musicians and actors.
well as a less-formal a rooftop pool and a Experience… The Great Eastern
dining room where you fabulous cocktail bar. The May Fair Spa is a hidden retreat in the heart of the capital Hotel by Liverpool Street
that combines understated luxury and top-notch spa science
can take afternoon tea. At Hyde Park Corner, Station (www.great-
with seven treatment rooms, a traditional sauna and a herbal
On the north bank The Lanesborough steam room. Signature treatments include the Algotherm JetLag eastern-hotel.co.uk)
of the Thames, the (www.lanesborough.com) Reviver package – perfect for kickstarting weary travellers after a offers an interior full of
Savoy (www.fairmont. is a former hospital that is long-haul journey to London. The more adventurous might like to period detail. There’s great
com/savoy) is almost as now a beautiful Regency try the May Fair Mud Bath, which can be enjoyed alone or with a food in its restaurants,
legendary. Through the hotel with a heavenly partner. After your treatment, complete your blissful experience as well as nearby Hoxton
imposing entrance along spa. A perfect escape. in the relaxation room with a herbal tea or lemon sorbet. and Spitalfields.
The May Fair The May Fair Spa +44 (0)20 7915 2826, www.mayfairspa.com
78 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 79
Accommodation Showcase Advertising Feature
A selection of
London’s fi nest hotels
Crescent Hotel Grosvenor House Hyde Park Radnor Riverbank Park Plaza Springfield Hotel Hyde Park Hotels
49-50 Cartwright Gardens, Park Lane, 7-9 Sussex Place, 18 Albert Embankment, 154 Sussex Gardens, 170-172 Sussex Gardens,
London WC1H 9EL London W1K 7TN London W2 2SX London SE1 7TJ London W2 1UD London W2 1TP
T: +44 (0)20 7387 1515 T: +44 (0)20 7499 6363 T: +44 (0)20 7723 5969 T: +44 (0)20 7958 8000 T: +44 (0)20 7723 9898 T: +44 (0)20 7402 0704
F: +44 (0)20 7383 2054 F: +44 (0)20 7493 3341 F: +44 (0)20 7262 8955 F: +44 (0)20 7769 2400 F: +44 (0)20 7723 0874 F: +44 (0)20 7262 2055
E: general.enquiries@ E: vicki.richards@marriotthotels.com E: info@hydeparkradnor.com E: rppres@pphe.com E: info@springfield E: info@westpointhotel.com
crescenthoteloflondon.com www.grosvenor-house.co.uk www.hydeparkradnor.com www.parkplaza.com hotellondon.co.uk www.centrallondonhotels.com
www.crescenthoteloflondon.com www.springfieldhotellondon.co.uk www.hydeparkhotels.com
Your find in Bloomsbury. This Grosvenor House is one of the Located in the heart of central Riverbank Park Plaza is a stunning A warm, welcoming Hotel that Our hotels and apartments are
family-run B&B hotel, founded capital’s most iconic and best- London, the Hyde Park Radnor new-build, 4-star deluxe hotel. puts people immediately at ease on comfortable, convenient and
in 1956, is in a classical Georgian known hotels. Centrally located has recently been refurbished Situated on the south side of arrival. Traditional values ensure excellent value for money. Located
crescent away from main roads, on Park Lane, the hotel offers some to a high standard. The excellent the River Thames, its exemplary a happy comfortable stay. We are only a short walk from Paddington
10 minutes from three Tube of the most extensive facilities in location provides easy access to location affords spectacular views minutes away from Oxford Street, station, overlooking the peaceful
and mainline train stations. London. Perhaps best known for all of London’s top attractions, of the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park and London’s wonderful Sussex Gardens, Talbot Square
Refurbished sympathetically the myriad high profile events held shops, restaurants and theatres. Big Ben and the London Eye. Its sights. Plenty of information is and some of the most beautiful
to its origins in 2005, it provides in the Great Room, Europe’s largest The hotel is in walking distance state-of-the-art facilities ensure available to enhance your visit, views of London. Our central
an elegant base for your banqueting space, Grosvenor of Paddington Underground, a luxurious night’s sleep or a whilst our delicious English location, close to Theatreland, all
London break, offering 3-star House also offers 494 quiet mainline train stations, Heathrow fantastic dining experience in breakfast sets you up for the day of London’s top sights and some of
accommodation. The hearty and beautifully appointed guest Express, tour buses, Hyde Park, its Chino Latino Brasserie, Bar & and the experiences of London. the finest shops, offers you a great
English breakfast will sustain rooms, of which 72 are executive Oxford Street, Madame Tussauds, Lounge – sure to be a memorable The hotel may be very quiet but opportunity to relax and enjoy
you through serious shopping, suites, with the amenities and Harrods, Kensington Palace, event for any visitor. Riverbank it is not remote, being near to your stay with us.
sightseeing or simply mooching. services one would expect of a Marble Arch and many more Park Plaza joins a growing plenty of restaurants and bars, not
Pastimes? We can provide ideas leading international 5-star hotel. sights and locations. All rooms are portfolio of Park Plaza Hotels in to mention two minutes from the
or you can use our website to Deserving of its status, Grosvenor ensuite, with tea/coffee-making London – the Victoria Park Plaza Underground station. All rooms
plan your stay. House also boasts the most facilities, hairdryer, telephone, in Westminster and the Sherlock are ensuite with TV, tea and coffee
extensive meetings and banqueting satellite TV, serviced daily, with Holmes Hotel on world-famous facilities and hairdryers. Many
facilities in the capital, not to lift to all floors. Rates from just Baker Street. Visit our website for customers return year after year,
mention a variety of dining options, £40 per person, including full more information. please come and find out why.
all in the heart of Mayfair. English breakfast.
80 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 81
Good value accommodation… www.centrallondonhotels.com
EASY TO REACH
ASPEN APARTMENTS Whether you arrive
Fully serviced studio, one & by Eurostar or plane
two bedroom apartments ABBEY COURT &
train or tube our
176 Sussex Gardens, WESTPOINT
HOTELS & ASPEN
hotels are easily
APARTMENTS accessible and
Hyde Park, couldn’t be easier
ABBEY COURT HOTEL WESTPOINT HOTEL London, W2 1TP to reach.
174 Sussex Gardens 170 – 172 Sussex Gardens Tel (020)7262 2325
Fax (020)7262 0889 EASY TO FIND
Hyde Park, Hyde Park, Our hotels and apart-
London, W2 1TP London, W2 1TP www.aspenhydepark.com
ment suites are just
e-mail info@aspenhydepark.com
Tel (020)7402 0704 Tel (020)7402 0281 two minutes from
Fax (020)7262 2055 Fax (020)7224 9114 • Ensuite Paddington station for
• Fully equipped kitchen Heathrow Express,
www.abbeycourthotel.com www.westpointhotel.com British Rail, excellent
e-mail info@abbeycourthotel.com e-mail info@westpointhotel.com • Fully serviced bus and taxi services ASPEN
APARTMENTS
• Pleasant central location, convenient for all major • 24 hour reception and four tube lines
• Convenient location 2 minutes from Paddington
sights, museums & theatres • Parking by arrangement (Bakerloo, Circle,
station & Heathrow Express
District, Hammersmith
and 4 minutes from Airbus • Close to all shopping districts, Oxford Street & • Lift & City).
• Easy access to all London’s important tourist Piccadilly Circus
sights, shopping districts and theatres • Clean, comfortable, well decorated rooms RATES from just £70 per
• Ensuite shower and w.c. in all rooms apartment per night
• All rooms ensuite, colour TV & direct dial telephone
• Lift to all floors. Car parking by arrangement • Lift to all floors, free daytime luggage room facility & ASPEN APARTMENTS
• Each room with colour TV & direct dial tel • 2 mins from Paddington and Heathrow Express
• Tea and coffee making facillities in all rooms • Tea and coffee making facillities in all rooms
RATES Per Person per night RATES Per Person per night
Low High Low High
Season Season Season Season
Singles from £49 from £56 Singles from £52 from £59
Doubles from £32 from £34 Doubles from £34 from £37
Triples from £23 from £25 Triples from £24 from £28
Family room from £22 from £23 Family room from £23 from £24 CONVENIENT & CENTRAL We are right at the heart of London, just a few
minutes by direct tube from Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Embankment for
F }u F ^(R^FbvO Z]y sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, theatreland and the River Thames.
Accommodation:
The hotel’s 387 guest
rooms will be designed in a
timeless English style with
the modern conveniences
of flat screen televisions
and music systems.
Dining:
The sleek, spacious lobby will be the place to meet
throughout the day or night, with a jovial atmosphere
that echoes the buzz of London life.
To c o m p l e m e n t t h i s , I n t e r C o n t i n e n t a l L o n d o n P a r k L a n e
will also boast a second restaurant, Cookbook Cafe. Here
you can find British comfort food and international
specialities. The cafe will be an academy for young
c h e f s , s h o w c a s i n g c r e a t i v e c o o k e r y, w i n e d e m o n s t r a t i o n s
and cookery book launches.
Spa InterContinental:
L ocated at Number One Park L ane, the renamed InterContinental L ondon Park L ane The new chic, urban spa,
overlooks two Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace. A £60 million refurbishment will run in partnership with
p o s i t i o n i t a s a g l o b a l f l a g s h i p f o r t h e b r a n d w h e n i t o p e n s i n N o v e m b e r. T h e h o t e l w i l l Elemis, will redefine what
boast luxurious new guest rooms and suites, including four distinctive signature suites it is to relax. The spa
with commanding views. The experience will be further enhanced by the addition of a will feature 5 luxurious
new destination restaurant, Theo Randall at The InterContinental, contemporary event treatment rooms, 2 private
space and a chic urban spa in partnership with Elemis. spa suites and a discreet
VIP spa suite with private
entrance, which offers the
One Hamilton Place Park Lane London W1J 7QY u l t i m a t e i n e x c l u s i v i t y.
Tel:+44 (0)20 7409 3131 Fax:+44 (0)20 7493 3476
E-mail:london@ichotelsgroup.com
Website:www.london.intercontinental.com
Host & Guest
Service
Bed and Breakfast Specialist
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B&Bs, Apartments
& Hostels
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(B&B) is a great British & Serviced apartments in west in London. Journey’s
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quality character properties to budget level +
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of small, often family- London for more than (www.beaumont-london- residences in King’s
accommodation from £20 per person per night.
run hotels. The opposite a few days, it makes apartments.co.uk) is a value Cross and Waterloo.
• Properties in all the major tourist destinations 56
London, Bath, Cotswolds, Stratford, York, Lake 70
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experience to staying in a sense to find an apartment option in leafy Southfields, Universities also offer
District, Scotland and Wales. '
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chain hotel, a B&B offers – and there is sure to be near Wimbledon. cheap places to stay in
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environment, often in a 196 Bishopsgate visitlondon.com (www.lse.ac.uk/vacations)
T: +44 (0) 207 385 9922 • F: +44 (0) 207 386 7575
residential area – although (www.196bishopsgate. has rooms beside the
103 Dawes Road, London SW6 7DU, England
still in central London and com), in the City, has Cheap And Thames, by Covent
well-connected. 48 fully serviced suites Cheerful Garden and in other
ENTERPRISE HOTEL
15-25, HOGARTH ROAD, EARLS COURT,
St. David’s & Norfolk Court Hotels
66 Camden Square is with marble bathrooms
a Japanese-style house on and sleek kitchens. Scala
Hostels
The constant flux of
areas, while University
College London (www.
KENSINGTON,LONDON SW5 OQJ 16-20 Norfolk Square, Paddington, London W2 1RS
TEL: 020 7373 4502 FAX: 020 7373 5115 Tel: +44 20 7723 4963 / 2968 / 3856 Fax: +44 20 7402 9061 a quiet square just north House (www.scala-house. international travellers in ucl.ac.uk/residences)
info@enterprisehotel.co.uk www.enterprisehotel.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friendly, family run hotel minutes from Hyde Park, of Euston, designed by co.uk), in the heart of the London means there’s a and University of
GREAT VALUE FOR AN EXCELLENT LOCATION
The hotel is ideally situated within walking distance to the tube & buses in the
Oxford St, Paddington Station and Heathrow Express. the architects who live West End, has elegant well-established network Westminster (www.
Situated in a quiet garden square, we offer affordable,
cosmopolitan heart of Kensington, close to Earls Court exhibition centres and clean and comfortable accommodation. there. 30 King Henry’s apartments with amazing of hostels here. wmin.ac.uk) also offer
within easy access to London’s popular west-end theatres, night clubs and
museums. The fashionable shops of high street Kensington & Knightsbridge are Single room from £49 Triple from £80 Road in Primrose Hill has views. Clarendon House The Youth Hostel accommodation in the
within easy reach. The hotel boasts of a relaxing lounge, restaurant & bar and 100 Quad+ from £100
en-suite rooms featuring TV with satellite channels, pay movie channels, direct
Double / Twin from £69 just one room, with books Apartments (www.hunny Association (www.yha. centre or more relaxing
Prices are for rooms with ensuite facilities per night and include our
dial telephones, fast internet access,
hospitality trays and hairdryers. famous full English breakfast. Discounted rates available for long stays. lining the walls and a huge pot.org.uk/clarendon) org.uk) has eight hostels outer parts of London.
Approved by London Tourist Board, Lonely Planet, Frommers Guide,
Singles From £49.50
Visit London to name a few !
bathroom. The Attic offers stylish art-deco and in the capital, including
Doubles/Twins From £69.50
Triples From £89.50 Quads From £109.50 in Kensington is a little Victorian accommodation a stunning townhouse in info
The rates above are on a Room Only pricier than most B&Bs in Ealing, west London. Earl’s Court that recently For moreook
basis inclusive of Current VAT of 17.5% and Service Charge Website: www.stdavidshotels.com E-mail: info@stdavidshotels.com or to b B&Bs,
– but it does have a hot Dovetail House (+44 reopened, and one in the &
hostels to
tub on the roof. (0)20 8291 0924), in elegant former choirboys’ go
ndon.com
For more info or to south London’s Forest accommodation by visitlo
Provides a warm and friendly welcome, with comfort and
convenience, for business or pleasure…at an all-inclusive
For comfort and convenience, for business and pleasure book a London B&B, log Hill, is a more suburban St Paul’s Cathedral. St
THE CARLTON HOTEL has a lot to offer at a moderate
competitive price. All major credit cards accepted.
all-inclusive price. Located in London’s central area of on to visitlondon.com two-bedroom house. Christopher’s Inns
Rooms: All rooms have toilet and showers, well designed and
Victoria and fashionable Belgravia, the Hotel is
newly decorated with central heating, colour TV, tea/coffee
conveniently situated within walking distance of London’s
making facilities, hairdryer.
famous landmarks. All rooms with private toilet & shower,
Prices: Singles tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer & T.Vs.
Double
from £49 - £59
from £54 - £69
Home Stays Useful Information
Triple/Family from £69 - £79
Singles from £49 Staying with a family is becoming increasingly Most hotels and B&Bs require a deposit
Full Continental breakfast included in tariff.
Double/Twin from £59 popular with visitors wanting to sample for advance bookings. The amount varies
90 Belgrave Road, Victoria, real London life, and there are many agencies and will be deducted from your bill. Many
Call, fax or E-mail us. Tel: (020) 7430 2504/
(020) 7405 9470 Fax: (020) 7430 0697
London SW1V 2BJ that specialise in this. See the Visit London establishments require payment on arrival if
Tel: (020) 7976 6634 Fax: (020) 7821 8020
E-mail: guilford-hotel@lineone.net
E-mail: info@cityhotelcarlton.co.uk Official Accommodation Guide 2007, you have not made a booking, and be warned
Or you can visit our website: www.guilfordhotel.co.uk
6 Guilford Street, Russell Square, London WC1N 1DR
Website: www.cityhotelcarlton.co.uk available in tourist offices, or log on to that late cancellations can be subject to a fee.
Hampstead street visitondon.com for more information. For further details, see visitlondon.com
visitlondon.com 87
Heathrow Airport To London by Bus up to four trains per hour Arriving by
Getting +44 (0)870 000 0123
www.baa.co.uk
Green Line operates
three coaches an hour
to Baker Street, Marble
to Liverpool Street station. Eurostar
Fares from £15 single; +44 (0)870 518 6186
journey time from 45 mins. www.eurostar.com
To London by Coach
There are frequent
services from London
Getting to London couldn’t be Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and www.greenline.co.uk National Express runs Waterloo to Paris and
easier, however you prefer to travel Terminal 4 with central
London every 4-5 mins. Giving directions
easyBus runs every 40
three separate coach
services into London.
Brussels daily. The Paris
journey takes 2 hours 35
Fares from £4 single (from mins to Baker Street. Fares www.nationalexpress.com mins; Brussels is 2 hours
On arrival journey time around £2 with an Oyster card); To London by Bus Fares from £10.70 single; from £1 single; journey and 20 mins away. The
40 mins. journey time about Night Bus N9 goes journey time from 35 mins. time around 55 mins. Terravision Express trains arrive at Waterloo
Gatwick Airport www.southernrailway.com an hour. to Aldwych via Trafalgar www.firstcapital www.easybus.co.uk Shuttle operates two station, bringing travellers
+44 (0)870 000 2468 www.tfl.gov.uk/tube Square and High Street connect.co.uk coaches per hour to straight into the national
www.baa.co.uk First Capital Connect Kensington. Bus services London Victoria Coach Station rail network and the TfL
runs up to four trains The Heathrow Express run every 30 mins; Midland Mainline Stansted Airport in central London with bus and Underground
To London by Rail an hour to Blackfriars/ operates four non-stop journey time around operates a regular rail +44 (0)870 000 0303 good onward travel systems. Later this year,
Gatwick Express runs London Bridge. Fares trains each hour to and 65 mins. service to St Pancras www.baa.com connections. Fares from Eurostar is switching from
four trains an hour to from £10 single; from London Paddington www.tfl.gov.uk/buses station. Journey time £8.50 single; journey Waterloo to its new hub
London Victoria station. journey time 35 mins. station. Fares from £13.50 from 23 mins. To London by Rail time around 75 mins. at St Pancras International,
Fares from £14 single; www.firstcapital single; journey time 15-20 London www.midlandmainline.com Stansted Express operates www.lowcostcoach.com so check details online.
journey time 30 mins. connect.co.uk mins. There are two City Airport
As with all airport Heathrow stations: +44 (0)20 7646 0088
transport services, To London by Coach Central for Terminals 1, 2 www.london
check the website for
departure times.
There is an hourly coach
service to Victoria
www.gatwickexpress.com Coach Station run by
National Express
and 3, and Terminal 4.
Transport for London (TfL)
Travelcards are not
valid on this service.
cityairport.com
Around
trav
on call
Southern Railways Airport. Fares from www.heathrow Fares from £1.50; journey in Lond 22 1234 visitlondon.com/explorer
0 72
operates three trains £6.60 single; journey express.com time around 22 mins to +44 (0)2 g on to
or lo
hourly to Victoria station. time 1 hour 20 mins. Bank station. .gov.uk Underground
www.tfl
Fares from £9 single; www.nationalexpress.com Heathrow Connect Exploring the capital is simple with There are 12 colour-coded
is a new service that London the excellent transport networks Tube lines. Most operate
runs between Heathrow Luton Airport from 5am to 12.30am
and Paddington via +44 (0)1582 405 100 Travel tickets and Mon-Sat, and from 7.30am
five stations in West www.london-luton.co.uk Travel Victoria and Liverpool information are also to 11.30pm on Sundays.
London. Trains run every Information Street, as well as at available at the Britain It’s cheaper and less
30 minutes; journey Luton Airport Parkway Transport for London (TfL) West Croydon bus & London Visitor Centre crowded to avoid the rush
time around 25 mins. station is near the airport, has an extensive website station, and these on Lower Regent Street, hour and travel after
www.heathrow and a free, regular shuttle providing up-to-the- are great points of near Piccadilly Circus. 9.30am. The network is
connect.com bus service connects them. minute information on all contact for visitors divided into six
All prices quoted correct at time of going to print
modes of London who need to plan Journey Planner is a useful concentric zones – Zone
To London by Coach To London by Rail transport. TfL also has their onward journeys. website that tells 1 is the central area.
National Express runs First Capital Connect a network of Travel www.tfl.gov.uk you the best routes to and
roughly three buses operates up to eight Information Centres from specific locations, Buses
every hour to Victoria trains an hour to King’s located in stations At every Underground by rail, tube, bus or on Some routes are
“There’s so much to explore in Coach Station. Fares Cross Thameslink, throughout the city, station, blue-uniformed foot, and it’s available especially good for
London, and it’s very well connected” from £10 single; Farringdon, London including Euston, staff are happy to help in five languages. sightseeing, and services
Alex, chef, from Denmark journey time 40 mins. City Thameslink and Piccadilly Circus, with general directions www.tfl.gov.uk/ 9 and 15 use heritage
www.nationalexpress.com Blackfriars stations. Heathrow Airport, and route advice. journeyplanner Routemasters during the
Tate Modern
88 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 89
The ORIGINAL SIGHTSEEING TOUR
of LONDON by OPEN-TOP BUS
day. Most bus services and Victoria, serving Taxis Tickets
operate from 5am to the south of England; London’s famous Black Single fares are available # English LIVE GUIDES
12.30am daily, with many Paddington, the south- Cabs offer a safe, reliable, for any journey, # Multi-lingual commentaries
routes now operating west; Euston, the north; door-to-door service. Taxis although visitors will
24-hour services. Tickets King’s Cross, the north- can be hailed on the street find it easier and better
# 24 hour tickets
must be purchased east; and Liverpool when the yellow light is value to purchase a # Hop-on, hop-off
before boarding a bus in Street, the east. Various on, or at designated taxi Travelcard. Travelcards www.theoriginaltour.com # FREE Thames cruise
Zone 1 and are available annual discount cards are ranks. Fares are regulated, are valid for use on 020 8877 1722 # FREE Kids Club
from ticket machines at available – go to www. and all drivers and vehicles the Underground, bus,
bus stops, although railcard.co.uk for details. are licensed by the DLR, tram and national
visitors may find it easier www.nationalrail.co.uk Public Carriage Office. rail, and also offer a
and cheaper to buy one-third discount on
a bus pass or Travelcard. Trams Minicabs River services. They
Tramlink’s service links Private hire companies are available for one,
Docklands Croydon with, among or ‘minicabs’ cannot three or seven days,
Light Railway other places, Wimbledon. be hailed on the street; and in peak or off-peak
The DLR connects the City www.tfl.gov.uk/trams they must be booked by versions for one and
and the Underground telephone or in person three days.
network with Docklands, Coaches at the operator’s base.
and offers a great way of Coaches are a quick and To check if an operator Oyster cards
exploring this rapidly inexpensive way of is licensed, call +44 (0)20 The Oyster card
changing area of London. making a day trip out of 7222 1234 or go to www. is London’s travel Discounts on-line – enter promo code: cityguide07
It also forms a useful link London. Victoria Coach tfl.gov.uk/pco – do not get smartcard: Travelcards
to Maritime Greenwich. Station is a major hub into a vehicle that is not and bus pass season
Services operate from for various bus licensed, or if the driver tickets can be put on
5.30am to 12.30am and companies. See www. approaches you in the them, or you can charge
Save
tickets must be purchased nationalexpress.com/save
before boarding a train.
National Rail
Trains are useful for
reaching places that are
not served by the Tube,
for discount cards.
www.tfl.gov.uk/coaches or
www.nationalexpress.com
The River
See pages 38-39 for
street. Text HOME
to 60835 to get the
phone numbers of three
local, licensed minicab
numbers sent to your
mobile phone. A good,
reputable company
up to £50 to travel pay-
as-you-go. For most
visitors, Oyster is the
cheapest way of getting
around. For more
information, go to
www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster.
up to 75% on mobile/cell roaming
rates with a Totally London
phonecard
90 visitlondon.com
Visitor Information
visitlondon.com 93
Index
Accommodation Pubs 61 Royal Parks 41 Artists 34 HMS Belfast 25 Museum 32 Tours 30 Theatre 65
Airport and Pub Tour 63 South Bank, The 38 Ben Uri Gallery 34 Houses of Parliament 25 British Museum 32 All London Tours 30 Arts Centres 66
Station Hotels 78 Summer Concerts 40 Courtauld Institute Old Royal Cabinet War Rooms A Nous Deux Londres 30 Blue Man Group 68
Bed and Breakfasts 87 Restaurants 52 of Art Gallery 34 Naval College 25 and Churchill Museum 32 Astral Travels 30 Booking Tickets 67
Designer Hotels 78 Best for Shopping 45 Dali Universe 34 Royal Observatory 25 Design Museum 32 BBC TV Centre Tours 30 Guys and Dolls 68
Home Stays 87 Entertainment 57 Antiques 48 Dulwich Picture Somerset House 25 Fan Museum 32 Big Bus Company 30 Lion King, The 68
Hostels 87 Best for Views 52 Department Stores 46 Gallery 34 St Paul’s Cathedral 25 Foundling Museum 32 BlueBrolly London Off West End 68
Hotel Groups 78 British 52 Destinations 48 Estorick Collection of Wellington Arch 25 Geffrye Museum 32 Audio Walks 30 Outdoor Theatres 67
Luxury Hotels 78 Cafés 56 Fashion 46 Modern Italian Art 34 Westminster Abbey 25 Guards Museum 32 Blue Plaques 30 West End 66
May Fair Spa 78 Chains 57 Markets 47 Gilbert Collection 34 Westminster Handel House Museum 32 British Tours 30
Self-Catering French 53 Museum Shops 48 Guildhall Art Gallery 34 Cathedral 25 Imperial War Museum 32 Golden Tours 30 Transport 88
Apartments 87 Hotel Dining 58 Souvenirs 49 Hayward Gallery 34 Houses & Palaces 29 Jewish Museum 32 Good Company 30 Buses 89
Indian 54 Traditional Shops 49 Hermitage Rooms 34 Apsley House 29 London Pass, The 33 London Bicycle Coaches 90
Dance and Music 71 International 55 London Glassblowing Baden-Powell House 29 London’s Transport Tour Company 30 Congestion Charge 90
Italian 53 Sightseeing 23 Workshop 35 Banqueting House 29 Museum 32 London TLC 30 Docklands Light
Essentials 77 Landmark Locations 56 Attractions 26 National Gallery 35 Buckingham Palace 29 Museum of London 33 London Tours 30 Railway 90
Communications 93 Museum Restaurants 57 Amora 26 National Portrait Carlyle’s House 29 National Army Luxury Vacations UK 30 Eurostar 89
Health 93 Value Eats 55 British Airways Gallery 35 Chiswick House 29 Museum 33 Magnus Nielsen Tours 30 Gatwick Airport 88
Money 93 London Eye 26 Queen’s Gallery 35 Fenton House 29 National Maritime Original London Heathrow Airport 88
Opening Hours 93 Nightlife 72 Fuller’s Griffin Royal Academy Ham House 29 Museum 33 Sightseeing Tour 30 London City Airport 88
Tipping 93 Cabaret 72 Brewery 26 of Arts 35 Hampton Court Natural History Original London Walks 30 London Luton Airport 88
Travellers with Casinos 72 Leeds Castle 26 Saatchi Gallery 35 Palace 29 Museum 33 21st Century Travel 30 London Stansted
Disabilities 93 Cinema 73 London Aquarium 26 Serpentine Gallery 35 Jewel Tower 29 Royal Air Force Airport 89
Visas 93 Comedy 72 London Dungeon 26 Tate Britain 35 Kensington Palace 29 Museum 33 Sport 42 Minicabs 90
Gay and Lesbian 74 London Zoo 26 Tate Modern 35 Marble Hill House 29 Science Museum 33 Athletics 42 National Rail 90
Events 18 Live Music 72 Madame Tussauds 26 Wallace Collection 35 Osterley Park House 29 Sir John Soane’s Cricket 42 Oyster Cards 90
Festivals 21 Nightclubs 74 Tower Bridge Whitechapel 35 Queen’s House 29 Museum 33 Cycling 42 River Transport 90
Exhibition 26 White Cube 35 Ranger’s House 29 Theatre Museum 33 Football 42 Taxis 90
Food & Drink 51 Outdoors 37 Tower of London 26 Historic Red House 29 2 Willow Road 33 Horseracing 43 Tickets 90
Bar Etiquette 61 Bankside 38 Trinity Buoy Wharf 26 Landmarks 25 Royal Mews 29 V&A Museum of Rowing 43 Travel Information 89
Bars 61 Canals 39 Vinopolis 26 British Library 25 Sutton House 29 Childhood 33 Rugby 43 Underground 89
Canary Wharf 61 Cruises 39 Windsor Castle 26 Central Hall Syon House 29 V&A Sth Kensington 33 Sport Tours 43
Design Bars 62 Parks 40 Galleries 34 Westminster 25 Museums 32 Winston Churchill’s Tennis 43
Hotel Bars 63 River, The 38 Bayswater Road Golden Hinde, The 25 Bank of England Britain at War 33 Tour de France 43
London’s
skyline Hampton Court
Kew – Pagoda and Palm House
Richmond Park
Wembley Stadium
Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kenwood House
Chinatown
Bridge
MI6 Big Ben
British Airways London Eye
Trafalgar Square
King’s Cross
Charing Cross Hungerford
Somerset House Cleopatra’s Needle Oxo Tower
You may be surprised Royal Albert Hall Serpentine Gallery Lord’s Cricket Ground Tate Modern Millennium Bridge St Paul’s Cathedral Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
at just how many of Battersea Park – Buddhist Peace Pagoda Albert Bridge Battersea The Guildhall Monument Tower 42 The ‘Gherkin’ HMS Belfast City Hall Tower Bridge
these iconic buildings Power Station Alexandra Palace London Central Mosque The Old Truman Brewery Peckham Library Canary Wharf Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium Greenwich
you recognise… London Zoo – Aviary & Entrance Buckingham Palace BT Tower Statue of Eros Foot Tunnel National Maritime Museum Royal Observatory The O2 Thames Barrier
94 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 95
96 visitlondon.com visitlondon.com 97
VL-City_Map2-V1r.indd 98 VL-City_Gatefold-V1r.indd 94
21/9/06 10:17:46 21/9/06 10:15:33
SHOP
WEST
END
Classic Cool Contemporary
choice like nowhere else
LYCEUM THEATRE
Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7RQ
© Disney A Live Nation Theatre