London city guide 07

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LONDON Official

Your guide to the bestt of  bes

City Guide 2007

Know London Welcome to the Official City Guide to London 2007 – brought to you by Visit London, every visitor’s first port of call for information on this great city. This guide shows the range of activities and sights that the capital can offer – whether you’re here for a weekend or  a few weeks. And even the most experienced  visitor still has a lot to learn about a city that  continues to surprise and excite year after year.

4 We Love London 6

London by Area

9

Weekend Itineraries

14 An A-Z of London Facts 18 What’s On 21 Festivals 23 Sightseeing 37 Outdoors 45 Shopping 51 Food & Drink 65 Entertainment

 John Le  John Lewis wis,, one of Lon London don’’s landmark department stores welcomes you to London In the heart of London London’s ’s We West st End, our seven seven floors play play host to hundreds hundreds of top fashion on labels and homeware designers from around the world. From sportswear to formal wear  and furniture to candles and cushions we’ve got something to suit everyone. Famous for our excellent quality, quality, we are also Never Knowingly Undersold, promising you great value on all our products. First class customer service and complimentary services such as tax free shopping and an excellent export service guarantee to make your shopping experience as enjoyable as possible.

Call 020 76 7629 29 7711 7711 or visit www.johnlewis.com/oxfordstreet www.johnlewis.com/oxfordstreet

77 Essentials

78 Accommodation 88 Transport 93 Useful Tips  C   o  v   e  r    p h   o  t    o   g  r   a    p h   :   A   l     b   e  r   t   M  e  m  o r  i     a   l     , H   y   d   e  P   a  r  k    b    y  P   a   w  e   l    L   i     b   e  r   a   w  w  w  .  l    i     b   e  r   a   d   e   s  i      g  n  .

94 Index 96 Tube & Bus Maps 98 London Street Map

Notting Hill Carnival

VISIT LONDON 0870 1 LONDON 0870 1 566 366 visitlondon.com

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Editor Imogen Aylen Art Editor Asger Bruun Picture Editor Graham Harper Picture Researcher  Jenny Clarke Chief Sub Editor Paul Dimery Sub Editors KerrieAnne Love, Jo Mattock Staff Writer Alec Marsh Contributors Alison Cooper, Gemma Exley, Francesca Gavin, Christina Madden, Mike Pattenden, Scott Russon, Anna Wood Production Manager Simon Gandy CreativeDirector Chris Parker Account Executive ChristineCavaleros Group Account Director Rachel Butters Photography Britainonview.com, Ingrid Rasmussen for Visit London Brand Manager Liana Dinghile Brand Executive Emma Pretty London Official City Guide © 2006 Visit London is published on behalf of Visit London by John Brown 136-142 Bramley Road, London W10 6SR Tel: 020 7565 3000 [email protected]; roup.co.uk; www.johnbrowngroup www.johnbrowngroup.co.uk. .co.uk. John Brown is a member of the APA. Advertisemen Fax: 020 7565 3050; info@johnbrowng Advertisementt Sales Mongoose Media, 2 Lonsdale Road, London NW6 6RD Tel: 020 7306 0300 Fax: 020 7306 0301. All information correct at the time of Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior permission of the going to press and is subject to change. All rights reserved. Reproduction

editor. Opinions expressed expressed are those of the author and not of Visit London. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, John

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We Love London

Investment manager manager,,  from Romania “It’s a very diverse city, I always feel at home in London. And it’s great to cycle around, too!” 

With 25 million visitors flocking to the capital each year, there must be something pretty special about London. We asked residents and visitors what they love most  about this dynamic and multi-faceted metropolis London is a city that deserves its long-held reputation as one of the greatest on the planet. And if you are thinking about paying a visit, it’s worth bearing in mind the vast range of experiences on offer. Culture lovers will be sated by the 17 national museums and galleries that offer free entrance. Fans of fine dining will be delighted to know that a staggering 53 international cuisines (and counting) are waiting to be sampled, while more than 35 Michelin-starred restaurants promise a gastronomic treat. With world-class department stores, quirky boutiques and 83 markets, there’s something to suit every shopper’s pocket and taste. Theatreland, cinemas, clubs, live gigs, comedy and cabaret – not to mention a pub on

every street corner and more bars than anyone could count – will ensure  your days last long into the night. But it’s not all thrills and spills: London’s abundant public parks account for 30 per cent of the city, so there’s plenty of walks, wildlife and relaxation, too. Exploring the river and 80 miles of canals could take a lifetime – but dipping in often reveals a hidden side to the cit y. And thanks to the London transport network – 12 Underground lines, a bus network and trams connecting every corner – getting around is easy.

Hitesh Stallholder,  Portobello  Market “London allows me to be what I want to be – and it’s always

Zanzibar Street performer, Covent Garden “There’s such an incredible mix of  cultures, combined  with 2,000 years of history” 

Kanako Fashion student,  from Japan “Shopping is great here. I can find interesting  designs, from new trends to vintage looks”  Alvin & Nicola Visitors, from Tennessee, USA, and the UK  “There’s so much open space. We don’t   feel enclosed in London and  can really enjoy being outdoors” 

Andy Horticulturalist, Kew Gardens “You can always  find a new green space, a secret park

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London  by Area The capital is made up of villages, boroughs and districts, all with their own distinctive flavour 

Go West  With its live music venues, parks and riverside villages, it’s no wonder that west London attracts millions of visitors each year. Some of the country’s top chefs have opened fine restaurants and bars in Hammersmith, Chiswick and Ealing, and whether your preference is Caribbean, Indian or Oriental – try Edgware Road’s Oriental City foodhall – you’ll find something to tease your taste buds. To help you while away the daylight

of historic houses – the most impressive being Syon House – open spaces and riverside walks to enjoy. Football lovers will flock to Chelsea and Fulham football clubs and the new National Stadium, built to replace Wembley Stadium. The nearby Wembley Arena, along with venues like the Hammersmith Apollo, make the area a prime spot for live music. Or if TV and film are more your thing, take a tour around the BBC’s headquarters in

 Northern Lights

Centre Stage From the lively streets of the West End and Theatreland, to the historic sites of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, there’s much to see, eat and enjoy in central London. The sights can be admired up close – marvel at masterpieces in the National Gallery – or from afar, atop the British Airways London Eye. Wander along the South Bank admiring the riverside views, enjoy the gastronomic delights of Chinatown and unique atmosphere of Soho or treat your loved ones to luxurious gifts at Harrods in Knightsbridge. Culture vultures should go to Exhibition Road with the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum in close proximity.

If you’re wondering what that roar is, it’s the crowds flocking to see Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal football clubs! But there’s much more to north London than football. Not far away is Epping Forest, a 10,000 year-old woodland that was once a hunting ground of Henry VIII, the RAF Museum in Hendon, which boasts more than 100 planes, and a museum dedicated to William Morris, founder of the British Arts and Crafts

Eastern Promise

movement. Shoppers can find all the best high-street names at Brent Cross, plus boutiques and restaurants in the villages of Islington, Crouch End, Walthamstow Walthamstow,, Hampstead and Muswell Hill. Those in search of international flavours should head to the Turkish enclave of Green Lanes – if  you time it right you might catch a music festival in Finsbury Park. And further to the north is the 19thcentury Alexandra Palace, set in 196 acres of parkland and offering ice-skating in the winter and open-air events in the summer.

 Journey South From Richmond upon Thames in the west to Bromley in the east, south London is packed full of history, culture and charming neighbourhoods. Picturesqueriverside settings provide the

perfect opportunity to roll out the picnic blanket. Historical buildings such as Down House – where Charles Darwin wrote The Origin of Species

– and Hampton Court Palace are brimming with colourful tales. Shoppers will marvel at the choice

like Clapham, Barnes, Kingston upon Thames and Croydon. Outdoor attractions include the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, the London Wetland Centre – 100 acres of wetlands in Barnes – and Richmond Park, London’s largest open space, where

Nowhere does the old sit more comfortably beside the new than in east London, where diverse cultures and maritime heritage make for great exploring. This is London’s fastest growing area as it prepares for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Visit the oncerundown areas around Hoxton and Hackney, now transformed into buzzing scenes boasting great nightlife and eclectic markets like Spitalfields and Columbia Road. Across the river, the World Heritage site of Greenwich marries centuries of maritime history – brought to life at the National Maritime Museum – a vibrant market and riverside taverns. Head to the Bangladeshi and Indian restaurants on Brick Lane for a delicious and authentic taste of the Asian sub-continent.  u r t h e r  d  f u  r f  F o r  fi n  o a n d t o u ’ r  n f o  i n  e  r e  w h a t y o f o  n  n g  o r i n  o o k i n  l o  g o t o  L o n d o n o n c  o m/   c  o n d . r  t l o  s i t  v i s  o r e  e x p l o

Voyage of Discovery Visiting London for the first time? Here are a few things not to miss

Something for the Weekend? Get inspired with four  themed itineraries to ensure you experience all  sides of the capital 

london • 150 old park lane • 020 7514 1700 nearest underground station hyde park corner/green park

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A great place to start  your first London adventure is the South Bank. From here, you can take a morning ‘flight’ on the 135mhigh British Airways London Eye (pictured), and marvel at iconic buildings like Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral. Then walk among the street entertainers to the Art Deco Oxo Tower, whose brasserie has wonderful riverscape views – perfect for a spot of lunch. Cross the river to Westminster Abbey – a medieval wonder and last resting place of assorted royals – then while away the afternoon browsing the masterpieces at the National Gallery. Swap peaceful corridors for noisy streets with a visit to Soho. Its myriad bars, clubs, restaurants restauran ts and unique shops are popular with

both visitors and the capital’s creative types. For dinner, choose from the many restaurants in Chinatown. Sunday morning is the perfect time to stroll through St James’s Park, and enjoy lakeside views to Buckingham Palace. From here, continue along Piccadilly to Regent Street, where you’ll find the Tudor-fronted Liberty and Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy store. After lunch in Carnaby Street, head for the British Museum’s Great Court, and discover artefacts including the Rosetta Stone and Cleopatra’s mummy. Take a stroll through Bloomsbury’s handsome squares to build up an appetite, before heading back to Piccadilly and The Wolseley restaurant – a high-ceilinged space perfect for gourmet fare and people watching.

Easy Does It  A visit to the world’s most  exciting capital city needn’t  be all hustle and bustle… Spend the morning enjoying some leisurely window shopping on Bond Street. Along the way, call in at The ChocolateSociety for some delectable treats, which can be consumed in the shelter of Farm Street’s little park. The WallaceCollection

provides escapism of a different kind. Fine furniture, Sèvres china and remarkable paintings will transport  you to a bygone age of aristocracy. If the sun comes out, head for Hyde Park, where  you’ll forget you’re in Europe’s biggest capital. Admire the lovely Rose Garden and Apsley House, once home to the Dukes of Wellington. On Christmas Day, scores of brave (or mad) souls dive into the Serpentine ’s frozen waters – but we recommend a genteel boating trip instead. Retreat to the exclusive

Off the Beaten Track

Gardens for dinner –

a rooftop oasis with award-winning food amid beautiful planting, and even flamingos! Then it’s on to Ronnie Scott’s in Soho – the archetypal jazz venue. Next morning, take a riverboat to Kew Gardens (pictured). The journey is dreamily relaxing, and the destination is the ultimate pleasure garden – 300 acres of botanical beauties and magnificent glasshouses. Head back into the centre to the luxurious May Fair Spa, where divine massages and healing mud baths await you. Take your place in the sumptuous Ritz hotel for afternoon tea among gilded statues and cascading waterfalls. Later on, Portobello Road’s Electric Cinema is perfect for classic double-bills on roomy leather couches.

Beyond the red buses, Black Cabs and Beefeaters, there’s a hidden London waiting to be discovered  Start by browsing Camden Lock Market ,

where you’ll find second-hand clothing and all kinds of weird and wonderful things to buy. Then head to Sir

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Bluebird Café, discover Chelsea Physic Garden

(open April-Oct), a secret, walled treasury of fragrant herbs. Then tour the amazing warren of the little John Soane’s Museum, Museum, visited Inner Temple in a jumble of ancient the City. Its medieval relics and Egyptian church was built by sarcophagi. On to edgy crusading Knights Hoxton, home to many Templar, and you can fashionable BritArtists enjoy fine choral recitals – the White Cube gallery during services. The City’s quirky ancient makes for stimulating viewing. Finish the pubs, including the Old Doctor Butler’s day with dinner at The Real Greek , a Head in Moorgate, converted chapel whose are well worth a pilgrimage. Then head chandeliered interior south to Dulwich, a perfectly complements brilliant meze food. charming village with a neoclassical Picture Next morning, after Gallery. But leave room breakfast at the trendy for dinner at Joanna’s brasserie in nearby

 The only way to see London

( 0 )  )870 +44(  +44 870 5000 600 or londoneye.com Waterloo and Westminster

On a Budget Feeling the pinch? Don’t worry, as  you’ll still find plenty to keep you entertained in London… For a unique place to stay that won’t break the bank, try the YHA London St Paul’s (once home to St Paul’s Cathedral’s choirboys). While you’re there, visit Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece during a morning service to avoid paying admission. Start your Saturday by crossing the Thames on the futuristic Millennium Bridge and sampling Borough Market’s Market’s

gourmet delights (pictured) – most stalls offer free samples, and

necessities. From here, discover some free culture at the vast Tate Modern and andTate Tate Britain.. A visit to London Britain

wouldn’t be complete without taking in a show – and you needn’t miss out. The tkts booth in Leicester Square sells half-price tickets to the biggest shows in town. In the morning, hit Topshop on Oxford Street, a fashion-lover’s paradise that reproduces couture at fractional costs. Relax afterwards in St James’s Park and

fed at 2.30pm. The theatrical wonder of Harrods Food Hall has towering displays of every conceivable comestible, but forgo its caviar for nearby Stockpot’s lowcost feasts. Feed the brain for free in the Natural History Museum

– absorbing exhibits range from dinosaur eggs to technicolour gemstones. And a final, traditional treat is fish and chips, followed by a good old English pub quiz: quiz: friendly entertainment for a few pounds – and you might even win a prize. For further information on the places mentioned, please consult relevant listings sections

IMPERIAL WAR WAR MUSEUM LONDON Discover the story of those who have lived, fought and died in conflicts from the First World War to the present day. Featuring The Holocaust Exhibition The Children’sWar New exhibitions for 2007 Camouflage The Falklan ds War War

www.iwm.org.uk  FREE ADMISSION Charges may apply for some special exhibitions

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Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ Waterloo, Lambeth North, Elephant and Castle, Southwark 

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An Ato AtoZ Z of London of  London Did you know that over 300 different languages are spoken in the capital, or that most Black Cab drivers can identify any location you  give them? Read on to find out 26  fascinating facts about London…

H

ighgate Cemetery

This beautiful Victorian ‘garden cemetery’ is full of Gothic monuments and is ideal for a stroll. Known as a dissenters’ burial ground, it’s where Karl Marx (below) is laid to rest.

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pping Forest  Just ten miles  from central  London, this former  royal hunting forest  still boasts Elizabeth I’s hunting lodge, which  you can visit for free.

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L

As well as hosting many of England’s international fixtures, the ‘home of cricket’ – known for its Old Father Time weather vane and futuristic grandstand – will host the archery at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A

 bbey Road zebra crossing

In 1969, a crossing in quiet St John’s Wood shot to world fame when The Beatles featured it on the front of their album Abbey Road . Rock fans still make pilgrimages there.

B

eck, Harry

Paid just five guineas, this draughtsman devised the London Underground map in 1933, rationalising a hugely complex network into one iconic diagram.

C

See page 42.

F

I

ce Rinks

oundling Museum

Fancy a twirl? Many grand institutions boast floodlit open-air ice-rinks in winter, among the most scenic is the courtyard of Somerset House.

Discover the moving story of London’s abandoned children, and the hospital founded by composer GF Handel in 1739 to take them in. Personal artefacts, photographs and recordings create a truly poignant experience. See page 32.

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D

owning Street

No 10 has been the home of British Prime Ministers since 1732, and is now

G

herkin

Norman Foster’s daring addition to London’s skyline (left) towers over the  financial district, and is nicknamed   for its unusual shape  – its real name is 30 St Mary Axe.

ack the Ripper

The infamous murderer is believed to have killed at least five women in the 19th century, and was never caught. Take a tour around Whitechapel and see if you can uncover his identity.

anals

A peaceful, picturesque way to explore London is along the nine-mile Regent’s Canal. See page 38.

ord’s

See Tours, page 30.

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nowledge, The

Black Cab drivers are London’s unsung heroes and fonts of wisdom. The Knowledge, their intensive training course, means they can

M

illennium Bridge

The first new bridge over the Thames for 100 years, this  pedestrian walkway links the Tate  Modern gallery with St Paul’s Cathedral.

R

outemasters

After 50 years of loyal service, these stately chariots were retired from London’s bus lanes. Happily, nostalgists can still jump aboard along selected ‘heritage routes’.

S

ketch

One of the most extravagant of all London’s restaurants, both in terms of its virtuoso gourmet fare and extraordinarily cool interior, which doubles as a gallery space and dance club.

N

otting Hill Carnival

Every August, millions flock to this dynamic Caribbean celebration – Europe’s largest street festival. Expect a three-day riot of steel bands, calypso dancing and exotic costumes. See page 21.

See page 56.

T

Greenwich is packed with maritime history – and is the birthplace of world time, no less. Straddle the Prime Meridian (0° Longitude) and you’ve one foot each in the eastern and western hemispheres.

O P

V

Y

Multicultural London has a tradition of welcoming foreigners. And with 300 languages spoken here, it’s the most cosmopolitan and linguistically diverse city in the world.

&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 must-sees in this treasure-house are the Cast  Room and costume collection. See page 33.

Q

ueen, The Highly popular since her   first appearance in public as Princess Lillibet, the Queen now reveals more of her private life to the public. One can visit HRH’s home, gardens and art collection at 

oung British Artists

BritArtists Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Rachel Whiteread revitalised the 90s art scene with often provocative shows. Now Charles Saatchi has launched a new Chelsea showcase of their works. See page 35.

andle River

This ornate court building, a stone’s throw away from St Paul’s Cathedral, handles Britain’s most high-profile trials, which you can watch from the public gallery.

With fine views over London, this charming district is a favourite for picnics, kite-flying and celebrityspotting: Jamie Oliver, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and Ewan McGregor

X 

enophilia

In the event that it rains, pick up a bespoke brolly at the splendidly eccentric emporium James Smith & Sons on New Oxford Street. See page 49.

W

ld Bailey

rimrose Hill

ime

U

mbrellas

A Thames tributary, this south London river once supported many working mills on its banks – among them William Morris’s. Today, it’s a wildlife haven and green corridor, home to trout, minnows and mayflies.

Z

oo

A haunt of the  young Charles Darwin, this venerable establishment in Regent’s Park remains a favourite. Bring walking shoes, as there are many species to meet. Feeding time is a special treat. See page 26.

What’s On

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Use our events diary to help plan your trip to the capital. You can check the online Events Diary at  visitlondon.com for further information and  details of all Official Royal Ceremonies.

 January

February

New Year’s Day Parade 1 Jan From Parliament Sq SW1 www.londonparade.co.uk London Boat Show 5-14 Jan ExCeL London E16 www.londonboatshow.com London Art Fair 17-21 Jan Business Design Centre N1 www.londonartfair.co.uk Charles I Commemoration 28 Jan Banqueting House SW1 +44 (0)1430 430 695

 March

St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival 17 Mar Various venues in London www.londonstpatricksday.org.uk The Vitality Show 29 Mar - 1 Apr Olympia W14 www.thevitalityshow.co.uk Head of the River Race 31 Mar The Thames, Mortlake to Putney

 April  Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year Celebrations 28 Jan Soho W1 www.chinatownchinese.co.uk

Oxford & Cambridge University Boat Race 7 Apr River Thames, from Putney SW15 to Mortlake SW14 www.theboatrace.org

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 11 June - 19 Aug Royal Academy of Arts W1 www.royalacademy.org.uk Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 25 June - 8 July All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club SW19 www.wimbledon.org

London Fashion Weekend 1 Feb Duke of York’s HQ SW3 www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Daily Mail Ideal Home Show 9 Mar - 2 Apr Earls Court SW5 www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

Trooping the Colour* Horse Guards Parade SW1 www.royal.gov.uk

 July St George’s Day

Flora London Marathon 22 Apr From Greenwich SE10 to The Mall SW1 www.london-marathon.co.uk St George’s Day Events 23 Apr Various venues in London

 May Chelsea Flower Show 22-26 May Royal Hospital, Chelsea SW3 www.rhs.org.uk

 June Royal Ascot* Ascot Racecourse SL5 www.royalascot.co.uk Taste of London* Regent’s Park NW1 www.tasteoflondon.co.uk

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening*  July-Sept Buckingham Palace SW1 www.royal.gov.uk Hampton Ct Palace Flower Show 3-9 July Hampton Court Palace KT8 www.rhs.org.uk Tour de France Le Grand Départ 6-8 July Various venues in London www.tourdefrancelondon.com The Proms 13 July - 8 Sept Royal Albert Hall SW7 www.bbc.co.uk/proms

 August 

 November

Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon Festival of Remembrance* 4-5 Aug Royal Albert Hall SW7 ExCel London E16 www.thelondontriathlon.com The London BBC Good Food Show Olympia, Earls Court SW5* www.londonbbcgoodfoodshow.com Great River Race* Remembrance Day* River Thames, from Ham TW10 Service & Parade to Greenwich SE10 Cenotaph SW1 +44 (0)20 8398 9057 www.greatriverrace.co.uk Lord Mayor’s Show London Fashion Weekend* & Fireworks Display Duke of York’s HQ SW3 11 Nov www.londonfashionweek.co.uk City of London, River Thames www.lordmayorsshow.org

September

October

Black History Month Various venues in London www.black-history-month.co.uk Frieze Art Fair 11-14 Oct Regent’s Park NW1 www.friezeartfair.com London Bierfest* Old Billingsgate EC3 www.londonbierfest.com

December The BlackRock Masters Tennis 4-9 Dec Royal Albert Hall SW7 www.theblackrockmasters.com Christmas Tree Until first week Jan 2008 Trafalgar Sq WC2 New Year’s Eve 31 Dec Various venues in London

Turner Prize Exhibition* Tate Britain SW1 www.tate.org.uk Autumn Ideal Home Show 5-14 Oct Earls Court SW5 www.autumnidealhomeshow.co.uk Trafalgar Day Parade 22 Oct Trafalgar Sq WC2 +44 (0)20 7928 8978

Christmas Tree, Trafalgar Square

PLEASE NOTE: Always check the

date and venue with the organisers as these may change. *Where no date is marked please

Festivals London’s calendar is packed with events celebrating the city’s diversity © Tim Whitby

© Gideon Mendel

Notting Hill Carnival

Hampton Court Palace Festival

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Somerset House Gorgeous inside and out  Art Architectur Architecture e Food Fountains Fountains Overlooking the Thames, by Waterloo Bridge, Somerset House is home to the Courtauld Institute of Art, Gilbert Collection, and Hermitage Rooms. In summer, linger and relax in the refreshing fountains, riverside terrace, cafes, and bars, or enjoy concerts, cinema, and dance in the majestic courtyard and, in winter, be captivated by London s most beautiful ice rink.

 June Set in the grounds of the ancient palace, this lavish open-air musical event attracts artists as diverse as Eric Clapton and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. www. hamptoncourtfestival.com

City Of London Festival  June - July Now in its 45th year, this celebration of classical music features performances in some of the City’s most ancient churches and halls, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House. www.colf.org

Open Daily  Admission to Somerset House is free (Entry fees apply to galleries and events) www.somerset-house.or g.uk 020 7845 4600 Strand London WC2   Temple, Charing Cross, Embankment, Covent Garden

Gay Pride Day  July Colourful, flamboyant,

Gay Pride parade winds noisily through central London in celebration of the gay community, peaking with a rally in Trafalgar Square. www.pridelondon.org

Rise: London United  July London’s biggest annual free music festival has a strong anti-racist message, and attracts a line-up of bands and DJs. Venue tbc. www.risefestival.org

More Events

Brick Lane Festival Sept* Low-key fun in E1, with stalls, music and dance. Vaisakhi City Showcase April* Sept* Sikh harvest festival with Fashion and music festival processions and music across now in its fifth year. the capital. www.cityshowcase.co.uk Festival of Youth Arts London Design Festival May* Sept* Music, dance and drama in A host of free events Trafalgar Trafalg ar Square kick off a celebrateinternational 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 events through the summer. traffic for a day of musical www.rbgkew.org.uk and theatrical extravagan extravagance. ce. Meltdown ShoreditchCarnival  June* Sept* The Royal Festival Hall’s Sound systems, food and music festival features a new stalls are the order of the day guest curator each year. at this street party in E2. www.rfh.org.uk London Open House Greenwich & Docklands 15-16 Sept InternationalFestival More than 600 buildings  July* open their doors to the Exciting theatrical, musical public for one weekend. and outdoor events. www.londonopenhouse.org www.festival.org Diwali Festival London Mela Festival Oct* Aug* The annual Hindu festival Free South Asian festival of light is celebrated with in Gunnersbury Park W5, fireworks and displays in with food, music and more. Trafalgar Square. *DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

parade, while soaking up the sun and good vibes.

London BFI Film Festival

Oct - Nov Now in its 51st year, the Thames Festival annual film festival features 25-27 Aug 22 & 23 Sept 300 films from more than This street carnival with This free arts festival 60 countries, as well as Caribbean roots has been features pyrotechnics, river lectures, talks and other celebrated since 1964. events, street theatre and movie-related events. Today, some two million music. It climaxes with the www.lff.org.uk revellers take to the streets Night Carnival, complete of west London to watch with costumes and music. For further details go to www.nottinghillcarnival.org.uk

Notting Hill Carnival

www.londongov.uk/london

Major Sights & 25 Attractions

Get closer

Gorilla Kingdom New at London Zoo From Easter 2007

For 10% off For admission visit londonzoo.co.uk 

The Zoological Society of London is the

Sightseeing The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace may be a must-see for first-time visitors, but don’t miss the lesser-known gems on the tourist trail 

Houses & Palaces Tours Museums Galleries

29 30 32 34

CHANGE YOUR MIND MI ND – CO COME ME IN! Everyone is welcome

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Free exhibitions and galleries Events programme Café and restaurant Shop

96 Euston Road Road London NW1 T +44 (0)20 7412 7332 King’s Cross and Euston

www.bl.uk/everyone

Major Sights Here are just a few of the attractions  you shouldn’t leave off your itinerary Historic Landmarks

The British Library Browse the world’s largest collection of books, maps and manuscripts. The library has over 150 million items and some of the rarest and most unique are on display. Euston Rd NW1 +44 (0)870 444 1500 www.bl.uk U King’s Cross

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Central Hall Westminster Take a guided tour around this historic Methodist church and conference centre – built in 1912 to mark the centenary of  John Wesley’s death. The hall also houses an excellent fine-art gallery.

+44 (0)870 906 3773 www.parliament.uk U Westminster

Old Royal Naval College Set in landscaped gardens beside the Thames, this former place of learning for naval officers is now open to the public. Cutty Sark Gardens SE10 +44 (0)20 8269 4747 www.greenwich  foundation.org.uk DLR Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich

The Golden Hinde An accurate reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon, the Golden Hinde combines authentic sights, smells and sounds to transport you to a bygone age of seafaring. Pickford Wharf, Clink St SE1 www.goldenhinde.co.uk U London Bridge

Storey’s Gate SW1 +44 (0)20 7222 8010 www.c-h-w.com U St James’s Park

HMS Belfast Explore nine decks of living history aboard a ship that played such an integral role in the D-Day landings during WWII.

Houses of Parliament Enjoy a tour round the historic building where Tony Blair and politicians debate the issues of the day.

Morgan’s Lane, Tooley St SE1 +44 (0)20 7940 6300 http://hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk U London Bridge

SW1

St Paul’s Cathedral After extensive restoration, Sir Christopher Wren’s distinctive landmark is once again open to the public. Guided tours of the Cathedral and Crypt are available. St Paul’s Churchyard EC4 +44 (0)20 7236 4128 www.stpauls.co.uk U St Paul’s

Royal Observatory Discover more than two million objects relating to navigation, astronomy Westminster Abbey and measuring time – Greenwich Mean Time was Westminster Abbey based on measurements Built across the 13th to made here. 16th centuries, the abbey Park Row SE10 is where Kings and Queens +44 (0)20 8312 6565 are crowned. Many are also www.rog.nmm.ac.uk buried here as are Dickens, DLR Cutty Sark for Chaucer and other writers Maritime Greenwich in Poets’ Corner. Somerset House This historic building houses three galleries and a riverside café, while the courtyard at the front has fountains in summer and an ice rink in winter. Strand WC2 +44 (0)20 7845 4600 www.somerset-house. org.uk U Charing Cross

WellingtonArch This often-photographed landmark was originally commissioned by George IV as an outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. Hyde Park W1 +44 (0)20 7930 2726 www.english-heritage. org.uk U Hyde Park

Dean’s Yard SW1 +44 (0)20 7222 5152 www.westminsterabbey.org U Westminster

Westminster Cathedral Steeped in history, this ornate building is a haven of architectural beauty. Francis St SW1 +44 (0)20 7798 9055 www.westminster  cathedral.org.uk U Victoria  c k o n  m  C l i i c  c o  c  o n d o n r. e a t  t l o  s i t  v i s  g  o r m o r e o n  f o  f  L o n d  s !  o n  a t t r a c t i o

Attractions

Amora The Academy of Sex and Relationships offers a fascinating insight into these universal themes. London Trocadero Coventry St W1 +44 (0)20 7734 2529 www.amoralondon.com U Piccadilly Circus

British Airways London Eye This 135m-high observation wheel affords views over the whole of London. Celebrate that special occasion with a ‘Champagne Capsule’. South Bank SE1 +44 (0)870 990 8883 www.londoneye.com U Waterloo/Westminster

Fuller’s Griffin Brewery Discover the beer-making secrets of this historic brewery, then sample a pint or two for yourself!

Royal London

Legend has it that if the ravens leave the Tower of London, the British monarchy will fall. Initially a potent symbol of Norman power following the conquest in 1066, today, it’s home to the Crown Jewels. Buckingham Palace is where the Queen and Prince Philip live while in the capital. From July to Tower of London

Trinity Buoy Wharf As well as being a venue for films, art exhibitions and dance performances, this is also a venue for educational workshops.

Chiswick Lane South W4 +44 (0)20 8996 2000 www.fullers.co.uk U Turnham Green

London Aquarium Walk among everything from starfish to sharks, stingrays to crabs, at this spectacular, £25-million underwater world.

London Zoo

London Zoo Get closer to animals and wildlife at London Zoo. Gorilla Kingdom opens South Bank SE1 Easter 2007, along with +44 (0)20 7967 8000 ‘Into Africa’ where you’ll www.londonaquarium.co.uk find giraffes, zebras and U Waterloo many more exotic animals. London Dungeon With attractions such as The Great Plague, The Ripper and The Torture Chamber, you’re guaranteed a spine-chilling time! Beware, as some of the exhibits have a habit of coming back to life… Tooley St SE1 +44 (0)20 7403 7221 www.thedungeons.com U London Bridge

September, the palace’s lavish State Rooms are open to the public. Prince Charles and his sons are based at Clarence House, also open during the summer. In front of Buckingham Palace are the Queen Victoria Memorial and the Mall. From Hampton Court Palace, home to Henry VIII, to Westminster, scene of every coronation since 1066, and not forgetting historic Greenwich, there is plenty of Royal London to

Outer Circle, Regent’s Park NW1 +44 (0)20 7722 3333 www.zsl.org/london-zoo U Camden Town

Madame Tussauds Cuddle Brad Pitt or touch Kylie Minogue’s bottom at the world’s most famous waxworks collection. Marylebone Rd NW1 +44 (0)870 999 0046 www.madame-tussauds.co.uk U Baker Street

Orchard Place E14 +44 (0)20 7515 7153 www.trinitybuoyarts.com DLR East India

Vinopolis A grape lover’s paradise, Vinopolis gives you the opportunity to explore (and taste!) different wine regions. Bank End SE1 +44 (0)870 241 4040 www.vinopolis.co.uk U London Bridge

Further Afield

Leeds Castle Kent’s elegant castle not only offers an evocative tour of its rooms, but the chance to enjoy the extensive grounds. Maidstone, Kent ME17 +44 (0)1622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com Q Maidstone

Tower Bridge Exhibition Enjoy amazing views of the Windsor Castle Thames and learn about the iconic bridge’s history. Although this magnificent Tower Bridge SE1 castle has existed for more +44 (0)20 7403 3761 than 900 years, it is still www.towerbridge.org.uk a working royal residence U Tower Hill today. Windsor, Berkshire SL4

Tower of London +44 (0)20 7766 7304 This 900-year-old building www.royal.gov.uk has been the scene of many Q Windsor a bloody royal intrigue. Tower of London E1 +44 (0)870 756 6060 www.hrp.org.uk U Tower Hill

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Houses & Palaces Enjoy a glimpse inside some of the capital’s more stately residences

DISCOV DISC OVER ER A PAL PALAC ACE E  WITHIN A CASTLE

Apsley House Also known as ‘Number One, London’, this was the home of the first Duke of Wellington. Today, it houses his art collection. Piccadilly W1 +44 (0)20 7499 5676 www.english-heritage. org.uk U Hyde Park Corner

A THOUSAND YEARS OF ROYAL HISTORY

 WINDSOR CASTLE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN Open daily, except during royal visits

www.nationaltrust.org. uk/places/hamhouse Q Kingston/Richmond

 Jewel Tower One of only two surviving buildings of the original Palace of Westminster.

Carlyle’s House The writer Thomas Carlyle entertained the ‘in crowd’ of the Victorian era here. Cheyne Row SW3 +44 (0)20 7352 7087 www.nationaltrust.org.uk U Sloane Square

Kensington Palace The former home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Ranger’s House An 18th-century Greenwich landmark. Chesterfield Walk SE1 +44 (0)20 8853 0035 www.english-heritage. org.uk U Greenwich

Red House Commissioned by William Morris and central to the Arts and Crafts Movement. Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 +44 (0)1494 559799 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Q Bexleyheath

Kensington Gardens W8

Chiswick House +44 (0)870 751 5170 A fine 18th-centur 18th-centuryy building www.hrp.org.uk U High St Kensington within glorious grounds. Burlington Lane W4 +44 (0)20 8995 0508 Q Turnham Green

Queen’s Gate SW7 +44 (0)20 7584 7031 www.rbkc.gov.uk U Gloucester Road

Fenton House This 17th-century house has elegant exhibits and wonderful gardens.

Whitehall SW1 +44 (0)870 751 5178 www.hrp.org.uk U Charing Cross

+44 (0)20 8940 1950

Abingdon St SW1P +44 (0)20 7222 2219 www.english-heritage. org.uk U Westminster

Baden-Powell House Explore the history of Baden-Powell’s Scout and Guide movements.

The Banqueting House Built to house James I, this was also the scene of Charles I’s execution.

Ham St, Ham TW10

Windmill Hill NW3 +44 (0)20 7435 3471 www.nationaltrust.org.uk U Hampstead

Hampton Court Palace One of the most beautiful of the Royal Palaces. Famous for its maze, as well as its Tudor history.

Marble Hill House A lovely Palladian villa set in 66 acres of parkland. Richmond Rd TW1 +44 (0)20 8892 5115 www.english-heritage. org.uk U Richmond

Kensington Palace

The Royal Mews Houses the stables for Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace Rd SW1 +44 (0)20 7766 7302 www.royal.gov.uk U St James’s Park

Osterley Park House This neoclassical house is situated in farmland to the Sutton House west of London. A great example of Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 Tudor architecture. +44 (0)20 8232 5050 www.osterleypark.org.uk U Osterley

Buckingham Palace The Royal residence in London since 1837. The State Rooms and gardens are open in the summer.

East Molesey, Surrey KT8 +44 (0)870 751 5175 www.hrp.org.uk Q Hampton Court

The Queen’s House Designed for the wife of  James I, this now houses a fine-art collection.

The Mall SW1 +44 (0)20 7766 7301 www.royal.gov.uk U Green Park/Victoria

Ham House A Tudor house with a history steeped in the Civil War – and lots of fine art.

Romney Rd SE10 +44 (0)20 8312 6565 www.nmm.ac.uk DLR Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich

Homerton High Street E9 +44 (0)20 8986 2264 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Q Hackney Central

Syon House Elegant state rooms and gardens set in a beautiful park by the Thames. Brentford, Middlesex TW8 +44 (0)20 8560 0881 www.syonpark.co.uk Q Brentford

Tours Get the most out of your London visit with the help of a guide All London Tours This US-based website offers a wide variety of themed tours around London. www.alllondontours.com

A Nous Deux Londres! Both pre-booked and turn up and go guided tours are offered in French. +44 (0)20 8876 0429 www.anousdeuxlondres. co.uk

Astral Travels Take a small group tour by minibus, including a Sinister Murder Tour and a Pub Tour. +44 (0)870 225 5303 www.astraltravels.co.uk

The Big Bus Company Hop-on, hop-off tours of the capital with commentary, available in eight languages. +44 (0)20 7233 9533 www.bigbustours.com

BlueBrolly London Audio Walks Download a range of London tours onto your MP3 or iPod, then walk around at a time that’s convenient for you, and at your own pace. www.bluebrolly.com

British Tours Comprehensive tours of the major London attractions, as well as lesser-known gems.

BBC Television Centre Tours Explore the famous White City studios and visit BBC News on a tour lasting up to two hours. Pre-booking is essential.

+44 (0)20 7734 8734 www.britishtours.com

+44 (0)870 603 0304 www.bbc.co.uk/tours

+44 (0)20 7233 7030 www.londongrayline.com

Golden Tours Popular tours include Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon.

Good Company Private sightseeing tours by car with a guide. Linguists available. +44 (0)20 7267 5340

The London Bicycle Tour Company Offers three-hour guided bike tours – cycles can be hired. +44 (0)20 7928 6838 www.londonbicycle.com

London TLC Tours combine culture, sightseeing and English language tuition. + 44 (0)7944 561 477 www.london-tlc.com

London Tours Visit the city by boat, bus or on foot. Tours are available in many languages and include a  Jack the Ripper pub tour in the evening. +44 (0)20 7233 3569 www.londontourguides. com

Luxury Vacations UK Offers a variety of tours: one visits locations from the Harry Potter films. +44(0)20 8669 3666 www.luxuryvacations uk.com

and humble dwellings, these plaques all have one thing in common: they celebrate great figures of the past While you’re exploring the who once lived or worked capital by foot, be sure to keep at that address, giving their a look out for blue plaques profession and the year/s they – a familiar and much-loved stayed there. From artists feature of London streets. and authors to politicians

Blue  Plaques

 d o u t  n d  T o fi n  o r e  a b o u t m r s g o t o  t o u  L o n d o n n d o n c . c o m  o  t l o  s i t  v i s

Magnus Nielsen Tours An independent ‘Blue Badge’ guide and a born and bred Londoner who is proud to show visitors around the city. +44 (020) 7625 9632

The Original London Sightseeing Tour Runs regular tours and you can hop on and hop off at over 90 stops en route. +44 (0)20 8877 2120 www.theoriginaltour.com

The Original London Walks Tours include a Beatles walk and a Sherlock Holmes walk. +44 (0)20 7624 3978 www.walks.com

21st Century Travel Offers full-day, half-day and evening tours. +44 (0)870 225 6263 www.bestvaluetours.co.uk

A trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to Tate to Tate Britain and  Tate Modern. Modern. See outstanding art, spectacular buildings and amazing exhibitions – all in the heart of London.  Tate Britain Tate’s Collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, seen in the BP British Art Displays. Supported by BP

Admission free Pimlico/Vauxhall

Millbank

 Tate Modern The leading gallery of internation international al modern and contemporary art, showcasing the UBS Openings: Tate Modern Collection displays. Opening up art  Tate Modern Collection with UBS

See page 39 for details of river tours

now more than 800 plaques commemorating the capital’s more renowned residents – such as Agatha Christie and Mahatma Gandhi, to name but two. As well as being fun to spot, they provide a fascinating picture of the city’s history. For specific locations,

Admission free Southwark/Blackfriars

Bankside

To find out more, visit www.tate.org.uk  and sign up for free monthly email bulletins or call 020 7887 8888

Museums Whatever your interests, there’ll  be a place that has it covered  Bank of England Museum Telling the story of England’s central bank since its beginnings in 1694, this museum includes coins, Roman gold and paintings. Threadneedle St EC2 +44 (0)20 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk U Bank

Britain’s campaign against Hitler’s Nazis. King Charles St SW1 +44 (0)20 7930 6961 http://cwr.iwm.org.uk U Westminster

Design Museum Housed in a former banana warehouse, this museum celebrates industrial design, graphics, multimedia, fashion and architectural design. Shad Thames SE1 +44 (0)870 833 9955 www.designmuseum.org U London Bridge

British Museum

The British Museum Artefacts from prehistoric times through the ages are on display, alongside special exhibitions. A spectacular glass roof designed by Sir Norman Foster was unveiled in 2000 and the reading room has been carefully restored to its former glory.

Geffrye Museum Changing fashions in English domestic interiors from the 17th century onwards are the focus of this museum. Kingsland Rd E2 +44 (0)20 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum. org.uk U Old Street

Guards Museum Uniforms, weapons, medals, pictures and other memorabilia tell the story of the Foot Guards in both war and peacetime. Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk SW1 +44 (0)20 7414 3428 www.armymuseums. org.uk U St James’s Park

Geffrye Museum

Great Russell St WC1 +44 (0)20 7323 8299 www.thebritish museum.ac.uk U Tottenham Ct Road

The Foundling Museum Exhibits tell the story of the Foundling Hospital, London’s first home for abandoned children.

Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum Visit the underground rooms in which Winston Churchill organised

Brunswick Square WC1 +44 (0)20 7841 3600 www.foundlingmuseum. org.uk U Russell Square

+44 (0)20 7495 1685 www.handelhouse.org U Bond Street

Imperial War Museum Discover the history of conflict involving Britain from WW1 to the present day. (Its partner museum in Cambridgeshire, the Imperial War Museum Duxford, has more aircraft and vehicles.) Lambeth Rd SE1 +44 (0)20 7416 5320 www.iwm.org.uk U Lambeth North

London Wall EC2 +44 (0)870 444 3851 www.museumoflondon. org.uk U Barbican

The Jewish Museum Permanent and temporary collections across two sites explore Jewish history, culture and religion, both in Britain and beyond. Exhibits include fine art, books and furniture.

National Army Museum Exhibits at this museum chart the history of the British army from the time of the Redcoats in 1415 to the present day.

www.jewishmuseum. org.uk Albert Street NW1 +44 (0)20 7284 1997 U Camden Town East End Rd N3 +44 (0)20 8349 1143 U FinchleyCentral

London’sTransport Handel House Museum Museum Marvel at a vast collection The Fan Museum Situated in the former of vehicles, uniforms, signs, Some 3,500 fans from the home of composer George posters and photographs 11th century to the present Frederick Handel, where from a bygone age. day are featured here. he wrote some of his finest The museum is closed There is also an orangery works, including Messiah. until summer 2007 for Brook St W1 and tranquil garden. refurbishment. Crooms Hill SE10 +44 (0)20 8305 1441 www.fan-museum.org DLR Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich

Museum of London Tells the story of this vibrant city from its earliest beginnings. Exhibits include artefacts from Roman Londinium.

Wellington St WC2 +44 (0)20 7379 6344 www.ltmuseum.co.uk U Covent Garden Science Museum

Natural History Museum You could spend all day at this vast museum and still not see everything. Cower at the feet of a lifesized T-Rex replica, experience an ‘earthquake’ and discover nature at work in the Wildlife Garden. The marvellous Victorian architecture alone will leave you in awe. Cromwell Rd SW7 +44 (0)20 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk U South Kensington

National Maritime Museum

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Park Row SE10 +44 (0)20 8312 6565 www.nmm.ac.uk DLR Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich

Sir John Soane’s Museum Former house of a renowned architect, the museum is packed full of sculpture and art. Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2 +44 (0)20 7405 2107 www.soane.org U Holborn

Theatre Museum The history of theatre in London’s West End comes to life, with exhibitions and activities for children and adults.

Royal Hospital Rd SW3 +44 (0)20 7730 0717 www.national-armymuseum.ac.uk U Sloane Square

National Maritime Museum A fascinating exploration into centuries of British sea travel, by way of exhibits and works of art.

Exhibition Rd SW7 +44 (0)870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum. org.uk U South Kensington

Royal Air Force Museum Both young adventurers and air historians will love looking around more than 100 aircraft from around the world. The museum also includes uniforms, fine art and photography photography.. Grahame Park Way NW9 +44 (0)20 8205 2266 www.rafmuseum.org.uk U Colindale

Science Museum There’s plenty for both kids and adults to get their hands on here – 300,000 objects cover science, technology and medicine. There’s also an IMAX 3D cinema, showing a changing programme of educational films.

V&A Museum of Childhood Naturally for a museum that’s dedicated to the history of play and childhood, there’s plenty of activities here to keep kids entertained. Cambridge Heath Rd E2 +44 (0)20 8983 5200 www.vam.ac.uk U Bethnal Green

V&A South Kensington Celebrating art and design, with everything from sculpture to ceramics, textiles to furniture. Cromwell Rd SW7 +44 (0)20 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk U South Kensington

Russell St WC2 +44 (0)20 7943 4700 www.theatremuseum. org.uk U Covent Garden

2 Willow Road Once the home of celebrated Modernist architect Erno Goldfinger, the house retains its original furnishings, including fine art. Willow Road NW3 +44 (0)20 7435 6166 www.nationaltrust.org.uk U Hampstead

V&A South Kensington

Winston Churchill’s Britain at War Relive the experiences of British people during WWII at this fascinating exhibit. Tooley St SE1 +44 (0)20 7403 3171 www.britainatwar.co.uk U London Bridge

The London Pass The London Pass is a visitor card that will save you money. From just £12 a day,  you get free entry to over 50 top London attractions. You also get a free informative guide book and can jump to the front of queues. Go

visitlondon.com to find out more and buy the pass.

London Glassblowing Workshop Enjoy a free glassblowing demonstration and pick up some bargain gifts.

Galleries From Old Masters to multimedia installations, London has it all  Bayswater Road Artists Every Sunday, over 250 artists and craftsmen display and sell their original works along the railings of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Bayswater Rd W2 www.bayswater-roadartists.com U Lancaster Gate

Ben Uri Gallery, The London Jewish Museum of Art Historical and contemporary artworks by British, European and Israeli Jews.

The Leather Market, Weston St SE1 +44 (0)20 7403 2800 U London Bridge

important collection. Furniture and ceramics are also represented. Somerset House, Strand WC2 +44 (0)20 7848 2526 www.courtauld.ac.uk U Charing Cross

Dali Universe More than 500 of surrealist genius Salvador Dali’s works are on display at this labyrinth of eccentricity. County Hall SE1 +44 (0)870 744 7485 www.countyhall  gallery.com U Waterloo

Boundary Rd NW8 +44 (0)20 7604 3991 www.benuri.org.uk U St John’s Wood

Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Cezanne and Turner are among the masters on display at this

 e  T h e r e  o a d s  i n  e l o  a r e  e s  n  e r i e    l  l  a  g  e l e  m o r e  G o t o  ! ! G  n  o  d  n  o  L . c o m  o n d o n c  t l o  s i t  v i s  u t  t o fi n d o

Did you know? There are 17 national museums and galleries in London that have free entrance, including the British Museum Museum,, National Gallery,, Tate Modern and the V&A Gallery V&A.. Tate Britain also offers half-price entry to paid-for exhibitions during its evening sessions on the first Friday of every month. London’s galleries host a wide range of exhibitions with

The National Gallery Houses a collection of European paintings from 1250 to 1900, including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

The Hayward Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery Charming art gallery situated in the leafy village of Dulwich. Gallery Road SE21 +44 (0)20 8693 5254 www.dulwichpicturegallery. org.uk U West Dulwich

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art Housed in a grade II-listed building, this is the only gallery in Britain that is dedicated to the work of modern Italian artists. Canonbury Square N1 +44 (0)20 7704 9522 www.estorickcollection.com U Highbury & Islington

Gilbert Collection The late Sir Arthur Gilbert’s collection includes Italian mosaics, gold boxes and plenty of his beloved silver. Somerset House, Strand WC2 +44 (0)20 7420 9400 www.gilbert-collection. org.uk U Charing Cross

Guildhall Art Gallery Changing exhibitions of art and photography – from Victorian to modern-day works.

Trafalgar Square WC2 +44 (0)20 7747 2885 www.nationalgallery.org.uk U Charing Cross

Guildhall Yard EC2 +44 (0)20 7332 3700 www.guildhall-art-gallery. org.uk U Bank

National Portrait Gallery Politicians, monarchs and TV celebrities are among those who are spotlighted in this collection of paintings, photography and illustrations.

Hayward Gallery With a focus on 20thcentury art, the Hayward features everything from sculpture to photography photography..

St Martin’s Place WC2 +44 (0)20 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk U Leicester Square

South Bank Centre, Belvedere Rd SE1 +44 (0)20 7921 0813 www.hayward.org.uk U Waterloo

The Queen’s Gallery Part of Buckingham

Palace, this gallery offers the chance to see a selection of items from the Royal Collection. Buckingham Palace Rd SW1 +44 (0)20 7766 7301 www.royal.gov.uk U Victoria

Royal Academy of Arts An outstanding permanent collection shares space with temporary exhibitions. Burlington House, Piccadilly W1 +44 (0)20 7300 8000 www.royalacademy.org.uk U Piccadilly Circus

The Saatchi Gallery Advertising mastermind Charles Saatchi’s new gallery space is due to open in 20 07. Duke of York’s HQ Building SW3 +44 (0)20 7823 2363 www.saatchigallery.com U Sloane Square

Serpentine Gallery Taking its name from the nearby lake, the

Jason, music consultant, Australia

Serpentine exhibits contemporary art in a 1930s tea pavilion.

R  i     c  h   a  r   d  H  a   u   g 

 ABarattheFolies-Bergère, Édouard Manet, Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery

Wallace Collection A collection of 18thcentury French painting, furniture and porcelain.

Kensington Gardens W2 www.serpentinegallery.org Hertford House, U Queensway Manchester Sq W1 + 44 (0)20 7563 9500 Tate Britain www.wallacecollection.org U Bond Street British art from 1500

onwards is displayed at this Thameside gallery, along with regular major visiting exhibitions. Millbank SW1 +44 (0)20 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk U Pimlico/Vauxhall

The Hermitage Rooms An introduction to, and featuring exhibits from, the world-famous Hermitage Museum of St Petersburg in Russia. Somerset House, Strand WC2 +44 (0)20 7845 4600 www.hermitagerooms.com U Charing Cross

“The DNA of this city is constantly evolving so the adventurous will  never be bored” 

Whitechapel Exhibitions, films and talks feature at this modern gallery. Whitechapel High St E1 +44 (0)20 7522 7888 www.whitechapel.org U Aldgate East

Tate Modern This iconic building on the South Bank is the home of modern and contemporary art in London.

White Cube  Jay Jopling’s trendy gallery showcases imaginative talent by British artists.

Bankside SE1 +44 (0)20 7887 8000 www.tate.org.uk U London Bridge

Hoxton Sq N1 +44 (0)20 7749 7450 www.whitecube.com U Old Street

          

GET CLOSER TO

WIMBLEDON Celebrate Wimbledon at the new world-class Museum.



  Supported by

   

With its unique access to the legendary players the Museum provides a closer view of tennis than ever before before through its artefacts, inter-activ inter-actives es and films, its amazing 200° Cinema taking taking a 3-D look at the Science of Tennis, and its award-winning behindthe-scenes tour. www.wimbledon.org/museum

Outdoors From river cruises and expansive parks, to world-class spectator sports and boating on the Serpentine, there are enough al fresco activities to keep any visitor satisfied 

The Museum Building The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club Church Road, Wimbledon London, SW19 5AE Open Daily 10.30am until 5.00pm NearestUnderground: Southfields Telephone: 020 8946 6131

Wimbledon direct to your cameraphone. Visit www.upcomm.net on your phone for a freedownload.

MAKE A DAY OF IT!

Experience the Lord’s Tour Open All Year* Tours at noon & 2pm

 A scrum machine to test your strength, special exhibitions, an audio-visual theatre to watch timeless rugby moments and everything you could ever want to know about world rugby – find all this and more at the Museum of Rugby. You also get a behind the scenes look at the home of  England Rugby with our stadium tours. Museum of Rugby & Stadium Tours Tue-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 11am-5pm For further information or to book, book, visit rfu.com/microsites/museum or call 0870 405 2001

• LONG ROOM • THE ASHES • NATWEST MEDIA CENTR CENTRE E • MOUND STAND • LORD’S SHOP

• MUSEUM • REAL TENNIS COURT • DRESSI DRESSING N G ROOMS ROOMS • INDOOR SCHOOL • LORD’S TAVERN

  Adults £10.00, Senior and Students £7.00,Children £6.00, Family £27.00. Group rates available.

020 7616 8595/6 www.lords.org *except major match days and preparation days. Call for full details and bookings.

    k    r    a    P

The River

38

Cruises Parks Sport Tours

39 40 42 43

The Riv R iver er

Setting Sail From idyllic cruises to high-speed  voyages, London’s got it covered 

Colourful history, fascinating wildlife and some of  the finest watering holes in the capital vie for your  attention along the Thames, London’s main artery Richmond Upon Thames to Putney From Richmond, with its waterfront bars, cobbled streets lined with chic boutiques, vast deer park and Royal history (Henry VIII and Elizabeth I both stayed at Richmond Palace), the river runs east to Kew, where attractions include the

The South Bank

Oxo Tower

Stretching east from Westminster Bridge, the South Bank is home to Royal Botanic Gardens many of London’s most celebrated attractions. The only problem is knowing where to start! If culture’s your thing, head for the Dali Universe and County Hall Gallery, the Royal Festival Hall , Richmond the Hayward Gallery and Kew Palace. It then and the National Film Theatre. Kids will love continues past Barnes, home of the London the London Aquarium Wetland Centre , to and the British Airways Putney. Visit in April and London Eye, which offers  you might catch the start incredible views over the of the annual Oxford/ capital’s rooftops – as Cambridge University does the swish eighthBoat Race. floor restaurant at the

Oxo Tower. Or you could  just sit in the sunshine and cheer on the throng of street entertainers that line the promenade. As the sun goes down, admire the fabulous views east and west from Waterloo Bridge.

Bankside Built six years ago from the derelict remains of a power station, Tate Modern has emerged as an iconic centre for the arts in Britain. Besides its collection – art from 1900 onwards – its walls contain highly rated cafés and restaurants with spectacular views of the Thames and St

HMS Belfast

Bateaux London/ Catamaran Cruisers Enjoy London’s best sights aboard a restaurant boat. +44 (0)20 7925 2215 www.catamarancruisers. co.uk The South Southbank The Bank Tower Bridge

Paul’s Cathedral. By the

Tate, you can view the Millennium Bridge, the first footbridge to be built across the river in over a century. Nearby is the Golden Hinde, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century galleon, and HMS Belfast, a World War II battleship and naval museum. Further along is Shakespeare’s Globe , an accurate reconstruction of the Elizabethan theatre where the playwright worked, and a venue for open-air performances during the summer. Winelovers will want to visit Vinopolis, a museum celebrating wine, and, further along, Hay’s Galleria, a collection of shops, bars and restaurants.

Lazy days London’s canals are a hidden delight often overlooked by visitors

Tower Bridge to Greenwich The Tower of London, a commanding flint and stone castle, has been a feature on the riverscape of London for 900 years.

Greenwich

Today, its Yeoman warders also act as tour guides. Next to the castle is St Katharine Docks , thriving with yachts, bars and restaurants. Cross Tower Bridge for City Hall and Butler’s Wharf, a redevelopme redevelopment nt of waterside warehouses that includes popular

There’s no better way to relieve the stresses of everyday life than by enjoying an idyllic cruise on a canalboat through the capital’s network of waterways. Such trips

restaurants such as Sir Terence Conran’s Le Pont de la Tour . After lunch, continue the Conran theme with a visit to his Design Museum. Then catch a boat to Greenwich for the Victorian covered market, National Maritime Museum, Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark – the last of the tea clippers – Greenwich Park and many excellent bars, restaurants and riverside pubs.  o a d s  s l o  e ’ s  T h e r e  v e r !  t h e r i v  n  o  o  d  t o  o u t  T o fi n d o t o  e g  m o r e  c o m  n.. c  o n d o n  t l o  s i t  v i s

scenery and a whole world of wildlife that you would otherwise be unable to see. Several companies run boats along the Regent’s Canal, from Little Venice, with its quaint riverside cafés

British Waterways London For news and information. +44 (0)20 7985 7200 www.britishwaterways. co.uk/london

London RIB Voyages High-speed voyages up the Thames, complete with expert guides. +44 (0)20 7928 2350 www.londonribvoyages.com London River Services Information on boat services and charters. +44 (0)20 7941 2400 www.tfl.gov.uk/river 

City Cruises Offers dinner-dance and lunch voyages. +44 (0)20 7740 0400 www.citycruises.com

London Waterbus Company Operates along Regent’s Canal, linking Little Venice, London Zoo and Camden. +44 (0)20 7482 2660 www.londonwaterbus.com

Crown River Cruises Take the Circular Cruise, or charter a boat. +44 (0)20 7936 2033 www.crownriver.com

Silver Fleet – Woods River Cruises Bespoke boat parties. +44 (0)20 7481 2711 www.silverfleet.co.uk

Dixie Queen (Thames Luxury Charters) Upmarket cruises between Putney and Thames Barrier. +44 (0)20 8780 1562 www.thamesluxury  charters.co.uk

Thames Clippers – The Riverline Offering commuter services and popular tourist routes. +44 (0)870 781 5049 www.thamesclippers.com

London Ducktours Boastsamphibious vehicles that travel on roads and river. +44 (0)20 7928 3132 www.londonducktours.co.uk

with its bustling markets – and many stop off at London Zoo. There are also historic canals around King’s Cross and in the East End. For further details, visit www.british

Topsail Events & Charters Spectacular Thames cruises on beautifully restored historic ships. +44 (0)20 7022 2201 www.topsailevents.co.uk

If you want to find out more about the history of London’s canals, head to: London Canal Museum 12-13 New Wharf Rd N1 +44 (0)20 7713 0836 www.canalmuseum.org.uk

Parks Get away from it all with a visit  to one of the capital’s green oases Battersea Park Hampstead Heath  Just over the river from  Just four miles from Chelsea, this park boasts the centre of London, tennis courts, a bowling Hampstead Heath is green, a lake thriving a sprawling 800-acre with all manner of wildlife green space boasting and the Pump House ancient woodland, 25 Gallery. Little ones will ponds and eight children’s love the adventure play areas, in addition playground and zoo. to English Heritage’s www.batterseapark.org Kenwood House. Q Battersea

Park

London Wetland Centre As well as attracting 180 wild bird species every  year, this man-made wetland park is home to eight types of bat, seven types of reptiles/ amphibians, and over half the UK’s dragonfly and damselfly species. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/ wetlandcentre U Hammersmith, then take the special 283 Duck Bus

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk U Hampstead

Chelsea Physic Garden Founded in 1673, this is one of Europe’s oldest botanic gardens. Highlights include England’s oldest rock garden and the largest fruit-bearing olive tree in Britain.

Holland Park One of London’s bestkept parks. Features include rose gardens, an ecology centre, a wide variety of sports pitches, children’s play areas – including an under-eigh under-eights ts section – and a dog run.

www.chelseaphysic  garden.co.uk U Sloane Square

www.rbkc.gov.uk/  parksandgardens U Holland Park

Best for... Views Richmond Park Wildlife London Wetland Wetland Centre Flower Displays Kew Gardens  Boating Hyde Park Kids

Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park

London Wetland Centre

Morden Hall Park A former deer park, this picturesque place is peppered with pretty 18th-century buildings and waterways.

Henry VIII, this muchloved green space offers one of the loftiest vantage points over the city.

fireworks display over the lake. Concerts may be cancelled due to bad weather.

www.primrosehill.com U Camden Town

www.picnicconcerts.com U East Finchley/ Golders Green

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew This World Heritage Site is a must for garden lovers, boasting more plant and flower species than any other garden in the world.

Holland Park For the quintessential English experience, you need look no further than the al fresco opera season that takes place under canopy cover in Holland Park. The season runs for nine weeks from early June to August. First-timers mingle with music buffs for a picnic followed by a classic opera. As darkness falls, the park’s peacocks provide an atmospheric background chorus.

www.rbgkew.org.uk U Kew Gardens

Tibetan Peace Garden The perfect spot for a bit of quiet contemplation – especially given its poignant setting, so near to the magnificent Imperial War Museum. St George’s Rd SE1

www.operahollandpark. com U Holland Park

U Elephant & Castle

Marble Hill The magnificent riverside villa in leafy Twickenham provides a suitably atmospheric backdrop for a series of popular music concerts. Make sure  you arrive early to enjoy a stroll through the beautiful gardens.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/  places/mordenhallpark U Morden

Painshill Park History, art and landscape come together at this spacious park in Surrey, promising a great day out for all the family.

Holland Park

Summer Concerts

Kenwood House When the sun shines, around 10,000 people take www.painshill.co.uk to the great outdoors for a Q from Waterloo to picnic and performance on Cobham/Weybridge Saturday nights from June to the end of August. As Primrose Hill the perfect finale to the Once part of a great chase evening, most concerts

 © I   M  G  w  w  w  .   p i     c  n i     c   c   o n  c   e  r   t    s   .  c   o m

www.picnicconcerts.com U Richmond

Richmond Park

Royal Parks The city’s nine Royal Parks encompass 5,000  acres of carefully conserved historic parkland  Brompton Cemetery

Greenwich Park Kensington Gardens Spot fallow and red

The only Crown Cemetery in London, Brompton is also one of the finest in the country. It’s a haven for wildlife. U Fulham Broadway

deer, and enjoy fabulous views of the River Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral, at the oldest enclosed Royal park in London. It’s also home to the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory. DLR Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich

Regent’s Park

Designed in 1811 by celebrated architect  John Nash, Regent’s Park is the largest outdoor sports area in London. Other features include an open-air theatre, a vast rose garden, playgrounds and Bushy Park London Zoo. St James’s Park U Camden Town The second largest of the Royal Parks, Surrounded by three Richmond Park Bushy is situated Royal palaces, and Hyde Park north of Hampton featuring a lake that Once a Royal hunting Court, so you can Visitors flock to this harbours ducks, ground, this 2,000visit both in a day. vast oasis in the heart geese and pelicans, St acre park offers the Q Teddington of London to row on  James’s Park is a chance to walk the Serpentine lake, perfect picnic spot for among roaming deer, Green Park take a horse ride historians and as well as an The smallest of among the ancient birdwatchers alike. uninterrupted view U London’s Royal Parks, trees, visit Kensington St James’s Park of St Paul’s Cathedral, this former duelling Palace, listen to 12 miles away. U Richmond ground is a great tomorrow’spoliticians place to sit and soak at Speakers Corner, up the sun. And if enjoy a spot of early  you fancy treating morning tai chi or  yourself, pop into the relax with a picnic. For further information on Ritz next door for tea. U Hyde Park all the Royal Parks go to U Green Park Corner/ Formal avenues and ornamental flower beds create the perfect setting for Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial and Serpentine Gallery. U Lancaster Gate

www.royalparks.gov.uk

Sport There’s no place like London for   great sporting traditions… Athletics On your marks, get set, go! That’s a phrase  you’ll be hearing a lot of in London in a few  years, as the city is set to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 (www.london2012. or g). g). London has a strong athletics tradition – every April, its streets teem with runners taking part in the London Marathon, while runners and riders – and swimmers – pit their wits in the London Triathlon (see Get Active, right). And world-class meetings are regularly held at Crystal Palace Athletics Stadium (www.runtrackdir.com).

The Hotel at Chelsea

The Hotel at Chelsea complex may be home to one of the world’s best football clubs (Chelsea FC),

Cricket Lord’s (www.lords.org ) is renowned as being the home of cricket. It’s no surprise, then, that thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage, either to watch an international test or one-day event, or to

The Boat Race, Putney

London is also home to The Oval (www.  surreycricket.com). It was here, at Surrey County Cricket Club’s ground, that an Andrew Flintoff-inspired England secured their famous Ashes victory over Australia in 2005.

Football Right now, there’s no better place to sample English football at its best than in London. As well as being the home of the recently rebuilt Wembley Stadium Lord’s (www.wembleystadium. take a 90-minute tour com) – the venue of the venue and visit for England’s home Cycling its artefact-rammed international fixtures museum, which covers Take care when crossing – London also boasts 400 years of cricketing the road between 6-8 some of the world’s history (see Tours, right).  July, as, for the first most prominent time ever, the Tour de clubs. These include France (www.tourde current Premiership  francelondon.com) will champions Chelsea but there’s so much more begin in London with (see box, left), who have to it than that. Besides the been transformed by Le Grand Départ! 275-room hotel, there are five restaurants/bars, a The opening ceremony Russian owner Roman state-of-the-art spa and takes place in Trafalgar Abramovich’s fortune the Chelsea Megastore Square on Friday 6 July, and now attract the – all open to non-residents. followed by the time world’s top players, Stadium tours are also available (see right). What’s Arsenal (www.arsenal. trials the following day. more, the complex is close Then, on the Sunday, the com), now running tours to the trendy King’s Road. cyclists will pedal to Kent of their new Emirates for Stage One, which Stadium (see Tours, The Hotel at Chelsea Stamford Bridge SW6 ends in Canterbury. For right), and Mohamed +44 (0)20 7565 1400 information on cycling Al Fayed’s Fulham www.thehotelatchelsea.com

Horse Racing A day at the races is a great experience. Order some champagne and watch the jockeys in the parade ring, then grab your binoculars and watch the action unfurl. There are five major racecourses in the London area: Ascot (www.ascot.co.uk ), Epsom Downs (www. epsomderby.co.uk) – home of the famous Derby – Kempton Park (www.kempton.co.uk ), Royal Windsor (www.windsorracecourse.co.uk) and Sandown Park (www.sandown.co.uk )

Ascot

Rugby As any Englishman will be only too proud to remind  you, England are the current world champions. Whether or not they can retain their title in France in autumn 2007 remains to be seen, but you can catch all their warm-up games at Twickenham Stadium (www.rfu.com). The stadium also boasts a rugby museum, which can be visited during a tour of the arena (see Tours, below right). Tennis Perfectly tended lawns, brilliant-white outfits, strawberries and cream… Wimbledon (www. wimbledon.org) is an experience like no other – and it’s just a short tube ride from central London. A ballot decides who gets the tickets for the two main courts, but  you can still catch the action on the outside courts by buying tickets on the day. And don’t forget to experience the Wimbledon Lawn

Rowing The annual Boat Race between the esteemed universities of Oxford and Cambridge has been taking place on Tennis Museum & Tour the Thames since 1829. The race begins in Putney (see Tours, right). and finishes four and a quarter miles later in  e Mortlake, with numerous  u t m o r e  T o fi n d o o r t i n  n t h e vantage points – not  p  s  t  u  a b o  a l l,, g o t o  t to mention pub parties  c a p i t  c o m  o n d o n. c  t l o  s i t  v i s – along the route. This  year’s race takes place

Get Active! Why not get stuck into the action yourself? The Grove Hotel with golf course. Chandler’s Cross WD3 +44 (0)1923 807807 www.thegrove.co.uk Q Watford Highgate Golf Club Denewood Rd NW6 +44 (0)20 8340 2745 www.highgategc.co.uk U Highgate Hyde Park Stables Bathurst Mews W2 +44 (0)20 7723 2813 www.hydeparkstables.com U Lancaster Gate Ice skating Enjoy outdoor skating at various venues in winter. visitlondon.com Michelob ULTRA LondonTriathlon Royal Victoria Dock E16 +44 (0)20 7559 2929 www.thelondontriathlon.com DLR Custom House

Oasis Sports centre with indoor swimming pool. Endell Street WC2 +44 (0)20 7831 1894 www.camden.gov.uk/sport U Holborn Regent’s Park Tennis Centre York Bridge NW1 +44 (0)20 7486 4216 U Regent’s Park Royal Victoria Dock Watersports centre Offers various courses. Tidal Basin Rd E16 +44 (0)20 8430 2484 U/ DLR Canning Town Urban Golf Indoor golf simulators. Two venues +44 (0)20 8430 2484 www.urbangolf.co.uk The Westway Climbing Wall Thorpe Close W10 +44 (0)20 8969 0992 U Latimer Road

Tours Arsenal FC Tour Emirates Stadium N7 +44 (0)20 7704 4504 www.arsenal.com U Arsenal Chelsea FC Tour Stamford Bridge SW6 +44 (0)20 7386 7799 www.chelseafc.com U Fulham Broadway Lord’s Tour Lord’s NW8 +44 (0)20 7432 1000 www.lords.org/  lords-ground 

Twickenham Stadium Tour & Museum of Rugby Twickenham Stadium TW1 +44 (0)20 8892 8877 www.rfu.com U Twickenham Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum & Tour All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club SW19 +44 (0)20 8946 6131 www.wimbledon.org/  museum U Southfields

SHOP

WEST

END EN D Classic Cool Contemporary  choice like nowhere else

Shopping Indulge in a spot of retail therapy. London’s chic shopping districts and fascinating markets offer  everything from designer labels to bargain buys

Department Stores & Fashion

46

Markets Shopping Destinations, Antiques & Museum Shops Traditional Shops & Souvenirs

47 48

49

Shopping From famous department stores to trendy boutiques, London has it all  Department Stores

Fenwick Five floors of men’s and women’s fashion, as well as home collections. New Bond St W1 +44 (0)20 7629 9161 www.fenwick.co.uk

 John Lewis A one-stop shop for all your fashion, homeware, electrical and sporting goods. Oxford St W1 +44 (0)20 7629 7711 www.johnlewis.com U Oxford Circus

U Bond Street

Harrods

Harrods As much a tourist attraction as a department store, Harrods features to-die-for fashion and home collections, plus a luxurious food hall. Brompton Rd SW1 +44 (0)20 7730 1234 www.harrods.com U Knightsbridge

Harvey Nichols Boasts all your favourite upmarket labels, as well as a renowned bar that stays open after the store closes. Knightsbridge SW1 +44 (0)20 7235 5000 www.harveynichols.com U Knightsbridge

Fashion

Agent Provocateur Treat yourself to some luxury lingerie from this renowned brand. Bridalwear and cosmetics are also sold.

 e  F o r m o r g  n  s h o p p i n  t o  o  g  d e a s  i d  c o m  o n d o n. c  t l o  s i t  v i s

Broadwick St W1 +44 (0)20 7439 0229

Mulberry Luxury bags, wallets, purses, gift ideas and The Duffer of stationery can be St George bought at this British Traditional English designs label’s store. New Bond St W1 with a contemporary +44 (0)20 7491 3900 twist. Knitwear and Tshirts are specialities. www.mulberry.com U Bond Street Shorts Gardens WC2 www.agentprovocateur.com U Oxford Circus

Liberty This distinctive, +44 (0)20 7836 3722 Tudor-fronted Tudor-fr onted building www.thedufferofstgeorge.com New Look houses exquisite men’s U Covent Garden and women’s clothes, Great women’s fashions homeware and cosmetics. that won’t cost you an Regent St W1 arm and a leg. Particularly +44 (0)20 7734 1234 good for shoes. Oxford St W1 +44 (0)20 7025 6700

www.liberty.co.uk U Oxford Circus

www.newlook.co.uk

Peter Jones Choose from a wide range Esprit of clothes, kitchenware, lighting and gifts, with The biggest UK branch many exclusive lines. of the global label that’s Sloane Square SW1 strong on casual clothes, +44 (0)20 7730 3434 childrenswear and stylish www.peterjones.co.uk accessories for the home. U Sloane Square Regent St W1 Selfridges & Co Browse the latest designer labels, play with the latest gadgets, eat sushi and drink champagne at this vast department store. Oxford Street W1 +44 (0)8708 377 377

Old Spitalfields Market

The Open Market

U Marble Arch

Paul Smith This super-chic British designer offers classic tailoring with an emphasis on quality. Kensington Park Rd W11 +44 (0)20 7727 3553

+44 (0)20 7025 7700

www.paulsmith.co.uk

www.esprit.com

U Notting Hill Gate

U Piccadilly Circus

 J&M Davidson Offers a wide range of leather bags, belts and clothing that have been made to last.

www.selfridges.com

Ledbury Rd W11 +44 (0)20 7313 9532

U Bond Street

www.jandmdavidson.com U Notting Hill Gate

Poste Mistress Everything from Vivienne Westwood to Converse is represented at this store, which is decked out like a 1970s boudoir. Monmouth Street WC2 +44 (0)20 7379 4040 U Covent Garden

The indoor market of Spitalfields is justifiably popular, with stalls offering anything from dyed sheepskin rugs to handmade cards, while Covent Garden the surrounding stores sell Covent Garden Piazza rare posters, books and It’s easy to see why Covent great food. There’s Garden Piazza is such a a weekly fashion market people magnet. The Italian on Friday, but Sunday is neo-classic structure was the main day with the designed by Inigo Jones in largest number of stalls. 1632, and the glass-covered Open Mon-Fri 10ammarket at its heart has 4pm, Sun 9am-5pm, become one of London’s best www.visitspitalfields.com design showcases. Rows of U Liverpool Street colourful barrows selling arts and crafts fill the North Hall, while street performers can regularly be found in the courtyards – making it popular with all ages. Formerly the site of London’s Camden Lock largest fruit and veg market 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 Portobello Road comprises stalls and converted workshops selling everything an array of eateries – so a Market from furniture to wedding dresses. You can root around the lunchtime visit is a must. nearby Camden Stables Market for antiques, while the Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, West London’s renowned market has it all: plentiful Horse Hospital is pure vintage heaven. Note: Saturday Sun 11am-6pm, www. fruit and veg stalls, retro tends to be less busy than Sunday. Open daily, coventgardenmarket.co.uk clothing and accessories. U Covent Garden www.camdenlockmarket.com U Camden And it gets very busy on Saturdays, when some Columbia Road selling garden bric-a-brac, 1,500 antiques dealers vintage clothing and Flower Market descend on the Notting furniture, and cafés line Tucked away in the heart Hill end, so be sure to the street. Note: overseas of London’s East End, this sharpen your elbows. visitors won’t be able to take market has blossomed Open Mon-Sat plants and flowers home! into one of London’s most 8am-4.30pm (except Open Sun 8am-2pm, colourful areas. The 50Thurs 8am-1pm), www.columbia-flowerplus stalls offer countless www.portobelloroad.co.uk market.freewebspace.com varieties of flowers and U Ladbroke Grove U Bethnal Green Columbia Road plants, while a host of shops

With more than 300 street markets to browse in London, you’re sure to pick up a bargain

More Markets

off the beaten track Borough Market is foodie heaven, offering all kinds of lovingly sourced and created produce. The City’s Leadenhall Market is a more affluent affair – the stunning 19th-century hall offers the likes of salmon, grouse and oysters. Equally upmarket, Dover Street Market is as far removed from the idea of a market as possible: ‘stall holders’ include Dior’s Hedi

serves all your gift needs, with crafts and speciality foods. Further south, the cute Merton Abbey Mills Market has stalls teeming with crafts and other goodies, while Chelsea Farmers’ Market is a haven of independent shops on the Market , open Fri King’s Road. Borough Market, Cheese at Borough Market

12-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm, www.boroughmarket.org.uk;Chelsea market.org.uk; Chelsea Farmers’ Market, Market , open Mon-Sat 9.30am-8pm, Sun 10am-6.30pm , www.chelseafarmersmkt. org;; Dover Street Market, org Market , open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, www.doverstreetmarket. com; Greenwich Market, open Thurs 7.30am-5pm, Fri, Sat & Sun 9.30am-5pm, www.greenwich-market.co.uk; Leadenhall Market,, open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Merton Market Abbey Mills Market, Market, open Sat, Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-5pm,

Stella McCartney Even if you can’t afford the Beatle’s daughter’s designs, her catwalk classics are well worth a browse. Bruton St W1 +44 (0)20 7518 3100 www.stellamccartney.co.uk U Green Park

at this cavernous store. www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

village feel, but don’t be fooled: its hip boutiques keep it very much at the forefront of fashion.

two sales: modern and traditional furnishings, followed by antique furniture and pictures.

U High St Kensington

Off Monmouth St WC2 www.sevendials.co.uk

Lots Rd SW10 +44(0)20 7376 6800

U Covent Garden

www.lotsroad.com

Kensington High St W8 +44 (0)20 7761 1001

Shopping Destinations

The Brunswick Fountains and an open arcade make this recently developed historic building a relaxing place to shop.

Topshop The flagship outlet for  Judd Street WC1 the UK-wide fashion chain. Four vast floors of +44 (0)845 450 5463 www.thebrunswickblooms catwalk-based trends, shoes and accessories bury.com U Russell Square that’ll suit even the most modest of budgets. Oxford Circus W1 Burlington Arcade +44 (0)20 7636 7700 London’s most elegant www.topshop.co.uk shopping arcade still U Oxford Circus employs ‘Beadles’ who ensure customers act Turnbull & Asser with decorum. Piccadilly W1 Prince Charles is among +44 (0)20 7630 3833 the luminaries who buy their shirts and ties www.burlington-arcade.co.uk U Green Park here. A bespoke service is available. Canary Wharf  Jermyn St SW1 +44 (0)20 7808 3000 Three malls house 200plus shops and a wide www.turnbullandasser.com U Green Park selection of bars, cafés and eateries. Urban Outfitters +44 (0)20 7477 1477 www.mycanarywharf.com Funky clothes, CDs and U/DLR Canary Wharf quirky household goods vie for your attention

Shopping at

Neal’s Yard

West One Shopping Situated above Bond Street underground station, West One is perfect for shopping.

Carnaby Street W1 www.carnaby.co.uk U Oxford Circus

Bermondsey Market This Friday morning market thrives with antiques fans bartering for that old vase or Edwardian tea chest.

Traditional

The Chocolate Society Bonbons, truffles and Easter Eggs are some of the delights on offer at this tempting shop.

U Bond Street

Antiques

Shepherd Market, W1 +44 (0)20 7495 0302

Off King’s Rd SW3 U Sloane Square

The Mall Ilford Over 80 shops and restaurants within easy reach of central London. Ilford, Essex +44 (0)20 8553 3000 Q Ilford

U Angel

Seven Dials Cobbled streets give Seven Dials a distinct

Lots Road Every Sunday, this auction house holds

V&A Best for jewellery

of the chandelier hanging in the museum’s dome. www.vandashop.co.uk

items to choose from, the V&A shop is a great place to pick up a gift or souvenir. The shop’s main appeal is the replica jewellery inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. There’s also William Morris print scarves and glasswork

Tate Britain/Modern Best for books

Tate Modern’s level-two shop was designed by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron, and offers an exclusive leather range by

U Oxford Circus

“London can’t be beaten for  shopping, from hot new designers to high street fashion” 

 James Smith & Sons Be prepared for all weathers with a stylish umbrella from this classic R Twining & Co British institution. New Oxford St WC1 Anyone for tea? Now +44 (0)20 7836 4731 more than 300 years old, R Twining sells a wide www.james-smith.co.uk U Tottenham range of tea leaves and Fortnum & Mason bags sourced from across Court Road the globe. Fortnum & Mason Penhaligon’s Strand WC2 +44 (0)20 7353 3511 Ever since it was founded Offering pretty vintage in 1707, Fortnum & Mason packaging and distinctive www.twinings.com U Temple has been synonymous with fragrances, this longluxury foods – it’s known established store now has Smythson as the Queen’s grocer. a cult following. Piccadilly W1 Brook St W1 One of the most famous +44 (0)20 7734 8040 +44 (0)20 7493 0002 stationers in the world, Smythson offers a www.fortnumandmason.com www.penhaligons.co.uk U Piccadilly Circus U Bond Street bespoke service on

Camden Passage N1 +44 (0)20 7359 0190 www.camdenpassage islington.co.uk

www.hamleys.com

U Green Park

Camden Passage Open from Wednesday to Saturday, this atmospheric thoroughfare is a hotpot of fascinating collectables.

www.themall.co.uk

Regent St W1 +44 (0)870 333 2455

www.chocolate.co.uk

Duke of York Square In the heart of trendy Bermondsey Square SE1 Chelsea, shops include LK Bennett and Ted Baker. U Bermondsey

London Museums With over 2,000 different From quality homeware and toys to limitededition jewellery and  books, here are some of  the best items on offer in London’s top museums and galleries…

U Fulham Broadway

Carnaby Street & Kingly Court London’s famous street offers an array of fashion stores, while Kingly Court boasts flagship stores and individual boutiques, with a piazza-style courtyard.

Hamleys Kids will love exploring this vast toy emporium. With everything from traditional teddies to high-tech Robosapiens on show, don’t expect to keep your wallet in  your pocket for long! There’s another branch at Heathrow Airport, if you want to keep them happy during a long flight.

M i     d   s   u m m  e  r  L   i      g  h   t    b  B   y  r  i    T   t    o i     s  r  h   d  M B   u  o  o

items, while Tate Britain has beautiful accessories to tie in with recent exhibitions. Both shops specialise in art books. www.tate.org.uk/shop The Design Museum Best for homeware

Stylish works by cuttingedge designers are up for grabs here. Tord Boontje

and glasses, while Peter Saville has signed limitededition prints. www.designmuseum.org

Bound to be a hit with kids! www.sciencemuseumstore.com

Science Museum Best for gadgets

Among the fascinating items on offer here are a Chinese fortune shaker, pottery feng shui cats and a black-resin statue of Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of love.

Budding Patrick Moores can splash out on telescopes and glow-in-the-dark stars, while  James Bond fans will love

British Museum Best for replicas

Lina, designer, Selfridges

its luxury products. New Bond Street W1 +44 (0)20 7629 8558 www.smythson.com U Bond Street

Souvenirs

Crest of London With nine stores in the West End, Crest sells everything from ‘I Love London’ T-shirts to fridge magnets – great for gifts and mementos. Various locations +44 (0)20 7935 0044 www.crestoflondon.co uk

British 52 French 53

Food & Drink Dr ink London’s most beautiful and romantic Indian restaurant with refined gourmet cooking. Open daily for dinner and on Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Private salon seating 24 for lunch and dinner everyday. 535 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW10. Tel: 020 7351 3113

The ultimate Indian grill with lighter food. Luxurious interiors and chic cocktails. In fashionable Knightsbridge. Private salon seats 14.

From historic old pubs to hip cocktail bars, and cosy little cafés to chic celebrity hotspots, there’s something  here to suit all tastes and pockets

Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1. Tel: 020 7823 1166

“I love sitting  watching the East  London faces go by… it’s always inspiring”  Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant. The restaurant has just been recently transformed. Opulent, playful and aristocratic 1920s India. Mezzanine Floor, Victory House, 99 Regent Street, London W1 (entrance located on Swallow Street). Tel: 020 7734 1401

Delicious street foods and traditional home style cooking  in a lively atmosphere. No reservations required. Marshall Street, Soho, London W1. Tel: 020 7287 9966 80 Upper Street, Islington, London N1. Tel: 020 7359 3399 141 Earls Court Road, London SW5. Tel: 020 7373 0220

ALEXIE, DESIGNER, BRICK LANE

Italian & Indian World Cuisine Landmark Locations & Cafés Restaurant Chains Pubs & Bars

54 55 56 57 59

Food

+44 (0)20 7730 6922 www.boisdale.co.uk U Victoria

There’s a culinary cornucopia to savour in the city’s diverse eateries

The Butlers Wharf Chop House Traditional English dishes served in an airy room that is reminiscent of a cricket pavilion. £££ Butlers Wharf Building, Shad Thames SE1 +44 (0)20 7403 3403 www.conran.com/eat U London Bridge

S & M Café

British The Atrium Enjoy seasonal food among politicians from the Houses of Parliament. £££ Millbank SW1 +44 (0)20 7233 0032 www.atriumrestaurant.com U Westminster

Bank Aldwych Urban brasserie serving classics with a twist. £££ Kingsway WC2 +44 (0)20 7379 9797 www.bankrestaurants. com/aldwych U Covent Garden

Bluebird Housed in what was once Europe’s largest motor garage, Bluebird is now a chic café, bar and brasserie. £££ King’s Rd SW3 +44 (0)20 7559 1000 www.conran.com/eat U Sloane Square

Best  for views There are few things more romantic than a splendid vista while  you wine and dine. Here’s a selection

Canada Place, Canary Wharf E14 +44 (0)20 7715 7100 www.conran.com/eat U Canary Wharf

Lisson Grove NW1 +44 (0)20 7224 9000 www.seashellrestaurant. co.uk U Marylebone

Roast Fine British cuisine served in a stunning hall. £££

Simpson’s-inthe-Strand A collection of unique ‘dining establishments’ serving up English fare amid dark panelling and crystal chandeliers. ££££

cuisine at the City Café, then retire to the Millbank Lounge for a dram of whisky. £££  John Islip St SW1 +44 (0)20 7630 1000 www.cityinn.com U St James’s Park

Boisdale Boisdale comprises a luxury, lively bar and Westow Hill SE19 restaurant with live jazz on the menu every night. +44 (0)20 8670 4052 Also in Bishopsgate. ££££ www.joannas.uk.com

Blueprint Café

Sea Shell of Lisson Grove Offers a variety of fresh fish and chips. A takeaway service is available. ££

The Floral Hall, Stoney St SE1 City Café & +44 (0)20 7940 1300 Millbank Lounge www.roast-restaurant.com Sample modern European U Borough

 Joanna’s Buzzing neighbourhood restaurant with good views and great wine. £££

Eccleston St SW1

Plateau Two glass-fronted dining areas – a bar/grill and a formal restaurant – with fantastic views. ££££

Q Crystal

Palace

Simpson’s-in-the-Strand

S & M Café S & M stands for sausage and mash – and this eatery serves it up, along with other dishes, in its original 1920s interior. £ Essex Rd N1 +44 (0)20 7359 5361 www.sandmcafe.co.uk U Angel

Blueprint Café

Cantina del Ponte

A stunning place to watch the sun go down over Tower Bridge. The modern British food is equally dazzling. £££ Design Museum, Shad Thames SE1 +44 (0)20 7378 7031 www.conran.com/eat

Simple Italian food with a focus on seasonal ingredients – and fantastic views of Tower Bridge. £££ Butlers Wharf Building, Shad Thames SE1 +44 (0)20 7403 5403 www.conran.com/eat

The Savoy, Strand WC2 +44 (0)20 7836 9112 www.fairmont.com/svy/  simpsons U Charing Cross

French Almeida Restaurant & Bar Robust, regional French dishes are served in this intimate dining room in Islington. £££ Almeida St N1 +44 (0)20 7354 4777 www.conran.com/eat U Angel

Bistro 51 Informal bistro offering delicious French and English fare. ££

Le Pont de la Tour Offers modern French cuisine and a vast wine list. ££££

+44 (0)20 7829 7000 www.pearl-restaurant.com U Holborn

Buckingham Gate SW1 +44 (0)20 7963 8325 www.bistro51.co.uk U St James’s Park

Butlers Wharf Building, Shad Thames SE1 +44 (0)20 7403 8403 www.conran.com/eat U London Bridge

The Wolseley Modern cuisine dished up in a grand former car showroom, complete with arches, pillars and stairways. The Wolseley boasts an extensive wine list. £££

Bonds Restaurant Popular with stockbrokers, Maze serving high-quality Gordon Ramsay’s Maze international food. £££ serves French cuisine with Piccadilly W1 Threadneedle St EC2 +44 (0)20 7499 6996 an Asian influence. £££ +44 (0)20 7657 8090 www.theetoncollection.com U Bank

Grosvenor Square W1 +44 (0)20 7107 0000 www.gordonramsay.com/ maze Brasserie St Quentin U Green Park

Serves simple, classic Gallic fare. £££ Brompton Rd SW3 +44 (0)20 7589 8005 www.brasseriestquentin. co.uk U South Kensington

Le Cercle Club Gascon’s chic sister offers deliciously creative French fare. ££££ Wilbraham Place SW1 +44 (0)20 7901 9999 U Sloane Square

Italian Bertorelli Restaurant & Bar Orrery Contemporary Italian Housed in a former stable, food served up in chic, Orrery promises quality leather-boothed food and wine. ££££ surroundings. £££ Marylebone High St W1 +44 (0)20 7616 8000 www.conran.com/eat U Baker Street

Pearl A range of imaginative dishes are served up in a chic setting designed by the creators of trendy Nobu. £££ High Holborn WC1

Chamberlains Restaurant Set in a stunning, Grade IIlisted Victorian building, this restaurant’s menu focuses on fish. ££ Leadenhall Market EC3 +44 (0)20 7648 8690 www.chamberlains.org

www.thewolseley.com U Piccadilly

Coq d’Argent

Galvin at Windows

Spectacular views over the City of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. And there’s even a lawned terrace for those warm summer evenings. ££ Poultry EC2 +44 (0)20 7395 5000 www.conran.com/eat

Situated on the 28th floor, this French restaurant named after its Chef Patron has unparalleled city views. ££££ The London Hilton on Park Lane, Park Lane W1 +44 (0)20 7493 8000 www.hilton.co.uk

Frith St W1 and other locations +44 (0)20 7494 3491 www.santeonline.co.uk/ bertorelli U Leicester Square

Key £ ££ £££ ££££

Budget Low Mid Top End

Kensington Roof Gardens High above Kensington High Street, this unique restaurant boasts exotic gardens and views of London’s skyline. £££ Kensington High St +44 (0)20 7368 3993 www.roofgardens.com

De Cecco Classic Italian dishes in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss the speciality lobster. ££ New Kings Rd SW6 +44 (0)20 7736 1145 www.dececco restaurant.com U Parsons Green

Sartoria

Pizza Express With several branches in London, Pizza Express offers Sicilian-inspired pizzas, pastas and salads – as well as live jazz in some restaurants. ££ Various locations +44 (0)20 7439 8722 www.pizzaexpress.com

Sartoria Inspired by the simplicity and elegance of the restaurants of 1930s Milan, Sartoria boasts more than 400 wines. £££ Savile Row W1 +44 (0)20 7534 7000 www.conran.com/eat U Green Park

Spaghetti House Good-quality pizzas and pasta dishes. ££

Indian Amaya Top-end Indian cuisine with an open-show kitchen and grill to entertain diners. £££ Halkin Arcade, Motcomb St SW1 +44 (0)871 2238036 U Knightsbridge

Benares Restaurant & Bar The Indian chef was the first in Britain to win a Michelin star. His food is a pleasure to behold. £££ Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square W1 +44 (0)20 7629 8886 www.benaresrestaurant.com U Bond Street

Chutney Mary The dishes here are beautifully perfumed with herbs, spices and home-made stocks. £££ King’s Rd SW10 +44 (0)20 7351 3113 www.chutneymary.com U Fulham Broadway

The Cinnamon Club The beauty of this place lies in the contrast between the gentlemen’s club-style setting and the exoticism of modern Indian cuisine. £££

The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith St Various locations SW1 +44 (0)20 7629 6097 +44 (0)20 7222 2555 www.spaghetti-house.co.uk www.cinnamonclub.com

The Delhi Brasserie This popular eatery in the heart of the West End offers diners awardwinning Indian cuisine in authentic and very elegant surroundings. ££ Frith St W1 +44 (0)20 7437 8261 U Tottenham Court Rd

Elephant Walk Offers an innovative menu of Indian and Sri Lankan food with friendly service. ££ West End Lane NW6 +44 (0)20 7328 3308 U Tottenham Court Rd

La Porte des Indes London A 40ft waterfall and exotic flowers set the scene for the elaborate flavours you’ll savour on your plate. ££££ Bryanston St W1 +44 (0)20 7224 0055 www.blueelephant.com/  pi/london U Marble Arch

Tamarind Glamorous, Michelinstarred restaurant. £££

The Cinammon Club

Maharaja A highly regarded Indian and Balti restaurant. £ Queensway W2 +44 (0)20 7727 1135 U Queensway

Mint Leaf Start with a Burst of Mint cocktail in the bar, then enjoy baby lamb chops simmered in ginger. £££ Suffolk Place SW1 +44 (0)20 7930 9020 www.mintleaf  restaurant.com U Piccadilly Circus

Pimlico Tandoori Has been serving up consistently good Indian food for more than 25 years – surely a good sign! £ Moreton St NW1 +44 (0)20 7834 3375 U Pimlico

Queen St W1 +44 (0)20 7629 3561 www.tamarindrestaurant. com U Green Park

Veeraswamy London’s oldest Indian restaurant. Devotees come here to sample dishes such as sadgi korma – a curry with saffron and Himalayan pine essence. £££ Mezzanine Floor, Victory House, Regent St W1 +44 (0)20 7734 1401 www.veeraswamy.com U Piccadilly Circus

World Cuisine Cuis ine 1492 Latin Fusion Lively Latin restaurant named after the year Christopher Columbus found the Americas. £££ North End Rd SW6 +44 (0)20 7381 3810 www.1492restaurant.com U Fulham Broadway

Benihana Check out the chefs, who cook your supper before  your very eyes in this  Japanese restaurant.£££ King’s Rd SW3 and other locations +44 (0)20 7376 7799 www.benihana.co.uk U Sloane Square

Value Eats Eat s  Just the slightest detour off the beaten track can pay great  dividends for those food-lovers looking for a delicious meal  at an affordable price

Brick Lane

 year-round barbecue joint serving juicy American steak platters to appreciative THE WEST END carnivores (if you’re not, don’t worry, as Soho, in the heart of London’s West End, vegetarians get a look in, too). Non-meat is home to some ground-breaking – and eaters should drop in on The Place Below, Below , cheap – restaurants, like Imli in Wardour set in a crypt below St-Mary-Le-Bow Street, an Indian restaurant from the church, which brings a welcome spirit of creators of Tamarind. The award-winning invention to veggie dishes (weekdays only). Masala Zone, Zone, tucked away around the BRICK LANE corner from Carnaby Street, plays it simple A 10-minute walk from Liverpool Street while the nearby Japanese noodle bar train station, Brick Lane is one of the Wagamama and Yo Sushi! offer excellent capital’s most celebrated foodie meals and super-quick service. All four thoroughfares, a parade of traditional Indian restaurants are contemporary twists on and Bengali restaurants that are magnets ethnic cuisine: affordable, stylish, accessible. for curry connoisseurs from all over London. CHINATOWN City Spice and The Monsoon are typical,  Just to the north of Leicester Square, and make a great introduction to the Chinatown has long been a favourite haunt delights of ‘Banglatown’. of hungry Londoners drawn to the area’s GASTRO PUBS buzzing restaurant scene, with the likes of And what of traditional English dishes? the HK Diner keenly waving the flag for Well, you could see what’s on the menu Cantonese and Peking dishes, and the at one of London’s many gastro pubs. evergreen Golden Dragon packing them in. Try The Eagle, Eagle, the original ‘boozer with THE CITY food’ that started off the whole gastroFurther out east, the City’s pinstriped pub phenomenon in Clerkenwell, or power-lunching business types are spoilt head to The Builder’s Arms in Chelsea, rotten by the wide range of high-quality, or The Engineer, Engineer, up in Primrose Hill. All low-price eateries right on their doorstep. offer good food at reasonable prices. The Real Greek & Mezedopolio , in trendy THE EAST END Hoxton, is an For a taste of old London try traditional pie Wagamama absolute treat, and and mash or jellied eels, washed down with keeps us nicely on a mug of milky tea. Dotted around the East our globe-trotting End and south of the Thames, stalwarts like quest, while the Manze’s,, near Tower Bridge, and F Cooke, Manze’s Cooke, in Arkansas Café, Café, Broadway Market, are run by the same something of a families who first opened them a century Spitalfields ago, and still boast their original Victorian institution, is a tiles, marble table tops and ornate mirrors.

CHEAP EATS CONTACT DETAILS Imli Wardour St W1, +44 (0)20 7287 4243; Masala Zone Marshall St W1, +44 (0)20 7287 9966; Wagamama Lexington St W1, +44 (0)20 7292 0990; Yo Sushi, Sushi, Poland St W1; +44 (0)20 7287 0443; HK Diner, Diner, Wardour St W1, +44 (0)20 7434 9544; Golden Dragon Gerrard St W1, +44 (0)20 7734 1073; The Real Greek & Mezedopolio Hoxton Market N1, +44 (0)20 7739 8212;

(0)20 7377 6999; The Place Below St Mary Le Bow, Cheapside EC2, +44 (0)20 7329 0789; City Spice Brick Lane E1, +44 (0)20 7247 1012; The Monsoon Brick Lane E1, +44 (0)20 7375 1345; The Eagle Farringdon Rd EC1, +44 (0)20 7837 1353; The Builder’s Arms Britten St SW3, +44 (0)20 7349 9040; The Engineer Gloucester Ave NW1, +44 (0)20 7722 0950; Manze’s Deptford High St SE8, +44 (0)20 8692 2375; F Cooke Broadway

Floridita Combines all the elements that make a lively Cuban bar: fat Cohiba cigars, a menu that’s heavy on the ceviche and, of course, lots of rum. ££££ Wardour St W1 +44 (0)20 7314 4000 www.floriditalondon.com U Tottenham Court Rd

Floridita

The Gaucho Grill Free-range Argentinian beef is this restaurant chain’s raison d’etre. £££ Heath St NW3 and other locations +44 (0)20 7431 8222 www.gaucho-grill.com U Hampstead Heath

Gilgamesh Vast, Babylon-themed restaurant in the heart of Camden Town. £££ Chalk Farm Rd NW1 +44 (0)20 7482 5757 www.gilgameshbar.com U Camden Town

Meza Tempting Spanish tapas and good old-fashioned cocktails. ££ Wardour St W1 +44 (0)20 7314 4002 www.conran.com/eat U Tottenham Court Rd

Miyabi Serves up excellent hand-rolled sushi. ££ Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool St EC2 +44 (0)20 7618 7100 www.great-easternhotel.co.uk U Liverpool Street

Rainforest Café Themed restaurant offering American and tropical cuisine. £££ Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)20 7434 3111 www.therainforestcafe. co.uk U Piccadilly Circus

a modern twist. £££ Bargehouse St SE1 +44 (0)20 7803 3888 www.oxotower.co.uk U Waterloo

Royal Exchange Grand Café & Bar Fine establishment housed in the central court of a colossal Victorian building. £££ The Courtyard, Royal Exchange EC3 +44 (0)20 7618 2480 www.conran.com/eat U Bank

Rules Renowned as London’s oldest restaurant, this plush dining room was once frequented by Charles Dickens. £££

Landmark Locations Grill Room Oscar Wilde dined at this restaurant, and it’s still one Maiden Lane WC2 +44 (0)20 7836 5314 of London’s finest. £££ Café Royal, Regent St W1 +44 (0)20 7439 1865 www.grill-room.com U Piccadilly Circus

Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor A great pit-stop for shoppers at London’s top fashion emporium. £££ Knightsbridge SW1 +44 (0)20 7235 5250 www.harveynichols.com U Knightsbridge

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie Rooftop restaurant

www.rules.co.uk U Covent Garden

The Savoy Grill Still one of the most glamorous places to dine out in London. ££££

Palm Court Ideal for informal dining or afternoon tea – in art deco surroundings. £££

 C h e c k n. c  c o m  o n d o  e a l s  t l o  s i t  v i s  d  s  l  a  e  m  r  f o

Café/brasserie The Brasserie Graze on a modern British menu with a global twist at Chelsea Football Club’s relaxed restaurant. ££

Conduit St W1 +44 (0)870 777 4488 www.sketch.uk.com

Swing by one of these restaurants  for a toe-tapping treat  Dover St W1 +44 (0)20 7491 7509 www.doverst.co.uk U Green Park

Zinc Bar & Grill In the summer, sit on the terrace and order a glass of Chablis to wash down the brasserieHarry Ramsden’s style fare. ££ Heddon St W1 Great British favourites +44 (0)20 7255 8899 at reasonable prices. ££

Stamford Bridge SW6 +44 (0)20 7565 1400 www.chelseafc.com U Fulham Broadway

Café in the Crypt Enjoy a tasty, cheap meal by candlelight. £

www.zincbar.co.uk U Piccadilly Circus

Various locations www.harryramsdens.co.uk

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square WC2 +44 (0)20 7766 1158 www2.stmartin-in-the fields.org U Charing Cross

Chains Chez Gérard Eleven branches in London, serving up steakfrites et al in a 1930sstyle brasserie. £££

My Old Dutch Excellent sweet and savoury pancakes. ££

Various locations +44 (0)20 7881 8870 www.santeonline.co.uk

Carluccio’s Popular cafés serving fresh Italian food, with excellent shops in case you want to take something edible home. ££

Fine Burger Co. With several branches in London, this chain serves classic burgers alongside international fare. ££ +44 (0)20 7224 1890 www.fineburger.co.uk

Coffee, Cake & Kink A coffee shop with a naughty difference! £ Endell St WC2 +44 (0)20 7419 2996 www.coffeecake andkink.co.uk

Best for Entertainment

Sheraton Park Lane Hotel W1 +44 (0)20 7290 7170 www.sheraton.com/parklane U Green Park

Strand WC2 +44 (0)20 7592 1600 Various locations www.fairmont.com/savoy  +44 (0)20 7580 3050 U Charing Cross www.carluccios.com

Sketch This 18th-century building is now a venue for fine food, arts and music. ££££

+44 (0)20 7514 1700 www.hardrock.com U Hyde Park Corner

B  r  i     t   i     s  h  M  u  s   e   u

Hard Rock Café A guitar that Lenny Kravitz smashed and a shawl worn by Janis Joplin are some of the things  you’ll find here. ££

Various locations +44 (0)20 7242 5200 www.myolddutch.com

Outback Steakhouse Serving juicy steaks in a relaxed atmosphere. ££ Riverside West Complex, Wandsworth SW18 +44 (0)20 8877 1599 www.outbackpom.com U Wandsworth

Planet Hollywood Gaze at the movie memorabilia as you tuck into steaks and ribs. ££ Coventry St W1 +44 (0)20 7437 7639 www.planethollywood  london.com

Dover Street Restaurant

Bateaux London Enjoy world-class live entertainment while you eat lunch or dinner on a Thames cruise. £££ Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment WC2 +44 (0)20 7925 2215 www.bateauxlondon.com U Embankment Dover Street Restaurant & Bar Listen to live jazz or rhythm and blues in this restaurant, which serves creative French fare. £££

HackneyCentral R&B and funky house music play in this train station turned bar/restaura bar/restaurant. nt. ££ Amhurst Rd E8 +44(0)20 8986 5111 www.hackneycentral.com Q Hackney Central Quaglino’s Retains the glamour of the 1920s with live jazz. ££££ Bury St SW1 +44(0)20 7930 6767 www.conran.com/eat U Green Park RS Hispaniola Dine on Mediterranean classics aboard this elegant Thameside ship. £££ Bury St SW1 +44(0)20 7839 3011 www.hispaniola.co.uk U Embankment

Museum Mouthfuls Visiting a museum is not  just about seeing a great exhibition – with excellent shops (see page 48), cafés and restaurants, there’s a whole day’s entertainment. After admiring the art, refuel at Tate Britain’s café and espresso bar, or marvel at the stunning mural in the more formal restaurant as  you browse the modern British menu. Tate Modern’s levelseven restaurant boasts stunning river views and an eclectic menu based on seasonal produce. But if

meal, try the level-two café. Amid the history of the British Museum , sit under Norman Foster’s aweinspiring glass roof in the Court Restaurant, or head to the gallery café or court café for a lighter meal. For further details, see museum listings, page 32 Court Restaurant

Visit the home of one of the world’s greatest writers in the city that inspired him. Situated in Bloomsbury. Central London the Charles Dickens Museum contains Dickens’s letters, manuscripts, personal items,   paintings and reconstructed rooms. The Museum offers a wide range of events and activities including handling sessions with original artefacts and readings from Dickens’s works. Groups are also welcome. If you would like to   join the Friends of the Charles Dickens Museum and support our work please contact us.

Hotel Dining You don’t have to be staying there to enjoy fine food at these hotels Radisson Edwardian This hotel chain boasts some of the best restaurants in London, serving predominantly modern English cuisine. Ascots at the Berkshire is enticing with its luxurious wood-and-leather interior. Somewhat more minimalist, Aston at the Grafton was named after the Aston Martin Club, which was founded on the site in the 30s. Creation at the Kenilworth allows diners to watch the

ice cream! Nova at the Sussex offers hearty portions of British fodder, leather chairs and a chilled soundtrack. At the Vanderbilt Hotel’s dining room, 68-86 , you’ll find signature British food is served, with a delicious Pacific Rim twist. For details of more restaurants see www. radissonedwardian.com

Hilton The Hilton chain takes great pride in offering a culinary experience that matches its high-quality accommodation. The Woburn Place Dining Room at the London Euston serves up English,

European and Far Eastern fare within a Victorian conservatory. The chefs preparing food influenced by cuisines from the Far East through a glass divide. Glass at the Marlborough is furnished with individual mirrors and the dramatic canvasses of Heidi Harrington. The open kitchen and grill at the May Fair ’s opulent Amba is renowned for

 And here are a few more top restaurants that are found within London hotels… Brasserie Roux at the Sofitel St James London (www.sofitelstjames.com ) is housed in an elegant former banking hall and offers French-style brasserie food. Citrus at the Park Lane Hotel (www.starwoodhotels. com)) serves up delicious com Mediterranean fare and offers al-fresco eating in the summer. L’Estaminet at the Ibis London City (www.ibishotel.com ) is an informal, French-style bistro serving lunch and dinner. The Loft at the Mercure London City Bankside (www.mercure. com)) offers modern com European cuisine, and could be preceded by a romantic Thames walk. Addendum at the Apex City of London (www. apexhotels.co.uk ) serves up the likes of diver-caught seared scallops and roast squab pigeon to diners on leather banquettes. The deVille Restaurant at the

with majestic views. Further views are to be had at Nippon Tuk , an contemporary dishes Oriental restaurant on inspired by world cuisine. the 23rd floor of the London Metropole. Plum Visitors to the London Hilton on Park Lane at the London Olympia can choose between wows guests with the Park Brasserie international classics and (Mediterranean-inspired), traditional favourites. Trader Vic’s (Polynesian) The Brasserie at the or the 28th-floor Galvin London Paddington Tiger Green Brasserie at the London Green Park entices you with

Mandeville Hotel (www. mandeville.co.uk ) offers modern British cuisine in a theatrical setting. The Mandarin Oriental (www. mandarinoriental.com) overlooking Hyde Park has two restaurants – Foliage and The Park – both of which offer exquisite international recipes in chic surroundings. The recently refurbished Grill Room at the Dorchester (www.thedorchester. com)) is as sophisticated com as they come, and boasts a fantastic wine list. The Ritz Restaurant at The Ritz (www.theritzlondon. com)) is one of the most com beautiful dining rooms in the world, and features a four-piece band on Friday and Saturday nights. One-O-Oneat Finally, One-O-One at the Sheraton Park Tower (www.starwoodhotels. com)) offers sumptuous com French cuisine and serves some of the finest seafood in London.

dishes amid elegant surroundings. And the Waldorf Hilton’s Homage serves up classic and contemporary fare in a dramatic setting. www.hilton.co.uk

BBC Televi sion Centre Tours Tours Get a fascinating insight into the world of  BBC Television.You must pre-book by calling: 0870 603 0304* or text textpho phone ne 0870 903 0304.

 Ignorance and Want: the Social Conscience of Charles Dickens, a new exhibition, open throughout 2007, tells the story of Dickens’s reforming nature through his traumatic childhood experiences and his novels novelsOliver  Oliver  Twist and Twist  and  NicholasNickleby , both written at the Museum. *

48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX Tel. 020 7405 2127 www.dickensmuseum.com  Nearest tube: Russell Square

Adults £5 Concessions £4 Children £3 Families £14

Open:Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm

Delhi

Lines open from 9am to 5pm. Calls are charged at National Rate and may be monitored or recorded for training.

bbc.co.uk/tours

The Th e

brasserie

A different day out

Ben

Visit The Ben Uri Gallery

‘The best museum of the region’ , just off the Beatle's famous Abbey Road, followed by lunch in Little Venice then onto nearby London Zoo in Regent ’s Park or Madame Tussauds

Ideally situated in the heart of London’s theatreland for business lunches and pre- or after-theat after-theatre re dinners.

Dishes from various regions cooked to perfection and served with style. 44 Frith Street, Soho W1 Tel: 020 7437 8261 Fax: 020 7437 3789

Uri

Jan-Feb Ambiguous Realities, Photographs by Dorothy Bohm March-April Art of the Holocaust May Julie Held & Shanti Panchal painting different experiences June-July The London School, Freud, Auerbach, Kossoff August Contemporary artists’ festival Sept-Nov Varian Fry and the artists he saved from tyranny Dec Highlights from the renowned Ben Uri collection www.benuri.org.uk for details

134 Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 Tel: 020 7370 7617 Fax: 020 7244 8639

Indian Cuisine Recommended by prominent food critics including BBC Good Eating Guide

www.delhibrasserie.com

Mon-Fri 10-5.30pm April to October and from 10-3.30pm on Fridays between November and March, Sunday opening 12-4pm 108A Boundary Road, London NW8 ORH. Tel: 020 7604 3991

Bar Etiquette

Drink Fancy a tipple? Here’s a sample of  the capital’s best watering holes Pubs Butcher’s Hook Popular gastro pub serving high-quality food and wine. Fulham Rd SW6 +44 (0)20 7385 4654 U Fulham Broadway

Cork & Bottle Atmospheric wine bar that also serves up tasty food.

‘There sh shal alll be but on one e mis istr tres esss here and no master’

Cranbourn St WC2 +44 (0)20 7734 7807 U Leicester Square

Canary Wharf 

Ascribed to Elizabeth I in response to the Earl of Leicester

History Art Biography Fame Discover them for Free

Queen Elizabeth I by an unknown artist, c .1600 .1600

www.npg.org.uk Open daily 10.00 – 18.00 Thursdays and Fridays until 21.00 u Leicester Square

Office workers and shoppers create a buzzing atmosphere around the waterside bars and restaurants of Canary Wharf. Champagne and wine bar Corney & Barrow puts on summer barbecues, The Fine Line combines soft furnishings with contemporary art, and Davy’s and Smollensky’s offer delicious informal dining. The Jubilee Place Food Court serves food from around the

Crown & Greyhound A large Victorian public house with a real taste of traditional British drinking, set in pretty village surrounds. Dulwich Village SE21 +44 (0)20 8299 4976 Q North Dulwich

The Elgin A good selection of real ales is served up to a diverse clientele. Ladbroke Grove W11 +44 (0)20 7229 5663 U Ladbroke Grove

Be patient. Don’t wave your cash at the barman or shout for attention. It’s considered rude. Pick a good spot at the bar. Everyone tries to squeeze in from the edges but this is o ften where dirty glasses are collected. Stand here and you will be ignored. Make eye contact when you want to get served . Smile, keep looking at the bar person’s eyes and, at some point, they’ll come to you. Always ask before you join someone’s table. In crowded pubs, sharing tables is acceptable. In bars, they may look at you in horror! Expect to buy rounds of drinks. The British usually take turns around the table to buy the drinks. Be prepared to offer to buy the next round.

Lamb’s Conduit St WC1 +44 (0)20 7405 0713 www.youngs.co.uk U Holborn

The Royal Oak The Oak offers a range of specialist beers. There are also regular book readings and other events.

Lamb Tabard St SE1 Housed in a Grade II+44 (0)20 7357 7173 listed building, Lamb U Borough features photographs of 19th-century actresses. Seven Stars Situated behind the Royal Courts of Justice, this old pub is, unsurprisingly, popular with lawyers. Carey St WC2 +44 (0)20 7242 8521 U Holborn The Fine Line

special try stylish restaurants Ubon and Plateau . Canary Wharf E14 +44 (0)20 7477 1477 www.mycanarywharf.com U/

Fleet St EC4 +44 (0)20 7583 6470 www.tipperarypub.co.uk U Blackfriars

The Tipperary This 400-year-old pub survived the Great Fire of London to become the city’s first Irish pub. Great

Waxy O’Connor’s Enormous Irish themed pub whose menu includes traditional dishes like Irish stew and mussels. Rupert St W1 +44 (0)20 7287 0255 U Leicester Square

Bars Auberge Bar & Restaurant European beers are a firm favourite at this café bar tucked away near Waterloo station. Sandell St SE1 +44 (0)20 7633 0610

Absolut Ice Bar

Bar Soho Late bar offering great cocktails and food in the bustling heart of Soho.

Crazy Bear This beautiful basement bar offers oriental-style cocktails and bar snacks.

Old Compton St W1 +44 (0)20 7439 0439 www.barsoho.co.uk U Leicester Square

Whitfield St W1 +44 (0)20 7631 0088 www.crazybeargroup.co.uk U Goodge Street

Cellar Gascon Boasts a vast wine list from Gascony in France, also some weird and wonderful snacks.

Greenwich Park Bar & Grill Three-storey venue with a fine array of beers, as well as a patio courtyard for summer evenings.

West Smithfield EC1 +44 (0)20 7796 0600 U Barbican

King William Walk SE10 +44 (0)20 8853 7860 www.thegreenwichpark.com DLR Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich

Cheers Bar A reproduction of the bar from the legendary TV series. At night it’s a club  Jewel with DJs from London Enjoy a cocktail in radio stations Kiss, beautiful surroundings. Glasshouse St W1 Capital and Virgin. Regent St W1 +44 (0)20 7494 3322 www.cheersbarlondon. com U Piccadilly Circus

+44 (0)20 7439 4990 www.jewelbarlondon.co.uk U Piccadilly Circus

 Julie’s This wine bar next to the restaurant of the same name has a great selection of French and New World wines. Portland Rd W11 +44 (0)20 7229 8331 www.juliesrestaurant.com U Holland Park

La Casa del Habano Thick cigars, delicious cocktails and tapas transport you to Cuba.

Ruby Blue A funky bar, restaurant and club where you can dance until 3am. Leicester Place WC2 +44 (0)20 7287 8050 www.rubybluebar.co.uk U Leicester Square

Sirocco Boasting twelve plasma screens, this is a great bar to catch some sport, but there’s also a dance floor.

39-45 Shaftesbury Av W1 Wardour St W1 +44 (0)20 7437 0847 +44 (0)20 7314 4001 www.sirocco-london.com www.lacasadelhabano.co.uk U Piccadilly Circus U Tottenham Court Rd

Los Locos A cocktail bar, TexMex restaurant and club that stays open till 3am. Russell St WC2 +44 (0)20 7379 0220 www.los-locos.co.uk U Covent Garden

LVPO Candles, cocktails and banquettes combine at this chic bar/restaurant. Dean St W1 +44 (0)20 7434 3399 www.lvpo.co.uk U Leicester Square

Vertigo 42 This champagne bar on the 42nd floor of Tower 42 is the highest in London. Old Broad St EC2 +44 (0)20 7877 7842 www.vertigo42.co.uk U Bank

Zoo Bar A great party venue with top DJs spinning the tunes. Bear St WC2 +44 (0)20 7839 4188 www.zoobar.co.uk U Leicester Square

Hotel Bars The Blue Bar This chic bar offers tasty cocktails and a choice of more than 50 whiskies. The Berkeley, Wilton Place SW1 +44 (0)20 7235 6000 www.the-berkeley.co.uk U Hyde Park Corner

The Bridge Bar Drink with soccer stars at Chelsea Football Club. The Hotel at Chelsea, Stamford Bridge SW6 +44 (0)20 7565 1400 www.thehotelatchelsea.com U Fulham Broadway

Claridge’s Bar Art-deco bar serving cocktails to die for and rare champagnes. Claridge’s, Brook St W1 +44 (0)20 7629 8860 www.claridges.co.uk U Bond Street

 k o u t  c k  C h e c  u k  c o. u  o.. c  o v e s o h o  i l l o  s o f  d e t a i l l s  r d  o r  f o  s  r s  g r e a t b a a  t s  n t  r a n  u r  t a u  s t  a n d r e s  o  n S o h  i n

Historic Histor ic Pub Tour Tour

Dial Bar Funky urban bar serving London’s oldest inns offer much great snacks and cocktails. more than just a great pint… Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten, Monmouth St WC2 +44 (0)20 7836 4300 www.radissonedwardian.com U Leicester Square

Long Bar An 80ft-long bar buzzing with fashionistas. Sanderson Hotel, Berners St W1 +44 (0)20 7300 1496 www.sandersonlondon.com U Goodge Street

Rockwell Top-notch cocktails amid chic monochrome décor. The Trafalgar Hotel, Spring Gardens SW1 +44 (0)20 7870 2900 www.thetrafalgar.com U Charing Cross

The Tenth Tenth-floor bar with views across Hyde Park. Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High St W8 +44 (0)20 7361 1910 www.royalgarden hotel.co.uk U High St Kensington

The old pubs of London not Ye Olde Mitre only give the city its character, they also capture its history. Ye Olde Mitre , off Chancery Lane, was founded in 1546, though the current building was erected in 1772. A tree trunk in the front bar is said to have been part of a maypole that Elizabeth I danced around. If you want something a bit more decadent, try the  Jerusalem Tavern in Britton Street, where William Hogarth and Handel used to drink. Today, this warren of a pub stocks some of the best real ales in the city. Charles Dickens frequented the 18th-century George Inn in Borough, and even plugged it in his serial novel Little Dorrit. The building is now a National Trust monument. The lovely Windsor Castle in Kensington dates back to 1835 and was frequented by farmers bringing their animals to sell at Hyde Park. The quiet Star Tavern in Belgravia, on the other hand, is surrounded by mews cottages originally created as stables. Its lovely upstairs room is thought to have been where the Great Train Robbery was planned. The French House , on Dean Street, was named after the Resistance fighters who met here during WWII. The George Inn The Coach and Horses , on nearby Greek Street, is a favourite haunt of actors and theatre folk – and was, until recently, famous for having the rudest landlord in the city! PUB TOUR CONTACT DETAILS Ye Olde Mitre Ely Court, Ely Place, +44 (0)20 7405 4751 (closed weekends); Jerusalem Tavern Britton St EC1, +44 (0)20 7490 4281 (closed weekends); The George Inn Borough High St SE1, +44 (0)20 7407 2056; The Windsor 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 F ive Design Bars

If stylish clientele in an even more stylish setting  appeal, check out 

Absolut Ice Bar

As much a tourist attraction as a bar, the Absolut Ice Bar is, as the name suggests, entirely made of ice – from the walls, to the seats, to the glasses themselves.

much, there’s Below Zero downstairs, where you can get warm and lounge on the pillow-covered banquettes. Heddon Street W1 +44 (0)20 7478 8910 www.belowzerolondon.com

Albannach

Scottish-themed bar offering more than 200 whiskies, cocktails and bar snacks. Trafalgar Square WC2 +44 (0)20 7930 0066 www.albannach.co.uk

Cocoon

Models and party people often prop up the bar at this futuristic Asian restaurant-cum-cocktail-bar. Regent Street W1 +44 (0)20 7494 7600

Loungelover

East End cocktail bar full of antiques and oddities. The cocktails are equally eclectic. Whitby Street E1 +44 (0)20 7012 1234 www.lestroisgarcons.com

Trailer Happiness

Kitsch basement bar serving vintage cocktails with lots of West Indian rum. Portobello Road W11 +44 (0)20 7727 2700 www.trailerhappiness.com

Arts Centres & 66 West End

CHELSEA FC

Entertainment

STADIUM TOURS VISIT THE HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS

From top West End shows and cutting-edge fringe theatre to live comedy, cabaret and jazz, make sure  you save enough energy to enjoy London aft er dark

VISIT STAMFORD BRIDGE AND GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES INTO AREAS OF CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB THAT YOU WOULD ONLY HAVE EVER DREAMED OF SEEING! Your fully guided tour will take you into the Home Dressing Room, the Press Room, the Players’ Tunnel, the Managers’ Dug-out and the Centenary Museum, where you can have your photograph taken with the Barclays Premiership Trophy*. The tours are perfect for fans of all ages and run throughout the year so do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and book your tickets now! *All Tours and photo opportunit opportunities ies 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 opportunities incur an additional fee.

 S   c   e  n  e  f   r   o m T  h   e 

ORDER ON-LINE ON AT WWW.CHELSEAFC.COM/TOURS

L   i     o n K  i    n   g   ,  C   a   t   h   e  r  i    n  e  A   s  h  m  o r   e   © D  i     s  n  e 

Open-Air Theatres Off West End Dance & Music Comedy, Cabaret & Casinos Live Music & Cinemas Nightclubs, Gay & Lesbian London

67 68 71 72 73 74

Theatre

undergoing a major refit.

The stars shine brightly in the capital’s vibrant theatreland 

Q

Arts Centres

Artsdepot North London arts centre offering a vast array of entertainment – theatre, live music, dance, spoken word and more – to suit all ages and tastes. Nether St N12 +44 (0)20 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk U Finchley Central

Barbican Theatre, art, dance, film and music – you name it, this vast lakeside complex has it. Venues range from the 1,950-seat Barbican Hall to the intimate Pit, with just 200 seats. Silk St EC2 +44 (0)20 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk U

Barbican

Mare St E8 +44 (0)20 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Hackney Central

Lyric Hammersmith Two modern spaces host Battersea Arts Centre new writing, live music and A grade II-listed building children’s theatre. King St W6 provides the backdrop for cutting-edge comedy, +44 (0)870 050 0511 drama and modern dance. www.lyric.co.uk Lavender Hill SW11 +44 (0)20 7223 2223

U

www.bac.org.uk

Menier Chocolate Factory As the name suggests, the Menier began life as a 19th-century chocolate factory. It now houses a studio theatre, gallery and restaurant.

Q

Clapham Junction

Fairfield Hall There’s much more than theatre on the menu at this buzzing arts centre. Park Lane Croydon CR9 +44 (0)20 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk Q

East Croydon

Hackney Empire Charlie Chaplin is among the stars who have lit up this beautiful East End landmark, which reopened its doors in 2004 after

Upstairs at the Gatehouse Based in an historic inn, at 446ft above sea level, this is quite literally London’s top theatre!

Donmar Warehouse

Highgate Village N6 +44 (0)20 8340 3488

Duchess

www.upstairsatthe  gatehouse.com U

Highgate

www.menierchocolate  factory.com

South Bank SE1 +44 (0)20 7452 3000 Waterloo

Riverside Studios Former BBC TV studios where you can enjoy everything from theatre and dance to cinema and comedy.

“London’s like an enormous arts “London’s  festival that runs all year round”  Imogen & Gerrard, tour guides, Theatre Royal

Crisp Rd W6 +44 (0)20 8237 1111 www.riversidestudios.co.uk U

Hammersmith

Catherine St WC2 +44 (0)870 890 1103 www.duchesstheatre.co.uk U

Covent Garden

www.theambassadors.com/  dukeofyorks U

West End Adelphi

Strand WC2 +44 (0)870 403 0303 www.adelphitheatre.co.uk U

Leicester Square

Garrick Charing Cross Rd WC2 +44 (0)870 890 1104 www.seetickets.com U

Charing Cross

Charing Cross

Gielgud Aldwych

Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)870 890 1105 www.seetickets.com U

Piccadilly Circus

Apollo Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)870 890 1101 www.seetickets.com U

Haymarket SW1 +44 (0)870 890 1106 www.seetickets.com U

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus

London Palladium Cambridge Earlham St WC2 +44 (0)870 890 1102 www.seetickets.com U

www.dominiontheatre.co.uk U

Tottenham Ct Road

Shakespeare’s Globe This carefully recreated 16th-century openair theatre has a spectacular riverside setting on Bankside. The thatched theatre has run for 10 years to great acclaim, with a programme of classics and new writing. The seated tickets are under cover and offer an excellent view of the stage, or you can buy a bargain-priced ‘groundling ticket’ for ‘the yard’ in the centre of the auditorium to see the action up close. Prepare for all weathers, as the show goes on regardless.

Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park The beautiful outdoor theatre in Regent’s Park opened in 1932 and hosts a crowdfriendly summer programme of mainly Shakespearean classics. Doors to the picnic lawn open early as a thousand people enjoy the relaxed BBQ and bar before the show, then afterwards the bar stays open until midnight. The house favourite, A favourite,  A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Dream, plays each year, as does a children’s programme throughout August.

Insider’s tip: Don’t worry if you don’t get a picnic table – you have the whole of show, splash out the extra £1 for cushion 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. May – Sept*, The Ironworks, Inner Circle, May – Oct*, New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 Regent’s Park NW1 +44 (0)870 060 1811 +44 (0)20 7401 9919 www.openairtheatre.org www.shakespeares-globe.org U Baker Street U London Bridge * SEE WEBSITES FOR PROGRAMME INFORMATION

www.seetickets.com U

Oxford Circus

Lyceum Tottenham Court Rd W1 +44 (0)870 169 0116

al fresco theatrical treat 

Argyll St W1 +44 (0)870 890 1108

Leicester Square

Dominion

Open-Air Theatres Take advantage of summer and enjoy an

Insider’s tip: If you have a seat for the

Her Majesty’s

www.nt-online.org U

Leicester Square

St Martin’s Lane WC2 +44 (0)870 060 6623

London Bridge

plays and cutting-edge new work. Backstage tours run daily from Monday to Saturday.

U

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Aldwych WC2 +44 (0)20 7379 3367 National Theatre www.aldwychtheatre.com Three theatres stage classic U Holborn U

www.donmarwarehouse.com

Duke Of York’s

Hammersmith

Southwark St SE1 +44 (0)20 7907 7060

Earlham St WC2 +44 (0)870 060 6624

Wellington St WC2 +44 (0)870 243 9000 www.ticketmaster.co.uk U

Charing Cross

Booking Tickets

sometimes returns are sold on the day, at reduced prices. You can snap up half-price To avoid missing out on that tickets for selected West End show you’ve always wanted shows on the day of the to see, book your tickets performance at tkts booths before your visit to London, in Leicester Square and either online or by telephone, Canary Wharf. as the popular shows tend Theatre tickets and a to sell out long in advance. pre-theatre dinner table But it is always worth asking can also be booked at

USEFUL CONTACTS 

Advance Box Office +44 (0)870 240 1900 www.advanceboxoffice.com See +44 (0)871 230 0010 www.seetickets.com tkts www.officiallondon theatre.co.uk

Lyric

Piccadilly

+44 (0)870 162 8787

Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)870 890 1107

Denman St W1 +44 (0)870 060 6630

www.stmartinstheatre.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.theambassadors.com

U

Piccadilly Circus

New Ambassadors Theatre West St WC2 +44 (0)870 060 6627 www.newambassadors.com U

U

Piccadilly Circus

Prince Edward Old Compton St W1 +44 (0)870 850 9191 U

Leicester Square

Leicester Square

New London Theatre

Coventry St W1 +44 (0)870 850 0393

Drury Lane WC2 +44 (0)870 890 0141

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk U

Leicester Square

www.seetickets.com

Covent Garden

Noel Coward Theatre St Martin’s Lane WC2 +44 (0)870 950 0920 www.delfont mackintosh.co.uk

Queen’s Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)870 950 0930 U

Piccadilly Circus

Novello Aldwych WC2 +44 (0)870 534 4444

+44 (0)870 609 1110 www.rsc.org.uk

Leicester Square

Covent Garden

www.ticketmaster.co.uk U

Charing Cross

Shaftesbury Shaftesbury Ave WC2 +44 (0)870 906 3798 www.ticketmaster.co.uk U

Tottenham Ct Road

Drury Lane WC2 +44 (0)870 890 1109 www.seetickets.com U

St Martin’s West St WC2

Covent Garden

tkts

www.bushtheatre.co.uk

Charing Cross Rd WC2 +44 (0)870 950 0925 www.theambassadors.com/  wyndhams U

LeicesterSquare

Off West End Almeida St N1 +44 (0)20 7359 4404 U

Leicester Square

Shpds Bush Green W12 +44 (0)20 7610 4224 U

Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)870 890 0142 U

The Bush Theatre

Shepherd’s Bush

Wyndam’s

www.almeida.co.uk

 y o u r  T o b o o s k g o t o  c k e t  o n. c  t i c  c o m  o n d  t l o  s i t  v i s

TOP TICKETS TO OVER 30 WEST END SHOWS DAILY DAILY

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Theatre Royal

Palace www.seetickets.com

Admission free www.vam.ac.uk u South Kensington

Savoy Court WC2 +44 (0)870 164 8787

Almeida Theatre

www.ticketmaster.co.uk U

Savoy

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Royal Shakespeare Company The RSC performs in venues across town.

U

LeicesterSquare

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Prince of Wales

U

U

DISCOVER THE V&A THE WORLD’S GREATEST MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN

Old Vic The Cut SE1 +44 (0)870 060 6628 www.oldvictheatre.com U

Waterloo

THE CLOCKT CLOCKTOWERBUILDING OWERBUILDING

Royal Court Theatre Sloane Square SW1 +44 (0)20 7565 5000 www.royalcourttheatre.com U

Christmas at the London Coliseum

Sloane Square

Angel

Victoria Palace Apollo Victoria Wilton Rd SW1 +44 (0)20 7834 6318 www.apollovictoria.co.uk U

8 December – 13 January

Victoria St SW1 +44 (0)870 895 5577 www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk U

Victoria

Mon - Sa Mon Sat:10 t:10amam- 7p 7pm m Sun:: 12 no Sun noon on - 3pm

Victoria

Theatreland Wonders Catch one of these great  shows during your stay Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, the Blue Man Group at the New London Theatre is a heady mish-mash of comedy, rock music and multimedia installations, performed by men in blue paint and caps!

Ewer. Fritwarepainted undera coloured glaze.Iran, Kashan, late12thor early 13thcentury©V&A

brought to life at the Lyceum in Disney’s The Lion King, with the help of no less than 232 puppets. Elton John and Tim Rice co-wrote the songs, which include chart hit Can You Feel the Love Tonight? Guys and Dolls tells the story of a group of smalltime gamblers. Patrick Swayze and Ewan McGregor are among the big names who’ve appeared in the hit show at the

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Tickets from £10 Call 0870 145 0200

ALSO AT CANAR CANARY Y WHARF DLR STATION PLATFORMS 4/5 Mon - Sat: Sat: 10a 10am m - 3.30pm 3.30pm

www.ballet.org.uk OPERATEDBY THESOCIETY OPERATEDBY OFLONDONTHEATRE

tkts.co.uk

National Tour Sponsor 2006

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theatre art dance

film education music

Dance & Music

Visit the Barbican

From concertos to cha-cha, the world’s culture descends on one city Barbican Theatre, art, dance, film, music and workshops are all hosted at this complex, which is also home to the London Symphony Orchestra. Silk St EC2 +44 (0)20 7638 8891

Europe’s leading arts and conference centre  www.barbican.org.uk Box office 0845 121 6838 u Barbican,

Moorgate, Liverpool Street

www.barbican.org.uk U Barbican

English National Opera Performances of famous and lesser-known works at the London Coliseum. St Martin’s Lane WC2 +44 (0)870 145 0200

London’s Dance House

Kensington Gore SW7 +44 (0)20 7589 8212 www.royalalberthall.com U South Kensington

Royal Ballet Based at the Royal Opera House, this company performs classic and contemporary ballet. Bow St WC2 +44 (0)20 7304 4000 www.roh.org.uk U Covent Garden

The Royal Ballet

Royal Albert Hall As well as classical and pop concerts, this distinctive venue hosts dance performancesranging

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Chalk Farm’s most famous landmark has reopened  Originally an engine shed, the Roundhouse has long been recognised as an outstanding example of mid-19th century architecture, but it wasn’t until 1964 that the magnificent round building became a cutting-edge arts venue, with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd performing there. After closing for a lengthy spell, it reopened in 2006 following a multi-million

Royal Festival Hall Major South Bank entertainment complex. Belvedere Rd SE1 +44 (0)870 380 4300

Royal Opera House A stunning venue for opera and ballet with a history dating back to 1732. Bow St WC2 +44 (0)20 7304 4000

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra This orchestra is based at the Royal Albert Hall. Kensington Gore SW7 +44 (0)20 7589 8212 www.rpo.co.uk U South Kensington

Did you know?

Islington, London EC1

 Visit www.sadlerswells.com ls.com for more information videoclips and more.

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The English National Opera makes 500 seats at every weekday performance available for £10 or less. The Royal Opera House offers bench, standing and/or restricted-view restricted-v iew tickets for opera and ballet performances for as little as £4. There are regular free performances in the Royal Festival Hall, Hall, part of the huge South Bank Centre complex.

pound refit. It is now in full swing once more, boasting the Roundhouse Café and two bars, making it one of London’s most exciting live-performance venues. Chalk Farm Road NW1 +44 (0)20 7424 9991 www1.roundhouse.org.uk U Chalk Farm

www.rfh.org.uk U Waterloo

www.roh.org.uk U Covent Garden

www.eno.org U Leicester Square

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From cutting edge contemporary contemporary to flamenco, from classical ballet to hip-hop, from the world's greatest internationall companies to local youth projects, you can internationa see it all at Sadler's Wells - London's Dance House.

from ballroom to ballet.

Round Two

The Roundhouse

South Bank Centre Featuring concerts – some free – film and dance. Belvedere Rd SE1 +44 (0)870 380 4300 www.sbc.org.uk U Waterloo

Sadler’s Wells Puts on ballet and opera. Rosebery Ave EC1 +44 (0)20 7863 8198

St Martinin-the-Fields Superb acoustics for concerts by candlelight. Trafalgar Square WC2 +44 (0)20 7839 8362

www.sadlerswells.com U Angel

www.stmartin-in-the fields.org

Nightlife When the sun goes down, the capital really comes into its own Comedy Amused Moose Ricky Gervais and Eddie Izzard are among those who have played at these two intimate venues. www.amusedmoose.com Moonlighting, Greek St W1 +44 (0)20 8341 1341 U Tottenham Court Rd The Enterprise, Chalk Farm Rd NW1 +44 (0)20 8341 1341 U Chalk Farm

The Comedy Store The birthplace of British alternative comedy.

Comedy Café Expect great stand-up acts, a late bar and reasonably priced food. Rivington St EC2 +44 (0)20 7739 5706 www.comedycafe.co.uk U Old Street

Comedy Camp Gay and straight comics perform to a similarly balanced crowd. Archer St W1 +44 (0)20 7483 2960 www.comedycamp.co.uk

St Katharine’s Dock E1 +44 (0)20 7480 5353 www.medievalbanquet.com U Tower Hill

Canal Café Theatre, Bridge House Pub, Delamere Tce W2 +44 (0)20 7289 6054 www.newsrevue.com U Royal Oak

Thames River Cruises Your four-course dinner is accompanied by a live band on a luxury boat.

Oxendon St SW1 +44 (0)870 060 2340 www.thecomedystore.biz U Piccadilly Circus

 Jongleurs Enjoy great comedy, then dance the night away after the show.

Madame JoJo’s

Cabaret  Jermyn Street www.jongleurs.com Theatre Middle Yard, Camden Cabaret shows can be Lock, Chalk Farm Rd NW1 combined with a pre- or +44 (0)870 787 0707 post-show dinner at the U Camden Getti restaurant above. Lavender Gardens SW11 +44 (0)870 787 0707 Q Clapham Junction

The Medieval Banquet

Newsrevue Topical political satire in the quaint setting of Little Venice.

 Jermyn St SW1 +44 (0)20 7287 2875 www.jermynstreet theatre.co.uk U Piccadilly Circus

The Laughing Horse With several branches in Madame JoJo’s London, The Laughing Horse offers cutting-edge Kitsch, draggy cabaret – comedy and workshops.  you really have to see it Kingly St W1 to believe it! +44 (0)7796 171 190 www.laughinghorse.co.uk U Oxford Circus

Brewer St W1 +44 (0)20 7734 3040 www.madamejojos.com U Piccadilly Circus

Ain’t Nothin But Opened in 1993, this club offers live blues until late every night of the week.

The 02 Set to open in July 2007, the O2 can hold 23,000 for live music and sport.

The Blues Bar, Kingly St W1 +44 (0)20 7287 0514 www.aintnothinbut.co.uk U Oxford Circus

www.theo2.co.uk U North Greenwich

Westminster and Embankment Piers +44 (0)20 7439 2333 www.expressevents.com U Westminster

Bar 606 Top-drawer jazz every night. Note: to drink alcohol, you have to eat. Be sure to book.

Casinos Golden Nugget

Lots Rd SW10 +44 (0)20 7352 5953 www.606club.co.uk U Fulham Broadway

Shaftesbury Ave W1 +44 (0)20 7439 0099 www.goldennugget london.com U Piccadilly Circus

Rendezvous Old Park Lane W1 +44 (0)20 7491 8586 www.rendezvouscasino.com U Hyde Park Corner

Sportsman Old Quebec St W1 +44 (0)20 7414 0061 www.thesportsmancasino.com U Marble

Arch

Live Music 100 Club Lee Hurst’s Backyard The Rolling Stones and Comedy Club The Medieval Oasis are two of the The madcap TV star owns Banquet big names to appear at this East End club. Dress up for an evening of this renowned venue. Cambridge Heath Rd E2 feasting, merriment and Oxford St W1 +44 (0)20 7739 3122 even jousting! The night +44 (0)20 7636 0933 www.leehurst.com is rounded off by a disco. www.the100club.co.uk

Electric Cinema

Barfly Indie-music pub hosting up-and-coming acts. Chalk Farm Rd NW1 +44 (0)20 7691 4244 www.barflyclub.com U Chalk Farm

Dean St W1 +44 (0)20 7439 8722 www.pizzaexpress.co.ukU Tottenham Court Rd

Borderline Pizza On The Park Hosts breaking and cult Enjoy a jazz show while acts from the UK and US.  you tuck into a pizza.

 Jazz Cafe Luminaries from the worlds of Latin, rock and jazz music perform while you eat and drink. Parkway NW1 +44 (0)20 7916 6060 www.meanfiddler.com

Watch the latest Hollywood and arthouse  films in style at London’s cinemas Electric Cinema With its leather seating, bar, and tables for food and drink, the Electric offers a very different, very stylish movie-going experience. Portobello Rd W11 +44 (0)20 7908 9696 www.electriccinema.co.uk U Ladbroke Grove/ Notting Hill Gate

PizzaExpress  Jazz Club Renowned musicians play to diners in a relaxed atmosphere.

Orange Yard, Manette St W1 +44 (0)20 7734 5547 www.meanfiddler.com U Tottenham Court Rd

Let’s Go to the Movies…

Knightsbridge SW1 +44 (0)20 7235 5550 www.pizzaonthepark.co.uk U Hyde Park Corner

The Ritz A five-piece jazz band plays at the famous hotel on Friday and Saturday nights. Piccadilly W1 +44 (0)20 7493 8181 www.theritzlondon.com U Green Park

BFI IMAX Experience short films and the occasional Hollywood blockbuster – some in 3D – on a 20-metre-high screen. Charlie Chaplin Walk SE1 +44 (0)870 787 2525 www.bfi.org.uk/  incinemas/imax U Waterloo Curzon Mayfair Foreign-language films are the speciality at this two-screen cinema. Curzon St W1 +44 (0)870 756 4621 www.curzoncinemas.com U Green Park

National Film Theatre As well as showing new films, the NFT puts on seasons dedicated to specific themes, plus film-related guest talks. Belvedere Rd SE1 +44 (0)20 7928 3232 www.bfi.org.uk/showing/nft U Waterloo Prince Charles Cinema An eclectic mix of one-off screenings, seasons and events – with a low-pricing policy on tickets. Leicester Place WC2 +44 (0)20 7494 3654 www.princecharles cinema.com U Leicester Square

National Film Theatre

Did you know? Check local listings magazines such as Time Out and visitlondon.com for one-off nights and short runs. Register for the Circle Club Card at www.circleclubcard.com and receive discounted entry to selected clubs,

Ronnie Scott’s Get up close and personal with jazz legends at this famous club. Frith St W1 +44 (0)20 7439 0747 www.ronniescotts.co.uk U Tottenham Court Rd

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spun by big-name DJs who flock to the superclub. Charterhouse St EC1 +44 (0)20 7336 8898 www.fabriclondon.com U Farringdon

The 12 Bar Club Showcases three or four talented acts every night of the week.

Lucky Voice Karaoke This nine-room private karaoke club promises a night of uninhibited entertainment!

Denmark Place WC2 +44 (0)20 7240 2622 www.12barclub.com U Tottenham Court Rd

Poland St W1 +44 (0)20 7439 3660 www.luckyvoice.co.uk U Tottenham Court Rd

Ronnie Scott’s

Wembley Arena The newly refurbished venue hosts the world’s biggest acts. Empire Way HA9 +44 (0)870 060 0870 www.whatsonwembley.com U Wembley Park

Nightclubs Club Aquarium Bring your swimsuit for a dip in the in-house  jacuzzi and pool!

Lucky Voice Karaoke

No 5 Sumptuous members club playing funky soul, R&B and Latin grooves. Cavendish Square W1 +44 (0)20 7079 5000 www.no5ltd.com U Oxford Circus

Old St EC1 +44 (0)20 7253 3558 www.clubaquarium.co.uk U Old Street

Turnmills Dance to top-name DJs until the early hours.

Fabric London Three dancefloors

Clerkenwell Rd EC1 +44 (0)20 7250 3409 www.turnmills.co.uk

Gay & Lesbian London London is recognised as one of the gay capitals of the world, and at its centre are Soho and Old Compton Street, where European café culture has taken off in a big way. A mixed crowd

boys are strictly not allowed (unless they’re gay and with girls). If camp cabaret’s your thing, head to Too2Much Too2Much,, or go east and catch Tranny Lipsyncat Lipsync at slinky restaurant, bar and club Bistrotheque Bistrotheque.. Edgy gay East Enders are found in the George and Dragon pub, or dancing at Family at Bar Music Hall on Saturdays. In the south, head to the The Village Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Tavern, sit and watch the world go where queues stretch round by at the many bars and the block, even on Sundays. coffee houses along the In North London, the guys street. Balans and its go to indie club Popstarz smaller sister Balans Café every Friday at Scala in are particularly popular. Kings Cross. But if you Afterwards, head to G.A.Y. want something a little for live cheesy pop, or to more classic, try 18thVillagefor Village for some karaoke century gay pub The singing (Tuesday nights William IV in Hampstead. only). Alternatively, dance If all those nights out the night away to funky wear you out, then unwind lounge sounds at with a good book from The Shadow Lounge. Lounge. Gay’s The Word on The best night out for Marchmont Street. And if the girls in London is the  you’re here in summer, Candy Bar, Bar, a two-floor don’t miss July’s Gay Pride club known for its buzzing – visitlondon.com has all parties. Be warned, though, the details.

A 75 minute adventure tour of the City of  Westminster by road and river onboard an amphibious ‘Duck’, ‘Duck’, including a live commentary. commentary. London Ducktours offers more than just a sightseeing tour - it s an exciting road and river adventure appealing to visitors of all ages taking in some of London’s most famous landmarks. '

 Ask about our personal personalised ised tours for weddin weddings, gs, childre children’s n’s parties, hospitality hospital ity,, education educational al tours, special events etc! 

www.londonribvoyages.com

Look out for the of ficial London Gay & Lesbian Guide and go to visitlondon.com visitlondon.com for  for more info GAY & LESBIAN LONDON CONTACT DETAILS

+44 (0)20 7278 7654; George and Dragon Hackney Rd E2, +44 (0)871 984 1146; Village Wardour Balans Old Compton St St W1, +44 (0)20 7434 W1, +44 (0)20 7439 2183; 2124; Royal Vauxhall Bar Music Hall Curtain Rd Tavern Tavern,, Kennington Lane EC2, +44 (0)20 7613 5951; SE11, +44 (0)20 7737 BistrothequeWadeson Bistrotheque Wadeson St 4043; The Shadow E2, +44 (0)20 8983 7900; Lounge Brewer St W1, +44 Candy Bar Carlisle St W1, (0)20 7287 7988; +44 (0)20 7494 4041; Too2MuchWalkers Too2Much Walkers Court G.A.Y. @ ASTORIA Charing W1, +44 (0)20 7734 0377; Cross Rd WC2, +44 (0)20 The William IV 7434 9592; Gay’s The Hampstead High St NW3,

AN ESSENTIAL ‘MUST DO’ EXCURSION WHEN VISITING LONDON

Skim across the surface of the river in a rigid inflatable boat, going further and faster in an hour than any other cruise. Enjoy this exhilarating experience with professional guides on board helping you explore the sites, sounds and stories of the Thames.

Phone: 020 7928 2350 or 020 7401 8834 Email: [email protected] [email protected] om Kiosk situated on the Waterloo Millennium Pier underneath  the BA London Eye  Eye 

   

CHURCHILL’S BRITAIN AT WAR EXPERIENCE

64/66 Tooley Street, London Bridge, SE1 2TF Experience what life was like for people in war-torn Britain during the SECOND WORLD WAR

This is a unique museum of interest to al l ages, featuring evacuation, rationing, shelters, weddings, bomb disposal and gas masks. Walk through the London Blitz SEE IT! FEEL IT! BREATHE IT!

Every day except 24 – 26 December

Tel: 020 7403 3171

    

www.britainatwar.co.uk [email protected]

Cross oceans, space and time all in one day

G

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 Admission free V   isit s it www www.nm .nmm.a m.ac.u c.uk k or call 087 0870 0 780 426 4264 4 Greenwich (Zone 2) byr ail, riverboat or Docklands Light Railway

Hotels 78

Essentials Everything you need to know when planning your  visit, from airport-arrival tips to where to stay,  plus how to get around when you want to explore

B&Bs, Apartments & Hostels Transport Useful Tips Index Tube & Bus Maps

87 88 93 94 96

Where to Stay London has a huge range of accommodation, so there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Here’s our   guide to some of the best places to rest your head… The Familiar Faces Hotel Groups

Claridge’s

The Grand Dames Luxury Hotels

the Strand are individually designed traditional and art-deco rooms, many If you want a flavour of with river views, and quintessential England, a delightful, Michelinbook into one of the starred restaurant. capital’s grandest For London’s finest hotels. The Ritz (www. example of art-deco theritzlondon.com), at the opulence, and another corner of Green Park, on great restaurant (headed the cusp of Mayfair and by chef Gordon Ramsay), the West End, is perhaps book into Claridge’s the grandest of them all. (www.claridges.co.uk), It remains as ritzy as ever, close to Bond Street. with rooms to make you A little further west feel like royalty (in fact, in Knightsbridg Knightsbridge, e, The www.theroyals have been known to Berkeley ( www.thestay here) and a glorious berkeley.co.uk) has two rococo restaurant, as excellentrestaurants, well as a less-formal a rooftop pool and a dining room where you fabulous cocktail bar. can take afternoon tea. At Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborou Lanesborough gh On the north bank of the Thames, the (www.lanesborough.com) Savoy (www.fairmont. is a former hospital that is com/savoy ) is almost as now a beautiful Regency legendary. Through the hotel with a heavenly imposing entrance along spa. A perfect escape.

Like any major city, London has its fair share of chain hotels, most of which offer an excellent standard of accommodation and service, and often at discounted prices. At a four- or five-star Radisson Edwardian (www.radissonedwardian. com), Radisson (www. radisson.com), Hilton (www.hilton.co.uk) or Sheraton (www.  sheraton.com), you

will feel part of an international community of business-trippers and holiday-makers, and there will invariably be a fine restaurant and bar. Among the best of these are the huge London Hiltonon Park Lane

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to Kensington, its rococo The Beautiful décor tucked behind a Boutiques Designer Hotels demure Georgian façade. In recent years, the number of small-butperfectly-formed hotels in London has increased.

Miller’s Residence (www. millersuk.com), on the

The romantic, eccentric

down an alley in London’s liveliest neighbourhood, has a very English blend of luxury and eccentricity, while its sister, the Covent Garden Hotel (www.  firmdale.com), is a little more traditional but just as decadent. Both are located close to some of the city’s best shops, restaurants and theatres. The Baglioni Hotel (www.baglionihotels. com) brings Italian style

curios, plus an extravagant, 40ft drawing room. In complete contrast to this is The Zetter (www.thezetter.com), a warehouse conversion in Clerkenwell. Classic 60s and 70s modernist designs are everywhere, but there are also touches of old-fashioned grandeur, such as the pink chandelier in the lobby and the rooftop studio with a private terrace.

fringes of Notting Hill,

www. has six rooms and two The Soho Hotel ( www.  firmdale.com), tucked suites full of antiques and

– where you can sip a martini and soak up the birdseye view of the capital from the 28thfloor restaurant – and the stylish, newly refurbished The May Fair. The mid-range chains, including Thistle Hotels (www. thistlehotels.com), Premier Travel Inn (www.premiertravelinn. com), Best Western (www.bestwestern.co.uk), Novotel (www.novotel. com), Holiday Inn (www.holiday-inn.co.uk) and Travelodge (www. travelodge.co.uk) all have

a number of branches in and around central London, and all promise a reliable stay in quality surroundings. Visit the respective websites for location details.

The Soho Hotel

Baglioni Hotel

The Welcome Signs  Airport And  Station Hotels At London’s main airports, chain hotels abound. Hilton has branches at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted (www.hilton. co.uk). The following chains also have hotels near airports: Radisson Edwardian (www.radisson edwardian.com), Marriott (www.marriott.com), Premier Travel Inn (www.  premiertravelinn.com) and the Sheraton group (www.  starwoodhotels.com ). Near the city’s train

stations, you’ll find a wider choice of hotels with period character. Close to Victoria Station, Hamilton House Hotel (www. hamiltonhousehotel.com) and The Windermere Hotel (www.windermerehotel.co.uk) are friendly, mid-range options, while The Rubens at the Palace (www.rubenshotel.com)

has a Monarch Suite with a  jacuzzi and four-poster bed. The area around Paddington Station teems with hotels. Royal Norfolk Hotel (www.royalnorfolk hotel.co.uk) is a good, traditional choice, while The Pavilion (www.  pavilionhoteluk.com) is more eccentric, favoured A Relaxing by musicians and actors. Experience… The Great Eastern 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 Station (www.greatwith seven treatment rooms, a traditional sauna and a herbal steam room. Signature treatments include the Algotherm JetLag eastern-hotel.co.uk) Reviver package – perfect for kickstarting weary travellers after a offers an interior full of long-haul journey to London. The more adventurous might like to period detail. There’s great try the May Fair Mud Bath, which can be enjoyed alone or with a food in its restaurants, partner. After your treatment, complete your blissful experience as well as nearby Hoxton in the relaxation room with a herbal tea or lemon sorbet. and Spitalfields.

Accommodation Showcase

Advertising Feature

A selection of  London’’s finest London fi nest hotels

Crescent Hotel

Grosvenor House

Hyde Park Radnor

Riverbank Park Plaza

Springfield Hotel

Hyde Park Hotels

49-50 Cartwright Gardens, London WC1H 9EL T: +44 (0)20 7387 1515 F: +44 (0)20 7383 2054 E: general.enquiries@ crescenthoteloflondon.com www.crescenthoteloflondon.com

Park Lane, London W1K 7TN T: +44 (0)20 7499 6363 F: +44 (0)20 7493 3341 E: [email protected] otthotels.com www.grosvenor-house.co.uk

7-9 Sussex Place, London W2 2SX  T: +44 (0)20 7723 5969 F: +44 (0)20 7262 8955 E: [email protected] [email protected] om www.hydeparkradnor.com

18 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ T: +44 (0)20 7958 8000 F: +44 (0)20 7769 2400 E: [email protected] www.parkplaza.com

154 Sussex Gardens, London W2 1UD T: +44 (0)20 7723 9898 F: +44 (0)20 7723 0874 E: info@springfiel info@springfield  d  hotellondon.co.uk www.springfieldhotellondon.co.uk

170-172 Sussex Gardens, London W2 1TP T: +44 (0)20 7402 0704 F: +44 (0)20 7262 2055 E: info@westpointhotel [email protected] .com www.centrallondonhotels.com www.hydeparkhotels.com

Your find in Bloomsbury. This family-run B&B hotel, founded in 1956, is in a classical Georgian crescent away from main roads, 10 minutes from three Tube and mainline train stations. Refurbished sympathetically to its origins in 2005, it provides an elegant base for your London break, offering 3-star accommodation. The hearty English breakfast will sustain  you through serious shopping, sightseeing or simply mooching. Pastimes? We can provide ideas or you can use our website to plan your stay.

Grosvenor House is one of the capital’s most iconic and bestknown hotels. Centrally located on Park Lane, the hotel offers some of the most extensive facilities in London. Perhaps best known for the myriad high profile events held in the Great Room, Europe’s largest banqueting space, Grosvenor House also offers 494 quiet and beautifully appointed guest rooms, of which 72 are executive suites, with the amenities and services one would expect of a leading international 5-star hotel. Deserving of its status, Grosvenor House also boasts the most extensive meetings and banqueting facilities in the capital, not to mention a variety of dining options, all in the heart of Mayfair.

Located in the heart of central London, the Hyde Park Radnor has recently been refurbished to a high standard. The excellent location provides easy access to all of London’s top attractions, shops, restaurants and theatres. The hotel is in walking distance of Paddington Underground, mainline train stations, Heathrow Express, tour buses, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Madame Tussauds, Harrods, Kensington Palace, Marble Arch and many more sights and locations. All rooms are ensuite, with tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, serviced daily, with lift to all floors. Rates from just £40 per person, including full English breakfast.

Riverbank Park Plaza is a stunning new-build, 4-star deluxe hotel. Situated on the south side of the River Thames, its exemplary location affords spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. Its state-of-the-art facilities ensure a luxurious night’s sleep or a fantastic dining experience in its Chino Latino Brasserie, Bar & Lounge – sure to be a memorable event for any visitor. Riverbank Park Plaza joins a growing portfolio of Park Plaza Hotels in London – the Victoria Park Plaza in Westminster and the Sherlock Holmes Hotel on world-famous Baker Street. Visit our website for more information.

A warm, welcoming Hotel that puts people immediately at ease on arrival. Traditional values ensure a happy comfortable stay. We are minutes away from Oxford Street, Hyde Park and London’s wonderful sights. Plenty of information is available to enhance your visit, whilst our delicious English breakfast sets you up for the day and the experiences of London. The hotel may be very quiet but it is not remote, being near to plenty of restaurants and bars, not to mention two minutes from the Underground station. All rooms are ensuite with TV, tea and coffee facilities and hairdryers. Many customers return year after year, please come and find out why.

Our hotels and apartments are comfortable, convenient and excellent value for money. Located only a short walk from Paddington station, overlooking the peaceful Sussex Gardens, Talbot Square and some of the most beautiful views of London. Our central location, close to Theatreland, all of London’s top sights and some of the finest shops, offers you a great opportunity to relax and enjoy  your stay with us.

Good value accommodation… www.centrallondonhotels.com

……in Central London GREAT VALUE:

FROM JUST £22 PER PERSON

Our hotels and apartment suites are comfortable, convenient and great value for money. Because we don’t take large groups or pay agents’ commission, commiss ion, we give you the full full value of your your room. Book direct with with us and save as much as 20% on what you might pay elsewhere. ASPEN APARTMENTS Fully serviced serviced studio, one & two bedroom apartments 176 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park, London, Londo n, W2 1TP Tel (020)7262 2325 Fax (020)7262 0889

ABBEY COURT HOTEL

WESTPOINT HOTEL

174 Sussex Gardens Hyde Park, London, Londo n, W2 1TP Tel (020)7402 0704 Fax (020)7262 2055 www.abbeycourthotel.com e-mail [email protected]

170 – 172 Sussex Gardens Hyde Park, London Lon don,, W2 1TP Tel (020)7402 0281 Fax (020)7224 9114 www.westpointhotel.com e-mail [email protected]

• Convenient location 2 minutes from Paddington station & Heathrow Express and 4 minutes from Airbus

• Pleasant central location, convenient for all major sights, museums & theatres

• 24 hour reception

districts, Oxford Street & • Close to all shopping districts, Piccadilly Circus

• Lift

• Easy access to all London’s important tourist sights, shopping districts and theatres theatres

decorated rooms • Clean, comfortable, well decorated

• Ensuite shower and and w.c. in all rooms

• All rooms ensuite, colour TV & direct dial telephone

• Lift to all floors. Car parking by arrangement arrangement

• Lift to all floors, free daytime luggage room facility

• 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 night

Singles Doubles Triples Family room

Low S ea ea so son

High S ea eas on on

from £49 from  £49

from £56 from  £56

from £32 from  £32

from £34 from  £34

from £23 from  £23

from £25 from  £25

from £22 from  £22

from £23 from  £23

www.aspenhydepark.com e-mail [email protected]

• Ensuite • Fully equipped kitchen • Fully serviced • Parking by arrangemen arrangementt

ABBEYCOURT & WESTPOINT HOTELS & ASPEN APARTMENTS

EASY TO FIND Our hotels and apartment suites are just two minutes from Paddington station for Heathrow Express, British Rail, excellent bus and taxi services and four tube lines (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City).

EASY TO REACH Whether you arrive by Eurostar or plane train or tube our hotels are easily accessible and couldn’t be easie r to reach.

ASPEN APARTMENTS

R

& ASPEN APARTMENTS

RATESPer Perso Person n per night night

Singles Doubles Triples Family room

Low S ea ea so so n

High S ea eas on on

£52 from £52 from 

£59 from £59 from 

from £34 from  £34

from £37 from  £37

from £24 from  £24

from £28 from  £28

from £23 from  £23

from £24 from  £24

CONVENIENT & CENTRAL We are right at the heart of London, just a few

 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. The 60 newly decorated suites will be complemented b y a n e o - c l a s s i c al al d e s i g n . The new London signature suite, will create the feel of an ultra-luxurious apartment. The floating staircase and innovative use of light will reveal stunning vistas over Buckingham Palace.

Dining: The sleek, spacious lobby will be the place to meet t h r ou ou g h ou ou t t h e d a y o r n i g h t , w i t h a j o v i a l a t m o s p h e r e that echoes the buzz of London life. Theo Randall, until recently head chef and partner at the River Cafe, will open his eponymous restaurant at the InterContinental. Creating his own unique i n t er er p r e ta ta t i o n o f r e g i o n a l I t a l i a n c u i s i ne ne , h e w i l l b e sourcing the freshest ingredients from specialist suppliers in the United Kingdom and Italy. T o 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 an e   w i l l a l s o b o a s t a s e c o n d r e s t a u r a n t , C o o k b o o k C a f e. H e r e   you can find British comfort food and internationa l 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 ti o n s and cookery book launches.

Located at Number One Park Lane, the renamed InterContinental London P ark Lane overlooks two Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace. A £60 million refurbishment will position it as a global flagship for the brand when it opens in November. The hotel will b o a s t l u x u r i o u s n e w g u e s t r o o m s a n d s u i t e s , i n c l u d i n g f o u r d i s t i n c t iv iv e s i g n a t u r e s u i t e s   with commanding views. The experience will be further enhanced by the addition of a n e w d e s t i n a t i o n r e s t a u r a n t , T h e o R a n d a l l a t T h e I n te r C o n t i n e n t a l , c o n t e m p o r a r y e v e n t s p a c e a n d a c h i c u r b a n s p a i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h E l e mi s .

One Hamilton Place Park Lane London W1J 7QY Tel:+44 (0)20 7409 3131 Fax:+44 (0)20 7493 3476 E-mail:[email protected] Website:www Webs ite:www.london.intercontinental.co .london.intercontinental.com m

Spa InterContinental: The new chic, urban spa, run in partnership with Elemis, will redefine what it is to relax. The spa   will feature 5 luxurious treatment rooms, 2 private s p a s u i t es es a n d a d i s c r e e t   VIP spa suite with private entrance, which offers the ultimate in exclusivity.

Host & Guest Service

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Bed and Breakfast Specialist

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• The best value Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the UK.

• We have an extensive range from superb

quality character properties to budget level accommodation accommodatio n from £20 per person per night.

• Properties in all the major tourist destinations

London, Bath, Cotswolds, Stratford, York, Lake District, Scotland and Wales.

• Group & touring itineraries arranged.

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W: www.host-guest.co.uk • E: [email protected]  T: +44 (0) 207 385 9922 • F: +44 (0) 207 386 7575

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103 Dawes Road, London SW6 7DU, England

ENTERPRISE HOTEL 15-25, HOGARTH ROAD, EARLS COURT, KENSINGTON,LONDON SW5 OQJ TEL: 020 7373 4502 FAX: 020 7373 5115 [email protected] www.enterprisehotel.co.uk  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GREATVALUE FOR AN EXCELLENT LOCATION

The hotel is ideally situated within walking distance to the tube & buses in the cosmopolitan heart of Kensington, close to Earls Court exhibition centres and  within easy access to London’s popular west-end theatres, night clubs and museums. The fashionable shops of high street Kensington & Knightsbridge are  within easy reach. The hotel boasts of a relaxing lounge, restaurant & bar and 100 en-suite rooms featuring TV with satellite channels, pay movie channels, direct dial telephones, fast internet access, hospitality trays and hairdryers. Singles From £49.50 Doubles/Twins From £69.50 Triples From £89.50 Quads From £109.50 The rates above are on a Room Only  basis inclusive of Current VAT of 17.5% and Service Charge

Provides a warm and friendly welcome, with comfort and convenience, for business or pleasure…at an all-inclusive competitive price. All major credit cards accepted.  Rooms: All rooms have toilet and showers, well designed and newly decorated with central heating, colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer.  Prices:

Singles Double Triple/Family

 from £49 - £59  from £54 - £69  from £69 - £79

Full Continental breakfast included in tariff. Call, fax or E-mail us. Tel: (020) 7430 2504/ (020) 7405 9470 Fax: (020) 7430 0697 E-mail: [email protected] Oryou can visit our website: www.guilfordhotel.co.uk 

6 Guilford Street, Russell Square, London WC1N 1DR 

 St. David’s & Norfolk Court Hotels 16-20 NorfolkSquare,Paddington,London W2 1RS  Tel:+44 20 77234963 /2968 / 3856

Fax:+44 2074029061

Friendly, amily run hotel minutes rom Hyde Park, Oxord St, Paddington Station and Heathrow Express. Situated in a quiet garden square, we ofer afordable, clean and comortable accommodation. Single room rom £49  Triple rom £80 Quad+ rom £100 Double / Twin rom £69 Pricesare orroomswithensuiteacilitiespernight espernight andincludeour amousullEnglishbreakast. Discountedratesavailableor eor longstays. Approvedby LondonTouristBoard,LonelyPlanet,FrommersGuide, VisitLondo t Londontonamea ew!

Website: www.stdavidshotels.com 

E-mail: [email protected] 

For comfort and convenience, for business and pleasure THE CARLTON HOTEL has a lot to offer at a moderate all-inclusive price. Located in London’s central area of  Victoria and fashionable Belgravia, the Hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance of London’s famous landmarks. All rooms with private toilet & shower, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer & T.Vs.

Singles from £49 Double/Twin from £59 90 Belgrave Road, Victoria,  London SW1V 2BJ Tel: (020) 7976 6634 Fax: (020) 7821 8020 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cityhotelcarlton.co.uk

B&Bs, Apartment Apar tmentss & Hostels If you don’t fancy staying in a hotel, here are a few great alternatives Family Affairs  B&Bs

The bed and breakfast (B&B) is a great British institution so, of course, London has its fair share of small, often familyrun hotels. The opposite experience to staying in a chain hotel, a B&B offers the chance to stay with  your hosts in a homely environment, often in a residential area – although still in central London and well-connected. 66 Camden Square is a Japanese-style house on a quiet square just north of Euston, designed by the architects who live there. 30 King Henry’s Road in Primrose Hill has  just one room, with books lining the walls and a huge bathroom. The Attic in Kensington is a little pricier than most B&Bs – but it does have a hot tub on the roof. For more info or to book a London B&B, log on to visitlondon.com

Homes From Home Self-Catering & Serviced   Apartments If you plan to stay in London for more than a few days, it makes sense to find an apartment – and there is sure to be something to suit  your budget. 196 Bishopsgate

YHA Earl’s Court

The Cheval Group (www. chevalgroup.com ) offers

(www.st-christophers. co.uk) has six secure a range of luxury serviced backpacker backpackers’ s’ residences apartments in west in London. Journey’s London and the City. While Hostels (www.journeys hostels.com ) has Beaumont Apartments (www.beaumont-londonresidences in King’s apartments.co.uk ) is a value Cross and Waterloo. option in leafy Southfields, Universities also offer near Wimbledon. cheap places to stay in For more self-catering the summer. London School of Economics accommodation, go to visitlondon.com (www.lse.ac.uk/vacations) has rooms beside the Thames, by Covent Cheap And Garden and in other Cheerful Hostels areas, while University College London (www. The constant flux of international travellers in ucl.ac.uk/residences) London means there’s a and University of well-establishednetwork Westminster (www. wmin.ac.uk) also offer of hostels here. The Youth Hostel accommodation in the Association (www.yha. centre or more relaxing org.uk) has eight hostels outer parts of London. in the capital, including a stunning townhouse in  o  n f o  m o r e i n  r m  F o r Earl’s Court that recently  o k  o r t o b o B& B s  s,, reopened, and one in the  s &  h o s t e l s  g o t o  o m elegant former choirboys’  c  o n d o n. c  t l o accommodation by  s i t  v i s St Paul’s Cathedral. St

(www.196bishopsgate. com), in the City, has 48 fully serviced suites with marble bathrooms and sleek kitchens. Scala House (www.scala-house. co.uk), in the heart of the West End, has elegant apartments with amazing views. Clarendon House Apartments (www.hunny   pot.org.uk/clarendon) offers stylish art-deco and Victorian accommodation in Ealing, west London. Dovetail House (+44 (0)20 8291 0924), in south London’s Forest Hill, is a more suburban Christopher’s Inns two-bedroom house.

Home Stays

Useful Information

Staying with a family is becoming increasingly popular with visitors wanting to sample real London life, and there are many agencies that specialise in this. See the Visit London Official Accommodation Guide 2007 , available in tourist offices, or log on to

Most hotels and B&Bs require a deposit for advance bookings. The amount varies and will be deducted from your bill. Many establishments require payment on arrival if  you have not made a booking, and be warned that late cancellations can be subject to a fee.

Getting Here

Heathrow Airport

To London by Bus Green Line operates

+44 (0)870 000 0123

To London by Rail/Tube The Piccadilly line

connects Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and Getting to London couldn’t be 4 with central easier, however you prefer to travel  Terminal Giving directions London every 4-5 mins. Fares from £4 single (from To London by Bus  journey time around £2 with an Oyster card); On arrival 40 mins.  journey time about Night Bus N9 goes Gatwick Airport www.southernrailway.com an hour. to Aldwych via Trafalgar www.tfl.gov.uk/tube +44 (0)870 000 2468 Square and High Street www.baa.co.uk First Capital Connect Kensington. Bus services The Heathrow Express runs up to four trains run every 30 mins; To London by Rail an hour to Blackfriars/ operates four non-stop  journey time around Gatwick Express runs London Bridge. Fares trains each hour to and 65 mins. four trains an hour to from £10 single; from London Paddington www.tfl.gov.uk/buses London Victoria station.  journey time 35 mins. station. Fares from £13.50 www.firstcapital Fares from £14 single; single; journey time 15-20 London connect.co.uk City Airport  journey time 30 mins. mins. There are two As with all airport Heathrow stations: +44 (0)20 7646 0088 To London by Coach transport services, Central for Terminals 1, 2 www.london check the website for There is an hourly coach and 3, and Terminal 4. cityairport.com departure times. service to Victoria Transport for London (TfL) www.gatwickexpress.com Coach Station run by Travelcards are not The airport is on the National Express Docklands Light Railway. valid on this service. Southern Railways Airport. Fares from www.heathrow Fares from £1.50; journey express.com operates three trains £6.60 single; journey time around 22 mins to hourly to Victoria station. time 1 hour 20 mins. Bank station. Fares from £9 single; www.nationalexpress.com Heathrow Connect is a new service that London runs between Heathrow Luton Airport and Paddington via +44 (0)1582 405 100 www.london-luton.co.uk five stations in West London. Trains run every 30 minutes; journey Luton Airport Parkway time around 25 mins. station is near the airport, www.heathrow and a free, regular shuttle connect.com bus service connects them. To London by Coach National Express runs

“There’s so much to explore in London, and it’s very well connected”  Alex, chef, from Denmark

three coaches an hour to Baker Street, Marble Arch and Victoria. Fares from £9 single; journey time 75 mins.

www.baa.co.uk

roughly three buses every hour to Victoria Coach Station. Fares from £10 single;  journey time 40 mins.

To London by Rail First Capital Connect

operates up to eight trains an hour to King’s CrossThameslink, Farringdon, London City Thameslink and www.nationalexpress.com Blackfriars stations.

up to four trains per hour to Liverpool Street station. Fares from £15 single;  journey time from 45 mins.

Arriving by Eurostar

+44 (0)870 518 6186 www.eurostar.com

www.stanstedexpress.com

There are frequent services from London www.greenline.co.uk Waterloo to Paris and three separate coach Brussels daily. The Paris easyBus runs every 40 services into London.  journey takes 2 hours 35 mins to Baker Street. Fares www.nationalexpress.com mins; Brussels is 2 hours Fares from £10.70 single; from £1 single; journey and 20 mins away. The The Terravision Express  journey time from 35 mins. time around 55 mins. trains arrive at Waterloo www.firstcapital www.easybus.co.uk Shuttle operates two station, bringing travellers connect.co.uk coaches per hour to straight into the national London Victoria Coach Station rail network and the TfL Midland Mainline Stansted Airport in central London with bus and Underground operates a regular rail +44 (0)870 000 0303 good onward travel systems. Later this year, service to St Pancras www.baa.com connections. Fares from Eurostar is switching from station. Journey time £8.50 single; journey Waterloo to its new hub To London by Rail from 23 mins. time around 75 mins. at St Pancras International, www.midlandmainline.com Stansted Express operates www.lowcostcoach.com so check details online.

Getting Around Exploring the capital is simple with the excellent transport networks Travel Information

A   l     l      p r  i     c   e   s    q  u  o  t    e   d   c   o r  r   e   c   t    a   t    t   i    m  e   o f     g   o i    n   g   t    o

Victoria and Liverpool Street, as well as at Transport for London (TfL) West Croydon bus has an extensive website station, and these providingup-to-theare great points of minute information on all contact for visitors modes of London who need to plan transport. TfL also has their onward journeys. www.tfl.gov.uk a network of Travel InformationCentres located in stations At every Underground throughout the city, station, blue-uniformed including Euston, staff are happy to help PiccadillyCircus, with general directions Heathrow Airport, and route advice.

To London by Coach National Express runs

 t e  u p t o d a  t i o  r u  F o r  m a  o n  r m    o o  f    n n  i  l i  l  e  v  a  t r a  n c a l l l  n L o n d o  2 2 1 2 34  i n  2 0 7 2 44 ( 0 ) 2  +4  +  o g o n t o  k  o r l o  u  v.. u . g o v  t fl g  w w w. t

For further information on London’s attractions, and to plan your own itineraries online go to visitlondon.com/explorer

Underground

There are 12 colour-coded Tube lines. Most operate from 5am to 12.30am Travel tickets and Mon-Sat, and from 7.30am information are also to 11.30pm on Sundays. available at the Britain It’s cheaper and less & London Visitor Centre crowded to avoid the rush on Lower Regent Street, hour and travel after near Piccadilly Circus. 9.30am. The network is divided into six  Journey Planner is a useful concentric zones – Zone website that tells 1 is the central area.  you the best routes to and Buses from specific locations, by rail, tube, bus or on Some routes are foot, and it’s available especially good for in five languages. sightseeing, and services www.tfl.gov.uk/ 9 and 15 use heritage  journeyplanner  Routemasters during the

day. Most bus services operate from 5am to 12.30am daily, with many routes now operating 24-hour services. Tickets must be purchased before boarding a bus in Zone 1 and are available from ticket machines at bus stops, although visitors may find it easier and cheaper to buy a bus pass or Travelcard.

and Victoria, serving the south of England; Paddington, the southwest; Euston, the north; King’s Cross, the northeast; and Liverpool Street, the east. Various annual discount cards are available – go to www. railcard.co.uk for details.

Taxis

www.nationalrail.co.uk

London’s famous Black Cabs offer a safe, reliable, door-to-door service. Taxis can be hailed on the street when the yellow light is on, or at designated taxi ranks. Fares are regulated, and all drivers and vehicles are licensed by the Public Carriage Office.

Trams

Minicabs

Private hire companies or ‘minicabs’ cannot be hailed on the street; The DLR connects the City www.tfl.gov.uk/trams they must be booked by and the Underground telephone or in person 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 exploring this rapidly inexpensive way of is licensed, call +44 (0)20 changing area of London. making a day trip out of 7222 1234 or go to www. tfl.gov.uk/pco – do not get It also forms a useful link London. Victoria Coach to Maritime Greenwich. Station is a major hub into a vehicle that is not Services operate from for various bus licensed, or if the driver 5.30am to 12.30am and companies. See www. approaches you in the tickets must be purchased nationalexpress.com/save street. Text HOME before boarding a train. for discount cards. to 60835 to get the www.tfl.gov.uk/coachesor phone numbers of three www.nationalexpress.com local, licensed minicab National Rail Trains are useful for numbers sent to your The River reaching places that are mobile phone. A good, not served by the Tube, See pages 38-39 for reputable company such as Hampton Court details on river transport. is Addison Lee – call +44 and Windsor. Mainline visitlondon.com/river or or (0)20 7387 8888 or visit www.addisonlee.com stations include: Waterlo Waterlooo www.tfl.gov.uk/river 

Docklands Light Railway

Tramlink’s service links Croydon with, among other places, Wimbledon.

Cycling

For information on cycling in London, see www.tfl.  gov.uk/cycles. For bicycle hire from various pick-up points in London, contact OY Bike Systems on +44 (0)20 8955 6800.

London Underground station London Underground

Tickets

Single fares are available for any journey, although visitors will find it easier and better value to purchase a Travelcard.Travelcards are valid for use on the Underground, bus, DLR, tram and national rail, and also offer a one-third discount on River services. They are available for one, three or seven days, and in peak or off-peak versions for one and three days.

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Oyster cards

The Oyster card is London’s travel smartcard: Travelcards and bus pass season tickets can be put on them, or you can charge up to £50 to travel payas-you-go. For most visitors, Oyster is the cheapest way of getting around. For more information, go to www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster . You can order one before you travel from overseas ticket agents.

public holidays), you need to pay the Congestion Charge. The charge is £8 per day, which must be paid in advance or on day of travel. If you pay by midnight the next day, the charge is £10. Payment can be made online, by Congestion calling 0845 900 1234 or Charge If you are driving in central by sending an SMS from a London between 7am and mobile phone to 81099. www.cclondon.com 6.30pm Mon-Fri (except

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Useful Tips  All you need to help make your  trip run as smoothly as possible Money The unit of currency in Britain is the pound sterling (£), and all London areas are served by ATMs, which accept Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro cards. If  you are bringing travellers’ cheques, these can be exchanged at banks, bureau de change offices, hotels and post offices. Take advantage of taxfree shopping and receive the VAT back on your purchases. If you are from outside the EU ask for a tax-free shopping form or go to www.premiertaxfree. com to find out more. Global Refund’s currencyconversion system, First Currency Choice, is the first credit-card payment system that allows international customers to make payments in their own currency at the point of sale, and it is available in selected shops and hotels in the city. For money

exchange, TTT Foreign Exchange Corporation and Thomas Exchange Global both have several branches in the centre.

Visitor Information Find all you need to know at visitlondon.com, the official one-stop shop to London. You can also visit the Britain & London Visitor Centre, 1 Lower Regent Street W1, open seven days a week or email blvc@visitbritain. org. For the inside guide to London, check out London TV, available in hotels, cabs, planes and trains and via visitlondon.com

Visas Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA are given, at their point of arrival, ‘leave to Opening Hours enter’ the UK for up to Shops are generally open six months. However, if from Monday to Saturday  you’re a citizen of the EU, from 10am to 6pm,  you don’t need a visa to though some central enter the country. Visa stores stay open till 7pm – regulations are always and later still on Thursdays subject to change, so – while on Sundays many please check with the open from midday to 4pm. local embassy or at Visitor attractions and www.ukvisas.gov.uk. museums typically open Tipping daily from 10am to 6pm, though most close for Although there are no a couple of days for the fixed rules, tipping in Christmas holidays. the UK has become Public holiday dates commonplace. If you’ve for 2007 are New Year received good service, (1 January), Good Friday/ whether in a restaurant, Easter Monday (6 and 9 café or hotel, it is quite April), May Day Holiday (7 normal to leave a tip of 10 May), Spring Bank Holiday per cent of the total bill. (28 May), Summer Bank Taxi drivers will expect Holiday (27 August) and tips of around 10 per cent. Christmas Day/Boxing Day Communications (25 and 26 December). The minimum amount for a call at a public Emergencies payphone is 30p. You can As in all major cities, you should be aware of your own personal use the Totally London safety. To To avoid being a victim of pick pocketing, keep all your phonecard to make cheap bags closed. If you have anything to report, you can telephone phone calls abroad, see the emergency services on 999 for more serious incidents.

can be bought at post offices or newsagents. Postcards to Europe cost 44p, to the rest of the world 50p. Many hotels have internet access and there are internet cafés throughout the city. Health Pharmacists can dispense certain drugs over the counter – Boots being the biggest chain. Most are open standard hours, but each neighbourhood has a duty chemist that opens on Sundays. Most doctors’ surgeries have a daily drop-in hour. You can also turn up at the Accident and Emergency department of hospitals. Travellers with Disabilities Thanks to the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995, all new tourist attractions and hotels now make full provision for wheelchair users, and access to other public places has greatly improved. Most TfL buses are equipped for passengers who have

Index Accommodation Pubs Airport and Pub Tour Station Hotels 78 Bed and Breakfasts 87 Restaurants Designer Hotels 78 Best for Home Stays 87 Entertainment Hostels 87 Best for Views Hotel Groups 78 British Luxury Hotels 78 Cafés May Fair Spa 78 Chains Self-Catering French Apartments 87 Hotel Dining Indian Dance and Music 71 International Italian Essentials 77 Landmark Locations Communications 93 Museum Restaurants Health 93 Value Eats Money 93 Opening Hours 93 Nightlife Tipping 93 Cabaret Travellers with Casinos Disabilities 93 Cinema Visas 93 Comedy Gay and Lesbian Events 18 Live Music Festivals 21 Nightclubs Food & Drink Bar Etiquette Bars Canary Wharf Design Bars Hotel Bars

51 61 61 61 62 63

London’s skyline You may be surprised  at just how many of  these iconic buildings

Outdoors Bankside Canals Cruises Parks River, The

61 Royal Parks 63 South Bank, The Summer Concerts 52 Shopping 57 Antiques 52 Department Stores 52 Destinations 56 Fashion 57 Markets 53 Museum Shops 58 Souvenirs 54 Traditional Shops 55 53 Sightseeing 56 Attractions 57 Amora 55 British Airways London Eye 72 Fuller’s Griffin 72 Brewery 72 Leeds Castle 73 London Aquarium 72 London Dungeon 74 London Zoo 72 Madame Tussauds 74 Tower Bridge Exhibition 37 Tower of London 38 Trinity Buoy Wharf 39 Vinopolis 39 Windsor Castle 40 Galleries 38 Bayswater Road

41 Artists 38 Ben Uri Gallery 40 Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery 45 Dali Universe 48 Dulwich Picture 46 Gallery 48 Estorick Collection of 46 Modern Italian Art 47 Gilbert Collection 48 Guildhall Art Gallery 49 Hayward Gallery 49 Hermitage Rooms London Glassblowing 23 Workshop 26 National Gallery 26 National Portrait Gallery 26 Queen’s Gallery Royal Academy 26 of Arts 26 Saatchi Gallery 26 Serpentine Gallery 26 Tate Britain 26 Tate Modern 26 Wallace Collection Whitechapel 26 White Cube 26 Historic 26 Landmarks 26 British Library 26 Central Hall 34 Westminster Golden Hinde, The

34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 25 25 25 25

Hampton Court Richmond Park Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Pagoda and Palm House Wembley Stadium Kenwood House Royal Albert Hall Serpentine Gallery Lord’s Cricket Ground Battersea Park– Buddhist Peace Pagoda Albert Bridge Battersea Power Station Alexandra Palace London Central Mosque

HMS Belfast Houses of Parliament Old Royal Naval College Royal Observatory Somerset House St Paul’s Cathedral Wellington Arch Westminster Abbey Westminster Cathedral

25 Museum 32 25 British Museum 32 Cabinet War Rooms 25 and Churchill Museum 32 25 Design Museum 32 25 Fan Museum 32 25 Foundling Museum 32 25 Geffrye Museum 32 25 Guards Museum 32 Handel House Museum 32 25 Imperial War Museum 32 Houses & Palaces 29  Jewish Museum 32 Apsley House 29 London Pass, The 33 Baden-Powell House 29 London’sTransport Banqueting House 29 Museum 32 Buckingham Palace 29 Museum of London 33 Carlyle’s House 29 National Army Chiswick House 29 Museum 33 Fenton House 29 National Maritime Ham House 29 Museum 33 Hampton Court Natural History Palace 29 Museum 33  Jewel Tower 29 Royal Air Force Kensington Palace 29 Museum 33 Marble Hill House 29 Science Museum 33 Osterley Park House 29 Sir John Soane’s Queen’s House 29 Museum 33 Ranger’s House 29 Theatre Museum 33 Red House 29 2 Willow Road 33 Royal Mews 29 V&A Museum of Sutton House 29 Childhood 33 Syon House 29 V&A Sth Kensington 33 Museums 32 Winston Churchill’s Bank of England Britain at War 33

30 All London Tours 30 A Nous Deux Londres 30 Astral Travels 30 BBC TV Centre Tours 30 Big Bus Company 30 BlueBrolly London Audio Walks 30 Blue Plaques 30 British Tours 30 Golden Tours 30 Good Company 30 London Bicycle Tour Company 30 London TLC 30 London Tours 30 Luxury Vacations UK 30 Magnus Nielsen Tours 30 Original London Sightseeing Tour 30 Original London Walks 30 21st Century Travel 30 Tours

Sport Athletics Cricket Cycling Football Horseracing Rowing Rugby Sport Tours Tennis Tour de France

42 42 42 42 42 43 43 43 43 43 43

Theatre Arts Centres Blue Man Group Booking Tickets Guys and Dolls Lion King, The Off West End Outdoor Theatres West End

65 66 68 67 68 68 68 67 66

Transport Buses Coaches Congestion Charge Docklands Light Railway Eurostar Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport London City Airport London Luton Airport London Stansted Airport Minicabs National Rail Oyster Cards River Transport Taxis Tickets Travel Information Underground

88 89 90 90 90 89 88 88 88 88 89 90 90 90 90 90 90 89 89

Chinatown MI6 Big Ben Trafalgar Square Charing Cross Hungerford Bridge British Airways London Eye King’s Cross Somerset House Cleopatra’s Needle Oxo Tower Tate Modern Millenni um Bridge St Paul’s Cathedral Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre The Guildhall Monument Tower 42 The ‘Gherkin’ HMS Belfast City Hall TowerBridge The Old Truman Brewery Peckham Library Canary Wharf Walthamstow Waltha mstow Greyhound Stadium Greenwich

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