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Samuel Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” And London is just that: full of life. This cosmopolitan hub offers its visitors a wealth of attractions, from great shopping to superb theatre.London inspires thoughts of royalty and high tea, Shakespeare and Mary Poppins, Big Ben and shopping at Harrods.It is a city where beauty and history go hand in hand, where one can spend experience a blissful day lounging in a gorgeous park or be equally fulfilled by taking in the cultural and historical sights throughout the city.This ancient city can give you the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time, in the same moment that you’re marveling over its modern wonders.It is a city of art, a city of inspiration, a city of wonder.
British Museum
Great Russell Street, WC1
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7323.8299
www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
This extensive collection of loot amassed my the British Empire started with a collection bequeathed in 1753 by a Chelsea doctor. It has grown to 14 acres of displays, with over 6.5 million objects, some highlights being the Rosetta Stone and the Magna Carta. The Greco-Roman rooms and Egyptian Halls are fascinating and a special highlight for 2006 is "Michelangelo Drawings: Closer to the Master."
National Portrait Gallery
2 St. Martin's Place, WC2
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7306.0055
www.npg.org.uk
If you love London’s royalty, this is the place to be.The faces of the most famous Londoners are here. The recent facelift of this museum has been a huge success. Founded in 1856, the museum houses portraits of over 1,000 British men and women from the Middle Ages to the present day. It’s also a great place to pick up unique, witty gifts.
Design Museum
28 Shad Thames, SE1
Tel. +44 (0) 87.0833.9955
www.designmuseum.org
Opened in 1989, this is the first museum dedicated to the display of 20th and 21st century design. It chronicles movements in fashion, graphics, interior design, architecture and industrial design.
Tate Modern Museum
London SE1 9TG
Tel. +44 (0)020 7887 8888
www.tate.org.uk/modern
A seven-story museum of modern art with works by Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, Dali and Warhol Royal Festival Hall On the South Bank of the Thames www.SouthBankCentre.co.uk This refurbished hall has great acoustics and by accessing their website you can easily see all the choices you can have to attend this unique London venue. You may also want to consider dining at the new restaurant, Skylon (Tel. 020.7654.7800) located on the 3rd flor with amazing views across the Thames. Less formal is the Canteen restaurant (www.canteen.co.uuk)
British Film Institute
On the South Bank of the Thames
www.bfi.org.uk
The "BFI" has one of the world's best archive of films and is also one of the major learning resources for the medium. Check the web site for the most up to date schedule of screenings. They even have an IMAX theatre.
The Victorian and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road South Kensington
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7942.2000
www.vam.ac.uk
This is the world’s largest museum of the decorative arts.Its foundation stone was laid by Queen Victoria in 1899. The V&A, as it is lovingly referred 146 galleries with collections of Chinese art, art deco, photographs and much more.
Saatchi Gallery
Kings Road
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk
The 70,000 square foot gallery is dedicated to contemporary art.
Royal Opera House
Bow Street
Covent Garden
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7304 4000
www.roh.org.uk
Some of the world's best and most inovative cultural events take place here. As an example, from Feb. 7 - March 4, 2011 a new opera is being staged. It is called Anna Nicole. If you don't know who that is you must be younger the 10 years old.
L'Ateller de Joel Robuchon
13 -15 West St.
Tel. +44 20 7010 8600
www.joelrobuchon.co.uk
Joel Robuchon, one of the world's celebrated chef's, now has a London outpost that is perfectly located in the thratre district. If you arrive between 5:30PM and 6:00PM you can take advantage of the their very good pre-theatre menu (28 pounds for two courses)
Les Deux Salon
40 - 42 William Street
Tel. +44 20 7420 2050
www.lesdeuxsalons.co.uk
Michelin rated chef's Will Smith and Anthony Demetre have opened this French brasserie in Covent Garden which is walking distance to many of the West End Theatres. Here a 21 pound three course pre theatre menu is offered.
Moro
34-36 Exmouth Market
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7833.8336
www.moro.co.uk
Considered one of London's finest restaurants, Moro opened in 1997, and lies at the heart of the lively pedestrianised street, Exmouth Market. Known for its award-winning Moorish cuisine, the restaurant is popular not only with diners, but with those who come in to enjoy tapas, which are served throughout the day.
The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, W1
Tel. +44 (0) 7499.6996
www.thewolseley.com
It may be a bit touristy but so what. It's still one of the most glamourous rooms in London. The 1920's decor is fab and for some reason everyone always seems very up in this European Grand-Cafe. They even have afternoon tea.
Zuma
5 Raphael Street
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7584.1010
www.zumarestaurant.com
This new Japanese eatery has great food and style. This is told to us by dashing Brazilian investment banker Fausto Lima. He should know as he is a NYLON (one who commutes between New York and London). The fashionable Knightsbridge location makes it walking distance from some of the best hotels in London.
Arbutus
63-64 Frith Street
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7734.4545
www.arbutusrestaurant.co.uk
Modern French and European fare with flair has moved from the suburbs to Soho. Chef Anthony Demetre comes from haute cuisine restaurant Putney Bridge, where he earned a Michelin star for his delectable creations. Now he’s opened his own restaurant to much fanfare. You might start with warm cod brandade followed by a breast of veal lacquered with spices. Dinner will never be the same again.
Lightship
5A St. Katherine’s Way (St. Katherine’s Dock)
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7481.3123
www.lightshipx.com
The oldest surviving lightship in the world makes for a beautiful dining experience. The boat, refurbished and docked by the Tower Bridge, serves British/Scandinavian fare. The tomato tart glazed with feta and olive and basil vinaigrette is divine, and the Danish meatballs with red cabbage and potato salad is sure to please.
The Balcon
8 Pall Mall
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7968.2900
www.thebalconlondon.com
This former banking hall is the epitamy of 1930's French brasserie grand. There is a Champagne library and bar. Think platters of charcuterie from suppliers in France and Wales. Delicious and fun!
Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place Bloomsbury
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7927.7000
www.hakkasan.com
Hakkasan is the sexiest Chinese restaurant in London. From the suave, glamorous ambiance to the flavorful and beautifully plated meals, this is a dining experience not to be missed. It is the first Chinese restaurant to earn a Michelin star and after eating there you will understand why. Be sure to have a reservation at this popular, much desired hotspot.
Corrigan's Mayfair
28 Upper Grosvenor Street, W1
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7499.9943
www.corrigansmayfair.com
Corrigan's is noted for gourmet British cuisine. The menu is seasonal with locally sourced produce and food that presents the best of British ingredients.
The Square
6-10 Bruton Street
Mayfair
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7495.7100
www.squarerestaurant.com
The Square is located in the heart of Mayfair amidst some of London’s best shops and art galleries, and boasts two Michelin stars. Chef Philip Howard takes his classical French cuisine training and adds a modern twist, creating sumptuous, well-rounded dishes that are always seasonal and fresh. Add to that a friendly, professional wait staff and a beautiful atmosphere and you have an evening of bliss. While on the expensive side even for London standards, it is well worth the splurge.
Texture
35 Portman Street
Mayfair
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7224.0028
www.texture-restaurant.co.uk
A sleek and modern eatery that attracts a sophisticated crowd. The well stocked Champagne bar maybe part of the reason. It contains over 85 cuvees from 25 different houses. Cool!
Maze
10-13 Grosvenor Square
Mayfair
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7107.0000
www.gordonramsay.com
Gordon Ramsey's famous London restaurant features Asian influenced French food. If everything looks too good, go with a sampling of tasting dishes for the whole table to try. If you're feeling English, do try the mini passion fruit and rhubarb trifle.
Mint Leaf
Suffolk Place
St.James
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7930.9020
http://www.mintleafrestaurant.com/
This contemporary restaurant is a beautiful place to dine. The food is good but the ambiance steals the show: always lively with a decidedly "city" crowd.
Roast Floral Hall
Stoney Street Borough Market
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7940.1300
www.roast-restaurant.com
Borough Market is a destination in itself for food lovers. Now the landmark building has a restaurant that Londoners are talking about. The reviews have been mixed but most say they would go back. Roast serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. We recommend dinner for the view of St. Paul's Cathedral when it is lit up.
Canteen
2 Crispin Place
Tel. +44 (0)0845.686.1122
http://www.canteen.co.uk/
It's all posh pies and trendy British classics at this ultra-modern diner in Spitalfield's finance district. With booths and communal oak tables, a lunch crowd wolfs down pies of chicken and tarragon or steak and kidney. The hearty dishes are coupled with mashed potatoes, greens, or mushy peas, and completed with a treacle tart or Eton Mess (strawberries, meringue and cream). There's also Coronation chicken, Macaroni cheese, and everything is reasonably priced.
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
13-15 West St.
Covent Garden
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7010.8600
http://www.robuchon.com/
London's A-listers sit side-by-side at the counter and graze tapas-style at French legend Joël Robuchon's super seductive outpost. Decked out in plush red and black, counter seating frames the ground-floor open kitchen, creating a spectacle that is pure culinary theatre. Navigate exquisite French tapas -- from frog's legs to veal rib and quail with truffle mash. The £80 six-course tasting menu is a neat way to experience multiple flavors. There's also a smart cocktail bar, and a sit-down restaurant, La Cuisine, on the first floor.
L'Anima
1 Snowden Street EC2 (City)
Tel. +44.207.422.7000
www.lanima.com.uk
Restauranteur Francesco Mazzei's minimalistic chic restaurant in the financial district (referred to as the "City" in London) offers southern Italian cuisine. Try the Sicilian rabbit stew.
Accorn House
60 Swinton Street S1
Tel. +44 207 812.1842
www.acornhouserestaurant.com
The Times of London has marked this as "the most important restaurant to open in London in the past 200 years". Owners chef Arthur Potts Dawson and Jamie Granger Smith eco friendly restaurant has been built from organic and recycled material. Don't let that sway you becasuse the feeling is minimalist and hip. More importantly food products are from fair trade developing countries whenever possible. Other ingredients, that for instance come from Italy, are not flown in but transported by ship or train. Amazingly the restaurant is run on wind-generated electricity and even the drinking water is purified on site.
The Botanist
7 Sloane Square
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7730.0077
http://www.thebotanistonsloanesquare.com/
In one of the trendiest sections of London, this place is all about people watching at it's best. Great for lunch and at night the bar scene is very International.
Brasserie Zedel
20 Sherwood Street, W1
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7734.4848
www.brasseriezedel.com
This new glamorous brasserie opened in 2012 and serves dinner until midnight. The reports where getting are good!!!!
Dover Street Market
17-18 Dover Street
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7518.0680
www.doverstreetmarket.com
The Dover Street Market is six stories of space stocked with a crazy eclectic mix of vintage clothing, stuffed animals, music, cakes and more. It’s beyond unusual and definitely worth a drop by.
Bespoke Luggage Service
54-55 Burlington Arcade
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7529.5950
www.globe-trotterltd.com
Globe-Trotter's “Vulcan Fibre” trunks are functional, durable, lightweight and good looking on top of it all. They are available in a wide choice of colors, from Jewel Pink to Centenary Red, with contrasting leather corners. Make your luggage easy to spot on the carousel.
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7730.1234
www.harrods.com
No visit to London is complete without a trip to Harrods department store. Wander through the world famous Food Hall, the most “upscale supermarket” with gourmet treats from wines to luxury biscuits. Or feast your eyes on the opulent designer fashions that adorn each floor.
Emma Hope
53 Sloane Square
Knightbridge
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7259.9566
http://www.emmahope.co.uk/
Three shops in London and one in Tokyo but this is the one where the action is. Men's and Woman's shoes.
Lulu Guiness
3 Ellis Street
Knightsbridge
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7823.4828
http://www.luluguinness.com/home.php
The stylish collection of womens bags and purses are like no other any where.
Tom Ford
87-135 Brompton Road (Knightsbridge)
Tel. +44 (0) 183.273.6047
www.tomford.com
Gentleman, this is where you buy that tux James Bond was wearing in his lates movie "skyfall".
Peter Jones
Sloane Square
Knightsbridge
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7730.3434
www.peterjones.co.uk
After a 5 year makeover Peter Jones is looking better than ever with 8 floors of shopping built around an impressive central atrium. The top floor cafe also offers great views of west London.
Amanda Wakeley
175-177 Fulham Road
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7532.7143
www.amandawakeley.com
You may know British designer Amanda Wakeley from the dress actress Namomie Harris wore in the latest James Bond movie "Skyfall"
Erickson Beamon
38 Elizabeth Street, SW1
Tel. +44 (0) 7259.0202
www.ericksonbeamon.com
Costume jewelry of the highest order. Ask any designer in London where they go for accessories. So famous famous they have permanent displays in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and London's V & A.
Square Meal
www.squaremeal.co.uk
Great city guide for eating and more.
London Eating
www.london-eating.co.uk
Another great London eating guide.
Britain Discounts
www.discountbritain.net
Discount Britain offers visitors the opportunity to save 20% on UK attractions as well as on the total food and drinks bill at popular london restaurants. No pre-pay, registration or restrictions, simply print + save!
Qantas A380 Suite
www.qantas.com
Sydney-London and Singapore-London
The Qantas A380 is the largest and most technologically advanced aircraft ever built. It’s quieter, more efficient and more powerful than today’s largest jets. Arrive at your destination pampered and well rested.
Contact our travel specialists Charlie@classictravel.com for more details on the amazing new service.
69 Colebrooke Row
69 Colebrooke Row
Tel. +44.7540.528593
http://www.69colebrookerow.comat
The bar with no name is quite famous. Tony Conigliaro, mixologist extraordinaire has even written a well received book called “The Cocktail Lab; Unraveling the Mysteries of Flavor and Aroma in Drink, With Recipes” Besides this location you can sample his amazing drinks at one London hot new restaurants, The Grain Store, in Kings Cross.
Experimental Cocktail Club
13a Gerrard Street, W1
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7434.3559
www.experimentalcocktailclublondon.com
Speakeasies are back in and this one in London's Soho's Chinatown is a very glam three tiered club located behind an ummarked down and out doorway. The deco is a mix of raw brick, grand wallpaper, glass topped tables and chaneliers.
Cock Tavern Theatre
125 Kilburn High Road (Kilburn)
Tel. +44 (0) 20 3239.4094
www.cocktaverntheatre.com
Talk about different! This north London pub is also a theatre. the 51 seat theatre puts on productions like "La Boheme" but with a twist: the singers mingle with the drinkers. Cool!
Ronnie Scott's
47 Frith Street, W1D
Tel.+44 (0) 7439.0747
www.ronniescotts.co.uk
This legendary jass club from the late 50's is a great altenative to a theatre night. The place has been totally redone, has pretty good food and most important excellent jazz. Exppensive!
Boujis
43 Thurloe Street, SW7
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7584.2000
www.boujis.com
Private club but if you can get in you'll be among the rich, cute or connected crowd. It's been one of London's smartest clubs for the past 10 years and is favored by the younger royals.
Blue Bar
Berkeley Hotel
Wilton Place Knightsbridge, SW1X
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7235.6000
This classic, designed by David Collins, seems straight out of a film. The décor is fantastic…and blue. The service is pure class in the unflappable butler style. And the cocktails? Almost indescribable. The hole in your wallet will remain long after you sample them; but sample them you must if you are to experience London fully.
Fabric
77a Charterhouse Street
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7336.8898
www.fabriclondon.com
This gigantic former food storage facility is now a four floor dance club. It is complete with Craig Richards and Terry Francis in house, satellite linkups and a sound system that's not just loud, it vibrates through your feet.
Ghetto
5-6 Falconberg Court Soho
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7287.3626
www.ghetto-london.co.uk
Ghetto is a gay 50's style sleaze retro club with different themes each night, all of which are reminiscent of the "once upon a time" Pyramid Club and Jackie 60's in New York.
Kemia Bar
25 Heddon Street
Tel. +44 (0) 20.7434.4040
http://momoresto.com/restaurant/london/momo/live-at-momo/
Uptairs its a cool Moroccan restaurant and downstairs a club with live music. Be sure to check the website to see what act is current.
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