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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 [email protected] 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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