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About London
About London
Attractions in London
Selfridges
Selfridges is so confident in its consumer appeal that its 2006 winter sale advertising featured the subversive anticonsumerist slogan 'I shop Therefore I Am' by New York artist Barbara Kruger, as if to poke fun at its shoppers and turn rebellion on its head. Selfridges loves innovation - it's famed for its inventive window displays by international artists, gala shows promoting countries/products, and above all an amazing range of products. It's the funkiest and most vital of London's one-stop shops, with labels such as Boudicca, Luella Bartley, Emma Cook, Chloé and Missoni, an unparalleled food hall, and Europe's largest cosmetics department.
Selfridges is so confident in its consumer appeal that its 2006 winter sale advertising featured the subversive anticonsumerist slogan 'I shop Therefore I Am' by New York artist Barbara Kruger, as if to poke fun at its shoppers and turn rebellion on its head. Selfridges loves innovation - it's famed for its inventive window displays by international artists, gala shows promoting countries/products, and above all an amazing range of products. It's the funkiest and most vital of London's one-stop shops, with labels such as Boudicca, Luella Bartley, Emma Cook, Chloé and Missoni, an unparalleled food hall, and Europe's largest cosmetics department.
Fifteen
Now an international mini-chain with branches in Melbourne, Amsterdam and even far-flung Cornwall, this is celeb chef Jamie Oliver's gaff, where he trains and employs 15 young chefs and the profits go to charity. It's difficult to get a reservation, but one-third of the seating in the downstairs trattoria, where breakfast is available from on weekdays and from at the weekend, is kept for walk-ins. We've had mixed reviews about the food and bad ones about the high prices (around for a fry-up?) but it's for a good cause. Expect a decent selection of fish and vegetarian dishes.
Now an international mini-chain with branches in Melbourne, Amsterdam and even far-flung Cornwall, this is celeb chef Jamie Oliver's gaff, where he trains and employs 15 young chefs and the profits go to charity. It's difficult to get a reservation, but one-third of the seating in the downstairs trattoria, where breakfast is available from on weekdays and from at the weekend, is kept for walk-ins. We've had mixed reviews about the food and bad ones about the high prices (around for a fry-up?) but it's for a good cause. Expect a decent selection of fish and vegetarian dishes.
Almeida Theatre
A plush venue that can be relied on to provide the city with an essential programme of imaginative theatre, the Almeida, under its creative artistic director, Michael Attenborough, attracts directors like Richard Eyre and Rufus Norris, and stages plays such as The Mercy Seat and the acclaimed Dying For It. Check out the Conran restaurant opposite.
A plush venue that can be relied on to provide the city with an essential programme of imaginative theatre, the Almeida, under its creative artistic director, Michael Attenborough, attracts directors like Richard Eyre and Rufus Norris, and stages plays such as The Mercy Seat and the acclaimed Dying For It. Check out the Conran restaurant opposite.
Carling Academy Brixton
It's hard to have a bad night at the Brixton Academy, even if you leave with your soles sticky with beer, as this cavernous former theatre (holding 5000) always thrums with bonhomie. There's a properly sloping floor for good views, as well as plenty of bars. You can catch international acts of the ilk of Madonna (once), but more likely artists are Amy Winehouse, Basement Jaxx or DJ Shadow.
It's hard to have a bad night at the Brixton Academy, even if you leave with your soles sticky with beer, as this cavernous former theatre (holding 5000) always thrums with bonhomie. There's a properly sloping floor for good views, as well as plenty of bars. You can catch international acts of the ilk of Madonna (once), but more likely artists are Amy Winehouse, Basement Jaxx or DJ Shadow.
Grange City Hotel
There are some things that women travellers are almost guaranteed to experience when roaming away from home, and trying to put on make-up in a dimly lit hotel room is one of them. It might not be the biggest thing you've got to worry about, but it's nice when someone does address your problems, however small they might be.
There are some things that women travellers are almost guaranteed to experience when roaming away from home, and trying to put on make-up in a dimly lit hotel room is one of them. It might not be the biggest thing you've got to worry about, but it's nice when someone does address your problems, however small they might be.
Zetter
Once a Victorian warehouse owned by the Zetter football pools family, The Zetter is in a boutique class of its own. Eco-conscious and bank-manager-friendly, it's only been open 18 months but has already well and truly made its mark on the city hotel scene. Mellow, laid-back and seriously cool, this is your best east-end connection.
Once a Victorian warehouse owned by the Zetter football pools family, The Zetter is in a boutique class of its own. Eco-conscious and bank-manager-friendly, it's only been open 18 months but has already well and truly made its mark on the city hotel scene. Mellow, laid-back and seriously cool, this is your best east-end connection.
Waterloo Terminal TIC
Butcher & Grill
This combination grill and butcher shop has made quite a slap south of the river, winning awards as fast as it sizzles T-bones. But while not everyone likes the idea of seeing their meat au naturel on entry, the quality of the ingredients, the wide choice of sauces and the views from the main dining room (all brickwork and exposed ducts) are more than compensation.
This combination grill and butcher shop has made quite a slap south of the river, winning awards as fast as it sizzles T-bones. But while not everyone likes the idea of seeing their meat au naturel on entry, the quality of the ingredients, the wide choice of sauces and the views from the main dining room (all brickwork and exposed ducts) are more than compensation.
Daisy & Tom
This superb children's department store has a marionette show, carousel rides, rocking horses, play areas, traditional and modern toys, and a big book room where kids can loll about while flicking through the latest Harry Potter. Upstairs there are fashion labels fit for (your) little princes and princesses.
This superb children's department store has a marionette show, carousel rides, rocking horses, play areas, traditional and modern toys, and a big book room where kids can loll about while flicking through the latest Harry Potter. Upstairs there are fashion labels fit for (your) little princes and princesses.
One Aldwych
Housed within an elegant corner building originally built in 1907 as the offices of the Morning Post, the extremely stylish One Aldwych manages to pull off understated luxury effortlessly.
Housed within an elegant corner building originally built in 1907 as the offices of the Morning Post, the extremely stylish One Aldwych manages to pull off understated luxury effortlessly.
New Zealand Consulate
Nobu
A London designer's idea of a Japanese restaurant with some of the best Asian food in town, Nobu is minimalist in décor, anonymously efficient in service, and out of this world when it comes to exquisitely prepared and presented sushi and sashimi. The black cod with miso and salmon kelp roll are divine.
A London designer's idea of a Japanese restaurant with some of the best Asian food in town, Nobu is minimalist in décor, anonymously efficient in service, and out of this world when it comes to exquisitely prepared and presented sushi and sashimi. The black cod with miso and salmon kelp roll are divine.
Colonnade Town House
The history of the Colonnade Town House is almost as interesting as the roster of guests who've stayed here. Originally built as two private homes in the 1800s, this hotel has experienced life as a hospital - the original lift which was used to carry stretchers and trolleys up to the operating theatre still works - and a ladies dormitory.
The history of the Colonnade Town House is almost as interesting as the roster of guests who've stayed here. Originally built as two private homes in the 1800s, this hotel has experienced life as a hospital - the original lift which was used to carry stretchers and trolleys up to the operating theatre still works - and a ladies dormitory.
The Dorchester
If you want to pretend you're rich and famous then there's no better place to do it than the Dorch. This is the hotel where celebrities come when they want to hide (or court) the media. After the Jude Law 'nannygate' scandal, Sienna Miller escaped to a suite at the Dorchester, and Mickey Rourke, while in town filming, chose this address to entertain a bevy of young blondes.
If you want to pretend you're rich and famous then there's no better place to do it than the Dorch. This is the hotel where celebrities come when they want to hide (or court) the media. After the Jude Law 'nannygate' scandal, Sienna Miller escaped to a suite at the Dorchester, and Mickey Rourke, while in town filming, chose this address to entertain a bevy of young blondes.
Victoria Station TIC
Tokyo Diner
Everyday Japanese food at everyday prices is what Tokyo Diner's all about, and you can't ask for fairer than that. The waiters are all Japanese; they are discreet and graceful in their service, and very knowledgeable about the food. The miso is ordinary but the Japanese-style curry is tops, as are the noodle dishes.
Everyday Japanese food at everyday prices is what Tokyo Diner's all about, and you can't ask for fairer than that. The waiters are all Japanese; they are discreet and graceful in their service, and very knowledgeable about the food. The miso is ordinary but the Japanese-style curry is tops, as are the noodle dishes.
Cockfighter Of Bermondsey
T-shirts with attitude, and other clothing and accessories, are found in this small boutique and worn across the pages of celebrity magazines by DJs and pop stars.
T-shirts with attitude, and other clothing and accessories, are found in this small boutique and worn across the pages of celebrity magazines by DJs and pop stars.
Kensington Palace
Welded in people's memory as the residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Kensington Palace's lawn was covered with a mountain of flowers following the death of the 'people's princess' in September 1997, an episode in history that showed the Brits loosening the stiff upper lip and mourning the princess with unprecedented sentimentality. A glimpse of Diana's frocks in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is always a highlight.
Welded in people's memory as the residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Kensington Palace's lawn was covered with a mountain of flowers following the death of the 'people's princess' in September 1997, an episode in history that showed the Brits loosening the stiff upper lip and mourning the princess with unprecedented sentimentality. A glimpse of Diana's frocks in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is always a highlight.
Aka
Sitting on a dark backstreet like all good secrets, the AKA bar is one of the West End's best DJ bars. A great sound system is exercised by many of London's up-and-coming and already established DJs, and the young, good-looking clientele is propelled by precision-made cocktails late into the night.
Sitting on a dark backstreet like all good secrets, the AKA bar is one of the West End's best DJ bars. A great sound system is exercised by many of London's up-and-coming and already established DJs, and the young, good-looking clientele is propelled by precision-made cocktails late into the night.
The Pavilion
Over-the-top, deliciously decadent and gloriously alternative, the 30 rooms at The Pavilion are all individually themed and decked out with an array of weird and wonderful designs.
Over-the-top, deliciously decadent and gloriously alternative, the 30 rooms at The Pavilion are all individually themed and decked out with an array of weird and wonderful designs.
Neighbourhood
Cherry Jam and Notting Hill Arts Club supremo Ben Watt's (another) excellent venue, Neighbourhood has a capacity of 500 and a mixed programme from author readings to house, electro and R'n'B nights, and there's even an occasional burlesque bonanza; so check what's on when you're around.
Cherry Jam and Notting Hill Arts Club supremo Ben Watt's (another) excellent venue, Neighbourhood has a capacity of 500 and a mixed programme from author readings to house, electro and R'n'B nights, and there's even an occasional burlesque bonanza; so check what's on when you're around.
Rosslyn Delicatessen
This enchanting store has been voted the best local delicatessen in London by radio station LBC and the Independent newspaper, and we wholeheartedly agree with the verdict. There is a fantastic meat counter, with the most aromatic pancetta you'll ever try, the jarred chutneys, terrines and marinated vegetables are a wonder and you'll find unusual flavours like caramelised onions, damson jam and mulberry salad dressing. The cakes, chocolates and Union Roasters coffee are delicious, too.
This enchanting store has been voted the best local delicatessen in London by radio station LBC and the Independent newspaper, and we wholeheartedly agree with the verdict. There is a fantastic meat counter, with the most aromatic pancetta you'll ever try, the jarred chutneys, terrines and marinated vegetables are a wonder and you'll find unusual flavours like caramelised onions, damson jam and mulberry salad dressing. The cakes, chocolates and Union Roasters coffee are delicious, too.
City Of London TIC
Information about the Square Mile and more, in a booth opposite St Paul's Cathedral.
Information about the Square Mile and more, in a booth opposite St Paul's Cathedral.
Edward Lear Hotel
Slightly battered and bruised, but oddly charming, the Edward Lear is one of the best examples of a traditional British B&B in central London. Only four rooms are en suite here but all the rooms have sinks.
Slightly battered and bruised, but oddly charming, the Edward Lear is one of the best examples of a traditional British B&B in central London. Only four rooms are en suite here but all the rooms have sinks.
Claridges
A true grande dame on the London hotel circuit, the majestic Claridges is as splendid today as it was when it first opened its doors in 1854. It's a wonderful reminder of a bygone era with every floor and corner steeped in history.
A true grande dame on the London hotel circuit, the majestic Claridges is as splendid today as it was when it first opened its doors in 1854. It's a wonderful reminder of a bygone era with every floor and corner steeped in history.
Rigby & Peller
This old-fashioned place makes the Queen's bras, but Rigby & Peller's fitting and alteration service - open to us plebs - is equally legendary. Get yourself measured - many a customer has been surprised to discover they've been wearing the wrong size for years. Off-the-peg underwear and swimwear is also available. There's also a Knightsbridge branch (3 Hans Rd; Knightsbridge).
This old-fashioned place makes the Queen's bras, but Rigby & Peller's fitting and alteration service - open to us plebs - is equally legendary. Get yourself measured - many a customer has been surprised to discover they've been wearing the wrong size for years. Off-the-peg underwear and swimwear is also available. There's also a Knightsbridge branch (3 Hans Rd; Knightsbridge).
Hampstead Heath
Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, is a million miles away - well, approximately four - from the city of London. It covers 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, and is home to about 100 bird species. It's a wonderful place for a ramble, especially to the top of Parliament Hill, which offers expansive views across the city and is one of the most popular places in London to fly a kite.
Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, is a million miles away - well, approximately four - from the city of London. It covers 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, and is home to about 100 bird species. It's a wonderful place for a ramble, especially to the top of Parliament Hill, which offers expansive views across the city and is one of the most popular places in London to fly a kite.
Battersea Arts Centre
This is a friendly, down-to-earth community theatre where staff chat to you and the actors mingle in the bar with the audience post-show. Playwrights see it as a valuable nurturer and crucible of new plays and talent. Artistic director David Jubb's infamous Scratch programme is an excellent exercise in learning about the writing process: a developing play is shown to increasing audiences until it's finished.
This is a friendly, down-to-earth community theatre where staff chat to you and the actors mingle in the bar with the audience post-show. Playwrights see it as a valuable nurturer and crucible of new plays and talent. Artistic director David Jubb's infamous Scratch programme is an excellent exercise in learning about the writing process: a developing play is shown to increasing audiences until it's finished.
Southwark TIC
Handy information centre, not far from Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe.
Handy information centre, not far from Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe.
Hakkasan
This basement restaurant - hidden down a most unlikely back alleyway - combines celebrity status, stunning design, persuasive cocktails and surprisingly sophisticated Chinese food - it was the first Chinese restaurant to receive a Michelin star - to great success. The low, nightclub-style lighting (lots of red) makes it a good spot for dating, while the long, glitzy bar is a great place for truly inventive cocktails. For dinner in the formal main dining room you'll have to book far in advance and no doubt be allocated a two-hour slot. Do what savvy Londoners do and have lunch in the more informal Ling Ling lounge.
This basement restaurant - hidden down a most unlikely back alleyway - combines celebrity status, stunning design, persuasive cocktails and surprisingly sophisticated Chinese food - it was the first Chinese restaurant to receive a Michelin star - to great success. The low, nightclub-style lighting (lots of red) makes it a good spot for dating, while the long, glitzy bar is a great place for truly inventive cocktails. For dinner in the formal main dining room you'll have to book far in advance and no doubt be allocated a two-hour slot. Do what savvy Londoners do and have lunch in the more informal Ling Ling lounge.
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