New This Month
ABBA! The long awaited musical “Mamma Mia” is premiering
April 6 at the Prince Edward Theatre. Check out the web
site at http://www.mamma-mia.com.
For a complete listing of the west end, visit www.albemarle-london.com.
Great Eats
Khans Tandoori Restaurant in Bayswater (13 Westbourne Gro)-
it’s loud and cramped, the food is cheap and good, and with
waiters this pushy the atmosphere is great. The line up
looks long, but the turnover is remarkably quick so you
won’t have wait long – the down side to this is they give
you plastic cups to finish your beers outside as soon as
your food is gone, but that’s part of the charm.
To See & Do
A walk along the non-park side of Park Lane takes you past
many excellent car makers, McLaren in particular, who proudly
display their amazing machines in the front windows, much
to the pleasure of gawking droolers like me. Plus many celebs
frequent this area, usually out for a stroll on a nice day.
Nightlife
I personally live within a two minute walk of about 15 pubs,
so I don’t think finding a pub in London is an issue. The
issue (aside from finding one that doesn’t close at 11pm)
is finding a bar that isn’t a pub, unfortunately as they
are some what of a novelty they are a little pricey. MASH
(19 Great Portland St) is a great micro-brewery that’s got
imposing Mario Brothers-esque kettles and comfy mod chairs.
Shopping
If you’re a suit, or a woman that likes to shop for one,
Jermyn Street is a the place to shop. Independent shirtmakers
and suitmakers in shops that have been there for centuries
line this little street off Picadilly Circus. Although it’s
a little pricey, the quality is high and even if you don’t
buy anything tha accordianist makes it interesting.
Insider’s Tip
Important stuff I have learned since moving here last
summer:
Stuff closes early, most shops are closed by 5:30, and
the “late night” for Oxford Street is Thursday, but the
shops still close at 8:00.
Most galleries and museums also close ridiculously early,
but sometimes have one late night per week.
Worst of all pubs close at 11pm, the trick is to find
one with curtains, who will be nice enough to close them
and let you stay in and serve you till the wee hours of
the morn – provided you’re nice to the staff. You can drink
alcohol on the street. Yes, you can order a pint to go and
with your plastic cup’o'beer stroll through Trafalgar Square.
You hardly have to tip: never bartenders, never cabbies,
never hairdressers (mine shoved the fiver back into my hand
while snapping “I said it was 30 pounds, not 35!”). However
you should tip at restaurants if service isn’t included
in the bill.
Although you can get 1/2 price tickets in Leicester Square,
they are subject to a service fee. If you have an ISIC card
you can usually get deep discounted tickets directly at
the theatre a ½ hour before the show (but check with the theatre
first as not all do this).
Trafalgar Square
General info on London
London’s huge. It’s also crowded and buzzing with an energy all
it’s own. With the exception of wildlife you can find everything
you’ve ever dreamt of – for a price. When coming here the number
one thing you can count on is that you’re not going to be bored.
The number two thing is that you’re going to spend a lot more
money than you planned (even considering most museums & galleries
are free).
Guide Book Update
I know many guide books are highly recommending the Museum of
Mankind just off Bond Street, and I trudged 1/2 hour to see this
wondrous collection only to find out that it’s closed. It is currently
being relocated to the British Museum and will not be on display
for a few years – probably just in time for the next guidebook
update!
Recommended Readings
Edward Rutherford’s “London.” Okay okay, it’s a long book, but
if you have a long plane ride the payoff is excellent. There’s
so much more to be had from the city when you can walk around
and understand how the things you’re seeing got there.
Getting Around
I know all guidebooks will tell you to take black cabs, and they
are pretty cool but also pretty expensive. You can get much cheaper
travel by finding a minicab, with whom you can negotiate the price
upfront. They are really easy to find at night, they hang around
outside of night clubs and other attractions, and they’re listed
in the phone book if you want to get one from your hotel.
Where to Find Info
The what’s on bible for most Londoners is “Time Out” which is
widely available and comes out weekly for 1.80. They also have
a good website. Every
Thursday the very similar (though not as comprehensive) guide
“Hot Tickets” comes
free with the 35p Evening Standard – which is sold on all street
corners.
