Guidebook for London
Food Scene
Pizza Express
316 Kennington Rdclassic airy pizza joint just opposite the flat
This is a pub with a traditional feel recently refurbished and good food.
34 recommandé par les habitants
The Marquis of Westminster
50 Warwick WayThis is a pub with a traditional feel recently refurbished and good food.
Great bakery / coffee shop and deli. they do very good breakfasts and light lunches with wonderful bread, delicious soups and very good salads. This place is a 5 or 10 minute walk from the flat, just behind Victoria Station.
151 recommandé par les habitants
Le Pain Quotidien
70 Parsons Green LnGreat bakery / coffee shop and deli. they do very good breakfasts and light lunches with wonderful bread, delicious soups and very good salads. This place is a 5 or 10 minute walk from the flat, just behind Victoria Station.
Said by some to be the best restaurant in London - maybe it is but no-one can tell as London has so many great restaurants - what I love about it is the very casual informal style matched with awesome Michelin star cuisine. Bar stools, amazing wines by the glass. Super expensive. Worth every penny. Joel Robuchon is possibly France's top chef; this is his London "workshop". There's also a normal restaurant upstairs and a very very classy bar (think small private lounge) on the top floor.
10 recommandé par les habitants
L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon
13-15 West StSaid by some to be the best restaurant in London - maybe it is but no-one can tell as London has so many great restaurants - what I love about it is the very casual informal style matched with awesome Michelin star cuisine. Bar stools, amazing wines by the glass. Super expensive. Worth every penny. Joel Robuchon is possibly France's top chef; this is his London "workshop". There's also a normal restaurant upstairs and a very very classy bar (think small private lounge) on the top floor.
To be completely honest, this is the best Indian food I have ever eaten whether in London, Bombay or Delhi. It's an "Indian street food" restaurant, usually very busy especially late on. Contemporary / casual style. They do great beer as well. It's the kind of place that if every other restaurant in the world closed down, it would be OK because I could eat at Dishoom.
93 recommandé par les habitants
Dishoom
12 Upper St Martin's LnTo be completely honest, this is the best Indian food I have ever eaten whether in London, Bombay or Delhi. It's an "Indian street food" restaurant, usually very busy especially late on. Contemporary / casual style. They do great beer as well. It's the kind of place that if every other restaurant in the world closed down, it would be OK because I could eat at Dishoom.
This is the genuine thing. It really is the London branch of a famous French bakery. They make rye bread the classic way. They use a wood fired oven (allegedly the first in London since the great fire!). Totally classy, totally awesome. Come here, buy a complete round loaf ("un pain s'il vous plait"). Die happy - and if you live it will feed a family for 3 days.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Poilâne
46 Elizabeth StThis is the genuine thing. It really is the London branch of a famous French bakery. They make rye bread the classic way. They use a wood fired oven (allegedly the first in London since the great fire!). Totally classy, totally awesome. Come here, buy a complete round loaf ("un pain s'il vous plait"). Die happy - and if you live it will feed a family for 3 days.
Excellent cafe / restaurant in the splendid surroundings of the crypt of one of London's most loved 18th century churches, and now also on the terrace behind. The church also hosts great classical concerts.
34 recommandé par les habitants
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Trafalgar SquareExcellent cafe / restaurant in the splendid surroundings of the crypt of one of London's most loved 18th century churches, and now also on the terrace behind. The church also hosts great classical concerts.
Classic London Italian. Always busy. If you're lucky a waiter or fellow diner will burst into an impromptu operatic aria followed by the uproarious applause of the entire restaurant (yes this does happen though not every night and don't try it unless you're a pro - the standard is high!).
6 recommandé par les habitants
Sale E Pepe
9-15 Pavilion RdClassic London Italian. Always busy. If you're lucky a waiter or fellow diner will burst into an impromptu operatic aria followed by the uproarious applause of the entire restaurant (yes this does happen though not every night and don't try it unless you're a pro - the standard is high!).
Nice local gastro pub with good food, good beer and a clean and spruce decor. Not usually over-crowded.
31 recommandé par les habitants
The Warwick
25 Warwick WayNice local gastro pub with good food, good beer and a clean and spruce decor. Not usually over-crowded.
Sightseeing
Buckingham Palace is open to the public in the summer months. It is a must see! Book in advance to avoid queues.
1912 recommandé par les habitants
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is open to the public in the summer months. It is a must see! Book in advance to avoid queues.
It is no longer possible to walk up Downing Street but you can look through the security gates and during the week you may see government ministers and officials coming and going. Downing Street is just off Whitehall, which houses all the main government buildings and also the famous Horse Guards (a bit past Downing Street on the left). It is worth walking through the arch in between the two Horse Guards and across into St James's Park - you can picnic, have an ice cream; there's a good cafe restaurant, and generally chill out and enjoy the iconic views - not to mention the famous pelicans.
38 recommandé par les habitants
10 Downing St
10 Downing StreetIt is no longer possible to walk up Downing Street but you can look through the security gates and during the week you may see government ministers and officials coming and going. Downing Street is just off Whitehall, which houses all the main government buildings and also the famous Horse Guards (a bit past Downing Street on the left). It is worth walking through the arch in between the two Horse Guards and across into St James's Park - you can picnic, have an ice cream; there's a good cafe restaurant, and generally chill out and enjoy the iconic views - not to mention the famous pelicans.
Book in advance as the ticket queues can be very long! (or if you didn't book in advance get there early, a little before the opening time). Allow plenty of time as it is quite a big site; you will see the Crown Jewels (you have to keep walking as you pass the glass cases!), but you also see an amazing historic castle which is almost 1,000 years old, with many other interesting sights including of course the famous "Beefeater" Yeomen Guards.
1372 recommandé par les habitants
Tower of London
Book in advance as the ticket queues can be very long! (or if you didn't book in advance get there early, a little before the opening time). Allow plenty of time as it is quite a big site; you will see the Crown Jewels (you have to keep walking as you pass the glass cases!), but you also see an amazing historic castle which is almost 1,000 years old, with many other interesting sights including of course the famous "Beefeater" Yeomen Guards.
Every English monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066 has been crowned here. Nearly a thousand years old. Possibly the world's single most historic building. Totally awesome. Allow at least 2 hours, and you may wish to come for a service - choral evensong is a preview of heaven :) Check the website for times. If sightseeing go early to avoid the queues.
668 recommandé par les habitants
Westminster Abbey
20 Deans YdEvery English monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066 has been crowned here. Nearly a thousand years old. Possibly the world's single most historic building. Totally awesome. Allow at least 2 hours, and you may wish to come for a service - choral evensong is a preview of heaven :) Check the website for times. If sightseeing go early to avoid the queues.
Staggering architecture and a fascinating historic site; climb up to the dome; test the whispering gallery and see Christopher Wren's famous memorial (quiz: What is his monument?). Nelson is buried in the crypt. Scene, among much else, of the wedding of Charles and Diana and the funeral of Margaret Thatcher.
845 recommandé par les habitants
St. Paul's Cathedral
Staggering architecture and a fascinating historic site; climb up to the dome; test the whispering gallery and see Christopher Wren's famous memorial (quiz: What is his monument?). Nelson is buried in the crypt. Scene, among much else, of the wedding of Charles and Diana and the funeral of Margaret Thatcher.
Spinetingling tour of the actual rooms from which Churchill directed the Second World War, plus a great exhibition on Churchill himself. I love the map rooms and the Cabinet room, still complete with all the furniture and papers which were left when they were abandoned in 1945. Go early to avoid the queues.
125 recommandé par les habitants
Churchill War Rooms
King Charles StreetSpinetingling tour of the actual rooms from which Churchill directed the Second World War, plus a great exhibition on Churchill himself. I love the map rooms and the Cabinet room, still complete with all the furniture and papers which were left when they were abandoned in 1945. Go early to avoid the queues.
Great for kids of all ages. Incredibly interesting. NB: It's free! If you can afford it and would like to, please donate but equally feel free to enjoy it for free - that is what it is there for and not much taxpayers' money is so well spent! I say this because you go through a cashier point on the way in but it is voluntary and I personally never pay because I don't way anyone to be deterred because they can't afford it or embarrassed not to pay. You can donate in collecting points later if you wish (or just buy stuff in the excellent shop!).
1157 recommandé par les habitants
Science Museum
Exhibition RoadGreat for kids of all ages. Incredibly interesting. NB: It's free! If you can afford it and would like to, please donate but equally feel free to enjoy it for free - that is what it is there for and not much taxpayers' money is so well spent! I say this because you go through a cashier point on the way in but it is voluntary and I personally never pay because I don't way anyone to be deterred because they can't afford it or embarrassed not to pay. You can donate in collecting points later if you wish (or just buy stuff in the excellent shop!).
Home of the Duke of Wellington and a fascinating mini stately home visit with mementoes of the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. Known as "number 1 london" it is the elegant house on the North side of Hyde Park Corner.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Apsley House
149 PiccadillyHome of the Duke of Wellington and a fascinating mini stately home visit with mementoes of the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. Known as "number 1 london" it is the elegant house on the North side of Hyde Park Corner.
As you come out of Tower Hill tube there is a large old stone wall on the left. It is part of the original Roman wall of the city of London. Go and touch it; it is about 1,950 years old and when you take your picture by it you are witnessing to the continuous life of one of the world's oldest and greatest cities!
50 recommandé par les habitants
Tower Hill station
As you come out of Tower Hill tube there is a large old stone wall on the left. It is part of the original Roman wall of the city of London. Go and touch it; it is about 1,950 years old and when you take your picture by it you are witnessing to the continuous life of one of the world's oldest and greatest cities!
You can go inside the bridge; you get to go over the high level walkway which offers great views; you can see the huge Victorian engines that raise and lower the roadway; and there is an interesting exhibition. There is a charge - check the website.
1577 recommandé par les habitants
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge RoadYou can go inside the bridge; you get to go over the high level walkway which offers great views; you can see the huge Victorian engines that raise and lower the roadway; and there is an interesting exhibition. There is a charge - check the website.
A very different London! This is the new financial district built in the former docks of the port of London. An easy visit by tube (Jubilee Line) or the DLR (overground from Bank or Tower Gateway). Lots of good cafes and bars so you can walk around and have a meal if you want half a day doing something different. It's also near the Olympic Park and the Millenium Dome, and whilst in the area you might like to take a trip on the "Air Line" cable car over the Thames (check tube map or Transport for London website). This whole Eastern area was historically derelict and is now progressively being re-developed.
651 recommandé par les habitants
Canary Wharf
1 Bank StA very different London! This is the new financial district built in the former docks of the port of London. An easy visit by tube (Jubilee Line) or the DLR (overground from Bank or Tower Gateway). Lots of good cafes and bars so you can walk around and have a meal if you want half a day doing something different. It's also near the Olympic Park and the Millenium Dome, and whilst in the area you might like to take a trip on the "Air Line" cable car over the Thames (check tube map or Transport for London website). This whole Eastern area was historically derelict and is now progressively being re-developed.
As well as seeing the famous building from the outside (you can walk up from the flat in about 20-30 minutes), not many people know that you can actually visit the inside. Depending on when you visit, you can have a tour (advance booking ESSENTIAL) or sit in the public gallery to watch the MPs and the Lords at work. You might see the Prime Minister in action! Check the Parliament website for details and plan your trip in advance.
222 recommandé par les habitants
Houses of Parliament Shop
12 Bridge StAs well as seeing the famous building from the outside (you can walk up from the flat in about 20-30 minutes), not many people know that you can actually visit the inside. Depending on when you visit, you can have a tour (advance booking ESSENTIAL) or sit in the public gallery to watch the MPs and the Lords at work. You might see the Prime Minister in action! Check the Parliament website for details and plan your trip in advance.
Arts & Culture
This world famous collection of British art is in a wonderful classical building just a 10 minute walk from the flat. (Go up John Islip street rather than the busy main road).
656 recommandé par les habitants
Tate Britain
MillbankThis world famous collection of British art is in a wonderful classical building just a 10 minute walk from the flat. (Go up John Islip street rather than the busy main road).
One of the world's great galleries, with awesome art beautifully presented in a building which is itself a work of art. It can get busy so go early and check their website to plan your visit - you can't see everything so pick a particular period or some specific paintings. The shops have a great range of arty gifts and there's a good restaurant.
796 recommandé par les habitants
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareOne of the world's great galleries, with awesome art beautifully presented in a building which is itself a work of art. It can get busy so go early and check their website to plan your visit - you can't see everything so pick a particular period or some specific paintings. The shops have a great range of arty gifts and there's a good restaurant.
For serious art and culture vultures, this is one of the most interesting museums there is, a fascinating eclectic collection of art and craft in the very broadest sense from all ages and regions of the world. Don't miss the awesome ceramics cases on the top floor. Amazing place. I could happily live there for ever.
1694 recommandé par les habitants
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell RoadFor serious art and culture vultures, this is one of the most interesting museums there is, a fascinating eclectic collection of art and craft in the very broadest sense from all ages and regions of the world. Don't miss the awesome ceramics cases on the top floor. Amazing place. I could happily live there for ever.
One of the world's great opera houses and an amazing experience. Often sold out but check for returns on the day. Also has a spectacular bar restaurant in the large atrium next door.
252 recommandé par les habitants
Royal Opera House
Bow StreetOne of the world's great opera houses and an amazing experience. Often sold out but check for returns on the day. Also has a spectacular bar restaurant in the large atrium next door.
Amazing collection of artefacts from so many civilisations, beautifully presented and with some excellent guide materials online and in books. Get hold of "A History of the World in 100 Objects" (you can find it second hand on amazon or new in a bookshop). Read up beforehand and then go and see the objects... Check the Museum website for other visit ideas. Don't exhaust yourself - a couple of shorter visits will be more fun than one long one!
1546 recommandé par les habitants
British Museum
Great Russell StreetAmazing collection of artefacts from so many civilisations, beautifully presented and with some excellent guide materials online and in books. Get hold of "A History of the World in 100 Objects" (you can find it second hand on amazon or new in a bookshop). Read up beforehand and then go and see the objects... Check the Museum website for other visit ideas. Don't exhaust yourself - a couple of shorter visits will be more fun than one long one!
Parks & Nature
Not one of London's most famous parks, but very popular with Londoners because it's huge, uncrowded and in a great riverside setting. For runners it is a nice route from the flat and for non-runners you can walk there and then take a bus up into Chelsea or get the train from Battersea Park station back up to Victoria.
935 recommandé par les habitants
Battersea Park
Battersea Park RoadNot one of London's most famous parks, but very popular with Londoners because it's huge, uncrowded and in a great riverside setting. For runners it is a nice route from the flat and for non-runners you can walk there and then take a bus up into Chelsea or get the train from Battersea Park station back up to Victoria.
London's enormous park, which is never crowded despite being bang in the middle of one of the world's biggest cities. Try swimming in the lake (Serpentine Lido); hire a boat; or just picnic, ice cream or lunch in one of the cafes. You can walk or cycle all the way through to Kensington Palace. From the flat, you can tube to Knightsbridge, uber, or take TFL bikes.
3079 recommandé par les habitants
Hyde Park
London's enormous park, which is never crowded despite being bang in the middle of one of the world's biggest cities. Try swimming in the lake (Serpentine Lido); hire a boat; or just picnic, ice cream or lunch in one of the cafes. You can walk or cycle all the way through to Kensington Palace. From the flat, you can tube to Knightsbridge, uber, or take TFL bikes.
Perhaps everyone's favourite, it is so small and yet so cute - right in the middle of the city between Downing Street and Buckingham Palace is this gorgeous park famous for its waterfowl and beautiful flower beds and a lovely spot for picnics, ice cream, and listening to the band. If you have young children don't miss the playground right in front of Buckingham Palace! (in the south west corner of the park).
268 recommandé par les habitants
St. James's Park Station
Perhaps everyone's favourite, it is so small and yet so cute - right in the middle of the city between Downing Street and Buckingham Palace is this gorgeous park famous for its waterfowl and beautiful flower beds and a lovely spot for picnics, ice cream, and listening to the band. If you have young children don't miss the playground right in front of Buckingham Palace! (in the south west corner of the park).
Entertainment & Activities
It is worth booking ahead as the ticket office queues can be long! The London Eye is great, and well worth doing once on any trip to London. It goes surprisingly high, so you get awesome views, and it is a very slow and gentle ride so plenty of time to look around. The immediate vicinity is quite touristy, but if you walk East afterwards you have a great walk along the Thames riverside path towards Shakespeare's Globe with many interesting pubs, cafes and restaurants.
2099 recommandé par les habitants
London Eye
It is worth booking ahead as the ticket office queues can be long! The London Eye is great, and well worth doing once on any trip to London. It goes surprisingly high, so you get awesome views, and it is a very slow and gentle ride so plenty of time to look around. The immediate vicinity is quite touristy, but if you walk East afterwards you have a great walk along the Thames riverside path towards Shakespeare's Globe with many interesting pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Essentials
Sainsbury's
2 Tulse HillBiggest local grocery store with a good deli counter.
Nearest gym to the flat, just behind the church, inside the Dolphins Square apartment / hotel complex. Good gym and also has a pool which is not big but is agreeably deep and cold!
19 recommandé par les habitants
DSQ GYM
Chichester StreetNearest gym to the flat, just behind the church, inside the Dolphins Square apartment / hotel complex. Good gym and also has a pool which is not big but is agreeably deep and cold!
Big swimming pool complex with a good sized main pool. Check the website as access hours vary as they have schools etc using it at some times.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Queen Mother Sports Centre
223 Vauxhall Bridge RdBig swimming pool complex with a good sized main pool. Check the website as access hours vary as they have schools etc using it at some times.
Getting Around
You can take the number 24 bus from right outside the flat to Trafalgar Square. It takes about 30 minutes which is not the fastest but if you sit on the top deck you get a great view of Big Ben (dead ahead so try to sit in the front seats) and 10 Downing Street (on the left).
9 recommandé par les habitants
St.George's Square
St.George's SquareYou can take the number 24 bus from right outside the flat to Trafalgar Square. It takes about 30 minutes which is not the fastest but if you sit on the top deck you get a great view of Big Ben (dead ahead so try to sit in the front seats) and 10 Downing Street (on the left).