Favorite experiences in London?
Apr 14th, 2018, 09:45 AM
#61
Afternoon tea - I just settle for a scone and clotted cream at the V&A - more than that messes up my blood sugar - but if the weather is good consider the Orangery at Kensington Palace.
Orangery in the Pavilion
Or, if you are in town on a Sunday, the V&A does a full afternoon tea by reservation.
https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/va-cafe/
Orangery in the Pavilion
Or, if you are in town on a Sunday, the V&A does a full afternoon tea by reservation.
https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/va-cafe/
Last edited by thursdaysd; Apr 14th, 2018 at 09:48 AM.
Apr 14th, 2018, 10:26 AM
#62
The Orangery at Kensington Palace was closed for remodeling while we were there in March. I had been there for afternoon tea 12 years ago and I wanted to go back. I didn't check when it will reopen, maybe it will be open by the end of April??
Yeah for ABBA!! A nice blast from the past, and just fun.
We had the tea with scones, clotted cream and jam at the V&A like you mentioned Thursdaysd. We had it on Mothering Sunday and it was fabulous!! We just wandered in on it, and luckily decided it looked good. We had a few other afternoon teas, but I think these scones were some of the best. A place that was highly recommended to us for tea was Fortnum and Mason, but we couldn't fit it in our schedule. We had afternoon tea at the cafeteria at St Martin's in The Field church after the free classical concert, and it was delicious also.
Starrs, if you are in London on a Sunday, do not forget the famed Sunday roast (with Yorkshire pudding). Also I had a strong recommendation to try sticky toffee pudding from our friend ziggypop. It was a good recommendation, one you may already know about, but worth bringing up again.
Another important tip, have advance tickets for Churchill's War Rooms. We did not. We waited in line for 45 minutes (and it was very cold weather). The people with tickets went to the front and waited maybe 5 minutes. I think the lines will only lengthen in warmer weather. Also, it is an overload of information on Winston. I was OD's on him after 2 hours, but it was an excellent, excellent museum.
Yeah for ABBA!! A nice blast from the past, and just fun.
We had the tea with scones, clotted cream and jam at the V&A like you mentioned Thursdaysd. We had it on Mothering Sunday and it was fabulous!! We just wandered in on it, and luckily decided it looked good. We had a few other afternoon teas, but I think these scones were some of the best. A place that was highly recommended to us for tea was Fortnum and Mason, but we couldn't fit it in our schedule. We had afternoon tea at the cafeteria at St Martin's in The Field church after the free classical concert, and it was delicious also.
Starrs, if you are in London on a Sunday, do not forget the famed Sunday roast (with Yorkshire pudding). Also I had a strong recommendation to try sticky toffee pudding from our friend ziggypop. It was a good recommendation, one you may already know about, but worth bringing up again.
Another important tip, have advance tickets for Churchill's War Rooms. We did not. We waited in line for 45 minutes (and it was very cold weather). The people with tickets went to the front and waited maybe 5 minutes. I think the lines will only lengthen in warmer weather. Also, it is an overload of information on Winston. I was OD's on him after 2 hours, but it was an excellent, excellent museum.
Apr 14th, 2018, 08:51 PM
#63
We had an excellent meal at Medlar, in Chelsea. There is a very good value fixed price menu at lunch. We were going from London to Paris at that time, and I said we wouldn’t have a better meal in Paris. I was right. I hope to go back in June.
Medlar Restaurants | Home
Medlar Restaurants | Home
Apr 14th, 2018, 11:48 PM
#64
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Nikki, that looks great! Another restaurant I make sure not to miss when I'm in London is Black Roe. It's tucked away on a tiny street in Mayfair. The food is not only delicious, it's beautiful. You can book on Open Table. Starrs, I hope you enjoy MT. Really, don't miss the quail foie gras starter. It's Chef Neil's signature dish. Nobody will let them take it off the menu.
Apr 15th, 2018, 11:07 AM
#65
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I was wondering is you'd taken your trip yet starrs. My friend and I had tea at Fortnum and Mason. It was pretty nice and you can have as much as you want and if there's anything left they will pack it up in a lovely box for you to take with you if you want.
What shows are you seeing? My friend and I went several times a week. I would be seeing Bat Out Of Hell is I were there in the next five months. If you want a taste, check it out on Youtube, that is if you like Jim Steinman. He worked with Meatloaf so that's where most of us became familiar with his music. The people who see it love it many going back several times. I'd be curious to get your take since you do so much theater.
I agree with Churchill's War Rooms. It is so much better than the first time I was there quite some years ago. When my friend and I were at the Royal Mews, a guided tour was just starting so we latched on. It was very good, the woman was very cute and the stories were great.
We used a phone provided by the hotel for most of out getting around. You could use GPS and make local calls so we took it with us every day. We also had our phones. I used mine at the hotel at night, on their WIFI and we planned out our route for the next day. Worked great. No paper maps.
I wish I could go back again this year. I love London. I thought I liked Paris better but after last year, I think they are running neck and neck with each other.
Can't wait to hear about all you do and see. Have the best trip.
What shows are you seeing? My friend and I went several times a week. I would be seeing Bat Out Of Hell is I were there in the next five months. If you want a taste, check it out on Youtube, that is if you like Jim Steinman. He worked with Meatloaf so that's where most of us became familiar with his music. The people who see it love it many going back several times. I'd be curious to get your take since you do so much theater.
I agree with Churchill's War Rooms. It is so much better than the first time I was there quite some years ago. When my friend and I were at the Royal Mews, a guided tour was just starting so we latched on. It was very good, the woman was very cute and the stories were great.
We used a phone provided by the hotel for most of out getting around. You could use GPS and make local calls so we took it with us every day. We also had our phones. I used mine at the hotel at night, on their WIFI and we planned out our route for the next day. Worked great. No paper maps.
I wish I could go back again this year. I love London. I thought I liked Paris better but after last year, I think they are running neck and neck with each other.
Can't wait to hear about all you do and see. Have the best trip.
Apr 16th, 2018, 10:52 AM
#66
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Thanks to the posters that suggested the V&A afternoon tea. I just made ressies for the Sunday Victorian tea on May 13 which is US Mothers Day. I am taking my 76 yo mom on the first trip for which she will receive a passport stamp!
Apr 17th, 2018, 07:07 AM
#67
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OK if you decide to go to the Tower of London, and if your older mom has any trouble walking, consider taking a taxi to the entrance of the Tower of London, and go real early before the crowds show up. Be sure to see the Crowns for the Royals, quite impressive and a nice little gift shop nearby.. google the hours they are open. Sue
Apr 21st, 2018, 07:22 PM
#68
Thanks everyone for this wonderful list of ideas!
My first day was a bit different than I "planned" but wonderful and I'm reworking the plan.
Bought the Oyster card at the airport and am zipping around on the Tube. This may sound strange but it seems so much brighter than it was when I was last here - which was almost 30 years ago.
I watched the Darkest Hour on the plane over, although I bought it on Amazon Video to watch before I left. Loved it! Was planning to go to the Churchill Rooms tomorrow but am switching that around to get to some of the houses that will be closed Monday and Tuesday.
Hamstead in on the list for tomorrow (northie and farrermog) and is reservations for a Sunday roast (barbrn)!
I had the Orangery penciled in for afternoon tea but changed the plan at the last minute and enjoyed the tea at Emmeline's Lounge in the Conrad. It was truly amazing!
London Luxury Hotel - Emmeline's Lounge - The Conrad London St James
I loved Evensong at St. Paul's - thanks indyhiker and panecott. Thought of Diana's wedding there and being awed by the church. It was wonderful to be there during a service.
Virtually everything mentioned here is on my list. I hope to fit in as much as possible. So appreciative of the suggestions.
Today's weather was glorious. It was actually HOT. I wore a "summer" top on the plane and expected to change when I got here. Nope. And I'm wearing the other summer weight top tomorrow too. The forecast is for 71 degrees. I'm thrilled with the weather, although it is supposed to cool down a bit later in the week.
My first day was a bit different than I "planned" but wonderful and I'm reworking the plan.
Bought the Oyster card at the airport and am zipping around on the Tube. This may sound strange but it seems so much brighter than it was when I was last here - which was almost 30 years ago.
I watched the Darkest Hour on the plane over, although I bought it on Amazon Video to watch before I left. Loved it! Was planning to go to the Churchill Rooms tomorrow but am switching that around to get to some of the houses that will be closed Monday and Tuesday.
Hamstead in on the list for tomorrow (northie and farrermog) and is reservations for a Sunday roast (barbrn)!
I had the Orangery penciled in for afternoon tea but changed the plan at the last minute and enjoyed the tea at Emmeline's Lounge in the Conrad. It was truly amazing!
London Luxury Hotel - Emmeline's Lounge - The Conrad London St James
I loved Evensong at St. Paul's - thanks indyhiker and panecott. Thought of Diana's wedding there and being awed by the church. It was wonderful to be there during a service.
Virtually everything mentioned here is on my list. I hope to fit in as much as possible. So appreciative of the suggestions.
Today's weather was glorious. It was actually HOT. I wore a "summer" top on the plane and expected to change when I got here. Nope. And I'm wearing the other summer weight top tomorrow too. The forecast is for 71 degrees. I'm thrilled with the weather, although it is supposed to cool down a bit later in the week.
Apr 22nd, 2018, 02:23 PM
#69
Another great day. Thanks for the suggestions -
Tube to Hampstead for a walk. London Walks - Hamptstead -
Our Walks - London Walks
A wonderful Sunday roast and my first Pavlova.
Hawksmoor Air Street -
https://thehawksmoor.com/locations/airstreet/
Black cab to the Sir John Soame museum. Fascinating!
https://www.soane.org/
Black cab back to hotel. Today was marathon day and another very hot day. I wanted to SEE London and enjoyed the (pricey) ride.
Fish and chips for dinner, complete with mushy peas. A wonderful day!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...n_England.html
Tube to Hampstead for a walk. London Walks - Hamptstead -
Our Walks - London Walks
A wonderful Sunday roast and my first Pavlova.
Hawksmoor Air Street -
https://thehawksmoor.com/locations/airstreet/
Black cab to the Sir John Soame museum. Fascinating!
https://www.soane.org/
Black cab back to hotel. Today was marathon day and another very hot day. I wanted to SEE London and enjoyed the (pricey) ride.
Fish and chips for dinner, complete with mushy peas. A wonderful day!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...n_England.html
Apr 23rd, 2018, 03:59 PM
#70
Third day = the day I hit the wall and the day this trip was all about
I was SO tired yesterday, I skipped Apsley House. I came "home" early and took a nap. I slept so hard, when I woke up I thought it was morning. I walked to a nice dinner (great fish & chips) and then back to watch a movie. A noise disturbed a hard sleep. Irritated, I woke up...and it was a fire alarm. Only a test, but I had slept until early afternoon. Missed ABBA. Just lazed around and was watching a TV show when the news came that the baby was born! The timing of this trip was in hopes that I'd be here when the baby came and Kate (Catherine) was good enough to make that wish happen!
Wasn't in the mood to rush to my "scheduled" London Walks tour. Considered another one but on the way out the door, I changed plans completely. I spent about an hour riding a bus, then catching a train with no real plan. It was wonderful! I spent an entire rainy day riding buses in NYC and it was one of my favorite memories. Today was a taste of that. I exited the Tube with no plan and decided to go to the Pig & Goose - but googled to confirm that it was closed. Wandered the Strand for a while and stopped in totally randomly at Saliera -
Salieri Restaurant ? Family Run Mediterranean Restaurant in the Heart of London's Westend
Wonderful mushroom ravioli and a glass of Cuvee Rose. Very good and very nice service. Mid-afternoon, the place was almost empty.
Walked out the door, barely lifted a hand to hail a black cab and then off to the Royal Mews. He didn't know where it was! Googled it and handed him my phone. Sat back and enjoyed the ride.
They were closing in less than an hour. Really enjoyed wandering around, checking out a couple of the horses, a car and several carriages. REALLY enjoyed being there. On the way out, stopped at the gift shop and bought my souvenirs there, including a corgi Christmas ornament. Willow, the Queen's last Corgi just died this week. On the (free) audio tour of the Mews I learned that one could convert the day's ticket to a one year pass. Everything was closing down but a nice lady in the shop hurried me back to the ticket stamper to convert my ticket. Ordinarily, she would have already left her station but was still there so now I have a stamped ticket that is now a one year pass.
The Royal Mews was really at the top of my list, because almost 30 years ago my Mom and I were completely worn about by all of the walking. We stood by the sign directing us to the Royal Mews but we were both too tired. We vowed we would come back. That never happened. This trip came about as a spur of the moment idea, when Delta was having a point sale. London wasn't even on my list. But I thought of that trip, of the Royal Mews, pulled out my calendar to decide on a week...and googled to find when the royal baby was due. At that time, the due date was in early May. I chose the week before and booked the tickets in the wee hours of the morning. A friend who knew and loved my mom was supposed to come but had leg problems that did not get better. I would have loved if she could have come with me, but have loved this trip as a solo trip - an homage to my mom. "We" made it back, to the Mews, on the day the new Prince was born. Today was completely different than planned but absolutely perfect.
Walked by Buckingham Palace to get a photo of the announcement on the easel from afar. Another black cab back to the hotel. Resting and watching the telly when Wills and Catherine came out of hospital with the new baby for the photo op. Off to the Geilgud for the Ferryman. Fabulous play. My first show on the West End. If I had to return home tomorrow, this trip was all I imagined.
I was SO tired yesterday, I skipped Apsley House. I came "home" early and took a nap. I slept so hard, when I woke up I thought it was morning. I walked to a nice dinner (great fish & chips) and then back to watch a movie. A noise disturbed a hard sleep. Irritated, I woke up...and it was a fire alarm. Only a test, but I had slept until early afternoon. Missed ABBA. Just lazed around and was watching a TV show when the news came that the baby was born! The timing of this trip was in hopes that I'd be here when the baby came and Kate (Catherine) was good enough to make that wish happen!
Wasn't in the mood to rush to my "scheduled" London Walks tour. Considered another one but on the way out the door, I changed plans completely. I spent about an hour riding a bus, then catching a train with no real plan. It was wonderful! I spent an entire rainy day riding buses in NYC and it was one of my favorite memories. Today was a taste of that. I exited the Tube with no plan and decided to go to the Pig & Goose - but googled to confirm that it was closed. Wandered the Strand for a while and stopped in totally randomly at Saliera -
Salieri Restaurant ? Family Run Mediterranean Restaurant in the Heart of London's Westend
Wonderful mushroom ravioli and a glass of Cuvee Rose. Very good and very nice service. Mid-afternoon, the place was almost empty.
Walked out the door, barely lifted a hand to hail a black cab and then off to the Royal Mews. He didn't know where it was! Googled it and handed him my phone. Sat back and enjoyed the ride.
They were closing in less than an hour. Really enjoyed wandering around, checking out a couple of the horses, a car and several carriages. REALLY enjoyed being there. On the way out, stopped at the gift shop and bought my souvenirs there, including a corgi Christmas ornament. Willow, the Queen's last Corgi just died this week. On the (free) audio tour of the Mews I learned that one could convert the day's ticket to a one year pass. Everything was closing down but a nice lady in the shop hurried me back to the ticket stamper to convert my ticket. Ordinarily, she would have already left her station but was still there so now I have a stamped ticket that is now a one year pass.
The Royal Mews was really at the top of my list, because almost 30 years ago my Mom and I were completely worn about by all of the walking. We stood by the sign directing us to the Royal Mews but we were both too tired. We vowed we would come back. That never happened. This trip came about as a spur of the moment idea, when Delta was having a point sale. London wasn't even on my list. But I thought of that trip, of the Royal Mews, pulled out my calendar to decide on a week...and googled to find when the royal baby was due. At that time, the due date was in early May. I chose the week before and booked the tickets in the wee hours of the morning. A friend who knew and loved my mom was supposed to come but had leg problems that did not get better. I would have loved if she could have come with me, but have loved this trip as a solo trip - an homage to my mom. "We" made it back, to the Mews, on the day the new Prince was born. Today was completely different than planned but absolutely perfect.
Walked by Buckingham Palace to get a photo of the announcement on the easel from afar. Another black cab back to the hotel. Resting and watching the telly when Wills and Catherine came out of hospital with the new baby for the photo op. Off to the Geilgud for the Ferryman. Fabulous play. My first show on the West End. If I had to return home tomorrow, this trip was all I imagined.
Apr 23rd, 2018, 04:51 PM
#71
Great report Starrs. I hit the wall on day three too. It happened to me at Will Shakespeare's theater, the Globe. I truly dragged myself around that place, and I usually have loads of pep. In the museum part, I got one of those portable stools so I could sit and read the displays because I couldn't stand anymore. I slept really well that night and the next day was good to go without any difficulties the rest of the trip. That jet lag...it's gonna get you!!
What a great trip you are on!! I am enjoying reading about your adventures. I am also picturing you eating those mushy peas. I got a Corgi Christmas ornament too in the gift shop at the Royal Mews along with a book about Meghan and Harry. No apologies, we Americans love a good love story. I didn't know about the year's pass darn it. Yeah for baby coming too. It has to be enjoyable watching the news.
Enjoy and keep doing it your way. Thanks for reporting back.
What a great trip you are on!! I am enjoying reading about your adventures. I am also picturing you eating those mushy peas. I got a Corgi Christmas ornament too in the gift shop at the Royal Mews along with a book about Meghan and Harry. No apologies, we Americans love a good love story. I didn't know about the year's pass darn it. Yeah for baby coming too. It has to be enjoyable watching the news.
Enjoy and keep doing it your way. Thanks for reporting back.
Apr 23rd, 2018, 05:15 PM
#72
So glad you saw The Ferryman. It might open in NYC. The corgi ornanment, just read about the Queen and all her corgis, The Dorgis were an accident with Ann's dog. Have fun Jo, you probably needed that sleep.
Apr 23rd, 2018, 05:21 PM
#73
I'm so glad that today was the "wall" day. I was watching the TV show "Loose Women", a View type show. I learned at the start of the show that Catherine was at hospital. They joked about her perhaps giving birth during the show. It happened. This afternoon, before going to the theatre, the TV was on and I watched the live coverage of the photo op. The telly has not been on much at all, but today was the perfect timing for baby news! No complaints at all. Tomorrow (today) will be a busy day to make up for yesterday's "slacker" day.
Apr 24th, 2018, 12:29 PM
#74
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Starrs:
Looks to be a very enjoyable stay in London. I like how you are just going with the flow which is what I like to do. Hopping on a London bus and just riding around is one of my great pleasures. Enjoy the rest of your stay before going on to "our" hotel.
Looks to be a very enjoyable stay in London. I like how you are just going with the flow which is what I like to do. Hopping on a London bus and just riding around is one of my great pleasures. Enjoy the rest of your stay before going on to "our" hotel.
Apr 24th, 2018, 01:39 PM
#75
Thanks, weekender. It will be the highlight of the trip.
Today was another day that was completely different than planned, except for a given walk by London Walks. I didn't love it but we had a sub guide. But today, we finally got a "normal" day = a bit cool, a bit overcast and a bit misty. No more summer weather here.
Today was another day that was completely different than planned, except for a given walk by London Walks. I didn't love it but we had a sub guide. But today, we finally got a "normal" day = a bit cool, a bit overcast and a bit misty. No more summer weather here.
Apr 26th, 2018, 06:56 AM
#77
I don't know if you are still in London, but wanted to recommend a restaurant that DH and I loved: Quilon. We were staying at St Ermin, and it's very close on foot.
Quilon restaurant | London?s best Indian restaurant | Kensington | London SW1 | Home
Quilon restaurant | London?s best Indian restaurant | Kensington | London SW1 | Home
Apr 26th, 2018, 09:47 AM
#79
I thought about going this week (when friends were sending me FB messages that she was at hospital*), but decided against it.
Also thought about taking the Venice walk. Wasn't thrilled with either of the ones I took.
I should get bonus points for saying "at hospital" rather than "at the hospital".
Apr 26th, 2018, 09:52 AM
#80
Thanks, Weekender! I am here and I simply adore it. I just love being here. My breakfast neighbors included a woman seeing Paris through the eyes of a young daughter (regaled us with stories about Luxembourg Gardens) and a woman about twenty years older, enjoying a solo trip (I'm guessing) and busy on her tablet. I hope both of those are vignettes of me in the future = traveling with a great and me in about 20 years. I'll see if I can add photos.
