I think there was a similar story some years ago about Victoria Beckham, who bought David a ring in the US, mentioned it in an interview and was then visited by Customs officials. Footballer's wives!

But 145 pounds is not very much, is it?

Tulips, I will go to "Le Metro"-is Basil street the small street that connects Harrods and Sloane Street when you go out of Harrods through one of the back doors (lousy description, I know, but maybe you unmderstand me, I think one comes out on Sloane street in front of the old Louis Vuitton shop?)

Londonholly, I can picture exactly the street you mean from your description, and it IS Basil Street. (I know it from having stayed at the Basil Street Hotel.) I would have described it as being right around the corner from the Knightsbridge tube station exit, if you go out the exit that says "Sloane Street" instead of the one that says something else, but your description is much clearer.

Yes, that's it. Le Metro is very close to Harrods. It's under L'Hotel; one of my favorite places to stay in London.
It's a very nice place, also for lunch or just for a drink. Very friendly staff.

Interesting about the limits to what can be brought into the EU and I suspect this could become more of an issue as the dollar stays weak against the Euro and more people bring in goods.

On another thread here a VERY well-known poster talked about how she brought in clothes to Belgium and "never thought" about paying any duties and is also having someone bring in some electronics for her from the US...so this kind of behavior is NOT limited to "footballer's wives" by any means.

Intrepid, just go ahead and use my name, for crying out loud, quit beating around the bush! No, we never thought about it. On all our flights back to Europe from the U.S., we were NEVER given forms to fill out that asked how much we spent or what we purchased. When you arrive in the U.S. you are ALWAYS given a customs form to fill out, which lists how much you're entitled to bring in without paying duties. So how would we automatically know what our limit was if nothing is posted anywhere? We always went through the "nothing to declare" line because we weren't bringing back food, seeds, agricultural stuff, large amounts of cash, the things that normally require declaration. Nor were we bringing back expensive jewelry. A few hundred dollars worth of clothes and the occasional piece of electronics would not normally ring alarm bells in anyone's head.

Thanks for the tip, Tulips, after some computer problems I was able to find the site of Le Metro and L`hotel-very nice, looks like the perfect place for breakfast before a long day of shopping and exhibitions!

I am thankful for more tips!!!

I am thinking about Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Café for lunch-and people watching!?

Holly; HN 5th floor cafe is very nice for lunch. If you happen to be in the Bond Street area around lunchtime, Nicole's (in the Nicole Farhi shop) is very nice; and if you're on your own, you can sit at the bar, no reservations needed.

I love the HN café for a long time now-I try to go once every trip I am making to London. And I like Nicole`s as well, but not as much.
Looks like we are often at the same places, Tulips:-)

Holly, we both have good taste then! Enjoy your trip.

Thanks:-)

Gee, guess I struck a nerve.