London in October
 

I will be in London for a one week tour in Mid October that includes 2 full day excursions out of the city. I will have three days on my own to see the sights in London. I have a good guide book but it is difficult to narrow down what I can see in three days. Any ideas on best stores for finding some pretty china pieces at good prices, exceptional restaurants, and the best hotel for a formal tea are welcome and appreciated. Also, I will be staying an extra day for the saturday Portobello Road Market. Any advice on that or other markets. Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Annie

You have only 3 days so as you know you won't have a chance to see much. But if I had never been to London and only had 3 days I would: <BR> <BR>Day 1 morning hop on a round city sight seeing bus. It will have either a live or taped commentary and you will "see" everything. It is a good way to get used to where things are and an overview. You can get off anywhere and visit places that interest you and then hop on the next bus you see of the same company. <BR> <BR>After that the sky is the limit - depending on the weather, etc the don't misses coul dinclude: Theatre - go to the 1/2 price ticket booth in leicester square. You will find anywhere from 10 to 30 plays available every day but Sunday. (only 4 theatres have sunday performances) <BR> <BR>Since you seem interested in antiques and china - DO NOT MISS the Victoria & Albert museum. Te V&A is marvelous and the restaurant is good too. <BR> <BR>Westminster Abbey and St Pauls. They are so totally different but both magnificent. If you are fit, consider climbing to the top of St Pauls dome - it is a long climb but is worth it if you are up to the trek. <BR> <BR>The British Museum and the National Gallery are both fabulous - but in 3 days if you include much shopping time you may not have time to really see both and the V&A. <BR> <BR>As for High Tea - most people on this board will recommend Browns. It IS very good - BUT for the tea of a lifetime do book at the Ritz. The room is so beautiful, the service impecible, and the food good.

Reject China, I prefer the one on Beauchamp Pl.near harrod's for great buys on china and crystal, if Portobello tires you after going early, hit camden passage . Mostly shops that are only open on wed and sat, the outside stuff is usually junk. Actually there is probably a better chance of finding a tresue at CP , and you don't have to fight the crowds as much. <BR>Poke around Kings road and sloane Sq. , some great shops for unusual china and tablewear. I especially love Bluebird on kings Rd, great foods and a really neat table and kitchen shop.Also Bodum shop. <BR> <BR> <BR>everyone on this forum seems to love Brown's for tea, I have tea everyday at home so it is not a real occasion for me, but if you are into it , go for it!And it's not something I'd stop to do when there is so much else to do. <BR> <BR>I have never done the tour bus thing but everyone seems to reccomend it so maybe if youare only there for 3 days and it's your first time, go for that too. I think buying a travelcard and using the city buses are more fun, but then again I am an independent thinker! <BR>

Fodors <BR> <BR>For sets of china at prices below those in the West End you could take a train in 15 minutes from Victoria to Bromley South, go up to street level, turn right, and walk to the central square where is a big and friendly department store. When I wanted to buy a teaset for twelve for a wedding in Hungary that's where I went. <BR> <BR>When you've paid, you can ask about Ayre's bakery round the corner, and eat a disgraceful cream cake while they pack the goods. <BR> <BR>No tourists ever go to Bromley. Which is fair enough, but it is very London. <BR> <BR>Please write if I can help further. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR> <BR>

Ben, <BR>I've missed you,we've missed you. hope you have been on a wonderful holiday somewhere. Think I will try your suggestion about Bromley south, something new!!Anywhere with cream cake cannot be bad.. still sorry we will be missing tea at Kew! MAybe next summer.

<BR>Mr.Haines: <BR>Glad to see you back. If you have been away on a trip, hope to read your trip report again, there have been always such a treat.

Annie <BR> <BR>You asked about exceptional restaurants... <BR> <BR>Well this all depends on your taste... <BR> <BR>Two of my favourites are Circus and Criterion, both near Picadilly Circus so very central. <BR> <BR>Of the two Criterion is a little more formal. <BR> <BR>Both do amazingly good value pre theatre menus (You dont have to be actually going to the theatre - you just have to have been seated and order by a certain time). <BR> <BR>Circus is still affordable a la carte, Criterion is not (but thats just my budget decisisions). <BR> <BR>With pre theatre menus you have a choice from 3 starters, 3 mains and 3 desserts. <BR> <BR>For Circus <BR>You must order before 7.15, they will sometimes ask for a table return of 8.30 if busy, so better to get there earlier. <BR> <BR>2 courses £10.50 <BR>3 courses £12.50 <BR> <BR>For Criterion <BR>You must order before 6.30. <BR> <BR>2 courses = £14.95 <BR>3 courses = £17.95 <BR> <BR>The Criterion is in an old building with the most stunning gold mosaic ceiling. Circus is much more modern and minimalist. <BR> <BR>Drinks are extra. <BR> <BR>Kavey <BR> <BR>PS Both will fax their current menus to you if you ask, though be aware these change regularly. <BR>

I still love Langans Brasserie, always a good atmosphere, staff are very friendly, a bit pricey, £30-£40. The Ritz is wonderful for afternoon tea, again pricey but worth it for the experience, I live quite near Bromley, but find it quite boring in as much as they have the same shops everywhere, and department stores are pretty much the same pricewise, although I agree that Ayres are wonderful, as is Kennedy's for sausages (do you agree Ben?) Whittards does very reasonably priced china with some great coffee mugs/teapots etc and they all over the place so easy to find. You might like to take the river boat from Westminster down to Greenwich (where I live), they have a great craft market on Saturday's and Sunday's, plenty of restaurants and in my opinion the best park in London

Hello... <BR> <BR>I just remembered one of the best ways to see London.. I worked in Piccidilly and our firm had a social club - what we used to do is each month arrange a special tour with a london walking tour.. <BR> <BR>We were locals and thought it was fun!! <BR> <BR>I hope nobody looks at this as promotion.. London is SO big, and so old that you can walk down a street and miss so much.. <BR> <BR>Check this website out - see if any of the tours are of interest (they are reasonably priced). Even if you didn't want to go on a tour I think their itinerary will give you some ideas.. <BR> <BR>Warning: Sometimes the groups can be quite big - so you have to expect to keep up and stay in earshot.. <BR> <BR>Have fun.. <BR> <BR>www.walks.com