Have a drink at The Ham Yard Hotel, the newest Firmdale hotel. Was there a couple of weeks ago and it is stunning.

Re the Ham Yard. Weekender, we looked at that possibility for our trip over in 2015 and for whatever reasons (location I suspect as much as anything) we decided to try the Haymarket instead.

In the past we have consistently stayed in the Covent Garden and despite my somewhat awkward discussion with the Front Desk manager about how dynamic currency conversion is NOT "the only way we can do this charge" we have continued to stay there.

But your suggestion is welcome and we probably should check the place out as we might just change our minds so I appreciate that input.

Annhig, thank you for suggesting Liberty as I don't believe I have ever set foot in there, either. In the past when I was in any sort of shopping mode I usually did it all along Jermyn Street, in Fortnum's (a place I love to go just to be IN there) and that sort of thing. I'm really not much of a shopper but it is always nice to see how merchandise is marketed elsewhere. Your recommendations are, as always, thoughtful and appreciated I can assure you despite my periodic cantankerous moods.

Dukey, cantankerous or not, if you like Fortnums, you'll love Liberty's.

You might even be tempted to buy something! [I always was].

At Liberty (was just there about 2 weeks ago) there is some amazing antique furniture upstairs including some Mackintosh pieces.

One wall unit (Liberty's own brand) was absolutely astonishing -- as good as anything at the V&A and I've not seen anything quite like it. At £18.000 it was just outside my travel budget (but seemed totally reasonably priced for what it was). My goodness it was gorgeous.

Plus the bldg itself is just so interesting -- I try to stop in most every London visit.

jj - they have some lovely things in there, but as you say, some may be just outside the budget [lol].

Usually I bought scarves, which I still have, though I did treat myself to a necklace once. they have some beautiful and unique pieces a bit like your wall unit, though a bit! cheaper.

Liberty's is marvellous - and so completely different to the other departmental stores. It is worth just going to look evven if you don't buy anything. Their fabric designs are superb.

All these additional comments are informative.

Liberty is quintessentially British. Selfridges is a more homeongenous and international (though still very good) department store. I would definitely check out the former over the latter. Great for own-branded stationary and small leather goods like wallets and diaries. They always have something quirky like mismatched teasets of antique china, old nutcrackers, toasting forks, some decent mid century furniture and a very good perfumery.

They are also famous for their Christmas department. Its upstairs now but I actually liked it better a few years back when it used to be the basement. One of the staff told me they got sent down there to work if they were naughty as it was always hellishly busy with dreadful crimbo muzac on a loop. Have some fab things like crackers with Liberty theming (peacock feathers etc) and great ornaments.

Is this becoming a shopping thread???? If it is, that's OK.

like life, it is what you make it, Dukey.

I was once propositioned in the basement of Liberty's.

"I was once propositioned in the basement of Liberty's."

That was you?

Well, somebody did describe the place as "quintessentially British."

Dukey, the "gentleman" who propositioned me was not, I think, British.

Let's get back on track here: Cocktails

Dean Street Townhouse is also worth a try.

Cocktails? Where did that come from? But, OK, and thanks for the suggestion although I suppose I should ask if those cocktails are artisanal or something else fabulous?

If you're into traditional for breakfast try Simpson's, just down the Strand from the Savoy...very good English breakfast in a beautiful historic dining room.

Love Jermyn St for shopping...and Liberty's also great. Try the Connaught also for drinks in a nice hotel bar, and the area around there is fun for walking.

Olivetti on Elizabeth Street is good for a casual Italian dinner and there is a very private bar upstairs that not a lot of people know about....Elizabeth Street has good shops also, and the Cubbit is good for food and drinks also

Have fun...wishing I was headed to London again!

Sorry...that bar is Joe's Bar above Olivocarne...one of his other resto's...but still on Elizabeth Street...oliveto and olivo are also on Elizabeth St and both are good too!