I'm considering a hotel in Kensington in November, and the only tube station close to it is Kensington High Street - district and cirlce lines. When I was last in London 3 yrs ago, those lines were mind-numbingly slow and resulted in us being late for plays, dinner reservations etc etc.
For anyone who's ridden the district or circle lines lately, is the situation any better?

I go on the District line every day, and its no worse than any other.

The circle does seem to be a bit hit and miss though, especially at rush hour.

I organise my life to avoid the Circle line.
But on the District, you're handy for other lines.
And the only good thing to be said about the Mayor or London is that since his traffic congestion charhe, buses flow easier. Sorry. The other good thing is that he's put money into better buses, better shelters and bus maps that begin to rival the Tube's for clarity.
Travelling around the centre by bus is now a realistic option for visitors. And buses are a lot more sociable. I understand last month, a stranger was observed to make contact with another stranger - without larcenous intent.

We're still reeling.

I have stopped using the tube, unless I really have to. Partly, it is because of the delays but now they had their first gas evacuation drill yesterday at Bank station, I'm not happy about it at all. Sorry to be such a downer but I agree with David West - the bus is the thing. You would be surprised to know that my trip to work takes 40 mins on the bus, 35 mins on the tube, door to door.

Sorry, that should be 'agree with' flanneruk!

I stayed in South Kensington and used those lines quite often. I had no problems at all. I guess it is unpredictable.