MaureenB

I don't know if it's "fun", but our teens liked having lunch at a very traditional tavern right across from Parliament. In fact, the tavern has a bell to alert Parliament members when they need to return to work. It's a place that I'd envisioned as traditional London-- wood-paneled, leaded glass, clubby, etc. As you're facing Parliament, it's across the street on your left. It's called St. Stephan's Tavern. Great sandwiches and atmosphere. (Technically, the minimum age is 18, but they didn't mind that our son was 17.)

rahjmh

I am also taking my 17 year old daughter to london in November with my 13 year old son and husband.

We have not been there yet, but here is what we are planning based on my many hours of research.
Camden Lock on Sat. or Sunday. It looks like fun for teens. Go to www.camdenlock.net - also some good pictures on a great website www.picturesofengland.com - go to explore england then click on towns then find Camden Town. It looks like a great place for teens. My daughter wants to buy her prom dress in London or Paris (we live in Tampa, FL)
Also, we got tickets to We Will Rock You. It is a play written by Freddie Mercury (the group Queen) Just look up We will rock you-London. If you're teen likes Queen music - this looks wonderful. If you want to e-mail me - go ahead [email protected]
My husband and I went to London in 1978. We loved most of the major sites, but the only one that I think would be boring for a teen girl is maybe the Tower of London. I might be wrong but that is my opinion. My husband and son are going there one day and me and my daughter will go shopping (Harrods is a must)

Carmen

My 13-year-old daughter LOVES Rules. It's her absolute favorite--especially the mashed potatoes (which must have a dangerously high proportion of butter and/or cream to potatoes). We've been there on each of our two visits to London. That doesn't necessarily mean every teenager would like it, but it shouldn't be "ruled" out either.

quiUK

Hi there,
Another affordable option if you want pizza/pasta in a funky atmosphere is Strada (more info at www.strada.co.uk). The food is delicious (wood fired pizzas etc) and the decor is modern, and the atmosphere lively. There are branches across central London.

I aslo recommend Belgo and Wagamama along with other posters, as somewhere with good food, a young atmosphere and neither are fussy or formal. They are also part of small(ish) chains, so you should have no difficulty in locating them.

A useful website for lots of London restaurants is www.toptable.co.uk. I live in London and use this often to look for special offers and find new places to try.

Enjoy your trip!

SueMcL

Thank you all for your recent replies. You know, all these choices mean we will have to go back and try out the places we don't have time to visit this time round! My husband and 2 teenage boys are in on the next trip. Don't feel too sorry for them not going to London - they had a week in Spain last month, golfing and fishing!

All these suggestions are such a great help. I must thank my old school chum who told me about this site too.
Rahjmh - I smiled when I saw you are hoping to buy your daughter a prom dress - my daughter is looking too! Good luck with that! I'll be sure to let you know where we have gone when we get back. Many, many thanks again. Sue

Wallace_and_Gromit

Now wait a minute!

I saw someone recommend Afternoon Tea ... but aren't you the one who came up with Fortnum and Masons? (Or am I blind)

Now I can DEFINITELY tell you to skip that place - but I absolutely LOVE having tea. (I have done it every time I have been to England - and not just in London)

There are SEVERAL places that are really nice and not too "touristy."

Yes, there will be people who will want to argue and say that only the tourists take afternoon tea. I admit that this (UNFORTUNATELY) may be becoming true ... but it is still very English and very enjoyable (and memorable)

fun4all4

Thanks....we are taking our 11 and 14 year old sons to London in December. A lot of these suggestions seem right up our alley.

oldie

The bell that rings in restaurants near the Houses of Parliament is the Division Bell.
It rings to tell MPs that they have eight minutes to get into the Chamber to vote.

david_west

Regarding the pub with the division bell in it - it's the Red Lion, by Derby Gate in Parliament.

You will often see well known politicians in there. It is quite a suprise that in these times (and bear in mind terrorism in England goes back a LOT further than 2001) to see cabinet minisdters and other notables having a quiet pint with friends.

It sells good beer too - Adnams.

MaureenB

St. Stephan's Tavern, as I posted above, does also have the Division Bell. Thanks for explaining what that bell means. We thought it made the place "authentic" London when we heard it ring.