London–I've been there, so what now?
Oct 14th, 2013, 11:02 AM
#21
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For a great lunch around Barbican / St. Paul's stop at Whitecross Street food market - tonnes of great food stalls and the pub on the road lets you sit and eat if you buy a drink
http://www.inlondonguide.co.uk/londo...et-market.html
http://www.inlondonguide.co.uk/londo...et-market.html
Oct 14th, 2013, 02:03 PM
#22
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Can't help wondering if you, MeghanInNYC, are not like me in that you are going to be in London, accompanying someone going to the 49ers game....and, like me, you don't like football!! (forgive me) so wont' be going to the game. I will be in London a week before the game, but leaving for other places the morning after it.
I, also like you, have been to London a few times in the past few years and have seen the usual tourist attractions. The above suggestions are wonderful, except after looking at the menu for the Brawn restaurant...nope, not my choice. chacun à son goût
I thought the roof gardens in Kensington were NOT open to the public on a walk-in basis, but see from their web site, I was wrong. You can go up and have a look-see without eating there, if there are no events going on, it seems.
I will settle for the video: http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com/en...gallery/videos
There is also a link to a gallery of photos on their site.
Unlike you, I am taking a few day trips out of the city: Hampton Court (never been there), followed by a walk around Richmond...maybe one of the organized walks on the Sat or Sun, http://www.richmondwalks.co.uk/regwalks.htm
Also, Oxford..been there, but only briefly and want to spend most of the day there, this time.
Was thinking of Bath and one of the Mad Max tours of the Cotswolds, but they have stopped their 1/2 day tours, and I can't make the 8:45 departure for the full day tours, since the first train from Paddington leaves at 8 AM..no desire to stay overnight the night before in Bath, at least not this trip.
The last Sunday in Oct. Oct 27 is an antique fair at Green Park in Bath, which might interest you, since you mentioned you interest in antiques, but not if you don't want to take any trips out of London. No one has mentioned
Bermondsey Antiques Market, but maybe that is only open on Fridays?
http://www.londontown.com/LondonInfo...n_Market/a544/
I have never been there..early mornings are not my idea of a holiday plan.
Other than these possibilities...and a lot depends on the weather...., I am planning London Walks, perhaps, or more likely walking around certain areas that I want to see more of. Haven't been to the Borough Market, Westfield Shopping or the fairly new British Library, yet. Also the Wallace collection suggestion by Dukey1, above, is on my list, since we are staying in Marylebone general area.
I, also like you, have been to London a few times in the past few years and have seen the usual tourist attractions. The above suggestions are wonderful, except after looking at the menu for the Brawn restaurant...nope, not my choice. chacun à son goût
I thought the roof gardens in Kensington were NOT open to the public on a walk-in basis, but see from their web site, I was wrong. You can go up and have a look-see without eating there, if there are no events going on, it seems.
I will settle for the video: http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com/en...gallery/videos
There is also a link to a gallery of photos on their site.
Unlike you, I am taking a few day trips out of the city: Hampton Court (never been there), followed by a walk around Richmond...maybe one of the organized walks on the Sat or Sun, http://www.richmondwalks.co.uk/regwalks.htm
Also, Oxford..been there, but only briefly and want to spend most of the day there, this time.
Was thinking of Bath and one of the Mad Max tours of the Cotswolds, but they have stopped their 1/2 day tours, and I can't make the 8:45 departure for the full day tours, since the first train from Paddington leaves at 8 AM..no desire to stay overnight the night before in Bath, at least not this trip.
The last Sunday in Oct. Oct 27 is an antique fair at Green Park in Bath, which might interest you, since you mentioned you interest in antiques, but not if you don't want to take any trips out of London. No one has mentioned
Bermondsey Antiques Market, but maybe that is only open on Fridays?
http://www.londontown.com/LondonInfo...n_Market/a544/
I have never been there..early mornings are not my idea of a holiday plan.
Other than these possibilities...and a lot depends on the weather...., I am planning London Walks, perhaps, or more likely walking around certain areas that I want to see more of. Haven't been to the Borough Market, Westfield Shopping or the fairly new British Library, yet. Also the Wallace collection suggestion by Dukey1, above, is on my list, since we are staying in Marylebone general area.
Oct 15th, 2013, 05:36 PM
#23
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Totally 2nd Kate's day out...I have done that day a few times and it is a lot of fun...also turn down Fournier Street from Brick Lane...beautiful houses that were owned by lace makers from France...and a great church just before the market...
Oct 17th, 2013, 05:44 AM
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>>Totally 2nd Kate's day out...I have done that day a few times and it is a lot of fun...also turn down Fournier Street from Brick Lane...beautiful houses that were owned by lace makers from France...and a great church just before the market...<<
And isn't Dennis Severs house there? Can't remember if it's open on Sundays...
(Looks it up), It's on Folgate street. just round the corner. Fantastic recreation of the atmosphere in a Georgian silkweavers house.
http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/
And isn't Dennis Severs house there? Can't remember if it's open on Sundays...
(Looks it up), It's on Folgate street. just round the corner. Fantastic recreation of the atmosphere in a Georgian silkweavers house.
http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/
Oct 17th, 2013, 07:57 AM
#27
re Kate's suggestion - London Walks has one that covers Spitalfields Market, Bevis Marks synagog, the Huguenot lace makers/weaver's houses, etc
I think it is called Either Jewish London, or Old Jewish Quarter or something like that . . .
Yes, just looked it up. The Old Jewish Quarter . . . Wed, Fri and Sun mornings.
You could take the walk and then wander more in the Market or Brick Lane or . . .
I think it is called Either Jewish London, or Old Jewish Quarter or something like that . . .
Yes, just looked it up. The Old Jewish Quarter . . . Wed, Fri and Sun mornings.
You could take the walk and then wander more in the Market or Brick Lane or . . .
Nov 1st, 2013, 09:29 AM
#28
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Back from London, so wanted to a) thank you again for your helpful suggestions, and b) give a quick overview of my trip (mostly centered around food!)
Saturday:
Arrive, looooong nap, and then walk from hotel (near Paddington station) to The Riding House Cafe for dinner (www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk) in the West End.
Sunday:
Breakfast at The Portman (www.theportmanmarylebone.com), then a wander around the farmer's market, both in Marylebone. More wandering, a visit to Columbia Road (crowded!), then a stop at Paul (www.paul-uk.com) for a flat white and a snack before hitting the Tate Modern (Klee exhibit was great!). More walking and then a stop for a pint (and phone charge!) at The Royal Oak pub on Tabard Street. Made our way to Bermondsey Street to snoop around, before stopping for a fantastic tapas dinner at Pizarro (www.pizarrorestaurant.com/). A walk through the tunnel to London Bridge station and then home.
Monday:
Watch end of hurricane-force winds from safety of hotel room. Venture out for a superb Indian/Persion lunch at Dishoom (www.dishoom.com) in Coventry. Fun surprise of the day: on Mondays, if you roll the dice and get a 6, your meal is free. We won! Then we walked around the Seven Dials area and over to Fitzrovia for coffee at Kaffeine (www.kaffeine.co.uk). Dinner was in Sloane Square at The Botanist (www.thebotanistonsloanesquare.com).
Tuesday:
Breakfast at Markus Coffee (www.markuscoffee.com/) with Mohan, the charming proprietor, and then off to the Barbican Center to see the Pop Art Design show and the latest Curve installation. Then made my way to Notting Hill to Books for Cooks (love books and cooking, so was basically in Heaven). Lunch was at the Greenberry Cafe (greenberrycafe.co.uk), followed by a pretty walk up Primrose Hill to check out the view. Coffee with a friend put me close to Abbey Road, so a quick peek at the studio and the tourists trying to get the classic crosswalk shot was fun. Dinner was at LIttle Social (www.littlesocial.co.uk) in Mayfair.
Wednesday:
Quick stop in Harrod's (I actually needed something!) and then wandered around Belgravia. Did the usual stop at Egg (http://accessorator.com/2010/06/my-m...nerton-street/), a beautiful little shop with unique (expensive!) clothing, etc., then lunch at the Motcomb street outpost of Ottolenghi (www.ottolenghi.co.uk). Massive fan of the Plenty and Jerusalem cookbooks, so this is a must do! Then headed back to Sloan Square to visit the Saatchi Gallery (http://www.saatchigallery.com). LOVED it! Dinner was at J Sheekey (www.j-sheekey.co.uk).
Thursday:
A rainy morning kept me in bed, but the promise of London's Best Burger lured me out to Patty & Bun (www.pattyandbun.co.uk). Worth the queue! However, they do have a few spaces where you can tuck in at a small shelf/stool set up. I chose that option and it was great.
All the restaurants were fantastic and I can highly recommend. J Sheekey is the only one that falls into "nice once, but I wouldn't go back" category (was booked for a work-related dinner).
Thanks again for all the wonderful input!
Saturday:
Arrive, looooong nap, and then walk from hotel (near Paddington station) to The Riding House Cafe for dinner (www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk) in the West End.
Sunday:
Breakfast at The Portman (www.theportmanmarylebone.com), then a wander around the farmer's market, both in Marylebone. More wandering, a visit to Columbia Road (crowded!), then a stop at Paul (www.paul-uk.com) for a flat white and a snack before hitting the Tate Modern (Klee exhibit was great!). More walking and then a stop for a pint (and phone charge!) at The Royal Oak pub on Tabard Street. Made our way to Bermondsey Street to snoop around, before stopping for a fantastic tapas dinner at Pizarro (www.pizarrorestaurant.com/). A walk through the tunnel to London Bridge station and then home.
Monday:
Watch end of hurricane-force winds from safety of hotel room. Venture out for a superb Indian/Persion lunch at Dishoom (www.dishoom.com) in Coventry. Fun surprise of the day: on Mondays, if you roll the dice and get a 6, your meal is free. We won! Then we walked around the Seven Dials area and over to Fitzrovia for coffee at Kaffeine (www.kaffeine.co.uk). Dinner was in Sloane Square at The Botanist (www.thebotanistonsloanesquare.com).
Tuesday:
Breakfast at Markus Coffee (www.markuscoffee.com/) with Mohan, the charming proprietor, and then off to the Barbican Center to see the Pop Art Design show and the latest Curve installation. Then made my way to Notting Hill to Books for Cooks (love books and cooking, so was basically in Heaven). Lunch was at the Greenberry Cafe (greenberrycafe.co.uk), followed by a pretty walk up Primrose Hill to check out the view. Coffee with a friend put me close to Abbey Road, so a quick peek at the studio and the tourists trying to get the classic crosswalk shot was fun. Dinner was at LIttle Social (www.littlesocial.co.uk) in Mayfair.
Wednesday:
Quick stop in Harrod's (I actually needed something!) and then wandered around Belgravia. Did the usual stop at Egg (http://accessorator.com/2010/06/my-m...nerton-street/), a beautiful little shop with unique (expensive!) clothing, etc., then lunch at the Motcomb street outpost of Ottolenghi (www.ottolenghi.co.uk). Massive fan of the Plenty and Jerusalem cookbooks, so this is a must do! Then headed back to Sloan Square to visit the Saatchi Gallery (http://www.saatchigallery.com). LOVED it! Dinner was at J Sheekey (www.j-sheekey.co.uk).
Thursday:
A rainy morning kept me in bed, but the promise of London's Best Burger lured me out to Patty & Bun (www.pattyandbun.co.uk). Worth the queue! However, they do have a few spaces where you can tuck in at a small shelf/stool set up. I chose that option and it was great.
All the restaurants were fantastic and I can highly recommend. J Sheekey is the only one that falls into "nice once, but I wouldn't go back" category (was booked for a work-related dinner).
Thanks again for all the wonderful input!
Nov 1st, 2013, 03:59 PM
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A very neat and useful summation of a packed visit - thank you! Never knew that about Mondays at Dishoom. There is a branch just down the road from me - wonder if they play that game too or whether it's just the Covent Garden site. Think you might get a fair few arguments over the 'best burger' in London claim though.....what is it with the recent explosion of high end burger restaurants here?!
Nov 1st, 2013, 04:28 PM
#31
Is there really an acceptable burger in London these days? For many years, their best efforts were so dismal I haven't ordered one there for over a decade. Nice to know if they've finally mastered the art!
Nov 1st, 2013, 05:18 PM
#33
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Thanks for the update - I so enjoy reading the conclusions of these sorts of threads when they are posted.
Glad to know you recommend Ottolenghi. I love the books too and have been wondering weather or not to add it to the list for my next trip. Also can't wait to go to Books for Cooks!
Glad to know you recommend Ottolenghi. I love the books too and have been wondering weather or not to add it to the list for my next trip. Also can't wait to go to Books for Cooks!
Nov 1st, 2013, 05:52 PM
#34
I was in London the same time as you (club level seat at the Niner game and a Fodors GTG!!! )
Got back late last night and am still a bit jet lagged and am trying to make it through a Kings/Clippers game tonight. My trip report is delayed til further notice. You beat me by days . . .
Got back late last night and am still a bit jet lagged and am trying to make it through a Kings/Clippers game tonight. My trip report is delayed til further notice. You beat me by days . . .
Nov 2nd, 2013, 02:06 AM
#35
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Pandashu; there's an Ottolenghi in Notting Hill too, not far from Books for Cooks. Also pop into the Spice Shop opposite Books for Cooks, if you're there.
Meghan; sounds like a great trip. Some of my favorite places!
Meghan; sounds like a great trip. Some of my favorite places!
Nov 9th, 2013, 04:42 AM
#36
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One note about Patty & Bun–it is, by no means, upscale. It's small and crowded and hot. Oh, and the music is pretty loud, too. Funny moment when the guy sitting next to me ripped off his jumper/sweater and said "I am SO EXCITED to try this burger!" ...and "I'm even MORE EXCITED now that an actual American deems this a good enough burger!"
Nov 9th, 2013, 08:46 AM
#37
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I love it that Markus Coffee website has a section on CELEBRITIES, informing us that Musharaff of Pakistan has sipped, and Jimmy Choo the shoe man calls their coffee the "best in London."
Your restaurant links look great. Thanks for the highlight report.
Your restaurant links look great. Thanks for the highlight report.
