Shepherd's market as in a man who herds sheep. Obviously you don't have them in the US although Bush's election would suggest otherwise.

Shepherds Market is where the tarts have gone!

Right. Sorry about the misspelling. I've lived in Europe for the past 20 years but never had so much US bashing as in the last two. However, I've also learned that it's only the government that is bashed, and not really its citizens. I think that's because we've all had our share of unpopular political heads.

Hey David, besides the strip joint, I didn't see any tarts roaming the streets in the afternoon. Just lots of men in suits and ties. However, I've heard that it does have a "reputation."

It used to be the place for whores, but these days it's really rather savoury, and even has a couple of good tailors, and a shoe/leather designer called Georgina Goodman. Her pieces have a very continental feel about them, and the workmanship is superb. So if you'd rather have an alternative to Jimmy Choo heels that everyone's wearing try Georgina Goodman for something more exclusive.

Thanks for the entertainment, David ! "Poncerati"

Shepherds Market is running alive with tarts (I do REALLY have to know this for work purposes. Yes REALLY).

They don't stand around swinging their handbags saying "helo sailor", but take a look in the hallways of the flats with open front doors and you will see what I mean.

It is where the flat-trade (as opposed to the street trade) prostitution has gone, since westminster started using Planning legislation to empty out the tarts flats in Soho.

Having said that, it is quite discrete, and you wouldn't really notice unless you were looking. It is a nice area with some interesting shops and restaurants etc. It's a nice evening out. Id recommend it as a trip if you have time.

Many thanks all - I have to tell you I now know too much about pubs in Soho and Covent Garden ! Among the pubs I sampled and enjoyed were

- The Ship (now under hoarding for renovations so a bit hard to find)
- Three Grayhounds - very fine and they had Adnams on tap
- Punch and Judy
- Blue Posts
- Bar Italia (best coffee in London)

and a few other spots whose names escape me. I also enjoyed the elegant little bars at the Prince Edward and Drury Lane theatres.

I wanted to try m_kingdom2's recommendation for the Milk and Honey but left it too late. I did however have a wonderful Saturday lunch with old friends at the Wolseley which he/she has recommended in the past.

Merci beaucoup, fodorites.

I just saw this post, and I must say David your rant was suberb: Poncerati, hah, too funny.