If you're in London on a Monday evening I highly recommend this place (more of an experience than a museum):

http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

And you know about this, right?

http://www.soane.org/

We might have the Ceremony of The Keys on Monday night, but I have looked into Sir John Soane's Museum, and I think we will make an effort to see it.

((H))

Maitaitom -

We had our evening tour of the BP last night and it was a wonderful experience. I wouldn't hesitate spending the money to do it again. We entered via the Ambassador's entrance on the side and waited as everyone arrived. We had a small group of about 20 people. The group was taken along a hallway leading outside and then we re-entered via the grand entrance. The tour started and we then went up the grand staircase. There were two security guards along with the tour guide. As we entered one room the doors closed behind us and then eventually the doors opened to the next room. It was wonderful being in a small group. The pace was slow with as much time to walk around the rooms and/or asking questions. I was surprised how much access was available to the group. We walked right up to the chairs for Her Majesty and Prince Phillip in the throne room. Everyone was respectful though and didn't touch any furniture or artwork. At the end of the tour we went downstairs via the Prime Ministers staircase to the Marble Hall. It was time for refreshments! This part of the tour felt like a cocktail party at the palace. A bar was setup with champagne and non-alcoholic drinks. We were then given time to have drinks and walk around the Marble Hall and grand entrace. As each person/group was ready to leave they were escorted out the grand entrance past the Queens private apartments in the north wing. We went throught the courtyard and then to the front gates. It was wonderful! I hope you enjoy your tour as much as we did. have fun..

Thanks stevetx - Really looking forward to it. Glad you had a great time. Do they allow photo taking at all?

((H))

Stevetx - you sound as if you enjoyed it every bit as much as we did. We also thought it was worth every penny and would absolutely encourage anyone to go. I think we managed 3 glasses of champagne each so got some moneys-worth there. They kept pressing them on us, and we didn't want to be rude (it certainly helped combat the arctic winds crossing Green Park back to the tube). We got the tickets converted to a 12 month pass, so we'll go back in the summer for the DIY version and the garden tour.

Maitaitom - absolutely no photos, I'm afraid, even outside until we were through the gates. You do get a free guide book though.

" I think we managed 3 glasses of champagne each so got some moneys-worth there..."

Good job!! I will try and follow in your footsteps.

((H))

Anice: you are correct - I can't say enough about the tour. It was a highlight of the trip so far. We each had two glasses so you have us beat! : -)

We also had our tickets stamped which allows us to return for free. It was so funny when I tried to return my champagne glass. The women looked at me and declared "You still have a dribble left" and wouldn't take my glass. They were all very friendly and encouraged us to enjoy our time.

I guess I forgot to mention the photo policy. lol. There are no pictures anywhere as Anice mentioned. I passed through security and was waiting for my partner. I took a picture as he was passing through and a security guard quickly said out loud 'No Photos". They approached me and asked me to delete the picture I took.

The official guide book is a very nice quality. Don't forget you'll also receive a discount at the gift shop using your ticket the day of your visit.

If you are staying near Onslow Gardens you can visit our favorite pub the Anglsea Arms the also serve very good food. David West (CW) recommended it to us a few years ago and it's now ur "local"

Great stuff everyone. Thanks.

((H))

Avalon2, is this the place? http://www.fancyapint.com/Pub/london...esea-arms/1453 It looks great.

Lee Ann

mtt....

a few off the board suggestions...

Climb O2 - we just did this with kids and had a blast! very fun to do and a unique experience. (you do have to be 10 to do it, so act mature)

www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2



Fat Tire Bike Tours - We actually did a private tour because of scheduling issues. Very fun way to see the parks and bits of London.

http://fattirebiketours.com/london

In searching for the best Fish & Chips in London, Tracy found a place called Kerbisher & Malt that received a nice write-up in Esquire magazine. Has anyone heard of this place? Is it a good place to go when you have a haddock, and can I pick a Cod, any Cod?

I'm looking for a great Fish and Chips place and a spicy Indian restaurant to go along with my pubbing and fine dining. Thanks.

((H))

http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/rock-and-sole-plaice-london - my favorite for fish and chips in London.

the piece of Cod that passeth all understanding....

Is it a house of cods?

Hi Maitaitom:

Consider a river trip on the Thames Clipper - IMO it offers the best views of London, and is cheap - just a bit more than using the underground.

http://www.thamesclippers.com/routes...s-booking.html


You could take the eastbound leg to Greenwich, and visit the Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark and the park:

http://www1.rmg.co.uk/

Then, to save time, take the DLR back to London Bank Station.

The newly opened West-bound link goes to Putney (probably too far for you). You can hop off at Milbank to visit Tate Britain (home of the Turner exhibition and often has special exhibits).

Also, if you haven't seen been before, the Courtauld is a fine little gallery:

http://www.courtauld.ac.uk/gallery/index.shtml

What about the Imperial War Museum? haven't been, but my sister has and found it facinating:

http://www.iwm.org.uk/

On a fine evening, the bar on top of Centrepoint (arguably one of the ugliest buildings on the planet) offers nice views of London, over a Maitai:

http://www.paramount.uk.net/level-32/bar/

Love the location of your apartment. A nice restaurant in the area is La Poule au Pot (20 mins walk, 7 mins by taxi):
http://www.pouleaupot.co.uk/

Also, as much as possible, if time permits, try to avoid the underground, and get to know the buses - I work in London, and try to take buses everywhere!. Journeys take much longer, but you get the same experience as the 'hop on/hop off' service for a fraction of the price (I'm sure you will be getting your Oyster card on day one, which also gives you a discount on the Clipper). TFL publish 4/5 maps that show the routes across all London. You can pick them up from large underground stations (e.g. Victoria, London Bridge). If you want, I can pick them up for you before your trip and mail them to you.

Enjoy your planning :)

Regards Ger

Maitaitom, Katie Parla has great recs for places to eat in London, including a couple of Indian recs (if I recall correctly). www.parlafood.com

It is touristy, but we had a great time riding the London Eye - and doing so at night would be wonderful!

Hi Tom

There's a great little chippy in Tetbury, just down from the Snooty Fox...

Actually, the river trip from Greenwich to Westminster (or wherever) is most enjoyable on a nice day, and makes a change from the tube and DLR. (I love Greenwich, always have done, and even more so now that my son is at university there so I have an excuse to visit!)

Re Tetbury, email me sometime [email protected] and let me know your dates. I am currently researching pubs with good food in the area!

HI,
Sounds like you have a great trip planned! A nice place for a late evening drink is at the Dukes Hotel in St.James.(around the corner and behind The Ritz) It has a very elegant yet comfortable bar where Alessandro will mix your martini right at your table. It is also the bar where Ian Flemming used to hang out and get his martinis "shaken not stirred". It proved to be the perfect ending to our day at the Royal Wedding and tea at The Ritz, it ain't cheap but caps off a great day.
Have a great trip.
Rich.

Forgot to mention, if you intend to visit Borough Market, you should plan a trip up the Shard - very much more exciting than the London Eye apparently:
http://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/

The area is pretty shite south of the market, so stay within the market if you want to eat. There are several pretty OK restaurants in the market: Roast, Black & Blue, Fish. In general, over-priced, but fairly decent food.

Regards Gre