m_kingdom, thanks for the clarification on the bar. I remembered it as green. We sat at a table close to the bar so I don't remember red leather seats. Is it possible it's changed since 2000?
I just thought it a typical bar, however I will say the appetizers were very good.
mileaday- how about Vertigo42 for a glass of champagne and beautiful views? It's on my list as well as Milk and Honey as suggested by m_kingdom.

Vertigo is in The City though, which is too businessy, and lacks class, and at times is a little brash. The views are good, but how long can you spend gazing out of windows?

Milk and Honey is cheap (a twenty per cent mark up on Krug is a bargain!), unique, and classy.

Two art venues--Tate Modern and the Saatchi Gallery--are open late on Saturdays.

Also, after Feb. 9, the London Eye last boarding time is 8p.m. (Eye is closed until then).

BTW: "dark" in mid-winter arrives by 5 p.m. in London.

M_Kingdom2, given you knowledge of London, what's your take on Claridge's vs. Connaught? Also, have a contract with Ray Skinner for transfer to Southampton for embarkation - I've heard good things. Any experiences? And sugegstions for restauranst in SoHo and Chelsea, especially asian. Many thanks for your help.

Firstly, I don't do Asian in Soho. If you want asian/fusion cuisine with a fine lineage, then try Mr Chow, it's classic, classy, and not full of nouveaus.

The Connaught is too small for my liking, its position isn't as convenient as Claridge's, the service is generally good as would be expected. However, it should've been left alone with its outdated menus, and not trendied up by Gordon and Angela. Claridge's needed something new, The Connaught has been spoilt and lost its character.

Thanks very much, we've decdied to settle on Claridge's and nix Connaught, and will take your advice and give Gordon's place a wide swarth.

What then is the best area for indian restaurants, away from the nouveaus?

Many thanks for your aid.

OK, travellaughter - I think the jig is finally up. Is it Southampton, or Holyhead, Paris or Edinburgh, or was it Cardiff, Swansea and Dublin, and now Claridges or the Connaught???

Just exactly where was it you were going?

Well, janis, regrets if you became confused, lol, but if you'd kept better notes you'd know my itinerary is Thames Valley, Wales, Edinburgh, London (Claridge's of course), and Southamption, that being where the QM2 embarks. No Ireland this time, although I'm a Joycean. And Paris was a briefy, visitng friends, recently. Holyrood is in Edinburgh and will of course be seen. Russia and Vietnam are next, but I see I'm confusing you once more, so shall cease. So, now you may feel clarified and in tune, and thus turn your attention to healthier matters. Do have a good day, and in the fodors spirit, thanks for keeping your enquiry travel-releated and positive, and if you've some information of value to the trip, I'd ever so glad to receive it. Thanks.

... oops, you said Holyhead, not rood, and now you've confused me, lol. But don't explain ... my head is a whirl with enough as it is ... I've not had enough time to plan this one, and I'm doing my best to make it swell for a special one, for it would be a waste to to see all I've planned alone, don't you agree.

Indians - well, The Cinnammon Club, SW1 is haute cuisine of an Indian nature.

My favourite place, and it's suburban, unexciting area, unexciting decor, very very cheap (11GBP for a buffet), vegetarian, and totally unsophisticated...Rani in Finchley, Long Lane. It serves really classic, home cooked, well made food which tastes delicious and is really satisfying.

Many thanks, and I've made notes on your ideas, and we'll probably try the indian vegetarian, since we are 99% vegetarian now. Good fit for us. Have a good day.

janis, re: the person who pretends to travel- we forgot the annual Paris trip squeezed in among the jaunts to Hawaii and California! Wait! what about Ohio and Florida??

Well, Scarlett, my dear, when I return, I shall pen the most amazing journal of all times, something on par with Degas (perhaps he'll agree to be my consultant). You'll be delighted and of course wish to drop everything and scoot off to the UK yourself. It has been a few years since I've been there, and never before to Wales, so this is a bit new to me. Now, being an old UK hand yourself, give up those closely held secrets and post them for all to see. I'm certain they'll add immeasurably. Great to communicate on a travel-related topic. And yep, Paris was fab indeed ... brief but boffo. If you visit, it will be fab for you too.

HUH? Degas hasn't posted here in quite a while, I think. And remember you're a new poster, TravelLaughter, who only registered two days ago. So how in the world could you possibly know about Degas? Or is this Pariswasfab, Leone, Blacktie, Blackattire or one of those other imaginary people talking through you like a medium?

Come on, people, don't you get the joke? "TravelLaughter" making fun of travel by laughing at all the posters giving information to this imaginary traveler.

He does make me miss Degas though..Now he is clever!
I will be in Paris in March, and I do give out freely any information that I can on Paris and London.
You know that, MrLaughing , since the last time you were in Paris, in Dec 2000- I was the one who told you about staying at the Lutece.