Airlawgirl

Um, no, not necessarily racist MK2-particularly not, when, like me, you have been all through the Middle East, and speak some Arabic. It's an observation, really-and I noticed that some were quite vulgar and screaming into their cell phones at Claridges in the lobby, disturbing everyone around them-so I guess it's a question of what one's preferences are-I mean, if I walked into some tearoom in Cairo, for example they might not prefer to have me or my group around there, either, right? (and I have experienced that!)

DeirdreStraughan

See http://www.straughan.com/italy/travel/restaurants.htm - bottom of the page - for one of my favorite restaurants in the world.


best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

http://www.straughan.com

tod

natjgc - When just off a long-haul flight and trying to forget the airline food, head for Waggammama (in Streatham street near British Museum. There are other branches as well. It is the most fun Japanese Noodle eatery for very little money.They also have loads of different rice dishes, salads or grilled yakitori. Try the Singha or Tiger Beer if you are a beer drinker. It is our number one stop to unwind and relax, with nothing to heavy to eat before a good nights sleep.

Airlawgirl

And one other thing about afternoon tea, I used to recommend Fortnum and Mason's fourth floor restaurant, St. James, for tea. Not any more. We decided it was quite, well, for the geriatric crowd-I preferred Claridges (despite the vulgarity I saw displayed in the lobby). P.S. Am I the only one who thinks Claridges is a bit in need of a refurbishment? The public rooms look a bit tired, like the Dorchester. Excellent service, though.

Back to F and M-the Patio restaurant-which is the restaurant on the second floor -I found to be really quite good. We liked going there on Saturday afternoon-it did seem as if the Patio (and the lower level Fountain restaurant) was filled mostly with Londoners, so that was nice, hardly any tourists. I had a wonderful seared scallop entree, and my friends really liked their meals too.