The London City Blogs

2003-03-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

Cactus Blue

This place is situated on the end of Fulham road. It is a glass froted building having two-floor restaurant and bar with seating capacity of 140 people. This place is owned by Brian Stein. Cactus blues serves South West American and Mexican cuisines.

The owner along with a artist from Sant Fe created a bar and restaurant which fuses the colours and tastes of South West America. The decor here features some noticeable , primitive American artefacts, paintings and fabric.The restaurant is having a magnificent under-lit marble bar and a breathtaking gem-studded chandelier, which illuminates the burnished copper of the mezzanine.

The restaurant menu features dried and fresh chiles, tortillas-based dishes, prime grilled meats, and seafood. The food is pared down to a few ingredients and created by pan-frying, grilling and pickling, with piquancy provided by selected ethnic seasonings and fast yet simple cooking techniques.

86 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7823 7858

Opening Times
Mon - Fri 17:30 - 23:45
Sat - Sun 12:00 - 23:45

2003-03-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

The Sea Shell Restaurant

The Sea Shell Restaurant is london's favourite restaurant for last 30 years. The atmosphere at this place is very soothing. This place is famous for the freshest fish and home made golden chips that take you back to your childhood. This place is recently renovated. The decor of this place is very excellent. The service provided by the waiters here is very friendly and quick.

This place also offers a take away. Some guests are not able to have their food here at this place and keeping in mind a take away menu has been created. The food still retains the quality and flavour but is designed for people on the move.The Value-Added Program entitles you to a 10% discount off the total bill for up to 4 people

Star Fish!
Devilled Whitebait
Garlic King Prawns
Smoked Haddock Chowder
Dover Sole
Scotch Salmon
Rainbow Trout
Sea Bass
Traditional Cod
Skate or Plaice

Open Monday - Friday: 12 noon - 2:30pm and 5:00pm -10:30pm
Saturday: 12 noon -10:30pm
Closed on Sunday

2003-03-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

F1 City

F1 City is located in London's Docklands. F city is an outdoor go-karting track where you can hire a kart and participate in various event and tournaments. This track is considered one of the fastest for go kart racing.

Track:
100 metre straight
950 metre circuit
3 circuit configuration
75 mph twine engine karts
All weather floodlit circuits
45 mph single engine karts
1 to 24 hours Le Mans race
Computer scoring system
Full racewear provided.

Facilities provided at the F city:
Circuit side spectator areas
Courteous and professional staff
Heated indoor viewing areas
Conference and meeting rooms
Free parking for cars
Pitstop cafe and refreshment area
10 years of corporate entertaining
8000 corporate clients

F1 City, Airport Roundabout,
Connaught Bridge,
Royal Victoria Dock, London E16

Daily: 10.00-18.00/19.00 Closed: 24-26 & 31 December, 1 January 2003

2003-03-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

London Wetland Centre

London Wetland Centre is the largest international wetland conservation charity in the UK. The wetland was opened by WWT in the spring of 2000. Their mission is starting the trust is to conserve wetlands and their biodiversity.

The wetland is created on the Victorian reservoir site adjacent to the Thames, is now a haven for wildfowl and other wetland wildlife. Visitors can explore the lakes, ponds and marshes using the 3.4 km of pathways and bridges specially created for them. This place offers many visitors the chance to see rare and beautiful wetland wildlife just a stone's throw from central London.

Visitors can go to the Visitor Center to view the monitors relaying pictures via CCTV links and learn more about wetlands through touch-screen computers. Nice place to visit if you like to see rare birds.

The Wetland Centre, The Lodge,
Queen Elizabeth Walk,
Barnes, London SW13

Monday-Sunday:
09.30-18.00 until 29 October
(last admission: 17.00)
Monday-Sunday:
9.30-17.00 from 30 October
(last admission: 16.00)
Closed: 25 December

2003-03-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

Monument

The monument in london was built by Christopher Wren. This monument was built was completed in the year 1677. This monument was built to celebrate the rebuilding of the City after the Great Fire in 1666.

The monument stands 202ft high, and is the tallest free standing stone monument in the world. This monument is a classical stone Doric column topped with bursting copper flames. One great thing of this monument is that you can climb it, just 311 steps of very twisty, narrow spiral staircase that leads you onto a barred-in platform. From top of this monument you will have the best oppurtunity
to take photographs of the beautifull city.

It is worth the climb. When you are leaving the monument you receive a certificate to prove that you have actually climbed the 311 steps.

Monument Street, London EC2
Tel: 01716262717
April-September: M-F 9:00am-5:40pm, SA-SU 2:00pm-5:40pm
October-March: M-SA 9:00am-3:40pm

2003-03-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

Bond, James Bond (16 October 2002 to 27 April 2003)

Bond, James Bond exhibition is created by NMSI in association with Eon Productions, celebrates 40 years of the world's best-known movie phenomenon - the James Bond films. Whether you're a film lover, a Bond fan or just mad about production and design, Bond, James Bond is an exhibition you must not miss.

This exhibition explores the science and art of bond films.This can be seen through the greatest collection of original 007 objects, images, concept drawings, storyboards and costume designs ever assembled. From Rosa Klebb's infamous flick-knife shoe through to plans for spectacular stunts and Oddjob's killer bowler hat. This exhibition gives visitors a behind the scene tour of the talents and technical wizards behind the world's biggest and best-loved film phenomenon.

Here at the exhibition visitors actually step inside the movies, as a series of spectacular themed areas. Here visitors are briefed in M's office which is followed by a visit to Q's gadget workshop. Here at the exhibition visitors come to know how an extraordinary blend of science, art and action keeps Bond coming back. Throughout the exhibition Bond music and clipping are played. James Bond is a live or let die experience for anyone who has ever hummed a certain theme tune and wished, just for a moment, to be that secret agent.

The exhibition runs from 16 October 2002 to 27 April 2003
Ticket Prices: Adults £8.95, Children/Concessions £6.95 (please note that we are operating a timed ticket system)
Combination tickets are available with other attractions within the museum - please call the Booking and information line (+44 (0)870 870 4868) for a full list of prices.

2003-03-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous Squares in the World. With Nelsons Column , the National Gallery and lots of pigeons. The nelson ccolumn itself is 170 foot high , with the statue of Nelson himself being some 18 foot high. This square was built in honourof Admiral Nelson after his victory in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, off the coast of Spain.

This square was designed by a man named John Nash in 1830's. The nelson's column is surrounded by 4 bronze lions, on granite plinths , unveiled in 1868, sculpted by Sir Edwin Landseer, and cast by Marocchetti. You will find fountains and statues , including one of Charles I on horseback, dating from the 17th century adorn the Square.

On the north side of the square one will see the National Gallery. Visitors wil find paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, Rebens. On the west side of the square is Canada House, while in the North East corner is the Church of St Martins in the Fields. This place is also famous for pigeons.

2003-03-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

The Fifth Floor Cafe

The Fifth Floor Cafe is ideally located to draw in shoppers and tourists. People have the access to Fifth Floor via an express lift. This restaurant was designed by Wickham & Associates. This cafe features the innovative, Mediterranean style menu prepared by the highly talented Head Chef Mark Fox and Executive Chef Henry Harris.The restaurant is not that costly.

The cafe is an open style servery kitchen and curved bar, each side of a central seating area for up to 120, and more 30 can be seated on the terrace. The restaurant is well decorated and the most beautiful part of this place is the ceiling, its dramatic eye-catching roof canopy, combining metal and glass panels; this provides natural light and modern suspended lighting.

Food served here at the restaurant is modern eurpean with slight Oriental touches. The cuisine is excellent and concentrates on using the finest, fresh ingredients.Starters such as Hot Buttered Crab with a Potato Pancake in a Verjuice Sauce or Red Wine Risotto with Salsicce and Small Leaf Salad, are prepared and presented with flair. Main courses are equally attractive. Try, for instance, the Lincolnshire Duck with Smoked Eel and Dandelion Salad, the Pot-Roasted Rabbit with a Black Sheep Ale Gravy and Herb Dumpling, or the Salt Cod Fishcakes with Pepper and Lemon Aoïli, while vegetarian options are always available.

Opening Times
Mon - Fri 12:00 - 15:00 18:30 - 23:30
Sat 12:00 - 15:30 18:30 - 23:30
Sun 12:00 - 15:30

2003-03-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

Funland

Funland is one of the largest indoor entertainment centres, located in the heart of london's west end. Funland is owned by the Family Leisure Group of Companies.

Ten Pin Bowling: Funland has the only bowling alley in the central london. A brand new state of the art Brunswick 10 lane bowling alley.Private or corporate group packages are also given.

Sports Bar: Sports Bar this is the place where one can catch up with all the latest sporting events. Sports Bar i situated on level 2 next to the Bowling alley.

American Pool: Best place to play pool. Newly introduced 9 full sized tables in the new Steady Eddy's Pool Hall situated next to the Sports Bar on Level 2.

Simulator Rides and Games: Funland has all the very latest simulator rides and over 400 of the latest hi-tech video games. Dodgems, the perennial favourite, is located on level 4.

Opening Hours:
Funland is open 7 days a week (closing only on Christmas Day) from 10am to midnight and 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. Free entry and the games run on a pay as you play basis with rides and attractions operating with either cash or tokens.

2003-03-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds was the person who started the famous waxworks. And this place is one of London's most popular tourist attractions. The museum shares the same building as the London Planetarium. More than two million visitors a year come to see the lifelike wax models of the famous and infamous actors,actresses,pop stars and royal people. Over the year hundreds of of celebrities have made their way to Madame Tussaud's 'stage door' to be received in the private studio where the sculptor makes precise measurements and photographs the subject's head from every possible angle.

One of the major visited place in the museum is the Chamber of Horrors.Here you will find notorious figures such as a Jack the Ripper scene with victim but no Ripper. Other place is the grand hall where you will find all manner of celebs, from Bill Clinton to Michael Jackson and Pavarotti to Mandela. Other highlight is 'The Spirit of London' ,is a exhibition which covers peroid of more than 400 years and has london's history from Elizabethan times to the present day.

You will find about 70 figures which are involved in 'The Spirit of London' many of which are animated and fused with a host of special effects. Before establishing herself here in london, her collection of wax figures toured all around the country in wagons and caravans. Famous figures in wax include Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, the Beatles and many more.

Open Times
Open Daily, except Christmas Day, 10.00-17.30. Doors open earlier every weekend, on Bank Holidays and during the Summer Season.

2003-03-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

The Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge is one of the worl's famous bridge and is the major attraction of London. About 150,000 vehicles cross it everday. More than 900 times every year the roadway parts and the bridge is lifted so that tall ships can pass through.The tower bridge was built in the year 1894.It took 8 years to construct the bridge. Most of the people didnt know why the tower was built and what were the significane of the bridge.

One can find fascinating history of the bridge inside the Gothic towers. In this tower one can visit the original Victorian engine rooms. and from the high-level walkways you can look out across the modern city skyline and downriver to Canary Wharf.You will also find display and working models that tell stories and explain its engineering achievements. Much of the original structure and machinery is still there to see and touch.

Here are some interesting facts you may not have known:

1910 - the high-level walkways, which were designed so that the public could still cross the bridge when it was raised, were closed down due to lack of use. Most people preferred to wait at the bottom and watch the bascules rise up!

1912 - during an emergency, Frank McClean had to fly between the bascules and the high-level walkways in his Short biplane, to avoid an accident.

1952 - a London bus had to leap from one bascule to the other when the bridge began to rise with the bus still on it.

1977 - Tower Bridge was painted red, white and blue to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee. (Before that, it was painted a chocolate brown colour).

1982 - Tower Bridge opened to the public for the first time since 1910, with a permanent exhibition inside called The Tower Bridge Experience.

OPENING TIMES
April to October: 10.00am-6.30pm ,November to March: 9.30am-6.00pm, Closed: 24-25 December 2001 and 17 January 2002 (Last entry 1 1/4hours before closing)

2003-02-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

Poons

There are many places in london which are called poons, these places are owned by the poon family. The poon restaurnt looks most ordinary and people think twice before entering the restaurant, but resist the temptation to leave as the restaurant provides top quallity food at a very less price. This is the best place for one to have Chinese food.

The Poons is famous for its wind dried meats: pork, the ubiquitous duck, and sausages. As this is a Chinese restuarant one will find this restaurant over packed with chinese families on sundays. The place is well decorated with a grey tiled floor and plain pastel walls. The service provided by the reataurant is getting better and better evryday.

Opening Times
Monday - Sunday 12:00 - 23:30

2003-02-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

Sticky Fingers

Sticky Fingers was opened by Bill Wyman 12 years ago. The restaurant is located just off the famous shopping Mecca that is High Street Kensington. The restaurant has a freindly atmosphere with good food and excellent service.

This restaurant is perfect place for eating, drinking, and relaxing. The restaurant has a great collection of Stone's and is great place for those people who love rock music. The resturant has a full size 3d photo of the rolling stones album 'Their Satanic Majesties Request.' Released late 1967, it is only one of three known copies in the world. The restaurant also has a home made guitar built by Bill Wyman in 1960 in Peng. He played this guitar at concerts and numerous TV shows and was often used on Rolling Stones' recordings until 1976.

This restuarant was awarded the “Best Burger in London”. Besides burger fabled ribs are also the favourite as well as the impressive selection of cocktails, wines, draught and bottled beers. Put simply, Sticky Fingers is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and meal, buy from a wide range of merchandise or simply chill out and relax with the best burgers in town.

2003-02-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

Dali Universe

Dali Universe is a 3000 square metre exhibition dedicated to Salvador Dalí, who was a great artist and a genius of the twentieth century. The dali universe is located at County Hall right next door to the BA London Eye.

The exhibit features over 500 woks of art which have never exhibited in England. Here you get an unique oppurtunity to view Europe's most important collection of Salvador Dalí's art works. That includes his famous sculpture dating from 1935-1984. Here at the Dali's you can find his drawings, lithographs, gold and glass objects and a Dalí-inspired furniture collection.

Here at the Dali's Universe you will find the famous oild painting "Spellbound" created especially for the set of Hitchcock's 1945 Hollywood movie of the same name.The Dali's Universe is managed by Mr Benjamin Levi, a personal friend of Dali and had a keen interest in collection of Dali's work.

2003-02-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Gallery Hotel

The Gallery Hotel is a deluxe victorian hotel located in the center of London. One can feel a warm welcome in the the mahogany paneled reception area, lobby and lounge. At the hotel you can relax in an atmosphere of comfort and culture, while being close to many of London's finest attractions. This hotel is in reach of many London's business centers.

The rooms here at the hotel are spacious and are very well furnished. Apart from the basic amenities,telephone, satellite television and a room safe are also provided in the room. 24 hours service is also provided by the hotel. All the suites here at the hotel have jacuzzi, fax machine, mini bar and VCR.

For meeting purpose the hotel has a boardroom where 15 people can accommodate. This room has the computer and printer, and full audiovisual equipment facility.

This hotel is comparatively less expensive than the other hotels in the city.

The Gallery Hotel
South Kensington
Moderate: 120 - 220 UKP
Rooms: 36

2003-02-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

The Ritz Hotel

This famous hotel was opened in the year 1906 and later became one of the best hotels in london. This hotel is located within walking distance of the designer boutiques and auction houses of Bond Street and Jermyn Street, the private clubs of St James's and London's Theatreland.

Every room and suite in the hotel have been elegantly designed. All the room here at the hotel have been individually decorated in the distinctive Ritz colour schemes of blue, peach, pink and yellow luxuriously furnished with rich fabrics, 24 carat gold leaf and beautifully restored antique furniture in keeping with the original Louis XVI style. Apart from the basic room amenities one can fine modern facilities like ISDN lines, modem points, voice mail and dual voltage sockets in every room.

For dining purpose visitors dont have to go outside for dining as their is a restaurant in the hotel. This restaurant is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world and leaves an indelible impression on all who dine there.

The Ritz
Piccadilly
Luxury Prestige: 205 - 1435 UKP
Rooms: 131

2003-02-26T17:04:00.000-08:00

Veeraswamy

Veeraswamy is London's oldest indian restaurant. This restaurant was opened in the year 1926 by the great grandson of an English General, and an Indian princess. Till 1997 this restaurant had lots its lustre.Then in 1997 the restaurant was bought by Namita and Ranjit. They restructured the place by making changes in the decor. They designed with a contemporary style, with lacquered walls of South Indian colours of purple, gold, orange, green and yellow, bold design, and creative use of glass, chrome and gold leaf that add sparkle. The atmosphere at this place is very nice.

The food served in the restaurant is delecious starting right from chutneys, raitas, dahls and breads. The main course is excellent especially succulent swordfish steak cooked in the tandoor with turmeric, cumin and lemon, or the suitably pricey, rich Malabar lobster curry, balanced by fresh turmeric and raw mango. If you like it hot, try achaar gosht - a lamb dish cooked with fiery chilli and pickling spices.

Cutomers who have visited this restaurant in past include Edward - Prince of Wales, King Gustav of Sweden, Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, King Hussein of Jordan, and Marlon Brando.

Mezzanine Floor, Victory House
99-101 Regent Street
London W1R 7HB

Lunch: midday-2.30pm Mon-Fri; 12.30-3pm Sat & Sun. Dinner: 5.30-11.30pm Mon-Sat; 5.30-10.30pm Sun

2003-02-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

The London Embankment

The city of london is divided into north and south by river Thames. The view along the river is mind blowing. London Embankment is also an ideal place for lover. The beauty of its lies in the scenes surrounding the river. If you stand on the Waterloo Bridge, the bridge which leads its way to Strand and Fleet Street, from this street you are able to get glimpse of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben on one side and on other side if you look you will able to see St Paul's Cathedral.

As you are walking on the embankment you will see lots of lamppost and statues. These lampposts are showing fish twisted together around them. You will also find beautifully shaped iron park benches which are placed slightly higher than the pavement, where lovers have always sat to watch the Thames.

2003-02-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Cleoptra's Needle

This monument was first erected in in Egypt, by Pharaoh Thotmes 111 around 1500BC. Later in the year 1819 this monument was gifted to the people of london as a recognition of Nelson's Victory over the French fleet, at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.Bronze lions are placed on the sides of the monument.

This monument stand 60ft high and weighs over 180 tons.This monument sits on a pedestal(it is base which supports the foundation).The pedestal is surrounded by various antiques items like standard foot and pound, a full set of British Empire coins, Bibles in various languages, a railway guide, an almanac, and copies of contemporary newspapers from the Victorian society.

2003-02-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

Battersea Power Station

This scary looking building was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed the famous Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool. This building has Italian marble turbine hall, polished parquet floors, and carefully planned staircases. This power station provided London with electricity between 1937 and 1980.

This power staion was built on 15 acres of land and was built in two halves. The capapcity of the power station was 503,000 kW, produced from an annual coal consumption of over one million tons and a daily water usage of 340 million gallons, which was taken directly from the River Thames for cooling purposes.

As the structure has been classified as a grade II listed building and cannot be demolished. After the powers station was shut down a number of suggestions were put forward for its feature. This building was purchased by John Broome in 1987 for £1.5 million. He had in mind to turn the site into a giant theme park type amusement complex. As the amount of creating the theme parked reached £230 million by January 1989 he stopped the work. Since that day onwards the station remains without a roof and its steel work exposed.

In recent times there was a plan to build a giant shopping complex with 32-screen cinema, inside the shell of the building.Surrounding area of the station will also be developed.

The biggest fame of this station that the photo of the Power station had appeared on the front cover of the Pink Floyd album “Animals” with a pig flying overhead!

2003-02-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

Battersea Park Children's Zoo

Best place for you to take your kid. Battersea Park is one of the london's most beautiful and interesting open spaces, where one will find different variety tress and wildlife. This park is located on the south bank of the Thames and is one of London's most beautiful and interesting.

The park also has a zoo which is located in the north of the park. This zoo is specially designed for children. Here at the zoo one can see many animals like the monkeys, otters, reptiles, red squirrels, pygmy goats and go for a ride on a pony.Along with the animals the zoo also has various facilities for children like play area, carousel, gift shop and café.

Battersea Park Children's Zoo
Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 8871 7540

2003-02-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

The Ashes's

The term "Ashes" was first used when England lost to Australia for the very first time in England at The Oval on 29th August 1882. The people were so furious that the one magazine carried a mock obituary to English cricket which concluded that "The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia".

After few days England toured Australia.England lost its first three Test matches but won the next two. After the third test some australian ladies (including Miss Florence Rose Morphy) burned one of the bails used in the Third Test, put it a small brown urn, and presented it to Bligh who then captained the England side.

The urn was taken back to England who regarded them as personal gifts and kept them at the family home - Cobham Hall, near Rochester in Kent.In 1884 Bligh married Florence Rose Morphy. After his death she presented the Ashes to MCC. Today after the span of 75 years the Urn remains in the MCC Museum at Lord's. Each year, it is seen by tens of thousands of visitors, from all parts of the world.

After discussing both the boards of England and Australia aggred upon making a an Ashes-shaped Waterford trophy. The first trophy was awarded to Mark Taylor who captained Australia. They defeated England in the 1998-1999 Test.

Since then this trophy has been presented to the winning captain at the end of each Test series between Australia and England.

2003-02-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

Shushi

People in london are liking the japanese food a lot nowadays, especially the Shushi. Shushi is is served on a bed of shredded daikon (white Japanese radish) expertly cut sashimi and sushi pieces almost resemble bonsai versions of whole fillets and Western dishes.

Shushi is that kind of dish that takes a lot of practise in learning the art of preparing it. Sometimes it may take 10 years also to be a master in preparing the dish. Most of the kaiten restaurants (where the sushi and other dishes are served ) employ robots to make the sushi. These robots are no match for the chef but are bein used an alternate for the western chef who have read many cook books but do not prepare to its standard.

Sushi actually refers to the rice that the fish is served with. The rice is a short grain variety, and is sweetened and vinegared before its final transformation into sushi. Sashimi is the general tern for raw fish, and when served is just that, nothing else. It is usually served on a bed of shredded daikon, shiso (Japanese mint) with gari (pickled ginger) and soy sauce.

Here is a list of 5 best sushi restaurants in london :

Sumosan
26 Albermarle Street, W1S
(020) 7495 5999

Zuma
5 Raphael Street, SW7
(020) 7584 1010

Nobu
19 Old Park Lane, W1Y
(020) 7447 4747

Itsu
118 Draycott Avenue, SW3
(020) 7584 5522

Kulu Kulu Sushi
76 Brewer Street, W1
(020) 7734 7316

2003-02-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Canada Square, Canary Wharf

Canada Square, Canary Wharf is one of the tallest building in England is one of the tallest office blocks in Europe. About 6 million square feet of office and retail space has been constructed till now. In August 1991 the buildings first occupant arrived. And now the building is almost 95% is occupied,nearly 42,000 people are working here.

The building is the office of many major companies like Barclays Capital , Burlington Resources , ChevronTexaco , Clearstream Banking ,Electronic Data Services , International Grains Council, Maersk Company , Morgan Stanley and many more.

Some facts about the Canary Wharf :

Year: 1991
Height: 243,2m / 800.0ft
Floors: 50
Surface: 406.630sq. m. / 4,400,000sq. ft.
Architects: Cesar Pelli & Associates
Adamson Associates Architects
Engineers: Yolles, M. S. & Ptns., Ltd
Clients/Developers: Olympia & York
Initial cost: 800 million £
Aliases: One Canada Square
Prime Function: Commercial / Office Building
Materials: steel and rustfree steel
Address: One Canada Square
-Highest building in the UK
-Total weight: 1,000,016 kg

2003-02-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Vinopolis

Vinopolis is one of the famous place where one gets the complete information about wine. Vinopolis si spread over 2 ½ acres of London's Southbank, between Shakespeare's Globe and Southwark Cathedral. Wine tasting sessions takes place on Sunday afternoons.

5 wine tasting are included in the admission price. If you want you can taste more wines with a extra charge. Knowledgeable and informative guides help you drink your way through 100 wines, answering any questions and providing recommendations at the tasting tables.

Here at Vinopolis one can find out the origins of wine.Some of the artefacts date back 4000 years. Here visitors are will be lead through an introduction of wine regions, grape varieties and then...at your own pace, enjoy the Vinopolis World of Wine Tour with a further 5 wine tastings from a selection of over 100 wines from around the world.

At the end of the tasting, take part in a question and answer session and then immerse yourself in the Vinopolis World of Wine tour. Discover the secrets of the world of wine, enjoy a further five tastings and take part in the many additional experiences Vinopolis has to offer.

Opening Times
Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday 12.00pm - 6.00pm

Late Nights
Monday 12.00pm - 9.00pm
Friday 12.00pm - 9.00pm
Saturday 12.00pm - 9.00pm

Prices
£11.50 Adult
£10.50 Senior
£5.00 Child (5-15 years)
£2.00 The Robert Mondavi Experience
Vinopolis reserves the right to vary admission prices without prior notice.

2003-02-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

Rebel London

In many building or streets in london has the appearance of a city dominated by state power on a grand scale. These days, it is mainly in its now famous street culture that there is the sense of a rival political culture which is under the surface.

Here are some of the famous key events in London rebel history, picks five places of demonstrably revolutionary import and answers some queries.

Trafalgar Square
This is the square where some important incidents had taken place like the political street battles such as 1990s Poll Tax riots and the Bloody Sunday clashes of 1887 when unemployed protestors were crushed by police.

Hyde Park
This park was used for demonstrations which included the hyde park riots which had taken place in the year 1866. and anti-nuclear demos during the 1980s.

Brixton
This is the place that witnessed two major riots in the past two decades.

Clerkenwell Green
This was the place of rebellious gatherings in the 19th century from Chartist meetings to the Clerkenwell Riots of 1832.

Cable Street
On sunday 5th October 1936 there were clashes between Fascist and anti-Fascist demonstartors around Cable Street in London's east end.

2003-02-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a crusier which was launched in the year 1938. HMS Belfast was used throughout second world war playing a leading part in the destruction of the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst at the Battle of North Cape and in the Normandy Landings. The cruiser served the Royal Navy until 1965. In the year 1971 the cruiser was saved as the nations unique and historic reminder of Britain’s naval heritage in the first half of the twentieth century.

Ship Specifications :

OVERALL LENGTH 613 feet 6 inches (187metres)
BEAM 69 feet (21metres)
DRAUGHT 19 feet 9 inches (6.1metres)
ARMAMENT (1959) Twelve (4x3) 6-inch; eight (4x2) 4-inch HA/LA; twelve (6x2) Bofors AA
PROPULSIVE MACHINERY Four Admiralty 3-drum boilers; four steam powered Parsons single reduction geared turbines driving four shafts at 80,000 shaft horsepower.
MAXIMUM SPEED 32 knots (36 miles / 58 km per hour)
COMPLEMENT 750 - 850 (as flagship)

A tour around this huge and complex warship will take you from her Quarterdeck up to the top of her Bridge and all the way down through nine decks to her massive Boiler and Engine rooms. On the way you will see her triple 6-inch gun Turrets, the heavily armoured Shell Rooms and Magazines and experience what life was like for her crew by visiting the cramped Messdecks, Officers' Cabins, Galley and Sick Bay.

Visitor Information :

Address:
HMS BELFAST
Morgan's Lane
Tooley Street
London SE1 2JH

Open daily: 1 March - 31 October
10.00 am - 6.00 pm (last admission 5.15 pm)
1 November - 28 February
10.00 am - 5.00 pm (last admission 4.15 pm)
Closed 24, 25, 26 December
Admission:

Adults 5.40 UKP
Students 4.00UKP
Children & Seniors free
Information 020 7940 6300

2003-02-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

Tower of London

Tower of London of london was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. This tower is one of the world's famous fortified building and has two million visitors each year. All these 900 years this tower has been a palace, a prison, a royal mint and even a zoo! Today the 18 acre riverside site is home to the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders and the legendary ravens.

On 19th of May 1536 Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn was beheaded at the tower, having been accused of adultery and incest.She was beheaded with a clean blow of axe.The executioner received £24 for his work. Prisoners were often brought to the tower by water through traitors gate.You will still find the gate from inside the tower and the bricked up entrance to the gate is still visible from the river.

If you visit the tower then surely visit the ravens,people say that that if the ravens should ever leave then the White Tower will crumble and the monarchy will crumble too. To keep up with the legend,they have introduced new ravens. These ravens live on raw meat and bisuits which are soaked in blood. The ravens are so well looked after that they live for over 4 times the normal lifespan for ravens in the wild.

Here you will find that ravens dont have their wings,they are cut in order to prevent them from flying. Why will they leave anyways when they are getting such delicious food.

2003-02-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

Value of Pound

PRICE OF :-

1.Bus journey anywhere in central London - £1
2.Fish & Chips - £4
3.Entry to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels - £11.30
4.piece bespoke suit from Savile Row - £2,600
5.Cheapest seat at the Royal Opera House - £3
6.Most expensive seat at the Royal Opera House - £155
7.Sunday newspaper - £1
8.Pint of ale - £2.50
9.Afternoon tea at The Ritz - £27
10.Scrumptious 2 course English lunch at Porters, Henrietta Street - £10

2003-02-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Currency & Foreign Exchange

The currency used in England is Pound (Approximately $1.55) and this is divided into 100 pence. 1p and 2p coins are copper; 5p, 10p and the seven-sided 20p and 50p coins are silver; the £1 coin is gold and the £2 coin is silver in the centre with a circle of gold around the edge. The notes are £5 (blue), £10 (orange), £20 (purple) and £50 (red). On every coin or note you will find a picture of The Queen one side.

Banks in England usually open at 9:30 in the morning and close at 15:30 pm in the aftrenoon. Banks are open from Monday to Friday. But you will find some banks which are open on saturday from 09:30-13:00. There are lots of ATM centers in the city which accept all major credit cards with the a PIN number.

If a visitor wants to exchange his money then he will find many foreign exchange banks in the city.

2003-02-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

Fire Fighting

The fire fighting team of london city is a highly trained force of people. These fire fighters have 5 main goals to play when a fire has occured fire prevention as a primary task, legislating against fire risks in public places, workplaces etc., response to fire and emergency situations, special services to deal with catastrophes other than fire, and emergency planning to cope with possible large-scale disasters.

The services provided by the fire fighters are not free you have to pay them some amount. This is seldom, if ever, the case with genuine emergencies, particularly fire.

If anyone is found under the threat from fire:-

shout ‘fire’
dial 999 from a connected phone
sound the building fire alarm, if fitted
without risk to yourself attempt to extinguish the fire
leave the area, close doors behind you
leave the building

These are the major fire precautions one should take while ther is a fire.

2003-02-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

Leicester Square

Leicester Square is centrally located in london,between Piccadilly and Covent Garden, just north of Trafalgar Square. This square is busiest spots in the night time. You will find many entertainment on the streets. Buskers entertain the crowds with anything from an impromptu song to a political rant, tourists pay good money to have their faces ridiculed by cruel cartoonists.

The square is higly jam packed on Friday and Saturday nights. The square is having lots of movie theatre and is a perfect place to watch a movie in the afternoon and afterwards have cappucino and gossip in one of the many pavement cafes. This square is perfect meeting place for friends who gather after work to gossip and to get couple of drinks. If you want good value movie magic check out the Prince Charles cinema on Leicester Place, where tickets for a good selection of cult films start at £1.50.

For main meal one can try out China Town instead of having food at the chain-store eateries such as Garfunkel's and Chiquitas. You will find many mouth dishes which are served at the china town. The most popular joints in china town are Joy King Lau where the dim sum menu lists more than 40 dishes and Fung Shing which serves scrumptious hot pots such as stewed duck with yam for £7.50.

It is a nice place to visit if you are movie freak.

2003-02-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

Chemist & Drugstores

Chemist & Drugstores are the main are the main shops which provide an importanat factor in our day to day life. for our everyday needs like toothpaste or shampoo london has many small shops and retail outlets that can provide everything from Colgate to calamine lotion. Many odf these shops are open late and some of them are located on the petrol(gas)stations which are open 24 hours a day.

Boots is a major chemist joint which has many branches all over london. They are having well trained healthcare staff in every store.By telephoning 0845 0708090 you can find out where your nearest branch is. These stores play an important role in our everyday life.

Here is a list of some Chemist shops:
ABC Drugstores Ltd., 170-172 Stamford Hill, London, N16 6QX
ABC Drugstores Ltd., 75-77 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 8AD
ABC Drugstores Ltd., 15 Brick Lane, London, E1 6PU
Akro Pharmacy, 404 Katherine Road, London, E7 8NP
Allen Pharmacy, 150 Albion Road, London, N16 6TT
Allens Pharmacy, 224 Well Street, London, E9 6QT
Allens Pharmacy, 19 Castalia Square, London, E14 9PQ
Anthonys Pharmacy, 815-817 Romford Road, London, E12 6EA

2003-02-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

Alphabet Bar

This bar is the best Soho joint.This bar is located opposite Stone Island/C.P company Shop on Beak Street.The bar has a clock outside which is a helpful signpost for newcomers.The place has a good atmosphere.

The bar is well decorated from inside. The bar features live music and the bar features a comprehensive selection of premium beers and spirits. The staff at the bar are very friendly and are everready to get you the cocktail of you might fancy.The main bar gets a bit busy on Friday and Saturday evenings. In the basement one can find a comfartable seating which provides an great environment sinking in one's drink especially if you find a seat at the Pac Man table!

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:00-23:00
Sat 16:00-23:00
Sun Closed

Alphabet Bar
61-63 Beak Street, Soho, LONDON, W1R 3LF
Tel: (020) 7439 2190 Fax: (020) 7439 2195

2003-02-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

Ambulance Facility In London

London has an excellent ambulance facility. The city has about 400 emergency vehicles with 3,000 staff utilising the ambulance. 1,200 are directly concerned with emergencies and accidents and and 670 of them are well-qualified Paramedics.The ambulance facility in the city is free.

If person is injured in a accident one can dial 999. The phone is atteneded by someone who is used to dealing with people under the stress of an accident. A detail report of the accident should be given. After reporting about the accident one should remain at the same place because the time and skills of the people is precious.

If you are not feeling well the you can call the NHS Direct on-line Health Guide, Tel: 08 45 46 47.Nowadays many people are well qualified firt aiders,if you encounter with an accident they might try to give you help,it all depends on you to take their help or wait for the ambulance.

2003-02-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

Sherlock Holmes Museum

According to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson lived in a Victorian lodging house at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904. This house was built in the year 1815.

Now the house is converted into a museum which is dedicated to the life and times of Sherlock Holmes. One will find the interiors of the building as the same which is described in the stories. The building has 3 floors. On the first floor one will find the study room of sherlock holmes. Here one can sit on Mr Holmes’s armchair by the fireside to pose for photos and enter his bedroom adjoining the study. His possessions are in their usual places: his deerstalker, magnifying glass, calabash pipe, violin, chemistry equipment, notebook, Persian slipper and disguises.

Dr Watsons bedroom is on the second floor of the building. These rooms contain personal belongings and private papers of the great detective and a variety of exhibits from his published cases.

The third floor of the museum has wax models of scenes from the stories. The lumber room in the attic, where the lodgers used to store their trunks and luggage, can still be seen today.

The museum even has its own shop where one can buy a unique collection of gifts and antiques.This shop is located on the ground floor of the building.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum is open every day
(except Christmas Day) 9.30 am -6pm.
Admission: Adult £6 Child (Under 16) £4.

2003-02-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

Bank of England

The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and has the responsibility for issuing bank notes as well as making the country's interest rate decisions. The Bank of England was founded in 1694 by a Scotsman, William Paterson.

The bank was originally set up for raising money for overseas military campaigns. And later on this bank became the official banker to the British Government. The bank plays an important role in managing UK's foreign exchane and gold reserves.

Here is some facts of the Banknotes :

-The monarch's portrait did not appear on Bank of England notes until 1960.
-The highest value bank note issued by the Bank of England was the £1000 denomination. It was last issued in 1943.
-The metallic thread was first introduced into Bank of England notes in 1940.
-The fiver is the longest running denomination of Bank of England note: it was first issued in 1793.
-The facsimile signature of the Chief Cashier did not appear on Bank of England notes until 1870.
-Bank of England notes were not wholly printed until 1853. Until that year they were still signed by one of the Bank's cashiers.

2003-02-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

London's Transport Museum

London's Transport Museum is one of the london's famous museum. At this museum one can find the colourful story of London's famous transport system, from 1800 to the present day. The museum has a wide range of displays of buses, trams and trains.The museum has a section for kids known as the "Kidszone". The "Kidszone"has hands-on areas where fun activities help children learn about different aspects of transport.

The museum hosts different programmes and craft workshops for the children. The Museum's collections now consist of over 350 000 items, including not only road and rail vehicles, but also posters, photographs, films, drawings, maps, models, uniforms, signs and equipment of all kinds.

The museum is located in the heart of Covent Garden and the opening hours are Sat-Thu, 10:00-18:00, Fri, 11:00-18:00.

2003-02-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

London Media

Firstly we will start off with newspapers, london has 13 daily newspapers.Out of which one is only sports newspaper and another is for money. And if you are looking for gravitas then you will find it in four newspapers. These newspapers are The Times, The Telegraph with The Guardian and The Independent. They are stated in order of their ranking.

The tabloids are lead by The Sun, followed by The Star, The Mirror and the former communist paper, now the Morning Star. The Express and The Daily Mail could perhaps be called quality tabloids.

The Racing Post and the Sporting Life cater for the sporting fraternity and the Financial Times, or FT as it is colloquially known, is read by those who profess to own the country.

The sunday newspapers there is a choice of six, all nationals. the Times and the Telegraph have their Sunday versions and are joined by The Observer. All these newspaper contain have lots of supplements and magazines.

Apart from national television the two London stations to tune into are BBC London Live and London Tonight, which is the local television programme on the national ITV network.

BBc programmes are available throughout london. Nowadays FM is also catching up fast. Soft Rock is on Heart at 106.2FM, and there is a variety of London programmes on 88.9 and 89.9FM. Very popular music to work by comes from Virgin Radio at 1215AM.

2003-02-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

Police

The main Police Force in London is the Metropolitan Police which are known as 'the Met’. . It stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the City of London Police, whose responsibility is broadly the ‘square mile’ of the financial sector of London, also the British Transport Police and the Royal Parks Constabulary.

Both of these forces work together for the common interest of preventing of the crime and detecting of the crime. The Met was founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829.Police were then know by the name Peelers for many years.Today the Met has 25,500 officers, 10,800 civil staff and 844 traffic wardens. It covers 620 square miles and serves a population of 7.2million.

The City of London Police have some 732 officers, with back-up from 325 civilians. In times of high security states and other priorities the Police are under considerable pressure. Nonetheless, one of their prime duties is the protection of the public in all ways and they are very good at it.

If you have any problems relating to any crime that has been committed in your house or anywhere else you can dial 999 for police.

2003-02-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

Time Zones

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is the time from which all 24 hour clocks in the world take their cue and have done so for centuries.Everywhere in the world it is either GMTor it is GMT plus or minus. To make it more complicated in london they turn the clocks back one hour at the end of October and one hour forward at the end of March to ensure maximum use of daylight, but GMT itself does not change.

If you are making an international call you have to check time plus or minus GMT in thatcountry,to be sure of a civil reception. Many years back in UK,every town had its own time, plus or minus GMT. Oxford was minus 5 minutes 2 seconds. To this day Great Tom, Christ Church College’s famous bell ignores GMT at 9 pm but chimes 5 minutes later not nine, but 101 times, to commemorate the College’s original 101 students. . Possibly exhausted by this effort the bell then remains silent until 8 am next morning when it reverts to GMT

2003-02-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

Weather in London

The people of london have always enjoyed the weather. In spite of the fact they often have to put up with a pretty heavy amount of rain and bizarre changes of weather within the space of a few minutes. The golden rule is to expect rain, sun, heat and cold all in one day… and dress accordingly!

Winter Official (Dates: 21st December to 20th March)
The winter time is the coldest of the year even though there is no snow and ice as compared to the other parts of the country. Nevertheless it is advisable to take some warm clothes, as you’ll be lucky to have a warm day. In london it get dark very early.Sometimes even at 4 o'clock. Winter is the best season to visit london. The shops start their famous January sales in the New Year. You’ll also find hot chestnut sellers in the streets roasting chestnuts over hot coals. There’s nothing nicer than cruising through the frosty countryside with a glass of red wine in the comfort of a train carriage.

Spring (21st March to 20th June)
The aspect of british climate is its changeable nature. In london spring is more apparent season than any other season.If you are enjoying a picnic in spring and moments later you will find youself rushing for shelter as it starts to drizzle. This is the season where flowers start to bloom the trees beginning to bud and the number of tourists has yet to reach its summertime peakThe first of the traditional ‘London Season’ events take place too – take to one of the bank side pubs down the Thames to catch a glimpse of the annual Oxford v Cambridge Varsity boat race for example. Just make sure you wrap up in warm clothes that can easily be removed when the sun pops out.

Autumn(21st September to 20th December)
Wet, damp, misty and grey is the usual perception of an English autumn. This is the time of the year to visit the londons park, with the foliage turning deep hues of red, orange and yellow, the abundance of colour rivals the amazing flower displays seen during the summer. Take a waterproof coat and some sensible shoes and go for a stroll around some of the capital’s incredible 8,000 acres of royal parkland. Autumn is a great time to visit London.

2003-02-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Tickets

You can book online tickets of the selected top london dramas or musicals plus comedy club tickets through this Site . These tickets are purchased by Credit Card through the sites Secure Online Booking System (SSL), by fax or by telephone.

Office Hours*:
Monday to Friday: 09:30 - 17:30**,
Saturday: 09:30 - 12:30**
* Excluding Public Holidays
** UK Time Zone Applies: GMT in Winter, BST in Summer (GMT+1), note for USA readers GMT = Zulu

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You served me splendidly with a call to my mobile phone when I couldn't read my e-mail at home. THANK YOU!
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Customer, U.S.A.

Your service has FAR exceeded my expectations, thanks to the dedication of Antoinette Coll. I can't express my gratitude strongly enough!
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2003-02-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

Pubs and Law

In England you will many pubs. But all these pubs are having some restriction regarding the entry of the persons. Minors are not allowed in the pubs.

In England and Wales the maximum permitted hours of opening are
Monday to Saturday 11.00 to 23.00
Sunday 12.00 to 22.30

Many of these pubs have to open within these hours,but many pubs choose hours that suit their trade.Pubs in the city often close earlier in the evenings and do not open at weekends. Pubs in residential areas may close in the afternoon, so always check the entry first.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Customers must be 18 years and over of age to drink alcohol in a pub. There are seperate tables which are set aside only for eating in case 16-year-olds come there for eating.

-Children of 14 to 17 years old are allowed into the bar areas but cannot buy or consume alcohol.
-Children under 14 cannot enter a bar area unless the pub has a 'Children's Certificate' and they are accompanied by an adult.
-If you are in any doubt check with the bar staff if you want to bring children into a pub, most will have an area set aside.

2003-02-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

Tipping in London

Tipping is generally shows a sign of gratitude and is considered angst for many people.

Whatever the norm is in other countries about tipping, in UK it is entirely discretionary, even when it has been added to a bill.In many of the London’s restaurants a gratuity of around 10% to 15% is regarded as standard.Some places will include a service charge (sometimes listed as discretionary) on their bill, they should clearly state on their menus plus on the bills,but we find that this is not done.It is also possible that a restaurant will add a service charge onto the bill, but then try to mislead you by leaving the credit card slip open to get you to leave a further gratuity – beware of this, and if in any doubt always go ahead ask for clarification.

For a taxi drivers a tip of a 10% usually given by which he and the customer both of them are satisfied. Porters and doormen are pleased to accept £1 or £2, depending upon the nature of the service.

One should not assume that a lavish disbursement of tips will necessarily produce the full business. Generally this indicates that the tipper is rewarding genuinely good service which he or she had got was enough to identify and appreciate.

Don't hesitate in giving tips if you get good service.

2003-02-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

London

The city of London is considered as one of the major historical city, having seen everything from the Great Fire of London in 1666 to the Great Exhibition in 1851.The acrcitectural of the city is quiet visual feast,like elegant Georgian squares and terraces of Bloomsbury and Mayfair to the rather more austere Victorian wharves and warehouses of London's East End.

But perhaps one of London's greatest charms lies in the fact that even relatively mundane artefacts such as street signs and pillar boxes reveal something interesting about London's past. London is collection of villages that have spilled over into one another.But there is something distinguishable about each districts.

There are many places which are worth seeing in the city. So if you visit london dont forget to go to these places where you will get to learn abouth the englands history.

2003-02-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

Car Breakdown

If you car happens to break down do not wander about on the road. Ensure you hazard lights are flashing this to avoid any accidents.By chance any stops you lock your doors and speak to them through the window – you do not take chances, particularly on motorways and quiet rural roads. There are some passers by who might try to create trouble so you must take extra care.

In UK the cars are driven on the left hand side and the speed limits in the urban parts of the country is of 30 mph, with 60 mph on normal non-urban roads and 70 mph on motorways. The authority are very strict regarding the traffic rules and they dont hesitate to take you as a prisoner if you are found guilty.

Whenevr you are driving on a highway first take out some time to study the highway code.It is well-written and could well give you a few tips.

If your car breaks down you have a choice of three numbers to call :-

Automobile Association:- 0800 887766
National Breakdown:- 0800 400600
Royal Automobile Club:- 0800 828282

All these numbers are free.

2003-02-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

Visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum for a glimpse of how the game of tennis, once all the rage on the lawns of Victorian England and with origins that go far back to medieval royal tennis, and nowadays tennis has become a multi-million dollar professional sport which is played all over the world.

This museum has a vast of tennis memorabilia and exhibits, which include the original champonship trophies and a spectacular view of Centre Court.

Details :

Nearest Train Station: Southfields (District Line)
Nearest UK Airport: Heathrow/Gatwick
Months Open: All year (but only to tournament visitors during Championships)
Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes
Discount for Groups: Yes
Car Parking: Yes
Admission Price: £5 (conc £4.25) from April 2001
Gift Shop: Yes
Catering: Café Centre Court

2003-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

London Hotel Shop

Here is a list of London's best hotels and are according to their ratings.

LONDON HOTELS
prestige *****
luxury ****
moderate ***
budget **

Prestige hotels:
The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
Brown's Hotel, Mayfair
The Carlton Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge
Claridges, Mayfair/Bond Street
The Hampshire, Leicester Sq
The Hempel, Craven Hill Gdns

Luxury Hotels:
The Lowndes Hotel, Knighstbridge
Melia White House, Regents Park
The Montague, Bloomsbury
The Rookery, Farringdon
Rubens Hotel, Buckingham Palace

Moderate Hotels:
The Gainsborough, South Kensington
The Gallery Hotel, South Kensington
The Hyde Park Towers Hotel, Queensway
La Reserve, Fulham Road
London Guards Hotel, Lancaster Gate
The Willett Hotel, Sloane Square

Budget Hotels:
The Columbia Hotel, Hyde Park
The Grange Lodge Hotel, Ealing
The Hyde Hotel, Paddington
Lincoln House Hotel, Marble Arch
The Westminster, Bayswater

How to Book
Secure Booking:Each hotel has its Secyre online booking system.
Fax Bookings
Telephone
Online Advice
Office Hours (Monday to Friday 09:30 - 17:30)

2003-02-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

London Information

If you are a visitor and travelling for the first time to london here is a list of essential information about Exchange Rates, International Dialing, Tipping.

Exchange Rates:
Following are the latest excahne rates.

1 UK Pound = 1.61 US Dollar
1 UK Pound = 1.50 Euro
1 UK Pound = 196 Yen
1 UK Pound = 2.75 Australian Dollars

International Dialing
The following codes are subject to change
To U.K. from abroad
00 44 + (area code & local number)

To London, U.K. from abroad
00 44 + 20 + (local number) for LONDON

Abroad from UK
Australia : 00 61 + (area code & local number)

Canada : 00 1 + (area code & local number)

France : 00 33 + (area code & local number)

Germany : 00 49 + (area code & local number)

Sweden : 00 46 + (area code & local number)

U.S.A. : 00 1 + (area code & local number)

Tipping
Taxis : 10 % (not compulsory)

Restaurants : 10 - 15 % (not compulsory, unless stated)

Bars / Pubs : 10 % (not compulsory)

Doorman / Porters : Discretionary ; say One to Five Pounds

Unlike America giving a tip is not appreciated unless and until you find the service good and you want to show your appreciation.It is not compulsory uyou have to give tip but depends upon you.

2003-02-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

London Chorus

The London Chorus is London's most versatile choir, practising and performing a challenging and varied repertoire and continually developing its tradition of excellence. Th London Chorus was founded in the year 1903 in order to bring Elgar's Dream of Gerontius to London, the choir established its tradition of innovation, giving a number of first performances in its early years.Over last ten years many have performed here. People like Samuel Barber, Frank Martin, Richard Blackford, Ronald Corp and others have performed.

The choir has 120 members in it. singing in the London chorus is treated very prestigious as it provides an oppurtunity for the amateurs to work with very well known orchestra conductors and soloists in the world. They have performed in various venues and different parts of the England.

The choir formally changed its name in October 2000, with an acclaimed performance of Delius' rarely performed Mass of Life at the Festival Hall.Christmas time is very busy period for the choir members as they have been appointed by the Dome for carol singing.

2001/2 season the London Chorus performed a wide range of works, including Rubbra’s Song of the Soul, Finzi’s God is gone up, Bach’s Cantata no. 4, Mozart’s Requiem, Walton’s music for Henry V, and Vaughan Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region, Durufle’s Requiem, Langlais’ Messe Solonnelle, Poulenc’s Gloria, Szymanowski’s Stabat Mater, Ronald Corp’s Adonai Echad, Walton’s Coronation Te Deum, Coronation Anthems by Handel and works by Poulenc, Villette, Howells, Hadley and Stanford.

2003-02-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

Online Dating Services (U.K.)

Online dating has been a most popular features of the internet. More and more people are signing up for the online dating service facilities.

Most seem to work the same way. Trial membership is free. You get to register your own details and browse through the records of suitable partners. But if you want to contact any person through mail you are usually required to pay for that service.The annual monthly fees are reasonable, with shorter trial periods for five pounds offered by some.

For example, free membership at Dating Direct, the UK's largest dating service with over 450,000 members, allows you to:
- Add your profile
- Add your photos
- Browse profiles
- Find out who likes you

Only when you want to read the replies you will have to pay for the Premier Membership.Here is a Sample Dating Direct Premier Membership prices (Feb 2003):
- 3 Months Special Offer: UKP 29.95
- 1 Month (30 days): UKP 19.95
- 3 Day Trial (3 days): UKP 4.95

There is two other online dating service providers in london Bompi, datingagency and Singles 121. You can n number of times to these sites and see which ones suits your criteria. There is no harm in registering yourself on these site and who knows someone might contact you before paying for the premier membership.

2003-02-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Car Rental

Let me first remind you tha in london the cars are driven on the left hand side. This is confusing for the American and the European people as they drive on the "wrong" side of the road. If this doesn't put you off, the traffic and non-existent parking might. Car rental in the london city is very expensive compared to the American prices.

If you are having a car you can visit places which public transport can not reach. While renting a car you have to clear some documents like insurance, taxes, etc .Watch out for high insurance excesses (the amount you pay if you have an accident before the insurance kicks in).

The cost of petrol (or gas) is around 60 pence per litre that comes 2.5 ponds per UK gallon. Here all the cars are run on unleaded petrol or diesel.

Here is a list of online car rental firms:

www.avis.com
www.europcar.co.uk
www.hertz.com

Specialist Cars
Farino 020 7495 5141 (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW)
Wykehams 020 7589 6894 (Morgans; classic handbuilt British sportscars)

Others:
Budget 0541 56 56 56
Thrifty 0870 516 8104

2003-02-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

Wine Guide

For enjoying wine you dont have to be a expert.But learning the basics will surely will boost your confidence and enhance your pleasure.

Some Facts about wine.
-Definition : Wine is nothing more than the juice of fermented grapes. Simple!
-Red & white All grape juice is white. The colour and consistency of red wine (and rosé) results from the skins and stalks being pressed along with the flesh or 'pulp' of the grapes.
-Origin Although generalisations are fraught with danger, Old World wine from vine growing veterans; France, Germany, Italy and Spain is known for its elegance and refinement. New World wine, from relatively recent entrants like Australia and Chile is characterised by full-on, fruity styles produced using modern technology.
-Price Generally, if you spend more you will experience greater depth and complexity of flavour and a longer finish; overall, a more interesting drink. Price is also dependent on reputation and where in the world production takes place.
-Flavour The flavour of wine is influenced by a number of factors including: the grape variety, the climate, the soil type, maturity, use of oak casks and the skill of the winemaker.
-Grapes Many different varieties of grapes are used to make wine, either singularly or as a blend. Each variety has unique taste and cultivation requirements.
-Maturity Ageing in cask or in bottle can add subtlety and complexity to the flavour of wine. Not all wine requires ageing; many, particularly inexpensive wines, are ready to drink straight away.
-Vintage A wine vintage merely relates to the year the grapes were harvested, it does not necessarily denote superiority. The quality of a vintage, which is important for fine wine, is chiefly determined by the weather and therefore the harvest.
-Tasting There is no right or wrong answer as to what a wine tastes like, as you will find if you involve some friends. Fundamentally, it's just a case of closing your eyes and thinking about what it reminds you of.
-Food and wine White wine for white meat, red wine for red meat is not a bad guide, but that shouldn't stop you experimenting. Always consider not just the main component of the dish but also the sauces or accompaniments that are being served. For example roast turkey served with rich stuffing will require an adaptable wine to balance out the meal, a light red would be ideal.
-Your preferences Fortunately, the only way to find out what appeals to you is to experiment! Our tasting kits have been put together to emphasise the differences between styles and comes complete with recommendations for you to follow up with.

2003-02-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Heal's

Heal's is one first store opened in London nearly 200 years ago. Heal's has been at the forefront of stylish, contemporary design.It is one of the biggest furniture store in london.

The store with all its vast the experience help you make the most of your interiors - striking, high quality furniture, rugs, beds, furnishing fabrics, bed linens and vast range of home accessories all conveniently available under one roof.

Heal's stocks only the very best in modern furniture and home accessories. Most items are exclusive to Heal's, all share the high quality workmanship and attention to detail for which our name is so well known. And when it comes to product choice, Heal's is simply second to none.

SPECIALIST SERVICES
The store is very famous for making curtain and blind making. The store has wide range of curtain and blind styles, which are available in hundreds of fabrics. The curtains and the blind are made according to the customers requirement.

Heals handmade beds are very well known in the world. Heal has world acclaimed handmade beds of the highest quality, tailor made to your individual needs.

Heal provides one of the best interior design service for your home or your office. So if you are planning to renovate your house try the service which is provided by the Heals Store.

2003-02-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

Carphone Warehouse

Carphone Warehouse is one the biggest retail shop in london where many varities of mobile phones are sold under one roof. Carphone Warehouse is the largest independent retailer of mobile communications in Europe.

Our history
Carphone Warehouse started trading since 1989. The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC has achieved phenomenal growth by focusing on customer service and providing an infrastructure that is unrivalled. The plans of expansion of this company is so huge that it has become the largest independent retailer of mobile communications in Europe. The branches of this company are spread in 12 countries and have more than 1,085 stores. Their reason behind such development is that their success lies in ability to offer customers consistently simple, impartial advice on everything to do with mobile communications.

Their business is divided into 3 segments:
-Distribution, comprising retail, online, wholesale and insurance;
-Telecoms Services, comprising on-going airtime revenues, our facilities management business and our MVNO, Fresh;
-Data Services, comprising and encompassing our mobile services and products.

As a new generation retailer, the company aim to exceed in their customer’s expectations by providing an innovative approach to service. Because of their new ideas and customer services they are always at the top. Each and every person contributes a little share of his knowledge in development of the company.By incorporating new ideas in retailing and new technologies, we have created a stimulating and rewarding environment for all of our employees

The future of mobile communications is limitless.There is always something new development coming up in the market. And this company is the first one to produce this products to the customers.If this standard continue not only in what they sell but how they sell it - and that is where they rely on their team. The mobile communications industry is still technically in its infancy and the company is helping it to grow and in turn it is growing with it.

2003-02-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

Arsenal

Club Info

Ground: Highbury
Address: Avenell Road, London N5 1BU
Capacity: 38,500
Tel: 020 7704 4000
Fax: 020 7704 4001
Box Office: 020 7704 4040
Credit card bookings: 020 7413 3366
Club Shop: 020 7704 4120
Chairman: Peter Hill-Wood
Manager: Arsene Wenger

The Arsenal club is one of the finest known club in london. Best supported club in the capital, Arsenal also have the proudest history.

Arsenal Football Club began life when a group of workers at the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory decided to form a football team in late 1886. The Club played under the name of Dial Square. Their first match was a 6-0 victory over Eastern Wanderers, on December 11th, 1886. After this Arsenal name was adopted and they played in local cups for sometime.In 1891 the Club turned professional and changed its name to Woolwich Arsenal, finally joining the Football League in 1893.

After the first world war the first division football league was extended to 22 teams. Arsenal was voted into the top division. And from there onwards there journey started. In the year 1986/87 Arsenal became the inaugural winners of the Littlewoods Cup. It was the first time the Club had won the League Cup in any of its guises. League Championships followed in 1988/89 and 1990/91; the domestic Cup 'Double' in 1993 and, finally, the Cup Winners' Cup victory against Parma in 1994. The team had many excellent players in their team.

Players like Thierry Henry, Davor Suker, Silvinho, Oleg Luzhny and Stefan Malz joined the Club, 1999/2000 started well with the Charity Shield victory over Manchester United. More international stars, Pires, Lauren, Wiltord and Igors Stepanovs, joined in time for the 2000/2001 season, and once again Arsenal pushed Manchester United hard in the Premiership, finishing second for the third consecutive year.

2001-02 Saw the Gunners write a new chapter in their illustrious history with a third 'Double'. We clinched the F.A. Cup in style with a 2-0 win against Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium. And won the Title at the sweetest of venues, Manchester United's Old Trafford.

If you want to know more abot the Arsenal club you can visit this site

2003-02-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Transportation in London

London is a very big metropolitian city in England. The population of london is 7 million. Because of this high population london city is becoming congested day by day. By whichever means you want to travel in the city you will have to go through holdups, harassment and hastle. This is the life in london.

London city was very proud of having the world's first of its kind urban tranport systems. But nowadays people complain that these transportations are old. Upgradation is not taking place in the transportation department. People consider US cities system are much more better than london system.

The london of city first to introduce Tubes Trains.These trains run underground. If you visit london you have to travel in the tube train atleast once. In london you will find many red double deckers. Or if you are very energetic then you can walk.It is the best way to see any city and London is no exception. One can use these tubes or buses to go to the main station from their one can walk. Don't forget that although London is a very safe city, even late at night, you will stand out as a foreigner and therefore as an easy target, so exercise care at all times.

Things you didn't know about London Underground
Every Tube train travels the distance from London to Sydney (10,500 miles) seven times a year.
The Tube carries as many individual passengers a year as the population of Australia (19 million).
These passengers made 930 million trips in 1999 - the same as all the UK's other train operators put together. In 2000, the number of trips topped one billion.
During the three-hour morning peak, 34,000 people enter Victoria, London's busiest Tube station.
150,000 people an hour enter the Tube system - enough to fill Wembley Stadium twice over.
The London Underground has been known as The Tube since 1890, when the first deep-level electric railway line was opened.
The Underground name first appeared on stations in 1908.
London Underground's world-famous logo, the roundel - a red circle crossed by a horizontal blue bar - was designed by calligrapher Edward Johnston and first appeared in 1913.
408 escalators and 112 lifts keep passengers moving throughout the system. Waterloo station has the most escalators, with 25.
The Underground's busiest station is Victoria, with 76.5 million passengers a year.

If you want to know more about the Tube like its timing, areas covered,cost of the ticket etc.check this kool site

2003-02-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is conidered one of the london's darkest place. Experience the thrills and chills of a terrifying tour through dark catacombs - tread in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper, run the gauntlet of flames and be sentenced to death on a dark barge trip to traitors gate!

Just last year the dungeons have added a new attraction named Wicked Women -Take a chilling trip back in time for a rendezvous with the most devious and dangerous women in history.

If you are an adventorous kind of a person dont forget to visit the dungeon to get some fun and thrill.

2003-02-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

Fan Museum

This museum is one of the world's first museum which has a unique display of fans from all over the world. The museum building is of 18th century and till date it is very beautifully restored. The museum has got a unique collection of fans from all over the world, these fans are very rare as some of the fans are from 11th century. The building has an beautifull garden.

Royal Fans - 5 March–7 July 2002: This exhibition explores the role of fans at court and the extent to which they were used as status symbol by royalty throughout the centuries.

Several fans from Her Majesty The Queen’s collection are on show.

So when you visit london be sure of visiting this beautifull museum having a superb collection of rare fans.

2003-02-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

London Aquarium

London Aquarium is situated in the County Hall on the south bank of the Thames. London aquarium is one of the largests Aquarium. And one can find many rare aquatic species in the musuem.The london aquarium features hundreds of varieties of fish and sea life from all over the world.The aquarium is displayed around two huge tanks representing the Pacific and Atlantic oceans

The main reason for setting up this aquarium was that common people should be aware of the world's aquatic environments through a series of displays based on the oceans of the world. For example there is Pacific Ocean exhibit contains a huge colection of sharks and stingrays in over one million litres of water.The other tank has wide collection of fishes from the Atlantic Ocean.

So when you visit london be sure ti visit this aquarium where you will be able to see varies life forms which are found in the oceans.

2003-02-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

Queen Elizabeth Gate

This gate is very popular by the name Queen Mother’s Gate. This gate was build in the 1993. This monument was build when the city was going through its worst recession, even they built it. Lots of money was used for building the gate which was unnecessary. Queen Mother who was a sprightly 93 years old at the time. Not only were people against it but when they show its design they were shocked to see the gate.

But now the gate has been approved from a lot of people. It is certainly a welcome change from the severe black ironwork, used so much throughout the capital. The gate is at its best at night when it is floodlit.

2003-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Red Rose Comedy Club

The Red Rose club is one of the famous club of London. Every saturday at this this lovely, popular pub surrenders to laughter with a comedy night. Which is very popular with the customers as well as the performers. In the month of February many big people are going to peform thier acts. This place is kool for one to enjoy his drink.

Here is a list of person who are going to perform at this club.Saturday 1: Will Smith, Neol James, Ria Lina and Simon Clayton with MC Michael Legge.Saturday 8: Milton Jones, Ian Coppinger and Gordon Southern, MC Ivor Dembina. Saturday 15: Steve Gribbin, Dara O'Brain and Steve Day with Alfie Joey. Saturday 22: Noel Fielding, Stephen K. Amos and Alistair Barrie, MC Ivor Dembina.

The Red Rose
129 Seven Sisters Road
N7 7QG
Pricing: £7
Travel: Finsbury Park

2003-02-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

London's Top Musicals

As one knows the london is home for more than 108 theatres and music halls. London's West End shows are amongst the best in the world attracting big stars from Kevin Spacey and Madonna to Gwyneth Paltrow. And one of the best in london is My Fair Lady.

My Fair Lady

This is a story about Henry Higgins who is linguistics professor and confirmed bachelor.This story tells that he bets one of his friends that he can transform a flower selling lady Eliza Doolittle into a lady who can take her place in high society. Though he wins the bet, but doesn't bargain for the profound effect she has on his life.

The The score is brimming with great songs, including 'I Could Have Danced All Night', 'The Rain in Spain', 'Wouldn't it be Loverly' and 'I'm Getting Married in the Morning'.

Venue: Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Performances: Mon-Sat 7.30, Saturday and Wednesday Matinee 2.30pm
Ticket Prices: £22.50-£40
Station: Covent Garden Tube

2003-02-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

London Open Top Bus Tours

The London city is celebrating 50 years of tours, so they are offering an action-packed introduction to some of the best that the Golden Jubilee City has to offer.They are giving FREE 50 minute Circular River Cruises on our Catamaran Cruisers. Normally costing £6.70 these cruises are available free to holders of a valid 24 hour sightseeing ticket.

Among various places in the city you will visit are the Buckingham Palace Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Dungeon for a spine-chilling experience, St Paul’s Cathedral, scene of many major national occasions, the BA London Eye for superb views of London and beyond, The Tower of London for some of England’s grimmer history lightened by the Crown Jewels, and Westminster Abbey, scene of the great ceremonial funeral earlier this year for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

These are one of the few wonderful places you can visit. Each of the exciting tour makes 80 stops and you have the choice of joining or alighting at any one of them. This enables you to spend little more time at the attraction which you have liked the most. All stops are listed in the leaflet supplied with each ticket.

Along with your tour there is an English speaking guide, who knows the city at his back of his hands, has good sense of humour and has the confidence in answering to your questions.

Here is what people have to say about us:-

“…you made me proud to be a Londoner.”

“I feel I have to write to thank you for a wonderful day…You made my trip one that I will remember always.”

“I’ve learned more about the capital in two hours than in two years of living here.”

“Your live English speaking guides were good too. Their clear cut explanation and witty remarks made us smile all the way…you have greatly contributed to the success of our stay in London.”

The tickets you buy is valid for 24 hours. For a modest £17 you can experience the traditional way of seeing London – all the zing factor of a close experience without losing control of your day.

2003-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hyde Park

The Hyde Park is the largest park in central London spread across 390 acres of land. It used to belong to the church but has been a royal park since Henry VIII seized it in the 1530’s.

There is a large lake used for boating and bathing was created in the 18th century, by damming the Westbourne River. there is one part in the park known as speakers corner is set aside for anyone who wishes to speak or preach about anything. highly entertaining, speakers vary from the serious to the completely wacky. Sunday is the busiest and best day to visit Speakers’ Corner.

Throughout the year Royal Gun Salutes are performed in the park to mark special occasions, such as the Queen’s birthday and state visits.A charge is made for deckchairs, boat hire, and entrance to the bathing lido.

2003-02-08T17:08:00.000-08:00

Oxford Street

Oxford street is London's busiest shopping street.Before a century ago Oxford Street and the Piccadilly area were mainly residential.
Today on the oxford street one will find many shops. And you get whatever things you want from this street shops. Major stores include John Lewis, DH Evans and Marks and Spencer. Bookshops include Dillions and Books Etc, and top music shops are HMV and the new Virgin Megastore.

The most famous shop on the stree is Selfridges, which is a very huge departmental store near the bond street. This shop was built in the year 1909 by an American person named Gordon Selfridge, and was the biggest shop in Britain.The shop is so large that at the entrance one will find printed floor plan for better navigations.Selfridges has a highly popular food hall.

The street is most crowded at the time of christmas. The crowd is so large at that time various measures have to be used to prevent gridlock, both for traffic and for pedestrians. Once the number of shoppers coming for shopping for christmas on the street was so huge police tried an experiment whereby pedestrians had to use a one-way system and travel up one side of the road and down the other.The street is closed throughout the day to all traffic, except for buses and taxis. Traffic jams however, are still common.

Watch out for mock auctions that are sometimes held in empty shops in Oxford Street.

2003-02-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

Nicole's

Nicole's one of the finest restaurants in london. The restuarnat has two levels and is contemporary and minimal by design. The upper area, with a striking glass and bead blasted stainless steel bar, provides the setting for a quick, informal meal.The main dining area is loacted on the lower level, sets the scene for a more leisurely dining experience, with an a la carte menu.Nicole’s is open from 10:00 for breakfast, through to lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Nicole was opened in the year 1994 and till today it keeps on continueing to tempt London’s most discerning food critics.The main chef Annie Wayte has created modern European menus with influences from California, with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients.The restaurant also serves world's best wine many of which are available by the glass, with house wine at £13.25.

Mon - Fri 11:30 - 15:30 and 18:30 - 22:45

Sat 11:30 - 17:30

2003-02-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

British Museum

Everyone knows london is home to over 300 museums and galleries. making it the epicentre of culture and collections in the northern hemisphere!

British Museum is not only famous in London but is alos renowned throughout the world. This museum is visited by highest numbers of visitirs evry year. The musem was founded in the year 1753, it is also the oldest museum in the world and its contents catalogue over two million years of world history and culture. The museum has 94 galleries and thousands of artefacts. The most famous exhibits in the museum inlcude Elgin Marbles - sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens, Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone.

The museum had a reading room which was recently incorporated into the Great Court has witnessed the likes of Karl Marx, Mahatma Ghandi and George Bernard Shaw working under its awe-inspiring dome. One can spend many days just viewing the incredible array of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. One will find many stunnig treasures from around the world.

Admission to the British Museum is free,but one has to pay charges for some of the special exhibitions.

The British Museum opens daily 10:00-17:30 Sat-Wed, 10:00-20:30 Thurs-Fri (selected galleries).
Great Court opens 09:00-18:00 Mon-Wed, 09:00-23:00 Thurs, Fri and 09:00-18:00 Sat and Sun.
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.
Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn or Russell Square.
Enquiries: 020 7323 8299
Entrance: FREE.

2003-02-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

British Airways London Eye

Whatever you're interested in, you'll find something fun and fascinating to do in London city. London city has many atraction for the visitirs to see. One of the attraction which is visited by many tourist is the London Eye.

The British Airways London Eye is the world's highest observation wheel and its 30-minute slow-moving flight gives unrivalled views over London. Originally conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as an entry for a millennium landmark competition, the project took six years. From its steel and glass capsules, you can peek into the back garden of Buckingham Palace and, on a clear day, see across seven counties.

The power required by the wheel is 5000kw, this is equivalent of six light bulbs per person if all capsules are full. The 32 capsules of the wheel can carry over 15,000 visitors per day. For making of this giagantic wheel 1,700 tonnes of steel have been used. This wheel on an average mkaes 8,000 rotations in a single year, at the speed 0.23 meters per second.

The Eye is the sixth tallest structure in london.The eye has recieved many awards.The eye was conceived, designed and built against considerable odds. Of all the remarkable facts about the London Eye, perhaps the most astonishing is that it was ever built at all.

2003-02-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

London Pass

London Pass gives you FREE entry to over 60 favourite attractions as well as travel on public transport on buses, tubes and trains. The London Pass not only has beneifits but also saves the trouble of you standing in the queues for the tickets at selected attractions.

The pass has many many benefits like discounts at restaurants and theatres, and free internet access. And there are some places where the attraction is normally free of cost to the public this pass gives you the oppurtunity of free guided tour. Wherever you use your pas let it be the museums or cinemas, galleries or go-karting, cathedrals or zoos, with the pass there really is something for everyone. Above all the London Pass saves your valuable money.

Benefits of the Pass
Free entry to over 60 London Attractions
Includes public transport (Zones 1 - 6)
Over £350 (approx. $560) worth of entrance fees
Cut to front of lines at attractions
Free 132 page guidebook
Many special offers and benefits
From just £12 (approx. $19) a day

2003-02-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Porters Bar

The branches of the Porters Bar are the best bars in London. The atmosphere here at the bar is civilised with none of the pretentious attitude you get in so many bars nearby. The decor of the bar is very bright, colourful and airy which adds to the sense of relaxation.18 wines are on offer by the glass which is another bonus.

Both the bars are very ideally situated which is great fun for having long chat, a snack and a drink. Various food i also served here at the bar. to start off with light bites which include excellent French onion soup, while the Chinese mini spring rolls with dipping sauce are very ideal starters while drinking. Also recommended is the pizza with mixed peppers, olives and sweetcorn while the chilli con carne with sour cream, cheddar, onions and bread is enough for a person who is having good appetite.

The bar also serves grill items like honey kebabs and fragrant rice while sumptuous puddings. Add to all this the fact that Porters provide some of the best value in London.so be there to visit the porters if you are visiting london.

2003-02-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the London's most popular tourist attraction. This tower came into existence following the Norman conquest (1066) and the need to colonise and defend England. This tower was basically used as prison, palace,place of execution, and showcase for the Crown Jewels.

Aftre the break of King Henry VIII with the catholic church the tower housed religious prisoners. Visitors can also see the Crown Jewels which are still used by the Royal family today, the Yeoman Warders ('Beefeaters') who have been protecting the tower since the fourteenth-century and the infamous ravens. Legend has it that Charles II was told that if the ravens left the Tower then the monarchy would fall.

The Tower of London opens daily 09:00-17:00 Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00 Sun (Mar-Oct). 09:00-16:00 Tues-Sat 10:00-16:00 Sun-Mon (Nov-Feb). Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.
Tube: Tower Hill.
Enquiries: 020 7709 0765.
Entrance: Adult: £11.50 Students and Senior Citizens £8.75 Child: £7.50. Under 5s: FREE.

2003-02-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day

Valentine as evryone knows is as festival of romance and love. London is a perfect city to celebrate valentines day.Lovers will revel in the wealth of intimate restaurants, cosy corners, elegant parks and world class hotels. Turn your spark to a flame with a nighttime stroll along the enchanting banks of the River Thames.

Does anyone what is so special about this day. I guess no. The history of the valentine day is a mystery. Its roots lie in Pagan and ancient Roman traditions and month February has long been associated with romance. The legends have stated that Saint Valentine was a priest who served under the evil Emperor Claudius II in the third century BC.He aided Christian martyrs and secretly married young couples.

For this act the saint was seized and was taken to the roman emperor. The Roman emperor sentenced the priest to death. The priest was then clubbed to death and his head was cut off. He was martyred in the year 270. His death coincided with the festival of Juno, the Goddess of women and marriage. Image of the saint as sympathetic, heroic and romantic figure has led to his enduring appeal through the ages.

Let yourself be transported back in time this Valentine’s Day. See the oldest card in existence at the British Museum, recreate the love stories of ages past amid London’s ancient streets or simply sit in romantic silence and admire the view from one of London’s famous vistas. Succumb to the charms of this fantastic city for an unforgettable Valentines experience.

2003-02-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Royal Festival Hall

Venue:
150,000 hours of music have been performed at this venue. This hall was built in the year 1951. It is the largest venue in the South Bank Centre and is at the heart of London’s music scene.

Site:
This hall is visited by three million people every year. The Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room are used for dance, song and recitals.The colossal Poetry Library houses the Arts Council modern collection. For a more relaxed musical treat sample the free lunchtime concerts in the Foyer, which is open to the public from 10:00 – 22:00.

What goes on:
The Royal Hall is classical music venue. It benefits from the residency of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonia and four associate ensembles.The hall also hosts events like the opera andLondon Jazz Festival. A cultural feast like Meltdownfestival is held every year in the month of june.Each year Meltdown has a guest curator, most recently David Bowie.

2003-01-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

London News

Olympic Official Backs London Bid for the 2012 Olympics - As being reported on the Daily Telegraph, a long standing and senior member of the Olympics Committee has backed the proposal to host the 2012 Olympics in London. According to Alex Gilady, an Israeli who has had a home in London for 22 years, the Olympics will bring a host of improvements to London's transportation system. According to Gilady, the Olympics makes strategic sense for any major city, because it brings about a host of positive changes for the better for the host city. To cite a few examples, Gilady observes that the transportation system of London has long been waiting for an overhaul and this is the right time to bid for the Olympics and make the city one of the best places to live in . Find the complete article at the Daily Telegraph's website.

2003-01-22T04:35:00.000-08:00

Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew are just that. Royal!!. With over 40,000 plant species on display, it would have been better to name the place the Garden of Eden!. No kiddding. The variety of plant species you find here humbles the human spirit as you realsie the beauty and diversity that exists in the world. Some of the exhibits at Kew for the months of February and January are as follows - Witch Hazels, Cornelian Cherry, Camellias, Rhododendrons etc.

The Royal Botanical gardens are so huge that they spread across Kew Gardens, Surrey and the Wakehurst Place in West Sussex. There is so much to be told about the Royal Botanical gardens that just a few lines here do no justice to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. For more information you miht want to visit the official website of the Royal Botanical Gardens.

2003-01-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

The London Aquarium

Well....the London Aquarium deserves more than just a small blog about it. However, I will try and do justice to this amazing aquarium in as few words as possible. Let me start of by saying that the London Aquarium is amongst the top aquariums in the world. This should come as no surprise because this is London baby!!.

The London Aquarium will literally flood your senses. No kidding mate!, its really a must see thingy in London. The exhibits in the London Aquarium let you experience everything from the secrets of the coral reef to the depths of the Indian Ocean. Not to forget the amazing riches of the Atlantc and Pacific Oceans are on display too. The Aquarium contains over 350 different species of animals including and not limited to eels, sharks, piranhas, rays, jellyfish etc.

For more information on the London Aquarium you might want to visit their official website. They offer online bookings for entry tickets too.

2003-01-22T04:17:00.000-08:00

Popular London Attractions

London has so much to offer the tourist. The city is choc-a-bloc with stuff to see and do. Right from ancient castles to happening nightclubs, there is just about everything of everything in London. The British Airways London Eye, is one of the latest and most famous attractions in London. This ferris wheel is the biggest in the whole world and the whole trip lasts about 30 minutes. The ride offers one of the most panoramic views posible of London. On clear days you might get to see as far away as 7 counties across London!. This is a must see attraction if you ever plan to go to London and is definite thrill for families and kids.

2003-01-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

I must be the luckiest man alive to be able to live in the beautiful city that London was, is and shall be for eons to come. I plan to post here, innumerable accounts of the happenings in my life and in London in general. Hope all of us have fun :D