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London

United Kingdom


London Gallery
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London Restaurants

  • Cheap (70)

    Feng Sushi

    With a sustainable menu that changes six times a year, a sushi fix at this very zen canteen is not only guilt-free, but it also throws up some unexpectedly delicious taste combinations: think... read more

  • Affordable (75)

    Angel & Crown

    Dining in busy Covent Garden can often be hit or miss, making this traditional pub a real find for those looking for a guaranteed good eat. Downstairs is drinking only, while there's room for... read more

  • Good quality (82)

    MEATliquor

    This boozy haven for carnivores is by far the trendiest new contender on the Marylebone restaurant scene. The brainchild of the duo behind London's infamous Meatwagon burger van, the loud and... read more


London Nightlife

  • Chilled (71)

    Hive

    Not a bad little spot for a drink, just by Brixton tube station. The popular Brixton Academy is nearby, but The Hive's tucked-away location means that you never have to struggle at the bar with all... read more

  • Live Music (47)

    XOYO

    On the outskirts of Shoreditch, by Old Street, this club was given a kick-start by its location alone when it opened last year. Now, it's surely the music policy that is its secret to continued... read more

  • Clubbing (67)

    The Collection

    With high ceilings and flashy interiors, there's only one borough this place could be seen in, and that's Chelsea. Guests at The Collection are well-heeled and sip only the finest cocktails and... read more


This Month in London:

By Amy Dennis

Shopping: For those who are visiting the capital for the first time, there is no foodie experience quite so diverse as Borough Market. Held Thursday-Saturday, the plethora of stalls varies from quality British meat and pie sellers, to spice vendors and everything in between. Go with a big, hungry stomach and attempt starters, main course and desserts as you pass through the market under the arches of the London Bridge railway tracks - finish off with a prosecco or a rest in a neighbouring pub (8 Southwark Street, SE1).

Sightseeing: You don't have to have seen the film to appreciate Billy Elliot the musical, which continues to be brilliant even after years on the west-end stage. The young cast of actors is both adorable and super talented in a performance packed full of dancing. More adults than kids fill the seats of the Victoria Palace Theatre, proving the show's appeal to all (from £19.50, Victoria Street, tel: 0844 811 0055).

Key areas: Thorpe Park reopens its huge gates on 15 March and there'll be plenty of thrill-seekers waiting outside. Stomach-turning rollercoasters with fantastic names such as "stealth" and "colossus" stand next to log flumes and nemesis rides. Then there's the "saw alive" experience - a live action horror maze of six rooms decked out just like the Saw film set, and with actors running after the terrified thrill-seekers to boost (Surrey, thorpepark.com).

Day trips: Charles Dickens' bicentennial is just one reason to make the trip to his hometown of Rochester. Browse the antique shops, sample Kentish brews at vintage pubs and enjoy dramatic views from the 12th-century castle - and all just a 40-minute train ride on the high-speed train from St Pancras.

London News & Gossip

The Queen Spotter's Guide

The Queen Spotter's Guide

THE QUEEN Elizabeth Regina 
Characteristics Lady of a certain age. Waves a lot. Elaborate plumage. Wears a lot of headgear, from muted pastel creations to big, gold crowns, plus a natty perm-and-sensible-shoe combo.
Environs State occasions, palaces. 
Spot Thanks to celebrations marking her 60th year on the throne, there will be sighting opportunities in London on 2-5 June (thediamondjubilee.org).

PEARLY QUEEN Buttonus mostus 
Characteristics Heavy clothing, shiny buttons. Speaks in rhyming slang. Tirelessly fundraises for charity. 
Environs Street parties in east London, markets and working-men's clubs. 
Spot Spy her carrying out charity collections: try Covent Garden's Jubilee Market (jubileemarket.co.uk) on the third weekend of every month (19-20 May).

DRAG QUEEN Leggus maximus 
Characteristics Lots of make-up, flamboyant, rainbow-coloured dresses and bags of attitude. Not afraid to break spontaneously into song. 
Environs Soho, mostly. This nocturnal bird favours anywhere with loads of glitz, glamour and large cocktails.
Spot Floridita Nightclub (floriditalondon.comruns regular Drag Queen Dance Classes.

QUEEN Rockus megastarus 
Characteristics Big hair, big guitars, big voices, big on leather.
Environs Stadiums, festivals and anywhere else that's fit for rock gods. 
Spot Sadly Queen's reunion gig at Knebworth has been cancelled, but you might still spot them in the audience at the Dominion Theatre on 14 May for the 10th anniversary of the band's musical We Will Rock You (wewillrockyou.co.uk).


London Trivia

  • March: The City of London, the financial hub of the country, is just one mile square in total, and was once Londonium, the Roman's first settlement in this area.

  • February: Each day 7,500 red buses carry more than six million passengers all over London.

  • January: The Fleet River, one of the city's buried waterways, still runs under Fleet Street bars and offices.



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