Hello all,
I’m planning on going to London with the wife this weekend. Is there anything special going on that we should know about?
We’ll be staying in a place not too far from the West End and don’t plan on leaving the city. What are the “you really ought to see” items? And what are some interesting, somewhat off the beaten path places people have enjoyed?
Lastly, can anyone recommend a good tea shoppe?
Thanks ever so much,
W
Not sure where you’d find “ye olde tea hoppe” sorta thing outside of tv programmes featuring quaint villages and the like.
Afternoon tea on the other hand, can be had, at a price, in various posh hotels, e.g. the Ritz, the Lanesborough etc. Alternatively, try a restaurant at one of the more up market London stores such as Fortnum and Mason or Harvey Nichols. I’m presuming you want the whole afternoon tea experience with sandwiches with their crusts cut off and cakes, rather than a quick cuppa. The latter can be had from just about any cafe or pub for a lot less than the £20 + a head that the former is likely to cost.
There was a recent thread (last week or so) on things to do in London in this very forum. There’s something for everyone, so let us know what sort of thing you’re into.
This is the thread on London and the UK.
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=301122&page=1&pp=50
If you give us an idea of the sort of thig you fancy doing - let us know and we’ll be able to suggest things.
Every review I’ve read/seen has been very very good for the Turner, Whistler, Monet exhibition in the Tate.
If you’ve any interest in art this is a must see.
http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/turnerwhistlermonet/
Thanks for the link Owl. And thanks for all the helpful info you’ve already posted over there.
Sir Doris, I’m not so much interested in afternoon tea as I am in actually finding a reputable merchant of loose teas. Any suggestions would be most helpful.
One thing the wife and I love is wandering through open air markets. I gather from the other threatd that portobello road is a big antiques fair. Are there any other markets worht checking out? When is a better day to go Sat. or Sun?
How much does the underground cost? And are there multiday passes for it a la the metrocards here in NY? What’s the bus situation like?
Thanks again,
W
My best advice would be Fortnum and Mason in Picadilly - It’s a very upmarket grocers and sells all sorts of loose teas (and packaged ones) from all over the globe
Portobello is an antiques market at the Notting Hill end of te road and turns into more of a flea market halfway down. It’s very nice, but gets busy. Other markets are Columbia Rd on Sunday (flowers and plants) Camden most days but especially sunday (clothes and music stuff - mainly for gothy type kids - it’s London’s biggest tourist attraction in terms of visitors. There is also Bermondsey Market - antiques again but I’ve never been. The other big one is Petticoat lane, but I wouldn’t bother with it - it’s just cheap clothes.
It costs from £1.50 for a single ticket to £4.70 for an all day ticket. You can also get weekly, monthly and annual tickets. The all day ticket is also valid on buses and national trains within London.
Fortnum and Mason will sell tea, as will Harrods. There was a Tea shop off Covent Garden. There’s a Tea Museum as well, who are bound to have a gift shop.
London transport site gives the latest info.
Markets here. Leadenhall is cool, but a lot of stuff in the City (financial district) is closed at the weekend. However, that’s probably a good time to wonder round and just look at the place.
The tea shop just off covent garden is at the bottom of Neal Street. I highly recommend it.