Online Travel

April 9, 2010

London’s Best Jazz Venues

Filed under: London, Music — admin @ 2:26 pm

Ronnie Scott’s

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho was founded in 1959 by legendary tenor saxophonists Ronnie Scott and Pete King. It became quickly well-known for its friendly air and for inviting the top musicians of the day to come and play. With a roving crew of house musicians and a good reputation among visiting jazz players, it wasn’t uncommon to see a group of jazz greats from both sides of the Atlantic jamming, hanging out, and playing great music.

Today, Ronnie Scott’s is a cozy venue that feels more like a house party at times than like a club. The acts are generally top-notch, though some have remarked that they tend to host established musicians rather than a more underground scene. If you’re interested in tried-and-true great jazz however, Ronnie Scott’s is the place to be!

Vortex

The Vortex Jazz Club originally formed in 1987 on Church Street. David Mossman, an ex-taxi driver and jazz afficionado, wanted a place where local jazz musicians could come and play every night. Thus, Vortex soon became well-known among Londoners as “London’s listening jazz club.” Mossman had an ear for jazz, and many of the performers he invited to play went on to become national and international stars in their own right.

In 2005 the club moved to the Dalston Culture House, but the philosophy remains the same – invite local underground jazz musicians every night to play at a well-respected club. It has received consistent top reviews, so if you’re interested in hearing styles that you’ve never heard before, check out the Vortex!

The Swan at the Globe

This jazz club hasn’t been around that long, but it already has a reputation as one of the top venues for live jazz as well as excellent food and atmosphere. The Swan is on the swankier side of jazz, not so much a dive or a grungy bar scene as it is a cool, happening scene with tables and a stage. Located at 21 New Globe Walk in Bankside, The Swan is host to a variety of live acts, focusing mainly on vintage jazz and older styles of music. That doesn’t mean they don’t host newer musicians as well – check their website for showtimes and dates. Make sure you book in advance, especially if you’be booked into a London hotel, as this hip spot is usually sold out days ahead of a show, especially if it’s by a popular performer.

London’s Most Expensive Dining Experiences

Filed under: London, Restaurants — admin @ 2:22 pm

If you’ve ever eaten at a well-known posh restaurant, then you know what it is like to pay a pretty penny for a meal. On the high-end facade of London, it is not difficult to drop £100 simply by wandering around the Old Smoke. So if you fancy what are typically considered the most valuable dishes in London, be prepared to pay a gracious amount for them.

If you happen to find yourself in Oxford Circus, you’ll discover a restaurant by the name of Sketch — The Lecture Room and Library, by chef Pierre Gagnaire. While there, you will likely be paying over £100 for dishes like the John Dory and scallops, or goose aguillette. The ‘new French’ style of cuisine has held its excellent reputation for several years.

World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay also appeals to the costly pallet. This fine dining establishment offers a famous fillet of turbot with cep sauce, or a roasted loin of Highland venison. As expected, this feast of an experience will also likely leave you at least £100 less than before. Forget cheap hotels, Gordon also holds the rights to one of London’s other most expensive restaurants, at the Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair. Here you can take in a Casterbridge beef carpaccio with horseradish ice cream, or a cold malt chocolate fondant.

Another famously high-priced dining location is Le Gavroche, also in Mayfair. Le Gavroche is a highly-respected location, known for housing an elegant style and the offering the very best of French cuisine. For upwards of about £95 per person, you can order a foie gras with a crispy pancake of duck with cinnamon, or roasted pineapple with vanilla and rum, over white pepper ice cream for dessert.

Further down the road, of the Mayfair area, you’ll find Phillip Howard and Robert Weston’s The Square. Also being previously rated one of the best in London by several notable critics, you can find yourself spending also between £100 and £160 on each person dining. While there, you may order the terrine of foie gras with rhubarb and orange, and a brillat-savarin eheesecake for dessert.

So if you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life, a cheap hotel may be required in your next London stay. And although there are plenty of high-end shops, hotels, & fine dining experiences around town, most of these restaurants are among the finest in the world.

March 18, 2010

London’s Longest Running West End Shows

Filed under: London — admin @ 1:55 pm

One of the best ways to enjoy yourself in London is by taking in a West End show. New productions are being unveiled on the West End all the time, but there’s something to be said for attending the performance of a veritable West End institution. Several West End shows have been thrilling audiences for decades now; these perennial favourites are undoubtedly must-see attractions. Learn a little bit about the three longest-running West End shows below:

  • The Mousetrap – More than 25,000 performances of this murder mystery play have been put on since it premiered back in 1952. The Mousetrap has been a fixture on the West End for almost sixty years now; audiences never seem to tire of the intriguing production, which was written by Agatha Christie. If you’d like to see what all of the fuss is about, head over to the St. Martin’s Theatre when in London.

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  • Les Misérables – As the West End’s longest-running musical, Les Misérables holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners. More than 9,500 performances have been put on to date, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this show based on the Victor Hugo classic. If musicals are your cup of tea, you simply can’t go wrong with Les Misérables on the West End.

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  • The Phantom of the Opera – For many, The Phantom of the Opera is the definitive West End production. It’s been playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre since 1986, and has proven to be Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most popular musicals. In fact, The Phantom of the Opera is considered the most popular and most-seen musical in the world. If you only have time to attend one performance on the West End, this is one tried-and-true option.

    • Hit The West End When On Holiday In London

    London may be a rather pricey city to visit, but you can cut the costs by booking cheap hotels in London – and by choosing one especially memorable show to attend on the West End. If the examples highlighted above don’t suit your fancy, other long-running West End shows include Blood Brothers, Cats and The Woman in Black. There’s a reason these shows have lasted so long: They have it all. Buy tickets to one of them – and book a stay at one of the many excellent, cheap London hotels in the area – and you’re certain to have a phenomenal, low-priced holiday.

    London’s Best Night Walks

    Filed under: London — admin @ 1:54 pm

    There’s nothing more romantic and invigorating than a night walk through some of London’s most remarkable neighbourhoods. Luckily, there’s a trail that offers such an experience, which is the Jubilee Walkway. This trail is by far the easiest to follow and best maintained in all of London. Directional discs lead the way and panels will offer information on various sites. The trail was originally built in 1977 for the Queen’s silver jubilee. Now anyone can enjoy the trail during the day or at night. While it’s fascinating during the day, it’s even more beautiful at night, when all the attractions are lit up.

    A night walk on the Jubilee Trail offers several options. Those who are into fitness and can opt for the 9km Western Loop Walk or the 8km Eastern Loop Walk. Anyone interested in a moderate walk can do the 5km Camden Loop. And for those wanting to enjoy a leisurely stroll, they can choose either the 3km City Loop or the 3km Jubilee Loop Walk. Each option provides terrific scenery. If visiting, there are many cheap London hotels in close proximity to the Jubilee Walk.

    The Jubilee Loop Walk stretches and winds through many terrific neighbourhoods, which include Camden, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, and the City of Westminster. Each of these neighbourhoods offers something unique. The infamous Camden Town, as well as many celebrities, can be found in Camden. Lambeth is the most populated and culturally diverse borough, as well as the home of the Vauxhall Bridge, which could be as old as 750 B.C. Southwark is London’s former trading centre from Anglo times. This is a great place to visit if into history. Tower Hamlets is home to the Tower of London, which can be seen beside the River Thames. And the City of Westminster is home of the UK government, as well as theatreland, and Buckingham Palace.

    Any loop and every neighbourhood on the Jubilee Walk is sure to provide amazing sites and seemingly endless anticipation of what might be around the next corner. Since there are so many cheap hotels in London, there’s no reason to miss out on a visit to this wonderful city, as well as such a breathtaking night walk experience.

    London Celebrity Spotting

    Filed under: London — admin @ 1:53 pm

    For many people, celebrities are endlessly fascinating and larger-than-life; the opportunity to see an actual celebrity in the flesh is something that many people are eager to have, and London presents plenty of chances for doing just that. Simply roaming the streets of London in the hopes of spotting a celebrity, though, isn’t terribly realistic. To maximise the odds of spotting a star, you need to know where they hang out – then go there. There are several bona fide celebrity haunts in London; a handful of the top choices are listed below.

  • Nobu at the Metropolitan Hotel – Sushi is hot right now; when something is terribly trendy, you can bet that celebrities are going to adore it. In London, the chicest spot to enjoy topnotch sushi is Nobu. This celebrity hot-spot is located in the Metropolitan Hotel; if you’d like to see what all the fuss is about – and rub shoulders with some of the most illustrious celebs around, including Kate Moss – be sure to make reservations well in advance.

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  • The Ivy – In London, it doesn’t get much swankier than The Ivy. The crème de la crème of the A-list crowd frequent this posh restaurant; on any given day, you might spy George Michael or Elton John noshing on its sumptuous fare. If you’d like to join them, you’ll need to make reservations at least six months ahead of time; another option is staking out the entrance, along with the ever-present paparazzi.

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  • New Bond Street – With its glamourous, well-appointed shops and boutiques, New Bond Street is often bursting at its seams with celebs who want to see and be seen. You won’t find any cheap London hotels along this glitzy corridor, but you will have a lot of fun trying to spy famous folks. Book a stay at cheap hotels in London just a few blocks over, then hit this shopping district as frequently as possible while on holiday in the city. Chances are, you will strike celebrity-spotting gold.

    • March 4, 2010

    Must Have Cocktails from London’s Finest Hotels

    Filed under: Bars and Restaurants, London — admin @ 11:30 am

    Surprising as it may seem, an increasing number of experts in the field of mixology feel that London has surpassed New York City as the foremost cocktail hot spot in the world. Given that our American neighbour across the pond all but invented the cocktail during Prohibition, this accolade is a great honour and one that’s being celebrated all throughout hotels in London by those who appreciate a well-mixed aperitif courtesy of their favourite barmaid. Head out to one of these famed London rathskellers to throw back a drink or two worthy of exaltation.

    The Artesian, Langham Hotel, London

    The Artesian, located at the expertly renovated Langham Hotel, is a glamorously appointed lounge reminiscent of the Orient with a touch of romantic nostalgia that can only be had in London. Specialising in rum drinks, this bar and eatery continues to impress guests with details of indulgence including a purer form of ice that melts slowly. Of special interest is the Artesian Punch, selling for £14.50. Combining Pyrat Pistol Rum with Calvados and Poire William Eau-de-Vie and a float of Myer’s and Wray & Nephew dark rum concoction, this punch gets its name from the maraschino liqueur and the citrus and pineapple juices that round out the flavours. Those who wish to follow in the footsteps of the famous will choose the Hemingway Daiquiri for £13.00. This shaken or blended cocktail combines Elements 8 Platinum Rum with maraschino liqueur, blended with grapefruit juice, lime and a bit of sugar for sweetness.

    Strand Terrace, Charing Cross Hotel, London

    The claim to fame of the Charing Cross is the assertion of being the most central hotel London has to offer due to its proximity to Eleanor Cross. The beauty in the Punto Central Cocktail is in its romance, with a male and female version allowing one for you and one for your mate. The two varieties gain their similarity with the use of common flavours of raspberry, ginger and apple, but the ultimate affect of each is as different as men are from women. The male version features Cutty Sark blended Scotch while the female version, served with a frozen raspberry garnish, has a base of vodka mixed with Chambord. Buy one for you and one for her at £9 each.

    The Tower Hotel, London

    The Tower Hotel is just adjacent to the vault of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Drawing on this for inspiration, guests are served the Tower Cocktail nestled securely in a wooden, musical jewellery box; this cocktail and its serving vessel are intended to awaken your senses with a healthy dose of Beefeater Gin, peach liqueur, citrus juices and a few scrapings of nutmeg. The price of £11.84 references the original cost of the Tower Bridge, completed in 1894, which was £1,184,000.

    March 3, 2010

    London’s Best Hotel Restaurants

    Filed under: London, Restaurants — admin @ 11:07 am

    Dining out in London can be a real treat – but singling out one place amid the hundreds and hundreds that vie for your attention can be a daunting task. Although there are several stand-out restaurants in London, it’s important not to overlook the ones that are attached to or inside the city’s hotels. While hotel restaurants once had mediocre reputations at best, all of that has changed. Today, you can find some of the city’s best cuisine in hotel restaurants. To get you started, here’s a list of five real standouts.

    1. Galvin at Windows – London Hilton – The panoramic views from this 28th-floor restaurant are reason enough to give Galvin at Windows a try. Its succulent menu really brings it all home, though – monkfish wrapped in bacon and roasted leg of Pyrenean lamb are just two of the mouth-watering menu items that you get to choose from when you take a seat at this elegant restaurant.
    2. Chinese Cricket Club at the Crowne Plaza Hotel – The City – If you’re looking for modern, authentic Chinese cuisine when in London, put the Chinese Cricket Club at the top of your list. From tea-smoked duck salad to jumbo prawns with ginger, surprises await you at every turn in this sleek, modern establishment.
    3. Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley – There’s modern European fare available throughout the city, but premier chef Marcus Wareing really kicks things up a notch. Stop in at the Berkeley to see what all of the fuss is about; the Scottish halibut with leeks and watercress is just one of the many signature dishes on the menu here.
    4. Gordon Ramsay at Claridges – Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay offers his famous culinary styling over at the Claridges Hotel. This Art Deco-style restaurant’s most intriguing options can be found on the Menu Prestige, or tasting menu; foie gras and Goosnargh duck are two of the prime choices. Be sure to check and see what the cheese sommelier has to offer, too.
    5. Mirrors Restaurant at the Novotel, London Street – Of the many London hotels that boast topnotch restaurants, Mirrors Restaurant at the Novotel is a definite standout. If you prefer staying in lastminute hotels in London that boast premium cuisine, put this spot at the top of your list. A full a la carte menu is available at Mirrors, including vegetarian options as well as food that will thrill the carnivores of the group.

    February 26, 2010

    London’s Best Spots For People Watching

    Filed under: City Guide, Hotel Reviews, London — admin @ 10:45 am

    Many times, it’s all too tempting to try to cram as many attractions, landmarks and other sites into a holiday in London. By the end of a whirlwind day, travellers are often completely spent and can hardly remember all of the things they saw and did. Slowing down the pace when in the city is never a bad idea, and one of the best ways to do so is by people watching. People watching in a major city like London can be vastly entertaining – and it’s totally free! The next time you’re in London, settle in at one of the following spots and enjoy some topnotch people watching.

  • Trafalgar Square – As one of the most famous squares in the entire world, Trafalgar Square is immensely popular with tourists and locals alike. Something’s always happening in this centrally located spot, and there are plenty of stone benches where you can settle in for an hour or two of prime people watching. No matter when you visit, there’s bound to be something entertaining to take in at this famous landmark.

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  • Covent Garden – With its exceptional shopping and dining opportunities, overabundance of entertainment options and steady flow of street performers, Covent Garden is a natural choice for anyone who wants to engage in a bit of people watching when in London. The main plaza here is an excellent choice, or you could just stroll through the Covent Garden Market and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of this centrally located spot.

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  • Piccadilly Circus – Since it’s a famous and easy-to-find junction, Piccadilly Circus is a popular place for Londoners to meet up; tourists also flock here to snap pictures of its many famous and all-too-familiar buildings. A wide array of cheap hotels in London are also located within a reasonable distance of Piccadilly, adding to its congested and vibrant nature. By spending only an hour or two here, you can get your fill of people watching in London.

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  • Hyde Park – The largest and most famous of London’s many great parks is undoubtedly Hyde Park. If you only have time to visit a single park while in the city, make it this one. The eclectic mix of people who pass through make Hyde Park a veritable melting pot – and a wonderful people watching venue. Several cheap hotels in London can be found directly adjacent to the sprawling park, making it even more convenient.

    • London’s Hippest Hotels

    Filed under: City Guide, Hotel Reviews, London — admin @ 10:43 am

    Looking for a stylish spot to stay in London? Look no further. This is your guide to the hippest hotels in The Big Smoke. Style is defined by where several things: where a hotel is located, who frequents the place, and what kind of posh accommodations are waiting for you. These hotels have it all.

    Charlotte Street Hotel
    It’s not just the series of swanky restaurants on Charlotte Street that make the street famous; it’s the Charlotte Street Hotel. With Soho, Oxford Street, and Regent’s park just a couple minutes walk away, you’re located at the heart of all the action. The bathrooms are more accurately termed “spa” for their size and luxury—complete with TVs, granite countertops, and Molton Brown toiletries. This hotel embodies the term “luxury boutique hotel.”

    Andaz London
    It’s located in the heart of London’s financial district, and after checking room rates, you’ll figure out why. Don’t let the old-fashioned red brick Victorian façade fool you. The vintage exterior cloaks an ultra-modern hotel inside with amenities galore, luxury unbounded, and service unparalleled. You’re in for a treat, especially when it comes to the food.

    Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
    This is the hotel where London-bound celebs choose to stay. You’ll probably even meet them if you sashay down to the bar in the evenings. This hotel has size, legend, and a level of chow that is second to none. Don’t leave the hotel without a few tranquil hours in the world-class spa, or a quick look at some of the priceless artwork.

    Sanderson
    If we’re talking hip, this one has it nailed. In fact, GQ dubbed the Sanderson “the hippest hotel in the world.” Prepare to be moonstruck by this uber-modern 21st century comfort. Located a glance away from Piccadily Circus in London’s West End, the hotel is close enough to the action, but once you go inside, you will be transported to another world—a world of class, comfort, and hip.

    St. Martin’s Lane
    For the art lovers, St. Martin’s Lane offers the ultimate in glam. The building isn’t the only creative aspect of this posh downtown wonder stay. It also has a unique chocolate menu, a series of house mixes at the award-winning bar, and a delightful option of an in-room massage. Nothing has been overlooked at St. Martin’s lane.

    So, while they may not fit the category of cheap hotels, these are places that you really want to stay. Above and beyond the flophouse cheap London hotels, these hip hotels are where it’s really at.

    Top 5 Things To Do On The Thames

    Filed under: City Guide, London — admin @ 10:42 am

    For people around the world, the River Thames is synonymous with the city of London. When one name pops up, the other one does as well. Throughout London’s history, the Thames has played a very significant role; it continues to do so to this day. For the thousands of people who come to London on holiday each year, the Thames presents many key sightseeing opportunities. The five top things to do on the River Thames are highlighted below for your convenience.

    1. Cruise Down The Thames – As sprawling as London is, taking in as many of its sights as possible can be logistically difficult. An easy and relaxing way to view key London attractions without overexerting yourself is by going on a cruise down the River Thames. Many cruises highlight top attractions like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, among many others. A river cruise is a wonderful way to kick off a holiday in London.
    2. Visit The HMS Belfast – With its prime location near the Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast – which served during the Second World War and is moored on the Thames – is an excellent option for families. Tours of the ship include some of its most intriguing rooms; an on-site cafe helps keep visitors from getting too hungry or thirsty.
    3. Check Out The Thames Barrier – The section of the Thames that passes through London is tidal; when the sea rises, water tends to rush up the river. In turn, major flooding can occur. In order to prevent that from happening, the Thames Barrier was developed. When not in use, it looks like an unassuming set of pillars; when high tide arrives, though, metal gates rise up to ward off the rising water.
    4. Walk Along The Thames At Night – Daytime strolls along the Thames are nice, but a nighttime walk on the banks of the river is positively breathtaking. The lights of the skyscrapers and the many nearby cheap London hotels reflect off of the water, producing a dazzling effect.
    5. Visit Cleopatra’s Needle – On the North Bank of the Thames – within walking distance of many cheap hotels London – sits an intriguing historical monument called Cleopatra’s Needle. It was given by Egypt in honour of Nelson’s victory over the French in the 1798 Battle of the Nile. Its counterpart can be found in New York City’s Central Park, and it’s a fascinating bit of history for any visitor to London to enjoy.

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