- NELSON WHALEY
IT'S THAT LONDON SPARKLE AND SHINE
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." So said the ubiquitous 18th Century poet, essayist, playwright, and moralist, Dr. Samuel Johnson. Certainly, the same can still be said of London today, probably more so! It is a melting pot of contrasts - history, culture, art, music, nationalities, etc. For the visitor who is new to London with just a week to spend, where to go and what to do can seem overwhelming and even a nightmare!
Having lived in this great City for most of my life, I wanted to make a few suggestions which I hope will give the inquisitive explorer and aesthete a memorable first taste of where to visit and eat in a short time without becoming exhausted! (I will cover places to stay in a future feature).
I have chosen my favorite haunts located mainly in the Piccadilly area of central London, easy to walk to, (on the Piccadilly tube line from Heathrow to Green Park), and are a bit different from the usual "Suspects!"
The restaurants have lovely surroundings with a varied choice of delicious food, and friendly and helpful staff, and are also refreshingly inexpensive. You may find yourself sitting next to an errant actor, politician, artist, musician, hedge funder, you never know. Booking is recommended or even essential.
EATERIES
Lunch
Field Restaurant, Fortnum and Mason, Piccadilly W1
A delightful restaurant within this wonderful historic store (established in 1707)
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The Wolseley, Piccadilly W1
Impressive open banking hall style, formerly a Wolseley car showroom, decorated in Chinoiserie style.
Lunch/Dinner
Andrew Edmunds, Lexington Street, Soho W1
A discreet 18th Century Georgian townhouse in Soho. Candle lit and intimate. The menu changes each day and according to the season. Eg Superb game, fish, etc. The great wine list at wholesale prices!
Lunch/Dinner
Rules, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden WC2
The oldest restaurant in London (1798)
Theatrical Edwardian interior - seasonal fayre, game, etc. Worth a visit!
Lunch/Dinner
The Oxo Tower Brasserie, Barge House Street SE1
Superbly located on the River Thames with fabulous views of St Paul's Cathedral and the City of London to Westminster. Part of the Harvey Nichols store empire.
WINE
Berry Bros and Rudd, St. James's Street SW1
Britain's oldest family-run wine and spirit merchant (founded in 1698). Worth a browse in their friendly helpful shop.
MUSEUMS
The Wallace Collection, Manchester Square W1
Fascinating collections. Fantastic dining atrium space for breakfast, and lunch.
The Royal Academy of Art, Piccadilly W1
Worth a visit, if nothing else to visit the New Burlington House Courtyard and buildings.
THE UNUSUAL
The Silver Vaults, Chancery Lane WC2
This subterranean vault is said to contain the largest single collection of silver in the world, on sale in some 40 shops. Definitely
worth a visit for the experience alone.
EXHILARATING RIVER THAMES EXPERIENCE
Thames Rockets, The London Eye, Westminster SE1
If you fancy a speed boat ride on the Thames, this is definitely a must! Great commentary by the crew pointing out fascinating facts as you zip along from Westminster to Greenwich or the Thames Barrier.
I do hope you manage to visit some of these wonderful places when you're in London! -Nelson Whaley
