London, England

Eating out in London, England

London is at once "the most English" city in the United Kingdom, and also a microcosm of its once vast empire. Dining is like a culinary trip around the world where finding something completely unique to eat is not at all unique! The city has the best Cantonese restaurants in all of Europe, is well-known for its Indian and Bangladeshi food, and has many French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Thai eateries. Innovative chefs and a new appreciation of indigenous British food has rescued local dishes from the scornful dismissal of the past, so traditional and modern British cuisine is now available everywhere. As an island nation, seafood has always figured prominently in its cooking traditions, complemented by meat and dairy from its farming provinces. While there certainly are moderately-priced restaurants spread around town, in general, London dining is a bit pricey. The ultimate in "not-to-be-missed" dining experience, of course, is in a pub, where the atmosphere, company, and conversation turn a meal into quintessential English night out.

Gourmet

Gordon Ramsay, celebrity chef, has his own self-named Chelsea eatery that's fantastic. It's a showcase for his elaborate, mouth-watering Modern British cuisine and even if it is far above your planned budget, it's well-worth the expense. 68 Royal Hospital Road, Sloane Square.

Highly Recommended

Criterion Brasserie is thought of as the Grand Dame of Piccadilly dining, set in one of the most stunning dining rooms in London, with gold mosaics, courtly potted plants, gilded mirrors, and kingly portions to suit this neo-Byzantine setting. Celebrated Chef Marco Pierre White expertly prepares the menu of spectacular French-Mediterranean fare. 224 Picadilly Circus.

Local Flair

Wiltons's is the London restaurant most set in its traditional, 18th century ways and fare. Amidst etched glass, fishing pictures, plush carpets, and Old World comfort, patrons are served - with old-fashioned elegance - the same meals of steaks, Welsh rarebit, kidneys, whitebait, duck, and fine French wine that the St James upper crust enjoyed 300 years ago. 55 Jermyn Street.

Romantic

Mirabelle is simply your best choice. With its discreet staff and London's best chef, this refined restaurant caters even to royalty and celebrities seeking a private, intimate meal. Two private rooms offer a choice of dining in an intimate wood-paneled room with carvings à la Grinling Gibbons or in another with luminescent Chinese wallpaper. The main dining room is long and elegant, appointed with Bugatti sculptures and a skylight. A lavender-lined outdoor terrace adds a nice touch for al fresco summer dining. 56 Cruzon Street.

Going party in London, England

London has a bewildering amount and variety of places to go and things to do after sundown. Opera, symphony, theater, ballet, clubbing, pubbing, and more await the intrepid nightlifer. With plays as numerous and diverse as in New York City, you'll find something you like whether your taste is for musicals, drama, avant-garde, comedy, or satire. Youth music holds high status in London, with many musical styles over several decades originating in the city's clubs. It is nearly expected that anytime, anywhere, a superstar band will show up at a club unannounced to play a few songs. Recently relaxed regulations now allow the partying to go on all night long, adding London to the roster of greatest places to party till dawn! Of course, the camaraderie enjoyed in a traditional pub still makes for the traditional English evening out. Once you're settled in, check out the weekly publications Time Out and Where for current entertainment listings of every style.

Blackfriar

A fetching and utterly original pub with friezes of intoxicated monks and a highly decorated alcove, built in 1905.

Hanover Grand

This dance club is audaciously set in an old Masonic Hall, pounding great sound and light shows through its cool and extravagant decor all night.

Borderline

This live music venue is an intimate basement setting great for catching new bands or the occasional surprise appearance by big namers.

Royal Opera House

Seasonal performances of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company

This cult smash hit continues its strong run in the West End, in addition to its many outings at the Edinburgh Festival and other guest appearances. The alternative RSC has edited the full Shakespeare canon into 2 hours, including all 16 comedies distilled into just one short extract, with the history plays performed as a ball game.

Barbican Centre

This arts complex houses the Royal Shakespeare Company and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Discount Theatre Tickets

The Leicester Square Ticket Booth sells + price tickets for most West End theatres, available on the day of the show.

Common events in London, England

Charles I Commemoration

The execution of King Charles I "in the name of freedom and democracy" is marked with hundreds of cavaliers marching in 17th century dress. London, January.

Chelsea Antiques Fair

Twice each year, England's best dealers get together to exhibit and sell their finest wares in the Old Town Hall. March and September.

Shakespeare Under the Stars

There is simply something magical about watching the Bard's tragedies, comedies, and histories while picnicking under the stars. With a long summer run, you've got a great chance of catching one of these memorable performances. Regent's Park, May - August.

Glyndebourne Festival Opera Season

The stirring performances in this gorgeous setting are not to be missed. The champagne picnics add casual Victorian country charm. Sussex, May - August.

Royal Ascot Week

The famous horse-racing Black and White Affair made so memorable in My Fair Lady takes places at the Ascot Racecourse. Berkshire, Year-Round.

Trooping the Colour

On this official celebration of the Queen's birthday, the monarch inspects her regiments as they parade their colors. The stunning pomp and pageantry make this an event that is watched fervently by virtually all Brits either on TV or, for the lucky ones, in person with tickets won by ballot. Whitehall, June.

Notting Hill Carnival

This is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, and features reggae bands, soul music, and Caribbean food. August.

Opening of Parliament

The monarch opens Parliament in the House of Lords, reading a speech written by the ruling government. This ritual evolved in the 1600s, when the English beheaded Charles I and rescinded the British monarch's right to enter the House of Commons. The Queen rides from Buckingham Palace to Westminster in a royal coach in the company of the Cavalry. Westminster, October.