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Camping in and around London

Oliver Field — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:51:55 +0000

Camping may not be the first thing that springs to mind if you’re thinking about visiting London. But if you’re on a tight budget and/or you simply love camping – then why not?

It may surprise you to know that you can get quite close to the metropolis in some campsites. And if you’re feeling energetic enough, you can even camp alongside or near to canals and rivers for beautiful and interesting walkways right into the heart of what many of us consider to be the greatest city on the planet.

For special events, London authorities sometimes organise special campsites. For example, with the Royal wedding in the summer of 2011, a campsite was organised for visitors at Clapham Common.

And camping for visitors to this summer’s London Olympic Games will also be organised in Walthamstow.

Otherwise, the UK capital has five camping sites within the M25 ring. These are all detailed on the city’s official tourist guide site at “visitlondon”.

Camping in London also allows you the freedom to move around during your stay, it’s generally more environmentally-friendly and you can travel with ease into Central London on public transport if you don’t fancy the long walks!

Security is generally very good on the sites, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of your camping accessories.

But this is England, so the mornings can be cold even in the summer, whilst off-season, you’ll need good tents, good sleeping bags, waterproofs and fleece jackets.

And if you don’t tenting it, many of the sites have caravan pitches available as well.

Londoners walk more

Oliver Field — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:25:37 +0000

Few people associate our nation’s capital with hiking, but the truth is that you walk in London more and further than pretty much anywhere else.

It’s a simple fact that London is the UK’s least driver-friendly city, and of course it’s by far the biggest.

And for all the criticism levelled at it – London’s public transport system is generally excellent; particularly the bus and tube network. You can get around quickly (though not always in comfort admittedly) almost all the time. It’s true that when it does go wrong, it tends to be on a fairly dramatic scale. But it’s also true that it doesn’t go wrong for an incredibly long time. You can use the system for years with few problems.

So what’s all this got to do with walking? Well the fact is that when you arrive at your destination (most usually a tube station) the walk is often a long one at the other end. Also, there may often be another tube you can take, but perhaps you decide to walk the extra half-mile or more for the sake of your health and the sheer joy of having a look at different areas our nation’s fascinating capital.

Having lived in London for many years, I can honestly say that I did more walking there than anywhere else – including the countryside. That’s because it’s often simply the most efficient way of getting around.

So whilst it may seem silly to don your hiking books, it actually isn’t – particularly in winter obviously. So use them and get the best pair you can afford – like the deep comfort and functionality of a pair of scarpa boots or something similar.

And don’t forget your thermal gloves. You can wrap up, but it your hands and feet that really feel the cold at this time of the year – until you get on the tube that is – which is when you start to really overheat! So get off and walk instead – it’s good for you and there’s nowhere more interesting to do it that London!

The Golden Age of Steam: Railways

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:26:03 +0000

This charming programme from 1990 is a tribute to Golden Age of Steam and looks at steam locomotives filmed in action over several decades of the 20th Century. Among the items featured are the Flying Scotsman 4472 at Marylebone and at Denham on the High Wycombe line LMS Duchess of Sutherland 6233 being saved for preservation The Lion locomotive as featured in the Titfield Thunderbolt The Iron Duke replica in Hyde Park London Wantage Tramway No.5 London & North Western Railways Hardwicke 790 Precedent Class Great Western Railway stationary test bed at Swindon Works King George V at Paddington and by air en route to Didcot London Midland & Scottish Duchess of Devonshire 6227 leaving Carlisle filmed in 1938 and many more.

The Golden Age of Steam: Railways

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:56:18 +0000

The Bodyguard @ Adelphi Theatre

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:37:16 +0000

Former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don't expect is to fall in love... The Bodyguard, based on the smash-hit film which starred Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, premieres this Autumn in London's West End. Making her West End debut, Tony and Grammy award-winning Heather Headley (The Lion King on Broadway, Aida on Broadway) stars as Rachel Marron, with Lloyd Owen (BBC's Monarch of the Glen) as Frank Farmer. This breathtaking romantic thriller features a whole host of Whitney Houston's greatest hits, including One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and, of course, the legendary I Will Always Love You. Based on the Warner Bros. film written by the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill, The Empire Strikes Back), with a book by Drama Desk Award-nominated Alexander Dinelaris, this extraordinary new production of The Bodyguard is directed by the award-winning Thea Sharrock (Sunshine Boys, Equus, The Misanthrope). Designs are by the award-winning Tim Hatley (Betty Blue Eyes, Private Lives, Spamalot) alongside choreography by Arthur Pita (English National Opera, Royal Opera House, Young Vic), orchestrations by Chris Egan (Crazy For You, End Of The Rainbow, Grease), musical supervision by Mike Dixon (Never Forget, We Will Rock You), lighting by Mark Henderson (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music, West Side Story) and sound by Richard Brooker (Chess, A Christmas Carol, Jesus Christ Superstar).

Charming Escape for Two at The Kings Arms Hotel, Surrey

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:05:59 +0000

Looking for a great overnight location for day tripping into central London? Then come and get spoiled with a short break for two at the Kings Arms in Hampton Court. This charming nine-room 17th century inn is located right next to Hampton Court's Lion Gate. Stay in a double room with en suite bathroom, decorated to reflect old charm and an antique Tudor style. Continental breakfast is included. The Kings Arms Hotel has been sympathetically restored to its Tudor glory with roaring open fires and eclectic period furniture. The Kings Arms Hampton Court pub serves a fine selection of wines and real ales and has an excellent reputation for traditional English dishes made with fresh local produce.

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:44:10 +0000

Woman in Black and Dinner @ Fortune Theatre

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:21:21 +0000

Pre-Theatre Meals Option 1 - valid Monday - Saturday (and post-theatre meals after Sat matinee). Ticket normally £45.00 and dinner at Masala Zone - £39.50 Combine a 2 course dinner from the pre-theatre menu at Masala Zone with a Top Price ticket for The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre in Russell Street for only £39.50 per person (a discretionary service charge of 10% may be added to your total restaurant bill) Restaurant Reservation: 18:00 Show: 20:00 About the restaurant: Masala Zone displays the passion to give real Indian flavours, friendly service, good value and strong design. they are ground-breaking, casually stylish and fun, and have contemporary design with indian popular art. The food has the traditional indian emphasis on healthy eating, balanced meals, fresh food and exciting dashes of spice. Sample Menu Option 2 (***RECOMMENDED***) - valid Monday - Saturday (and post-theatre meals after Sat matinee). Ticket normally £45.00 and dinner at Sitaaray - £42.50 Combine a 2 course dinner from the pre-theatre menu at Sitaaray with a top price ticket for The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre in Russell Street for only £42.50 per person. Restaurant Reservation: 18:00 Show: 20:00 About the Restaurant: Located at Covent Garden, Sitaaray – India’s Grill is unique among curry dominated Indian restaurants in London. Specialising in the tandoor style of India’s northwest frontier, Sitaaray serves an unlimited set-price dinner menu in Brazilian churrascaria style - every dish on the menu is marinated or infused with fresh herbs and spices, grilled and then brought to the table by the chefs. The delights of Sitaaray do not stop with the quality of the food and the warm, friendly service. The wine list has been compiled by Tim Atkin MW and the cocktail list is by The Gorgeous Group. The restaurant’s décor takes its inspiration from India’s other great export – its cinema. The walls of the restaurant are decorated with posters, photographs and television screens displaying Bollywood screen legends. Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty are regulars. Sample Menu Option 3 - valid Monday - Saturday and post-theatre meals after Sat matinee). Ticket normally £45.00 and dinner at PJ's - £39.50 Combine a two course meal from the pre theatre menu at PJ's with a top price ticket for The Woman in Black for only £39.50 per person Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 20:00 About the Restaurant: Situated in one of the most charming parts of Covent Garden and only a few minutes walk from Drury Lane, PJ’s Bar & Grill is the ideal location for pre and post theatre dinner. PJ's Grill combines American influences with international undertones, providing a unique and tasty menu. Sample Menu Option 4 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally £45.00 and dinner at Sway Bar & Restaurant - £39.50 Combine a two course meal from the pre theatre menu at Sway Bar & Restaurant with a top price ticket for The Woman in Black for only £39.50 per person Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 20:00 About the Restaurant: With premium draught beers, delicious menus and a great range of cocktails and wines, Sway creates a stylish atmosphere. Sway is a truly spectacular venue, with a restaurant, 5 bars and a club. However, Sway manages to feel friendly, stylish and intimate. Any time spent at Sway is a time to remember. Sample Menu Option 5 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally £66.50 and dinner at Foundation- £56.50 Combine a two course meal from the pre theatre menu at Foundation Bar & Restaurant with a top price ticket for Legally Blonde at Savoy Theatre for £56.50 per person. Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: The hottest cocktail bar, club and dining experience in Covent Garden. If you don't do stuffy decor, badly made cocktails, rude staff or chart music then Foundation is the bar for you. We offer an eclectic decor (seriously you'll discover something new on every visit), extensive cocktail list and a tasty food menu. Sample Menu Option 6 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally £66.40 and dinner at Covent Garden Grill - £64.00 Combine a 3 course dinner from the pre theatre menu at Covent Garden Grill with a top price ticket for only £6.00 per person. Restaurant Reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: We source and buy the best possible ingredients and using our charcoal grills and a little expertise serve a wide selection of very tempting dishes. Sample Menu Post Theatre Options Option 1 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally £45.00 and meal at Moti Mahal - £47.50 Combine a two course meal from the theatre menu at Moti Mahal Restaurant with a top price ticket for The Woman in Black for £47.50 per person Restaurant reservation: 22:15 dinner Show: Evening 20:00 About the Restaurant: Moti Mahal is the chic London outpost of the celebrated Delhi restaurant which opened in 1959. ‘Un unexpected delight’ (Harden’s guide) Moti Mahal is presenting its menu the Grand Trunk Road. Inspired by the culinary roots of rural India particularly along the famed Grand Trunk Road, Chef Anirudh Arora has brought to us time honored dishes and recipes. By accentuating new tastes and flavors from India's richly woven history, the new menu at Moti Mahal is a feast for the senses. A perfect setting with curved glass-fronted kitchen and gleaming copper bar and an attentive service will transform your meal in a memorable experience plus is perfect before a show. Dinner Menu Lunch Menu

Ghost and Dinner @ Piccadilly Theatre

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:38:52 +0000

Combine your tickets with a pre theatre meal at one of the top London restaurant for great saving Option 1 - valid Monday - Friday.Ticket normally £65.00 (Friday £67.50) and dinner at Inamo St James - only £69.00 Choice of a vegetarian or meat meal from Inamo St James Restaurant with a best available ticket for Ghost at Piccadilly Theatre for £69.00 per person. Restaurant Reservation 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the Restaurant:Inamo is the pan-Asian restaurant and bar in Lower Regent Street, that features virtual menus navigated via table top projections. Spanning over 8,000 ft² with a total capacity of 300 across the restaurant, bar and sushi bar areas, the interior design focuses on distinctive natural elements such as back-lit semi-precious stone and a vertical Japanese garden with a water feature. The tables will allow customers to choose from a range of virtual tablecloths and explore a number of features including ‘Chef Cam’, a map of the surrounding area and practical services such as taxi booking facilities. Sample Menu Sample Menu - Vegetarian Option 2 - valid Monday - Friday, Ticket normally £65.00 (Friday £67.50) and dinner at Planet Hollywood - £65.00 Combine a two course meal from the pre theatre menu at Planet Hollywood with top price tickets for only £65.00 per person Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: Planet Hollywood has re-opened its new state of the art restaurant in London’s vibrant Haymarket district. Besides an ultra cool Hollywood style décor the new Planet Hollywood boasts mouth-watering menu additions and exciting new pieces of movie memorabilia to delight and entertain their guests whatever their age. Its new location is ideally suited for visitors to theatre-land either before the show or if you fancy a late bite, so why not pop in and give it a try. Sample Menu Option 3 - valid Monday -Friday. Ticket normally £65.00 (Friday £67.50) and dinner at The Slug and Lettuce - only £62.00 Combine a 2 course dinner from the pre theatre menu at The Slug and Lettuce with a top price ticket for only £62.00 per person. Restaurant Reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the Restaurant: Slug and Lettuce has a chain of almost a hundred bars spread across the country sharing a common love of serving down to earth, undemanding food and drink. The group prides itself on offering dishes prepared using quality ingredients, and you should be attended on by attentive staff in a safe, welcoming and cheerful environment. Sample Menu Option4 - valid Monday -Friday. Ticket normally £65.00 (Friday £67.50) and dinner at Maison Touareg - £66.50 Combine a 2 course dinner from the pre theatre menu at Maison Touareg with a top price ticket for £66.50 per person. Restaurant Reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: Maison Touareg is located within bustling Soho and is a favourite amongst celebrities. They offer a wide selection of Moroccan and Lebanese dishes including tangine lamb, traditional mezze and fluffy steamed couscous. Sample Menu Option 5 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally £65.00 (Friday £67.50) and dinner at Veeraswamy - £69.00 Combine a two course meal from the pre-theatre menu at Veeraswamy with a top price ticket for £69.00 per person. Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the Restaurant: In the heart of the West End on Regent Street, Veeraswamy has been satisfying Londoners’ love of curry since 1927. A new menu of classical dishes from throughout India is served alongside more contemporary creations. It is prepared by a team of regional specialist chefs recruited directly from India, each producing their own specialities. The other distinguishing features include: dishes prepared authentically and freshly, as in Indian homes, great attention to food presentation and wines which complement individual dishes Sample Menu Option 6 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally£65.00(Friday £67.50)and dinner at El Cantara - £69.00 Combine a 2 course meal from the theatre menu at El Cantara with a top price ticket for £69.00 per person. Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: El Cantara meaning bridge or arch in both Spanish and Arabic is the first Moroccan & Spanish Venue in Soho. Renowned for its authentic cuisine, arabesque decor and plush seating El Cantara transports you from bustling Soho to the tranquillity of Marrakesh and Andalusia. Sample Menu Option 7 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally£65.00(Friday £67.50)and dinner at Cafe Espana - £65.00 Combine a 3 course meal from the theatre menu at Cafe Espana with a top price ticket for £65.00 per person. Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: Cafe Espana is one of the oldest Spanish restaurants in London, having opened its door in the 60', is located in the heart of the West End in the theatre district and is a within a short walk ofShaftesbury Avenue. This makes Cafe Espana, famous for its seafood dishes, the perfect location for a pre or post theatre meal in excellent surrounding, it also has a big menu offering all sorts from soups and veal dishes to grills and healthy options as well as a wide choice of tapas, from grilled squid to marinated pork to potatoes bravas. A wide range of pasta dishes and daily specials is available too coupled with a large selection of Spanish and Italian wines. The candles on each table make the restaurant a very romantic place with a relaxing and warm atmosphere, just like being at home.Sample Menu Option 8 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally£65.00(Friday £67.50)and dinner at Leon de Bruxelles - £64.00 Combine a 2 course meal from the theatre menu at Leon de Bruxelles with a top price ticket for £64.00 per person. Restaurant reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: Léon de Bruxelles is the first branch in London of popular Belgian brasserie Chez Léon, who have been serving up moules and frites for over 100 years. The 200 cover restaurant on Cambridge Circus is located in the heart of the west end. Léon de Bruxelles signature mussels are served in 11 different versions, served with crunchy frites, & a cloudy Belgian beer (brewed specially for the chain); and for dessert, waffles with chocolate sauce, whipped cream & ice cream. Traditional Flemish dishes including fish soup, Beef Carbonnade or Entrecôte steak are also on the menu. An outdoor seating area can be enjoyed during the summer months. Sample Menu Option 9 - valid Monday - Friday. Ticket normally£65.00 (Friday £67.50)and dinner at La Locanda - only £70.00 Combine a 3 course dinner from the pre theatre menu at La Locanda with a top price ticket for only £70.00 per person. Restaurant Reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the Restaurant: Italian for Country Inn, is one of Regent Street's best kept secrets, serving quality Italian cusine in the cul de sac of Heddon street for over 30 years. Sample Menu Option 10 - valid Monday - Friday, Ticket normally £65.00 (Friday £67.50) and dinner at Sofra Covent Garden - £63.50 Combine a 2 course dinner from the pre theatre menu at Sofra Covent Garden with a top price ticket for only £63.50 per person. Restaurant Reservation: 18:00 Show: 19:30 About the restaurant: At Sofra in Covent Garden you can pop in for anything from a bistro bite to a full Turkish feast from noon to midnight. The best way to enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine is to order lots of different things to share with friends you've brought along. Sofra’s house bar has an excellent wine list and selection of cocktails. Sample Menu

Abigails Party @ Menier Chocolate Factory

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:05:31 +0000

Gin and tonic? - Please. Ice and lemon? - Yes, please. The Menier Chocolate Factory is delighted to announce the West End transfer of their production of of Mike Leigh's acclaimed play, Abigail's Party. From the award-winning writer and director comes some of his best loved characters in this "brilliant and hilarious play" (Daily Telegraph). In 1970's suburbia, Beverly and her husband Laurence are hosting a drinks party for their neighbours. There is plenty of alcohol, an array of cheese-pineapple savoury bites and olives, and Demis Roussos on the record player. But as prejudices are unmasked and tempers flare, the evening seems headed for disaster... Mike Leigh's classic comedy is directed by Lindsay Posner, who recently directed Noises Off at the Old Vic. Other credits include: Butley (Duchess), A View from the Bridge (Duke of York's - Olivier nomination) and Fiddler on the Roof (Savoy - Olivier nomination). The role of the infamous Beverly will be played by Jill Halfpenny, who won an Olivier Award in 2011 for her role as Paulette in Legally Blonde (Savoy). Jill is also well known for her TV roles on East Enders, Waterloo Road and Blue Murder.