London Sightseeing... Ding Dong!

Bond Fever

2008-10-17T18:41:00.006+01:00

It's been a busy month - hence the total lack of attention I've paid to London Ding Dong. Apologies to my regular readers who must have begun to wonder if I'd disappeared into a black hole somewhere!

Unfortunately since I rather prematurely wrote "normal service is resumed" (oops!) I have only been to London twice and spent both days in a studio! So no lovely tales of sightseeing to report or any London-specific gossip I'm afraid. When I'm visiting London for work I tend to switch to auto-pilot and just want to get to the studio, do my job and get home again! I don't look around, don't soak up the atmosphere and don't notice the world whizzing by! I'm totally focused on work and twelve hours later am back home having barely registered I've been to London!

Recently I've spent several days working at the World famous Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, just outside of London. The UK's equivalent to Universal in Hollywood has been a hive of activity with the completion of the new James Bond film "Quantum of Solace" among many other film and TV productions. There have been various rumours that Pinewood were planning a theme park similar to that of Universal Studios in the USA but, despite recent refurb work, I can report that there is no sign of a theme park yet!

A couple of weeks ago I'd finished work at Pinewood for the day, was walking back to the parking lot and passed a group of people attending a "Health and Awareness" Day. Standing out from the crowd with his arm in a sling was James Bond himself, Daniel Craig. The very handsome Mr Craig received a number of injuries while filming "Quantum of Solace" but the sling didn't detract from his wonderful ruggedness! James Bond is a constant presence at Pinewood even when Daniel Craig isn't there: the picture above shows one of the "street" names on the film lot and one of the massive sound stages is actually called the "007 Stage" (you're not supposed to take photos at Pinewood so I had to sneakily take this one with my mobile!).

It's a magical place to visit and I feel fortunate everytime I work at Pinewood Studios. There is nothing quite so bizarre as sitting in the canteen surrounded by actors in full costume and make-up having their lunch! There is a limit to what I can share with you about my voice over work but one of the productions I have been working on starts soon on BBC television and is a fabulous new Dicken's adaption. The world of film and TV is an exciting one but if you knew what went on behind the scenes to produce the finished product then you wouldn't think it was quite so glamorous!

I am planning a big day out sightseeing in London with some friends from Ireland at the end of the month so I'll look forward to sharing that with you. I haven't forgotten my promise of some more London restaurant reviews and other London bits and pieces - they'll all appear soon! In the meantime, feel free to leave your comments or email me at sparklysongbird@gmail.com.

Normal Service Resumed

2008-09-14T20:25:00.001+01:00

Thankfully, it hasn’t taken too long but I’m reasonably happy with the changes I’ve made to London Ding Dong over the last week or so. Some of the changes like the new colour scheme are purely for the sake of it and, frankly, because I get bored with the same old thing indefinitely! If you are having any trouble viewing any part of the blog as a result of the new template or colours, please please do let me know.

As for adverts, affiliate programs and so forth, I’ve kept it simple:
The London Pass is a product that I’ve often written about and thoroughly recommend it to visitors to London. Please do click on the banner and have a look around the London Pass site – there are loads of sightseeing ideas and, if you go ahead and purchase, there are loads of extras thrown in including theatre and restaurant offers, plus discounts on shopping, cycling and walking excursions and open top bus tours. It really is a genuine time and money saver and takes much of the hard work out of your London holiday, leaving you more time to enjoy what you came to see!
Evan Evans Tours are another company well worth knowing about if you are coming to England. They don’t just offer London sightseeing tours (including the famous Big Bus Company open top bus tours!) but will also take you outside the Capital for a day of English history and heritage. The Roman city of Bath and ancient Stonehenge are just two of their popular stop-offs and Blue-badge Guides tell you all you need to know. If you are curious to know more then click on the banner and you’ll find much more on the Evan Evans website.
At a time when budget airlines are dropping like flies then it’s probably a good idea to play safe and choose an established company who are not likely to leave you in the lurch! Monarch Airlines are competitively priced but still provide those “little” touches that budget airlines ignore such as well trained cabin crew and a decent hot meal on every flight! I am not adverse to cheap flights when I’m popping over to Spain for a short break but if you want to start and finish your holiday in style without breaking the bank then check out the Monarch site. They also offer holidays and hotels so if you’re planning a London holiday then don’t forget to see what Monarch and Cosmos Holidays have to offer by clicking on the banner.

You may also have noticed the shortening of the official blog title. Although I’ve always referred to it as London Ding Dong, the official title was significantly longer and a bit of a mouthful! But, of course, many of my readers come to me from Google and other search engines and I’m not sure London Ding Dong explains what the blog is about so we are now called <>.

I’ve limited the very very long list of labels to a more succinct inventory of categories which hopefully will help new readers find their way around the blog more easily. It also means that if you want to read a review of a London restaurant, find out more about particular London attractions or read what I have to say about London transport then you can find posts in specific categories more quickly.

I think those are just about all the non-technical changes to report. As I mentioned before, I may change the advertising banners periodically but will only publicize products or companies that I can personally recommend and would be happy to write about in the normal course of my blog writing.
I hope you like the new-look blog and that you’ll continue reading and sharing your thoughts and comments.

London Transport

2008-09-12T15:28:00.000+01:00

Much is written about public transport in London, both good and bad. I, myself, have written about my preference for buses rather than the tube system which is nothing to do with the quality of service. My preference is largely due to my long-term phobia of being underground. I am not knowingly scared of going underground and I do not have any specific fears of travelling on the tube but I do, nevertheless, have these mini-panic attacks so I simply prefer to use the bus whenever possible.

In my opinion, as a person who uses the London transport services on occasion rather than on a regular basis, Transport for London is doing a grand job. I really don’t have anything significant to complain about as a London visitor. Sure, the tubes can be crowded at rush hour but stand back from the crowd and wait for the next one! Let’s face it, if you’re on holiday or day-tripping then there’s really no need to put yourself through the “trauma” of travelling at rush hour. If you are staying in central London then try walking instead – you will see a lot more of London that way and you can always hop on a bus if your feet start to ache!

As part of the latest changes to London Ding Dong I’ve added a handy little tool on the bottom left of the page. I generally use the Transport for London journey planner to check routes and also to get an idea of how long my journey will take once I’ve arrived in London by train. You can request route plans to and from stations (mainline train and underground), specific postcodes, addresses and even places of interest which is particularly handy when you’re sightseeing. The results give you various route options and include all forms of public transport as well as any walking required. Maps are also provided if you need them. This is a really handy tool if you are visiting London and certainly takes the effort out of journey planning!

I think, when you are visiting a strange city, whether it’s in your own country or abroad, navigating the public transport system is one of the most challenging things. So do your research before you leave home and when you arrive in London you should find getting around London a little less daunting!

Changes To London Ding Dong

2008-09-09T22:38:00.004+01:00

As I mentioned a little while ago, I've been planning some changes to London Ding Dong and you may have noticed some of those changes already.

There are mixed views among the blogging community regarding advertising and, particularly, paid product placement. After six months of blogging, several people pointed out that I was spending a lot of time researching and writing my blog and was not getting anything in return. This is not entirely accurate as I really enjoy my "research" (which, for the most part, I would do regardless of writing a blog) and I also love writing and knowing that my modest number of readers return on a regular basis. However, knowing that I may be able to make a few pennies from my blog is very tempting so I have had a think, done my research and made some decisions.

I don't want to go down the route of writing posts on demand for unknown companies; neither do I want to endorse products that I know little or nothing about. There are plenty of opportunities to do both of these through the wonders of the web but I have opted not to go down that overtly commercial avenue.

I hope what I have decided to do will not "offend" the blogging community and, most importantly, will not alienate my readers. I have placed some banner adverts on here which are all companies or products that I am familiar with, have used and am happy to recommend to my readers. If you don't wish to know more about them then don't click on the banner. If you want to know more then click away and, if you go on to purchase, I will make a few pennies from your sale.

From time to time I may change the banners I display but I promise that they will always be relevant to my blog in some way, they will always be products or services that I have tried and tested and they will all be reputable companies!

Beyond this, I'm making a few aesthetic changes which will take a little time and I hope you will be patient while I concentrate my efforts on getting things right. I'm not the speediest blogger on the net but hopefully the changes won't take too long. In the meantime, if you have any comments or views about the addition of advertising banners please let me know!

China Town Restaurant Review

2008-09-07T00:05:00.005+01:00

Last month I mentioned that I had been for lunch in China Town but had not been able to find a definitive review to guide me to one particular restaurant. I am a great lover of Chinese Dim Sum which is usually served at lunch time and it was this speciality that I was seeking in London.

Not long ago I went to a Dim Sum restaurant chain called Ping Pong, just off Oxford Street, which was good value but not the best dim sum I’ve eaten. I did, however, have my first taste of an exquisite “flowering tea” (pictured left) which tastes good but looks even better (plus they give you free refills of hot water to keep the flower looking pretty!). But on this occasion I wanted my Irish friend to experience the “real” thing (as opposed to mass-produced) in China Town.

We wondered through China Town, looking in windows and checking menus and prices until we found a restaurant that appealed. Now, my criteria may sound a little non-PC, but I was looking for a restaurant with a lot of Chinese or Oriental customers on the assumption that if they were eating there it must be pretty authentic and good value. On Gerrard Street, in the heart of China Town, we discovered the Golden Pagoda Restaurant. It wasn’t much to look at but the menu seemed varied and the place was almost full so we decided to go for it!

We were given a fantastic table by the window which was set for 5 people! The waiter quickly cleared the extra place settings and offered us knives and forks which we rejected politely! The menu was extensive, several pages long, but didn’t include any Dim Sum despite advertising it outside. In the centre of the table I noticed a traditional Dim Sum tick list all written in Chinese so I asked the waiter if they had one in English.

I used to enjoy going to Chinese restaurants in China Town that did traditional trolley service dim sum (the waiter wheels a trolley full of dim sum around the restaurant and you chose what you fancied as he passed your table). Sadly it seems that this tradition is very rare these days so we were stuck with a menu which didn’t mean an awful lot to us! But that is part of the fun of dim sum – ordering blindly and discovering what you’ve got as you bite into the little dumplings!

We chose a standard Chinese mixed starter (in case we mucked up with the rest of our order!) which was delicious then four dishes which sounded vaguely familiar and a random one to make sure we tried something totally new. Unfortunately I didn’t make a note of the names so I can’t tell you properly what we ate but I can tell you that it tasted gooooood!!! We had a couple of steamed dumpling dishes which were melt-in-the-mouth delicious – one was definitely prawn (pictured right). The unknown dim sum was, in fact, Cheung Fun which I now know is steamed rice noodle rolls. We were pleased we tried this new dish as it was excellent.
The only disappointment was one of our “safe” choices – mushroom dumpling. I was expecting something similar to the steamed prawn dumpling but with mushrooms inside. Unfortunately it was reconstituted Chinese mushroom which was very tough accompanied by tofu which I hate! One wrong-un out of five isn’t bad though!

For our mixed appetisers, 5 dim sum dishes, a large bottle of mineral water and a large pot of jasmine tea our bill came to £24.
Incredible value, great food, friendly and efficient service and two very satisfied customers - one of whom will definitely return to the Golden Pagoda restaurant before long!

Kensington Palace Exhibition Review

2008-09-05T00:05:00.003+01:00

Most famous as the home of Diana, Princess of Wales, Kensington Palace is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of London. A short walk from Kensington High Street and located in Hyde Park, my first surprise discovery was just how old the Palace is. I honestly had no idea that Kensington Palace dates back to the 17th Century and was adapted for Royal use by Sir Christopher Wren.

The famously sombre Queen Victoria was born here and lived at the Palace until she succeeded the throne when she moved to Buckingham Palace. Other members of the Royal Family, too many to mention, have lived in separate apartments on and off for nearly four hundred years and continue to do so today. It was, perhaps, only on the death of Princess Diana that Kensington Palace really reached the public psyche. Today, it remains a place of homage and mourning for people from across the globe.

The current exhibition running until June next year is entitled “The Last Debutantes” and celebrates 50 years since the last debutantes were presented at court. Crusaders (with not a lot better to do!) have tried to recreate this tradition for the younger generations since 1958 but no young ladies have been presented to the Queen for the last 50 years.

The exhibition itself is fascinating; the number of genuine momentos from that last debutante season is incredible. Among the glamorous gowns, gloves and jewellery were accessories in amazing condition including handbags, shoes. The most surprising exhibits were corsets and suspender belts – it’s amazing what people keep as mementoes of their youth!

More obvious keepsakes such as invitations to season events including Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace were curiously exciting to see! I guess I was totally sucked in by the glamour of the 1950’s and, if I’m honest, wish that life were still like this! This was an era when “coming out” meant something totally different to today’s meaning!

Most people visit Kensington Palace for its association with Princess Diana. Two apartments were used by Diana and Charles after their marriage and Diana remained with her sons, Princes William and Harry, after their divorce until her death in 1997. I was not expecting to see Diana’s apartments but there were a few mumbles of disappointment from other visitors when they realised they would not be seeing precisely where she lived! However, there were several of her dresses on display and this, for me, was the highlight.

The temporary exhibition entitled “Diana, Fashion and Style” is on until the end of the year. Of the 12 Diana dresses exhibited, probably the most famous was the dark blue dress she wore at the White House in 1985 when she was unforgettably spun around the dance floor by John Travolta! This same dress was sold at the auction of Diana’s dresses at Christie’s in New York in 1997 (before her death) and fetched a record breaking US$225,000! I’m not sure what happened to the rest of Diana’s clothes after her death but these 12 gowns are on loan to Kensington Palace which seems kind of weird!

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Kensington Palace and the two temporary exhibitions were particularly good. I admit that, once again, I was drawn towards temptation after the tour and made my way to the Orangery. The Orangery restaurant is, quite simply, the epitome of British style and luxury! It was the perfect place to take English afternoon tea and the perfect end to a Royal visit!

Kensington Palace tour and the temporary exhibitions are open 10am-6pm until the end of October. From November the Palace closes at 5pm.
Adult Entry: £12.30

London Pass holders can visit Kensington Palace and the temporary exhibitions free of charge and receive a 20% discount at the Orangery Restaurant.

Princess Diana and Kensington Palace

2008-09-03T00:05:00.002+01:00

When I meet people from outside the UK, the conversation frequently turns to the same subject once they discover that I am British and once lived in the Royal Borough of Kensington. Princess Diana. Or, more specifically, the untimely deaths of Diana and Dodi: what do I think of the conspiracy theories; did I ever meet her; would she have married Dodi? etc etc etc
My answers are generally that I don’t think much of the conspiracy theories; I never met her but did see her at very close range just weeks before she died and no, I don’t think she would have married Dodi.

Eleven years after her death, there are people still fascinated by everything Diana and who hope that by visiting the places in which she lived they will feel that little bit closer to the most famous Princess in history. Diana hysteria has calmed in recent years but I doubt casual interest will ever cease in my lifetime. Most Brits have their own Diana story, however distant their connection to her was and I include myself in this.

During the summer of 1997 I was living in Kensington and walked passed the Palace every day on my way to and from work at the Royal Albert Hall. One morning I walked along Kensington High Street in auto-pilot mode, head down while retracing my daily footsteps. I was woken from my reverie by the screeching of brakes. I looked up to see black car just inches away and a concerned face staring at me. I acknowledged the driver who was clearly shocked by the close call and stepped back to allow her to move forward. It was only then that I realised the driver was, in fact, Princess Diana! She was flushed but beautiful with the most luminescent skin I had ever seen. That was the nearest I got to a face to face meeting with Princess Diana!

At the end of August, Diana was killed in Paris. Everyday between her death and her state funeral, I continued to walk by Kensington Palace and watched the piles of flowers, messages and photographs growing daily. The wrought iron fence surrounding Hyde Park was covered with flowers, posters and pictures; the trees were surrounded with tiny candles and night lights flickering 24 hours a day and personal messages of grief and love were left wherever people could find a space. I shared the grief of so many others but I didn’t want to be drawn into this most un-British frenzy of anguish. But there was a feeling of hopelessness which I couldn’t shake off. I really didn’t want to join the long queues at St James’s Palace waiting to pay their respects but I didn’t want to do nothing.

I had never used the internet before but had heard that Buckingham Palace had opened a Book of Condolence online so I thought that may be a way for me to express my personal sense of loss whilst extending my sympathy to Diana’s family – especially her young sons, Princes William and Harry. I did this the day before the funeral and also printed off a copy of “Goodbye England’s Rose” – the re-written lyrics of the song Elton John would sing the following day at Westminster Abbey. On the way home I felt no better. I passed people streaming into Hyde Park clutching their flowers and heading towards the Palace gates. I watched as people came out, crying and shaking, comforting each other and I could no longer remain disconnected from this mass outpouring of grief.

Early the next morning I went to the nearest flower stall and bought a single Bird of Paradise flower and headed back towards Kensington Palace to add my contribution to the millions of others. The flowers were piled up to waist height and it was impossible to pick out any specific messages as there were so many. I walked slowly back to the main road and took my place among mourners of every nationality who stood silent along the official funeral route. As Diana’s coffin appeared, a slow applause began and one or two wails of grief could be heard. But the overwhelming memory I have is of the great stillness that morning. As Diana’s coffin passed by, the sun appeared from behind its cloud and, somehow, reduced the strange feeling of personal loss.

I’d never experienced anything like it and, hopefully, never will again.

So, when I approached those same gates last week my emotions were mixed. I was keen to see the Palace that Diana had called home and where other members of the Royal Family have lived but the memories were surprisingly fresh.

Adult Entry to Kensington Palace: £12.30

Holders of the London Pass can enter free and also receive a 20% discount at the Orangery Restaurant

Billy Elliot 2nd Hand Theatre Review

2008-09-01T17:00:00.003+01:00

So the chosen birthday treat for nephew number three (N#3) was to go and see Billy Elliot in the West End of London. After much discussion with my mum, it was me that came up with the idea of Billy Elliot and she loved it! Mum had seen the film and thought N#3 (being quite musical and a secret dancer-in-front-of-the-mirror-when-nobody’s-looking type!) would be blown away by a boy of his age achieving so much. To be honest, I haven’t seen the film so I didn’t really know if it’d be his cup of tea or not!

Anyway, l booked it for Mum several months ago, in time to show N#3 the tickets on his actual birthday in June. Their seats were the best money could buy (unfortunately couldn’t find any suitable specials for a matinee performance on the right date so two seats costs a cool £120), ten rows from the front of the stage, right in the centre if the auditorium. When N#3 was told what his birthday present was, he was excited at the thought of seeing his first ever West End musical. (Actually, I think this was his first visit to the theatre full stop).

A few weeks ago I mentioned to one of my friends about Billy Elliot and she said she’d taken her 11 year old daughter there earlier in the year. When I asked what it was like she said it was great and her kids really enjoyed it. Then I told her how I’d planned to get N#3 the DVD so he’d know the story before he saw the show but my sister wouldn’t let him have it once she knew it was rated 15 (how short her memory is and what a spoil sport she has become!!!). My friend then dropped a bit of a bombshell: “Your sister knows there’s loads of swearing and violence in the show doesn’t she?” Aaaaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!!!

I may have mentioned that N#3 is somewhat straight-laced and intense for an 11 year old. He has an incredible sense of right and wrong (he thinks I’m very rude!) and is very age aware. The thought of him sitting in the Victoria Palace Theatre with my mum while men punched the living day lights out of each other and used swear words to enhance the atmosphere was almost unbearable!
On the other hand, I do feel he has been somewhat sheltered from the realities of life and witnessing these things as a performance might not be such a bad thing!
I couldn’t help thinking that the child-friendly “Hairspray” might have been a better choice under the circumstances though!
When I reported back to my mum about the swearing and the violence she was unfazed – when you’ve spent £120 on tickets it’s probably best to look on the bright side of everything!

So last weekend, the clan from Dorset arrived with one very excited 11 year old. I did ask him if he would write a review of the show for me but he refused. I told him I’d put it on the internet if he wrote it for me but he stubbornly refused. I said I’d put a photo of him with the review and credit him for his words and he gave me a lecture about the necessity to withhold children’s identities on the internet and told me I should know better! Oh dear! It would have been good to give you a review of Billy Elliot from a child’s perspective but this particular child was not playing ball!

On the way up to London my mum briefly explained to N#3 about the Miners strike of the 1980’s and also what a union was and why people belonged to them. These explanations were at the suggestion of my friend who said it was the only thing which her kids didn’t really get and needed to have it explained afterwards.

According to my mum it was “A very good show”… I’m not sure that’s quite enough to encourage you to buy tickets so I had to do a little cross-questioning!
Me: Was it very violent?
Mum: It was quite violent but not unnecessary and not gratuitous.
Me: Was there a lot of swearing and did it bother N#3?
Mum: Yes, but after a quick look in my direction after the first swear word, he didn’t seem too bothered. It was in keeping with the grittiness of the story and era.
Me: What were the cast like?
Mum: Fantastic! So talented and energetic.
Me: How does it compare to the film?
Mum: It’s the same story but totally different because of all the songs. You can’t really compare them.
Me: Would you go to see it again or recommend it to others?
Mum: Yes definitely!

According to N#3 (who was not prepared to write any sort of review or be interviewed!) Billy Elliot was “really good”. He was particularly happy to have got several cast autographs at the stage door after the show.
My sister has since reported back that when she asked him about it a few days later N#3 said

“It made me want to dance all the way down the road”.

I don’t think you can get a much better recommendation than that!

My First Blogging Century

2008-08-31T12:24:00.002+01:00

Today is my 100th London Ding Dong post so I reckon this milestone warrants a little self-congratulation and a précis of the last few months!

100 posts ago I morphed into Sparkly Songbird (left) and decided to rediscover London after living abroad for several years. Have I achieved my well intended goal yet? The answer is no and the reason is that London is simply too vast, too diverse and too progressive to ever really discover fully. In reality, it it is hard to do little more than scratch the surface. The flip side is that one can never get bored of London as it evolves continuously despite its magnificent history and traditions.

On a personal level I have re-familiarised myself with the city and discovered some wonderful new places along the way; I have visited places I’ve grown up knowing about but never got around to seeing; I’ve seen some places with adult eyes that brought back long forgotten childhood memories and re-lived a few moments from my childhood or student days.

In the years that I’ve been away my reaction to the hustle and bustle of London has probably worsened – I still can’t relax totally in the busy metropolis after living by the beach for so long! I have rediscovered my phobia of going underground and therefore rediscovered the joy of using red buses and watching the hustle and bustle from a safe distance! In fact, I positively love travelling by bus in London these days - it is by far my favourite mode of transport!

I’ve learnt that London can be extortionately expensive but, if you’re prepared to do a little research then there are some fabulous bargains to be had. I’ve found that while some people in London are constantly in a rush and have no time to stop for anything or anyone, there are others who will go out of their way to be helpful and give you their time and/or knowledge. I’ve noticed that most tourists –of any nationality- do not like or do not know how to queue!

I’m now aware that if I dress for cold or wet weather then the sun will shine and if I dress for warm weather it will rain or be cold! I’ve concluded that London has its own weather regardless of forecast or season!

I’ve discovered that old habits die hard (looking out for the Queen at Buckingham Palace); places disappear (Capital Radio Café in Leicester Square); and that major artworks can appear over night and legally be painted over again the next day (Banksy).

I think, most importantly, I no longer feel like a stranger in London. I wouldn’t say I am an authority on London but in the last few months I’ve learnt enough to recommend, forewarn and advise anyone who is listening or reading! There are big differences between those who live in London, those who just work in London and those who visit London for pleasure. I come mainly into the latter category and now know London in the way that most inquisitive tourists would/should. I don’t know the best pubs to drink in or which night bus takes you to Shepherds Bush but I do know some great tourist attractions and can make suggestions for holiday itineraries in London!

Of course, I have saved a lot of time in research and ticket office queues by mostly using the London Pass for sightseeing. I highly recommend this little sightseeing card, particularly if you are visiting London from overseas. The ability to plan your trip ahead of arrival – both physically and financially – should not be underestimated! I think most holidaymakers want a small taste of everything that a city has to offer and the London Pass definitely makes sightseeing accessible in that way.

So, with the first 100 posts under my belt, a little bit of London knowledge established and with the English “summer” nearly over, it’s time for London Ding Dong to receive an Autumn makeover. I’m not exactly sure what this will entail yet but I have a few thoughts so watch this space. In the meantime… thank you for reading, thanks for your comments and thanks for the encouragement!

USA to London Cheap Flights Plus FREE London Pass

2008-08-30T01:53:00.005+01:00

Today’s post will be of particular interest to my American readers! If you have been planning a holiday to London before the end of the year and haven’t booked your flights yet then I have great news for you!

British Airways have an incredible offer on until September 4th for flights from most major American airports to London from US$226 each way. The offer is valid for flights taken between September 4th and December 17th 2008 and the price is based on a round trip and must be booked seven days in advance.

As an extra bonus BA are giving away a 2 day London Pass with every London flight purchased before September 4th! At today’s prices these passes are worth an additional £49 each (approximately US$91).

So if you need a break from the American Presidential race, fancy a holiday in Europe and are keen to do some sightseeing in London then get yourself to the British Airways site and book your flight and FREE London Pass before Thursday September 4th!

There’s no need to thank me for the tip off! ;-)

N.B. If you've already booked your flights to London and want to order the London Pass online then visit their site this weekend as they have a sale on until September 1st.

Adult Prices are as follows:

1 Day £36.00 - approx. US$67 (normal price £38)

2 Day £46.00 - approx. US$85 (normal price £49)

3 Day £57.00 - approx. US$105 (normal price £60)

6 Day £79.00 - approx. US$152 (normal price £82)

London Loos 5

2008-08-29T23:19:00.001+01:00

The featured loo this month is, not entirely surprisingly, located at the Rainforest Café in Shaftesbury Avenue. Unfortunately I haven’t got a photograph of this particular loo to show you but let me assure you that the ladies loos are clean, modern and functional.

Nothing majorly special to report about these toilets but the “trek” to reach them was a fun experience. Under the beady eye of life size gorillas and realistic elephants I wandered through the restaurant, passed the magnificent tropical fish tank, up a couple of stairs and made my way to the ladies.

On entering, I was immediately hit by a beautiful smell of coconut which turned out to be emanating from the soap dispensers! It is this attention to detail that really impressed me at the Rainforest Café. After all, if you were trying to maintain a jungle-like theme throughout the restaurant, what better way than to provide coconut “flavoured” soap! Brilliant!

For this attention to detail and for not providing me with anything to complain or moan about, I am awarding the toilet at the Rainforest Café 8/10 which puts it in second place for London Ding Dong’s Loo of 2008!

West End Theatre Reviews, London

2008-08-27T23:15:00.002+01:00

It seems that everybody I know is planning to go or has recently been to the theatre in London. I admit I am rather jealous as, since my wonderful trip to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to see “King Lear” in April, I’ve been unable to see another play or show. I love the bright lights and the excitement of the West End but, unfortunately, my recurring back problem prevents me from sitting for any length of time so the theatre and the cinema are, sadly, complete no-no’s at the moment!

However, the West End has been full to bursting with fantastic shows this summer and it would seem wrong not to mention some on this blog. I have asked friends and family to write me a few lines about the shows they have been to see recently so I can, at least, give you some sort of reviews to help you consider your options. Over the coming weeks I will share their thoughts and opinions about some of the hottest shows in town. Next week I am having some major treatment on my back so, with any luck I will soon be able to share my own thoughts on West End shows too!

Just this last weekend Nephew no.3 (N#3) had his 11th birthday treat from my Mum – his first trip to a London theatre. We had long discussions about which show to take him to and which he would enjoy best. Like many kids his age he is a massive “High School Musical” fan and, with the stage version having a limited run in the West End, this seemed like the obvious choice. However, nephew no.3 is a very literal and intense young man and I think he would have been disappointed not to see the original Disney film/TV actors to appear on stage. He also knows the films off by heart, word for word and almost certainly would not have accepted any script deviations! So that was one off the list! Our next thought was Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “Joseph” starring Lee Mead (right), the winner of BBC’s “Any Dream Will Do”. This, I think, would have been the perfect show for N#3 who followed the TV competition with gusto. But, my Mum has seen the show several times over the years (with Jason Donovan and Philip Schofield among others in the title role) and really did not want to see it again. For similar reasons “Grease” also would have been a suitably familiar show for N#3 to see but, I have seen it twice before and the stage version will never, ever live up to the classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John!

So, which show cost £60 for the best seats in the stalls and gave my nephew his first, thrilling West End theatre experience? You’ll have to wait for the big reveal later this week!

But I must just mention that if you are looking for bargain theatre tickets in London then you have a couple of choices. You can take a risk, on the day, and visit the cut price theatre ticket kiosk in Leicester Square. This is great if you don’t mind which show you see but not much use if you have your heart set on seeing one of the more popular shows. If you want a guaranteed ticket for your show of choice then visit the London Pass website where they have special offers on loads of West End theatre plays and musicals. This ensures you have your theatre trip booked before you arrive in London, don’t need to queue for tickets and you get a discount! Another little hidden gem from the people at London Pass – is there no end to their offers?!

London 2012 Olympics

2008-08-25T22:43:00.001+01:00

So the Beijing Olympics are over and London has officially taken over in preparation for 2012. There has been much criticism of London’s part in the official handover at the Birds Nest stadium yesterday but I’m not sure we should dwell on an eight minute “performance”. After the rigid structure of the various Beijing ceremonies, the apparent informality of the London effort did seem a little lack lustre but, if nothing else, it will have left an impression for viewers around the world!

Team GB performed beyond all expectations at this years Olympics and I, for one, feel incredibly proud of these athletes. Welcome home celebratory parties are expected throughout the country over the coming days as the athletes return to their home towns. However the biggest party took place yesterday in conjunction with the handover ceremony in Beijing. As London Mayor, Boris Johnson (who has been criticised for being “scruffy”) was handed the Olympic flag in Beijing, more than 35,000 people packed The Mall near Buckingham Palace and watched on huge screens. They were also entertained by the likes of Will Young, Scouting For Girls, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, McFly, Katherine Jenkins and a fly past by the Red Arrows.

Anyone who was judging the potential of London 2012 should ignore the official handover in Beijing and take note of the patriotism, excitement and exhilaration on display in London yesterday. The British came out in force to congratulate our athletes, celebrate their achievements and show their support for London 2012.

I’m sure when the time comes for our own opening ceremony, the organising committee will come up with something a little better than a Red London Bus and the winner of a TV singing competition! In the meantime, let’s remember the success of Team GB in 2008 and encourage young athletes across the country to win even more medals in 2012!

Only 1432 days to go!

Rainforest Cafe, London, Restaurant Review

2008-08-22T13:33:00.002+01:00

I first discovered the Rainforest Café in Shaftesbury Avenue in 1999 and it has been a favourite destination for the younger members of my family ever since. The world is awash with themed restaurants but, from my experience, none are quite as child friendly as this one and still provide an enjoyable gastronomic experience for adults.

Just a two minute walk from Piccadilly Circus, the Rainforest Café is easily reached and accessed via their retail shop. This is, of course, a sneaky bit of marketing as the kids will no doubt want to buy everything they see before they’ve eaten and then want to buy more gifts as they leave – blindfolding your little ones is an option!

The rainforest/safari theme is all consuming here from the wonderful décor to the staff uniforms. On my most recent visit, earlier this month, we were asked if it was anyone’s birthday. I had not booked in advance so was not expecting any special treatment for my nephew but we were given priority seating and every member of staff wished my nephew happy birthday (which he actually found embarrassing!). He was provided with a kids menu to colour in and a set of crayons. Whilst 12 year olds don’t generally need this level of entertainment, they’re always a good idea for younger kids and, actually, my nephew did sit quietly and colour the picture!!!

The menu itself is a wide ranging mix of international cuisine with wacky names and descriptions. The kids menu is a refreshing change from the usual fish fingers and chicken nuggets with organic, nut-free, gluten-free and even egg-free options! My nephew chose the “Mini Mojos” (oven roasted BBQ ribs with fries) which, going on the speed at which they were eaten, tasted pretty good! I had Sea Bass Samba which was melt in the mouth delicious!
Prices are reasonable with a kid’s main meal, drink and dessert costing £10.90 which also includes a fabulous goodie bag (wallet, mask, pencils, stickers and more). Adult main courses average at about £13.50. When it came to desserts, I ordered a fancy ice cream from the kids menu, allowing my nephew to order a mega-fancy ice cream from the adult menu! The Sparkling Volcano (pictured right) arrived with a large sparkler, candles and yet another “happy birthday” to embarrass my nephew and was big enough to feed a family of four with a surprise in every spoonful! Scrumptious!

Accompanying our meal was a harmony of rainforest noises… the life-like elephants (left) trumpet their tune, the chimpanzees chatter to each other and thunder and lightening crashes over head. Giant butterflies flutter and (real) tropical fish swim around their massive tank. This is one London restaurant where children are not expected to sit politely at the table – wandering around and exploring the surroundings is one of the delights of the Rainforest Café!

Royal Windsor, England

2008-08-20T21:43:00.005+01:00

One place I’ve never visited is the Royal town of Windsor in Berkshire where one of the Queen’s homes – Windsor Castle – is now a major tourist attraction.
Windsor Castle is not just a Royal show-palace though. This is very much a working palace, used frequently by HM The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family. In actual fact it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the whole world, having been used for over 900 years by British sovereigns.

Alongside the Castle is St Georges Chapel which is also open to the public. In recent years this has become something of a venue for Royal weddings – a fashion that was started by Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999 and was followed by Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips and his Canadian bride, Autumn Kelly earlier this year. However, most famous was the blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2005 of the marriage between Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker-Bowles. Earlier that day they had a civil ceremony at Windsor Registry Office which also witnessed the civil ceremony of Sir Elton John and David Furnish that same year.

Recent persistent rumours have hinted that if Prince William marries his long-term girlfriend, Kate Middleton (both pictured right), the ceremony may also take place at St Georges Chapel, Windsor. However, as second in line to the Throne and a future Monarch, it is more likely his marriage ceremony will take place in one of the larger Cathedrals in London such as St Paul’s Cathedral (the venue of his father’s first marriage to Will’s mother Princess Diana) or Westminster Abbey.

Another famous sight in Windsor is Eton College, the school attended by so many famous luminaries. Prince William and his brother Prince Harry both attended Eton and it is probably for that reason so many tourists are interested in taking a guided tour around the illustrious grounds!

Windsor is only about half an hour from central London on mainline trains and is probably worth spending a day visiting the Castle and its famous Royal Art Collection as well as St Georges Chapel and Eton College. It’s certainly seems the perfect place for Royal followers and those interested in British Royal history.

Windsor Castle Adult Entry: £14.20

Eton College Tour Adult Entry: £5.00

Holders of the London Pass can visit all the above attractions free of charge and those with transport included can travel free to Windsor on overhead trains using their London Pass travel card.

Where Not To Go In London

2008-08-18T00:09:00.002+01:00

This weekend a friend gave me a set of four pamphlets about London which she had saved for me from a British newspaper. My regular readers will know that I generally try to write positive posts on this blog and I am not really one to name and shame. Therefore, I won’t name the newspaper or the leaflets but I feel compelled to write something about them.

These leaflets are very much aimed at tourists and visitors to London with tips on sightseeing, places to visit, restaurants, landmarks and lesser known places of interest. Now, on the whole this set of London guides are quite helpful and insightful and would probably be of interest to Londoners as well as holiday makers. However, I am totally flumoxed by the 4th guide in the series which is dedicated to lesser known places and things in London.

It is great to discover hidden gems in a city and places that others don’t know about - but anyone who subscribes to this particular broadsheet will now know these secrets so I guess they won’t be secret any longer! What bothered me most though was the inclusion of places that no longer exist. This was not an accident. The researchers didn’t muck up. They purposely compiled a section entitled “Gone Forever”. What on earth is the purpose of sending people to places that are not there? Most were not even of significant historical value! There is also a section on derelict buildings which, again, is pretty pointless when they are all boarded up and out of action!

I admit I was actually annoyed by what, to my mind, was a waste of glossy paper. As if to add insult to injury there was finally a page about Private Members Clubs which I would probably not be eligible to join, am unable to afford and I definitely won’t need their phone numbers which were so helpfully provided! My blood is still boiling as I write!

My reaction may seem extreme but there is so much to see and do in London without blurring the attraction of the city with these worthless ideas. Why confuse potential visitors with information about buildings that are long gone or that you cannot visit because they are unsafe or you are not a member of the exclusive club? It puts a negative spin on London when the city has so much to offer – we want to know about what we can see, not what we can’t!

So after several months of rediscovering London for myself, I would advise you to ignore stupid leaflets that send you on a wild goose chase and follow some of the links on this site for a successful trip to London!

Here endeth the lesson!

Olympic Fever

2008-08-17T22:57:00.004+01:00

I have not been a massive Olympics fan in the past but, with the prospect of the Games coming to London in 2012, the Beijing Games have proved to be rather alluring this week. I actually stayed up late last night to watch the marathon and see how Team GB’s competitors fared. There was plenty of drama to keep me awake - not least from our very own world record holder, Paula Radcliff and medal hopeful Liz Yelling who took a nasty fall, broke a rib and still completed the course! Sadly no medals for Team GB at the marathon but, when I woke this morning it was a different story on the medal board.

Now, I am aware that there is another week left of these Games and that things will probably change dramatically in that time but let me gloat today…

* * * * * * Team GB is 3rd on the medal board * * * * * *

How totally incredible is that?! China is currently the leader followed by the USA but here we are this tiny island, with an Olympic team half the size of these super-size countries and holding our own like never before. I am so excited by our athletes and can only hope that this is a sign of things to come at the London Olympics 2012.

One of the most amazing things to happen today was the first ever Olympic medal for a British male gymnast. 19 year old Louis Smith won bronze with a fabulousroutine on the pommel horse. There have been a load of British medal winners this weekend including another special performance from Rebecca Adlington giving her a second Gold – another first for British female swimmers!

So I am now gaining some real enthusiasm for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Some of these British athletes have yet to reach their prime and their home-country Olympics, by rights, should be a real platform for their more mature talents. Some events in 2012 will take place not far from where I live and I am now quite eager to catch some live action when I have the opportunity. I daresay my enthusiasm will wane a little between now and then but I am absolutely relishing the prospect today!

Eating Out In London

2008-08-15T13:38:00.006+01:00

I checked my bank balance today and was shocked to see just how hard-up I am at the moment! This may well have something to do with several lovely meals out in London recently. Until the financial situation changes, I guess I won’t be going anywhere for a while so I may as well sit here and share my gastronomic experiences with you!

There is just about every conceivable type of restaurant available in London from your popular fast food burger joints and sandwich bars to Michelin-starred celebrity haunts. Now, I can’t say that I frequent either extreme but I do enjoy good food in comfortable surroundings with a fair level of service.

If you are visiting London in the near future then it is well worth checking out the London Pass site for their special offers. As well as free entry to popular attractions, museums and famous landmarks you get discounts and offers at London restaurants and bars which is a great benefit when you are busy sightseeing and sticking to a budget. There are a wide variety of offers from 2 for 1 at the Wagamama noodle bar chain to a free dessert at the famous Hard Rock Café. There are discounts on the wonderful Bateaux Restaurant Cruises and superb deals at the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. Most restaurants also offer priority seating to London Pass holders which, at this time of year, is a real bonus - especially if you have hungry kids in tow!

Eating out can be pretty expensive in London so it is a good idea to take advantage of special offers and discounts so you have a little money left over for gifts and souvenirs or whatever takes your fancy! So now I’ve told you how to save money on eating out, I will soon tell you where to spend your savings at other restaurants I have visited recently! Hmmmm I’m hungry now!

Chelsea Football Tour Part 2

2008-08-13T16:05:00.004+01:00

So there we were, a 12 year old Spurs fan posing as a Chelsea fan complete with team shirt and a thirty-something West Ham fan boldly admitting her allegiance to a rival team. Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC - one of the richest football clubs in the world – genuinely welcomes football fans of all persuasions. Our guide even went as far as thanking me (an unofficial West Ham rep for the day!!) for providing Chelsea with so many good players over the years… Joe Cole and Frank Lampard are just two of the current Chelsea squad who came from West Ham.

Elvis, our guide, made a point of finding out where everyone was from in the world and who we all supported. His football knowledge extended way beyond the realms of Chelsea FC though his passion for the club was unmistakeable. Having had the introductory tours from the stands where we could admire the grandeur of the stadium, we moved onto the press room (pictured above right with Elvis at the desk). Elvis kept the jokes running whilst continuing to give us stories and snippets of information about the club and the various areas we visited.

One thing that really impressed me was the number of photo opportunities given to visitors. In fact, there were no photo restrictions at all which was brilliant. Consequently, I do have photos of every conceivable view in the stadium which was maybe a little extreme! The visitor changing room (above left) was basic to say the least and reminiscent of a school changing room. Apparently it used to be much smaller and they purposely only provided 10 pegs and lockers for an 11-man team! There are just two treatment tables compared to 5 in the home changing room and the white board (used for pre and mid-match team talks) is stuck in the corner behind the door! Not surprisingly, Chelsea does nothing to assist their rivals with the exception of Molton Brown products in the showers so that their opponents smell nice!

We were in for a real treat when we arrived at the home changing room as the genuine kit had been laid out in preparation for the public training spectacle the following day. Usually, visitors will see player’s shirts in the dressing room and be able to have their photo taken next to it but, whilst we couldn’t stand right next to the kit for security reasons, we could see their shirts, shorts, tracksuits, boots, trainers and shin guards- everything they would need for a training session or game. My nephew and I were so excited by this that we took photos of every single player’s kit! We were amused to see that most of the players don't bother to undo the shoe laces of their trainers before taking them off! The facilities for the home players were much more luxurious with spacious showers, ice baths, drink machines and a physio area.

Elvis had chosen a home and visitor captain to lead us through the famous tunnel (left) to the ground and my nephew continued his web of deceit by leading the Chelsea “team” onto the pitch! By this stage he wasn’t even embarrassed by his deception and I wondered if he was about to swear his allegiance to Chelsea! To be honest, the tour does have this kind of effect on people and I wouldn’t have been entirely surprised if Spurs had been forgotten!

We had heard a rumour that Jose Mourinho (ex-Chelsea manager) had had a heated seat installed for himself at Stamford Bridge but could not see any sign of a special chair in the manager and players area. When I asked, we were told that it was Chelsea’s owner, Roman Abramovich, who had had some extras installed in his personal box on the opposite side of the pitch, including heated seats and even carpeted stairs! We were also told though that “Mr” Abramovich is an incredibly generous man and paid for all of his staff (including the tour guides) to travel to Russia last season for the Champions League final. Very generous indeed!

The attention to detail at Chelsea is quite unexpected. Around and behind the manager and players seats are the “family seats” intended for younger fans (pictured right, my nephew sitting in the manager's unheated seat). At a cost of only £15 per seat compared to the average £50 seats, there is the added advantage for kids to get close to players in the squad who may be out injured or suspended and seeing the team arrive and leave through the tunnel. If the kids get bored during half-time then there are a number of X-Boxes provided at the back for further entertainment! They think of everything!

All in all, the Chelsea FC Stadium Tour is a wonderful experience. Regardless of who you support or even if you don’t follow football, it is a real eye-opener to visit such a high profile premiership football stadium and find out what goes on behind the scenes as well as on the pitch. I would thoroughly recommend this tour for families, sport-lovers and anyone who fancies doing something a little bit different in London. The London Pass includes this tour in its attraction list and, as well as free entry, you also receive 10% discount on merchandise in the megastore.

The Chelsea FC Stadium Tour is a well-deserved recipient of a Ding Dong Award for the excellent tour guides, access to most areas, numerous photo opportunities and general entertainment value!

Chelsea FC Stadium Tour is available every day except match days on the hour from 11am to 3pm.
Tip: Phone beforehand to check availability
Adult Entry: £15
Child Entry: £9

London Pass holders are offered free entry to the tour and museum and 10% discount on merchandise at the onsite megastore.

Chelsea FC Stadium Tour

2008-08-11T21:03:00.003+01:00

It has been a while since I awarded a Ding Dong for something or somewhere in London, but the second that I glimpsed the impressive Chelsea Football Club stadium, I had a feeling that this would be one of my London top tips.

Stamford Bridge is surprisingly easy to reach- taking only about 20 minutes from Oxford Street and then a 2 minute walk from Fulham Broadway tube station. We arrived about half an hour before the tour began to ensure our place and were directed along to the museum to await our tour guide and get our first view of the stadium in all its glory.

Tours take place every day (except home match days) on the hour from 11am to 3pm and you can book in advance on the Chelsea website or take your chance and turn up around half an hour before the tour starts. It’s probably a good idea to check availability beforehand in case there is a last minute tour cancellation.

While waiting to be called by our tour guide, my nephew and I made ourselves comfortable in what was once known as the family box but is now referred to as the WAGs box (Wives and Girlfriends). It is not particularly luxurious but it does afford a fabulous view of the ground (right). It is many many years since I visited a football stadium and I was astounded at the size of the pitch. My nephew reliably informed me that football pitches vary in size so it’s possible I hadn’t seen one as big as this before.

As our group were gathered together our guide, Elvis, introduced himself and led us out to the stands. I should point out that I am a West Ham supporter and my nephew is a Tottenham Hotspur supporter. However, whereas I was happy to hold my head up high and admit to being a Hammers fan, my self-conscious nephew actually borrowed a Chelsea shirt for the day for fear of standing out in the crowd! When Elvis asked if there were any other premiership team fans in the group, my nephew was horrified when I waved my hand thinking I might give away his secret – I was oblivious to his fear while enjoying a little friendly banter with Elvis!

We had chosen a fantastic day for the tour. With under a week to go before the start of the new season and just 24 hours before the clubs big fan and press day, it was all hands on deck in preparation. The grounds men were painting fresh lines on the pitch, other staff were cleaning and polishing each individual seat in the stadium (above right) and, most importantly, the kit man had been getting things ready in the changing rooms. The tour included all areas of the stadium and, as this is receiving a Sparkly Songbird Ding Dong, I shall save the details for next time!

Meeting Places In Central London

2008-08-07T16:35:00.002+01:00

This week, a friend of mine was over from Ireland and staying in London for a couple of days. She was staying in a hotel in Central London and we planned to meet for lunch and a little sale shopping. The night before she had been to see Dirty Dancing in the West End (the main purpose of her trip) and, that morning, she was going to visit Westminster Abbey before meeting me.

Now, it all seems so very simple to meet an old friend in London for the day but when one friend is totally unfamiliar with the city and the others newfound area of knowledge is sightseeing attractions along the River Thames (!), it can be a little complicated! I didn’t have anywhere specific in mind for lunch but thought that dim sum in Chinatown would be rather fun so did an internet search for reviews and recommendations.

In years gone by, I often frequented restaurants in Chinatown but much has changed in recent years and I couldn’t remember names and places. All the restaurant reviews were mixed so I decided it would be better to chose where to eat once we had met up. It only remained for me to suggest a rendezvous point that my friend would be able to find easily. Leicester Square was the most obvious choice so I suggested meeting outside the Odeon Cinema – home to many a movie premier.

On the train to London, it began to rain so I sent my friend a text to say if it was raining there we should meet inside the Capital Radio Café next door to the Odeon. To my horror, when I arrived I saw that, whilst Capital Radio is still there, the café downstairs is now a Yates wine bar (and has been for several years apparently!). My friend found the wrong cinema in Leicester Square and then, standing below the massive sign indicating “CAPITAL RADIO”, had asked a passer-by where capital radio was! Anyway, eventually we found each other and the confusion was soon forgotten!

So, if you need a good place to meet in central London, I can recommend Yates Wine bar on Leicester Square. I’m not a fan of meeting outside tube stations as they can be crowded and many stations have more than one exit. I’m not terribly familiar with specific London bars or cafes these days but obviously that option makes most sense if you are more informed than me! If you are meeting someone for a day of shopping than an excellent place to meet is at Oxford Circus in the large entrance to the flagship Top Shop store or round the corner at the Apple store on Regent Street.
There is an old tale that says wherever you are from in the world, if you spend all day hanging around Piccadilly Circus, you are guaranteed to see somebody you know. It has actually happened to me twice, even though I was just passing through. However, I don’t suggest arranging to meet someone in Piccadilly Circus – it’s far too hectic there! Theatre foyers are also handy places to meet during the day (but too busy in the evening) as are art galleries and museums.

Wherever you decide to meet, make sure it’s easy to find and not too secluded. Cafés and bars have the bonus of cloakroom facilities and being able to sit with a drink if you arrive early or one of you is running late. I’ve always enjoyed people-watching in hotel lounges and, again, they provide a little comfort while you wait. The Hampshire Hotel in Leicester Square and the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel in Knightsbridge are two of my favourites for the stylish surroundings. Why wait in the heat or rain when you can enjoy a little luxury?!

Midsummer Christmas Madness

2008-08-05T23:43:00.005+01:00

What is red and white striped, has a white beard and can be found in Knightsbridge on the 5th August? Father Christmas!
Confused? It’s hardly surprising with 4 ½ months til Christmas but, yes, Father Christmas made his 2008 debut at Harrods today! Dressed in a Victorian-style bathing suit and posing in front of an eight tonne sand sculpture of his sleigh and reindeer, Father Christmas officially opened Christmas World at Harrods! The World’s most famous and glamorous department store has waved goodbye to summer and is looking ahead to the festive season with not a hint of embarrassment or shame! Personally, I find it all rather disturbing!

However, Father Christmas is not hanging around just yet – according to official reports, he interrupted his summer holiday in Blackpool today to launch the Christmas display – but will return to Harrods on Saturday 1st November where he will be resident in his Grotto until Christmas Eve. The exceedingly popular Christmas Grotto Experience is free of charge but must be booked in advance. Tickets are available on-line from the 21st August and are subject to availability. This year Harrods are celebrating a century of Father Christmas at the store (1908-2008) with an extra special Christmas Parade entitled “Once Upon A Time Parade” on November 1st. I am, of course, giving you super-advance warning here but it seems that planning Christmas can never come early enough at Harrods!!! The event starts at 8am outside the store and arrives in Basil Street at around 8.30am with characters from Cinderella, Mrs Christmas and the main man who will then take up residence in his grotto on the 4th floor.

Enough about Christmas now!!!

Harrods is the ultimate shopping experience and also a must-see for tourists and London visitors alike. I guess it is as much a sightseeing attraction as it is a luxury department store. So if you are combining some shopping with your sightseeing then don’t forget to take advantage of the special offers you receive with the London Pass. If you spend £25 or more in Harrods lower ground floor then you will receive an exclusive free gift when you present your London Pass. If you fancy a bite to eat in the opulent surroundings of the Harrods 4th floor Georgian Restaurant then you will be offered a free glass of wine or fresh juice with your lunch if you have a London Pass.

With other London Pass attractions nearby including Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall, it is a great place to visit and indulge in some luxury retail therapy! But, with 141 days left to buy your Christmas goodies there isn't an immediate rush to get to Christmas World - there are more than 300 other departments to explore at Harrods first!

Hiding From The London Weather

2008-08-03T14:08:00.003+01:00

If you have been in London over the last week or so you will probably be fed up with the weather! It has either been too hot to do anything or too wet to go anywhere! I have given you a few ideas for outdoor events when the weather is fine, but what about when the clouds appear and the rain comes down? Well, London has plenty of options for wet weather activities so don’t be put off by the lack of sunshine.

London’s major museums are world famous but there are a few hidden gems dotted around the capital that you may find equally as fascinating. The centrally located Cartoon Museum in Little Russell Street opened just two years ago and is home to an incredible collection of British cartoons, comic art and caricatures from the 18th century to modern day. At the moment there is a special exhibition celebrating 70 years of the Beano and Dandy comics. Throughout August the Cartoon Museum are holding comic master classes and workshops which are free to children. Adults visiting the museum can also join in for free and, with the London Pass, that means free entrance and free fun for all!
Tues-Sat 10.30am-5.30pm Sun 12pm-5pm
Always closed Monday
Adults: £4.00 or free with London Pass

Down the river in Greenwich there are a couple of places worth visiting even though the famous Cutty Sark is still being repaired and renovated. Take a City Cruises* boat from either Westminster or Tower Piers and visit the famous National Maritime Museum (above left). The world’s largest maritime museum is home to over 2 million seafaring objects and also a fabulous ship simulator. Nearby are the Royal Observatory and the Greenwich Meridian Line where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere!
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm.
London Pass holders receive a free souvenir guide.

While you are in Greenwich, you can also visit the unique Fan Museum which is housed in a Grade II listed early 18th Century building. Not only can you view more than 4000 intricate hand fans, discover their purpose and function throughout history but you can also take a walk around the Japanese Garden of tranquillity afterwards.
Tues-Sat 11am – 5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Open Bank Holiday Mondays.
London Pass holders receive a free souvenir visitor’s guide.

Greenwich is a good place to spend the day while the weather is so changeable. With a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions and places of interest, this historically Royal area is well worth a visit. The birthplace of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, Greenwich has been a World Heritage Site since 1997.

* City Cruises run regular boat services between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier to Greenwich. London Pass holders are entitled to a free River Red Rover ticket (worth £10.50), enabling unlimited travel throughout the day. Hop on and off where and when you like along the River Thames route.

London Loos 4

2008-07-30T02:03:00.001+01:00

This months featured London toilet is not a competitor for London Ding Dong’s Loo of 2008. This picture was sent to me by a friend purely for the amusement factor. The Tower of London is clearly just as proud of its award as St Paul’s Cathedral is!

This picture was taken last month and yet the award beats the St Paul’s 1995 certificate for longevity… it goes all the way back to 1992 and is in pristine condition!

I’m sure the Tower of London loos are still perfectly serviced but displaying a 16 year old certificate is pushing the pride scale - even in an area of historical interest!

London For Kids

2008-07-29T01:24:00.002+01:00

I am not a parent but with the long summer holidays there are plenty of parents who are tearing their hair out trying to keep their kids entertained. One of my nephews celebrates his 12th birthday next month (12 going on 20!) and, rather than give him a present which will undoubtedly be disregarded soon after the event, I have decided to take him to London for the day.

He has visited quite a few attractions in London already including the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Globe Theatre so I have turned to the London Pass website for a few ideas. They have a suggested itinerary for children which includes the popular Namco Station at County Hall. But for a boy who lives near to the amusement arcades of Southend-on-Sea (a popular seaside town in Essex) this would not be particularly special. I’m also not sure he’d be too enamoured by the Royal Mews or the Firepower Royal Artillery Museum. BUT… I do think he’d enjoy London Zoo and I’ve no doubt that he’d love the Chelsea Football Club Stadium Tour. He is a big football (soccer) fan and, although he supports Tottenham Hotspur, what keen young footballer wouldn’t want to visit the changing rooms and walk down the tunnel of a world famous premiership team?

Among the other ideas are the Cartoon Museum and Pollock’s Toy Museum which I will probably visit myself at some point but I think my rather grown-up nephew is just a bit too “cool” for these! Give him another 10 years and he’ll probably appreciate them just as enthusiastically as he would have done a couple of years ago!

I will continue to look through the London Pass attractions to plan the perfect itinerary for this birthday treat but Chelsea FC is a definite and London Zoo will also be included. I think he would also enjoy a canal boat trip (I would too!) but I need to get the maps out and see how practical my choices are. I don’t want to spend half the day travelling on public transport but want to make sure he has a day to remember. I’ll keep you informed!

The Royal Mews, London

2008-07-27T01:14:00.005+01:00

There is nothing like living history to catch my attention and the Royal Mews at the back of Buckingham Palace is a wonderful example. Home to Royal transport including horses, carriages and cars and also the people who love and care for them, the Royal Mews is very much a working stables.

The guides at the Royal Mews are, without doubt, the smartest in London. Their black and red uniforms are perfectly tailored and pressed and there is no question that they are a cut above the regular guides found in other London tourist attractions. They are also unbelievably helpful: after having my bag scanned a lá airport security, I was offered an audio guide which was actually placed over my head for me!!! That’s what I call customer service!

The horses housed in the stables are so beautifully groomed that, at first, I didn’t realise that they were real as they stood almost motionless, ignoring the visitors! I’m not a particularly horsey person but these Royal mounts are pretty special – imagine the things that they have seen! The groomsmen and other staff responsible for all Royal road travel live at the Mews in apartments above the stables. It is not unusual for several generations of one family to live and work here.

The Royal Carriages are what most people want to see when they visit the Royal Mews and these are housed around the main courtyard. The first thing I noticed was just how tiny the carriages are – particularly the 19th Century Glass Coach (above left) which was used by both the Queen and Princess Diana on their wedding days. It is little wonder that Diana’s huge wedding dress was so screwed up when she arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral.

As if proof were needed that this is a working stable, in the harness room where the leather pieces are made and repaired, a man was working. I stood and watched this skilled craftsman at work and then wondered if he felt like an exhibit in a zoo! If he did, he didn’t show it and studiously continued with his work.

The climax of the Royal Mews is definitely the Gold State Coach (right) which caused those around me to gasp at first sight! If it weren’t so magnificent it would be vulgar! Built in the 18th Century for a whopping £7000, it has been used at every Royal Coronation since then. The carriage itself is massive, ornate and so gold that it doesn’t look real! It is hard to believe that something so genuinely grand exists even when you are stood in front of it! It would take 3 whole days to get the Gold State Coach out of its garage. The process would require opening the secret doors, disconnecting the central heating, removing pictures and slowly turning the coach until it could be moved out.

The Royal Mews is a fascinating place to visit. Knowing that the horses, carriages, cars and coaches are still used and that the Mews is the hub of Royal road travel makes it all the more special.

The Royal Mews is open 7 days a week until October 11am – 4pm.
Adult Entry = £7.50

London Pass holders receive free entry to the Royal Mews and also the Queen’s Gallery next door.

Open Air Activites In London

2008-07-25T01:04:00.004+01:00

London is a really super place to be in the summer months and, despite good weather not being guaranteed, open air events are really popular.

The Open Air Theatre at Regents Park (left) is currently showing performances of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night and Romeo & Juliet as well as the classical musical Gigi. Performance times vary but are throughout the day and evening with ticket prices from £10 upwards.

Sunday evenings in August will feature musical entertainment at Regents Park Open Air Theatre. The series of Sunday concerts culminates on September 7th with a concert from the original tribute act – The Bootleg Beatles.

There are two operas left this season at Holland Park; Ponchielli’s La Gioconda and Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta which will be preceded by a dance performance set to the music of Igor Stravinsky. Ticket prices range from £10 to £52 and there are a limited number of free tickets for 9-18 year olds.

Every Sunday, Bayswater Road is transformed into the ultimate open air art exhibition. Displayed against the railings of Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park), the work of more than 250 artists is a sight to behold. This is a weekly event regardless of weather and gives you an opportunity to meet the artists behind the art and buy pieces at studio prices. Whether you visit to buy or to browse this 50 year old show/market is must-see when you are in London.

With the warm weather in London at the moment you may just fancy chilling out and cooling off. Open air swimming pools, known as Lidos, are just the ticket if you fancy a dip and you can even find some in central London. One of the most famous is the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park where people have sunbathed, swum and played for over 100 years. There is also a kid’s paddling pool and deck chairs can be rented for a small fee. The serpentine is open daily from 10am - 6pm until the end of September and costs £4 for adults and £1 for children under 16 who must be accompanied by an adult.

Apsley House

2008-07-23T00:54:00.005+01:00

Home to the first Duke of Wellington, Apsley House was popularly known as “Number One, London” as it was the first house passed in London after the Knightsbridge toll gates.

Today, it overlooks the very busy Hyde Park Corner and remains the London Residence of the Duke of Wellingtons direct descendants. However, they now share this magnificent town house with English Heritage who run the museum.

Having beaten Napoleon at Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington was responsible for preserving English as our national language! He bought Apsley House in 1817 from his brother who was suffering financial difficulties. He immediately set about extending, re-facing and renovating the property until, 50 years after it was built, it became more or less unrecognisable from the original.

It now houses the first Duke’s outstanding collection of paintings as well as porcelain, sculptures, medals, silver and general memorabilia. In the 1990’s the house was restored to its early 19th Century appearance and it is a credit to English Heritage that it feels not restored but untouched.

As a nod to his former enemy, there is an 11 foot marble statue of Napoleon whose modesty is only covered by a fig leaf (!) dominating the central stairwell. There is also a small gallery of Wellington memorabilia and pictures charting the history of the house from the first Duke to current members of the family and the house itself.

It was the seventh Duke of Wellington who gave the house to the nation in 1947 but ensured the family would retain the use of half of the house “so long as there is a Duke of Wellington”. Apsley House therefore has the feel of a family home and not just a well preserved historic property. The private quarters are, of course, not open to the public.

The highlight in this incredible collection is the elaborate Sevres Egyptian dinner service which Napoleon had made as a divorce present for Josephine (which she declined) and was later presented to Wellington by Louis XVIII. It was not unusual for Wellington to receive presents from Europeans monarchs who were all grateful to him for saving their kingdoms.

Apsley House is well worth a visit for a touch of 19th Century London and to discover the life of one of Britain’s great heroes. The house may be decorative and ornate but the first Duke of Wellington was famously down to earth and reserved these extravagancies for his public persona; he actually lived in a very modest apartment at the top of the house.

Apsley House is open Weds-Sunday and bank holidays 11am-5pm
Adult Entry: £5.50

London Pass holders can visit Apsley House free of charge

The Guards Museum, London

2008-07-21T00:45:00.002+01:00

I suppose it was only a question of time before I visited somewhere that I really didn’t enjoy at all. There have been places that weren’t entirely my cup of tea but I’ve still garnered something from the experience. Unfortunately, the Guards Museum did not fall into this category. I admit that I have no special interest in military history but I don’t believe that special interest should be a prerequisite for visiting museums. As usual, I entered this attraction with an open mind and some hope that I would learn something new or see something unusual.

The staff were friendly and welcoming on arrival and accepted my London Pass with a smile and said if I had any questions I could ask them. Within a few minutes I probably should have requested a guided tour of the museum as, without audio or written guides and a distinct lack of information on display, the exhibitions were pretty meaningless.

There is so much on display at the Guards Museum that I am sure any military enthusiast would be in his/her element here. Unfortunately for me, there appeared to be a distinct lack of order in the displays and too many artefacts in each cabinet. Consequently, I could not even enjoy the musical instrument section which might just have won me around!

Having said all this I do think that kids (particularly boys) would enjoy all the military paraphernalia and anyone with a family history in Her Majesty’s Foot Guards. Regrettably there was nothing here to tickle my fancy and I think this was largely due to the shortage of information and the overstuffed display cabinets! It may, of course, just be me that feels this way. With free entry for children and just £3 for adults, it is not the end of the world if you agree with me so don’t be put off by my negative review. If you are visiting Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews or the Queen’s Gallery it is probably worth popping in while you are in the area.

The Guards Museum is open 7 days a week 10am – 4pm.
Adult Entry: £3
Children 16 and under: Free

London Pass holders can visit the Guards Museum free of charge.

London Weekend Ideas

2008-07-18T03:11:00.000+01:00

Lost In London?

2008-07-17T22:02:00.005+01:00

I have a terrible natural sense of direction. I can have a map in my hand, I know where I am, but have great difficulty in working out how to get where I want to go. Geography was my worst subject at school and, it seems, things have not improved with age! When it comes to specifics I am useless! My realisation of this fact hit home a few weeks ago when trying to find the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms. There are handy little maps in the London Pass Guidebook clearly showing the various locations and I was confident that from Westminster tube station I’d have no trouble finding the museum.

Looking at the same small map now I cannot understand what the problem was. I always carry a London A-Z too but that confused me more as I walked across the road, following a stream of tourists looking at the Houses of Parliament and badgering Policemen for a souvenir photograph. If the policemen hadn’t looked so hassled I might well have asked for directions but it seemed so foolish in my own capital city! I could see Westminster Abbey, was looking at Parliament Square (I think!) and yet I couldn’t work out which road to follow! In the end, I took a guess and just happened to get it right. My pedestrian panic always seems so ridiculous upon safe arrival yet the same thing happens over and over again. I simply cannot read a map effectively when I am on foot!

Having said all that, thankfully I do have a rough idea of the general layout of London, the major landmarks and how to get from one area to another. It is only precision directions where I fall down. So when, more recently, two Spanish men stopped me near Big Ben and asked where Trafalgar Square was I was able to give them clear directions in my best Spanish! A couple of hours later I was a little concerned to see the same two men rushing towards me across Trafalgar Square - either my general directions were wrong or my Spanish was worse than I suspected! As we came face to face they were grinning and exclaiming “Gracias, gracias Señorita” as though I had done something really special for them! In return, my pleasure was not garnered from helping someone in London with less idea than me but, in my mid-thirties, from being given the title Señorita! It made my day. Viva Londres!

Tourist Walk In London 5

2008-07-15T21:50:00.002+01:00

After a lovely organic fruit juice or two, it was time to bid goodbye to my companion and set off on the final short stage of my tourist walk in London. I am not a great lover of walking but, with sightseeing stops throughout the day, it had turned out to be a really enjoyable experience.

I walked out of St James’s Park with Horse Guards Parade in front of me; turned left into Horse Guards Road and up to The Mall. I turned right with the Institute of Contemporary Arts on my left and the famous Admiralty Arch straight ahead. Passing through the arches, I arrived in Trafalgar Square – possibly one of the most legendary London sights, famous for its Lions (statues, not real ones!), Nelson’s Column (above left), the fountains and scenes of celebration and demonstration over the years. It also used to be famous for its thousands of pigeons but last year a law was passed banning the feeding of birds in the area. There are now relatively few pigeons in Trafalgar Square and that age-old obsession of allowing birds to perch on your arms and head is no more!

It was now 8pm and the sun was low in the sky behind me as I wandered up the Strand to catch my bus to Liverpool Street. I was exhausted but buzzing with all that I’d seen and done. Even for someone who has lived and worked in London, visiting all these famous tourist spots and seeing world famous sights is pretty exciting. Having bought a great value two day London Pass, my only regret was having to travel all the way home and back again the next day… oh for a luxury hotel room somewhere in central London!

London Pass available from www.londonpass.com
Special offer available until 21st July:
Adult 2 Day pass reduced to £46 (usual price £49)

Lost In Translation

2008-07-13T21:41:00.001+01:00

I love people watching in London and admit that I am something of an eavesdropper too! On my recent river boat tour along the Thames with City Cruises, I overheard a little girl talking to her father and couldn’t resist making a note of the conversation!

Girl: “Why is there a British flag flying on that building?”
Dad: “That’s Big Ben”
Girl: “No, next to Big Ben”
Dad: “That’s the Congress building”
Girl: “What’s that?”
Dad: “It’s where the British President lives”
Girl: “Does that mean he’s home?”
Dad: “Yes”

Hmmm! Without wishing to offend anyone by assuming that my readers are quite as badly informed as this particular family from an English-speaking country that shall not be named (!), here is my slightly extended and more accurate version of the conversation.

Girl: Why is there a Union Flag* flying on that building?
Dad: That’s the Clock Tower**
Girl: No, next to the Clock Tower
Dad: That’s the Palace of Westminster***
Girl: What’s that?
Dad: It’s where the two houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom meet.
Girl: What are they called?
Dad: The House of Commons and the House of Lords****
Girl: Does the British President live there?
Dad: Britain doesn’t have a President; they have a Prime Minister who is called Gordon Brown. He lives at number 10 Downing Street.
Girl: So why is the Union Flag flying?
Dad: That means Parliament is sitting at the moment. If the Queen is visiting the Palace then the Royal Standard***** is flown instead.

* Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom.
** The Clock Tower is often referred to as Big Ben which is, in fact, the name of the largest bell within the tower. There is no flag pole on this tower. Flags are flown from the Victoria Tower.
*** Palace of Westminster also known as the Westminster Palace and the Houses of Parliament
**** The House of Commons, where Members of Parliament are elected by the nation and the House of Lords whose members are appointed.
***** The Royal Standard is the flag used by Queen Elizabeth II in her capacity as sovereign of the United Kingdom.

Tourist Walk In London 4

2008-07-11T21:24:00.003+01:00

Having visited the Guards Museum I continued along Birdcage Walk which runs parallel to St James’s Park. Walking close by the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, past Parliament Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and made my way towards the Westminster Pier. I bought a sandwich and a drink and joined the short queue for tickets at the City Cruises kiosk. Although I have previously done the Westminster to Tower Bridge leg of the River Thames tour, I had decided after a lot of walking and sightseeing it would be fun to go all the way down to Greenwich and back again.

On City Cruise boats, the live commentary is done by a crew member. These are not trained tour guides and they do not have a set script but on this particular day, the guy whose name I forget, was excellent. His commentary was informative and funny but, sadly, some of his jokes went over the head of the largely non-English speaking tourists. Although I am now pretty familiar with this stretch of the river I found out some new and interesting facts along the way. For instance, I didn’t know that Waterloo Bridge is also known as “Ladies Bridge” as it was built primarily by women during the Second World War; the rise and fall of the Thames can be as great as 25 feet; the stunning blue glass building on the north side of the river is home to the Shanghai Bank (above right); Somerset House, once the records office (Hatch ‘em, match ‘em, despatch ‘em!), is now home to the Courtauld Art Gallery and an ice rink in winter; the original Billingsgate Fish Market building (above left) has wonderfully quirky weather veins shaped like fish!

I love these little snippets of information about places and sights we often take for granted in London. The River Thames remains a hive of activity and each building on the banks, be it old or new, has a tale to tell or a unique point of interest. Unfortunately, I hadn’t realised quite how long it would take to Greenwich and back to Westminster (the full round trip takes approximately 3 hours) and, knowing I was meeting a friend in St James’s Park at 6pm, I hopped off at the Tower of London in a slight panic. Greenwich would have to wait for another day. I joined another boat, with a different crew member commentating in a completely different style but equally entertaining and enlightening.

On arrival at Westminster Pier I walked back towards St James’s Park for my rendezvous at “Inn The Park”. This wonderful restaurant in the heart of the park is a beautiful place to enjoy a drink on a summers evening in London. Surrounded by flora and fauna and overlooking the lake, it is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of London. This would have been the perfect way to end my day of walking and sightseeing in London but I had just one more walk to complete my typical tourist trail before going home.

City Cruises run between Westminster Pier and Greenwich Pier seven days a week. The first boat from Westminster to Tower Pier and Greenwich is at 9.40am. The last boat departs Waterloo for Tower Pier at 9pm.
River Red Rover ticket enables you to hop on and hop off at any stop throughout the day
Adult: £10.50

London Pass holders are entitled to a free River Red Rover Ticket without further payment.

Free Music In London

2008-07-09T21:18:00.001+01:00

This month is free music month at the Scoop. Located in front of City Hall on the south bank of the River Thames, the amphitheatre has been temporary home to a number of events over the last couple of months with free theatre productions and film screenings. Now it is the turn of music with a little dancing thrown in for good measure!

Today, at 12.30pm, there is a Salsa dance workshop and demonstration. Latin moves are the order of the day and top Salsa band, Conjunto Sabroso, help get your hips swinging and toes tapping with their South American sounds.

Tonight at 6.30pm, Conjunto Sabroso return with the current salsa dance world champions - John Vasquez and Judy Aguilar from Columbia. Ola Latina present this evening of entertainment and, after the highly anticipated salsa demonstration, you are encouraged to join the salsa spectacular and dance the night away!

Tomorrow (Thursday 10th) is Calypso Day! At 12.30pm there is a Calypso dance workshop with Antonio Susinni and then, at 6.30pm, Sunnie Dae And Her Hot Kats take the floor. A mixture of rare plantation blues and Caribbean folk music will quickly have you up dancing and, in traditional style, there will be some audience participation with “call and response” singing. A great evening for all the family!

On Friday, it is the turn of London-based band “We Used To Make Things” at 12.30pm. This unusually named band comprises six men and one woman who perform a mix of original pop music with a wide range of influences. This feel-good band are sure to get you in the right mood for the weekend!

At 6.30pm the All Stars Collective entertain the Scoop audience with, as yet, unannounced Special Guests. This group of musicians have worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry including George Michael, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez and Westlife to name but a few. Now they step out of the shadow of these superstars and bring you an evening of original and exciting material.

Tourist Walk In London 3

2008-07-07T21:07:00.002+01:00

After graduating from Music College I accepted a part-time job at a Royal office in Buckingham Gate. Therefore my knowledge of the area proved useful when I couldn’t take the straight forward route to the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews. I walked the familiar path to the nearest pub where my leaving “do” had taken place, down a couple of small, quaint Olde London streets and arrived by the Buckingham Palace gift shop (not your average tourist souvenirs!) directly opposite the Royal Mews. A quick glance down Buckingham Gate confirmed that the road was still blocked and access to the Queen’s Gallery was prohibited. So I went into the Royal Mews, using my London Pass for the third time that day.

According to the lady in the ticket office, the road had been blocked off since 7.30 that morning after a delivery lorry tipped over when leaving Buckingham Palace. They had been told the Queen’s Gallery would be opened about an hour late but, since then, had heard no more. As it was now lunch time it seemed as though this accident was being treated more like a security alert but, thankfully, the Royal Mews was open for business as usual.

An hour later I left the Royal Mews hoping that the Queen’s Gallery would now be open but the road was still out of bounds with yet more police men and women. It was a shame but I re-traced my steps and headed for Birdcage Walk and the Wellington Barracks, home to the Guards Museum. There was quite a crowd gathered around the railings in front of the Barracks enjoying the wonderful sounds of the regiment band. As I approached, the band were rehearsing but, even to my musical ears, I couldn’t hear any mistakes being made in their wonderful rendition of “Bread Of Heaven” (I’m sure this is not the correct title but, for the life of me, I cannot think of the hymn’s proper name!) but every few bars, they stopped and started again. Chances are that it was the complicated choreography that needed to be repeated over and over. Still, it looked and sounded fabulous to me! The impromptu audience of tourists, holiday makers and sightseers were clearly thrilled and applauded enthusiastically! There is something very special about regimental bands and the British Armed Forces certainly know how to do it properly!

Having spent an enjoyable half hour watching and listening to this free military pageant, I moved on to the Guards Museum with a spring in my step!

The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace is open March – October, 11am-4pm
Adult Entry: £7.50

The Queen’s Gallery is open is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm
Adult Entry: £8.50

The Guards Museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm
Adult Entry: £3

All of the above sightseeing attractions are included with the London Pass and entrance is free for pass holders.

Music, Art and Science In London

2008-07-04T01:01:00.005+01:00

10 years ago this week I graduated from the Royal College of Music (pictured left). It only feels like last year yet, at the same time, it is a lifetime ago. I spent four years at this auspicious music conservatoire and graduated with a respectable honours degree although I had never planned to continue my education in this way.

Nestled behind the Royal Albert Hall (pictured right from the door of the RCM) in Prince Consort Road, the RCM is celebrating its 125th Birthday this year and continues to be one of Europe’s top conservatoires with gifted students from around the world training for a career in professional music.

In September last year, Professor Robert Winston was appointed Chairman of the RCM council. The appointment of a scientist at a music college has raised a few eyebrows but it conforms to the original intention of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert. His vision was to create an area devoted to the arts and sciences which was nicknamed “Albertopolis”. South Kensington is indeed home to major science and arts institutions: Royal College of Music, Imperial College, Royal Albert Hall, Royal College of Art, Royal Geographical Society, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. These eight original institutions today work even more closely than anticipated and are known collectively as the Exhibition Road Cultural Group.

A new collaboration between the RCM and the V&A has recently begun and will be experienced by the public in 2009 when the museum’s new Medieval and Renaissance galleries open. A Listening Gallery will pair specific objects on display with pieces of music through audiovisual points throughout the gallery as well as live performances.

A more immediate partnership is that of the RCM and the Royal Albert Hall Promenade concert series this summer. The college will host the new Proms Plus series with pre-Prom events every day during the season from 18th July to 13th September. The events will include workshops, interviews, literary talks and film screenings which will all be held at the RCM’s Britten Theatre.

Throughout the academic year the Royal College of Music opens its doors to the public for master classes, workshops, recitals and operas. Many of these events are free of charge and, most importantly, are a chance to see the music stars of the future.

The Royal Albert Hall tours are available Thursday to Tuesday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Adult Entry Fee: £8
London Pass holders can take a Royal Albert Hall tour free of charge and also visit the nearby Kensington Palace without further payment

Tourist Walk In London 2

2008-07-02T01:25:00.003+01:00

I probably should have started this particular day of sightseeing at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard takes place every day at 11.30am from April to July (on alternate days the rest of the year). This is understandably a really popular ceremony for tourists with all the pomp and pageantry that the British are famed for! Having said that, I have never seen the Guard Mounting (the official ceremonial title) so I really should have gone to the Palace first. Oh well, there’ll be other opportunities.

Coming out of Green Park, I did what I always do when I am near Buckingham Palace: I checked the flagpole! Ever since I was a child it has excited me to know that the Queen is home when I’m passing by! I was in luck this day as the Royal Standard was flying at full mast. When the Queen is elsewhere no flag flies above the Palace.

I hung around to one side in the vain hope that Her Majesty might just appear. I have only seen her once as a young child when she visited my home town and my mum helped push me up a lamppost to get a glimpse of our Monarch. But this was not the day for another sighting unfortunately!

I walked by the beautiful golden Canada Gate (right) separating Green Park from the Queens Gardens and admired the beautiful Victoria Memorial. Buckingham Palace is looking a little on the grubby side these days but the Victoria Memorial looks shiny and new, making me wonder if it has been cleaned recently.

With my back to the Palace I took my life in my hands to get some photos of the Mall, resplendently decorated with Union Flags. I continued across the Mall to the Memorial Gardens and the edge of St James’s Park. This was the opposite end of the Park from where I had seen the pelicans recently but the view across the lake was equally beautiful.

Preparing to cross the road towards Buckingham Gate where I once worked, I noticed a plaque on the pavement indicating the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. I know nothing about this walk but will investigate so that I can follow it later on this summer. Recently I had also noticed a Jubilee Walkway plaque but forgot about it so I need to do a little Royal walk research I think.

Heading towards the other side of Buckingham Palace I was stopped dead in my tracks by blue flashing lights. Police cars and officers were blocking the road and diverting traffic and pedestrians away from the very road that I wanted to walk up. I interrogated the nearest police officer who informed me that there had been an accident and I couldn’t pass through the blockade to get to the Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews. Potential disaster!

Not one to be deterred by a road accident I took the long route around in the hope that I would find the Royal premises unaffected by the cordons.

Tourist Walk In London 1

2008-06-30T00:00:00.008+01:00

Last week was pretty good weather-wise in London so I took the opportunity to carry out my own walking and sightseeing itinerary which included some of the most popular London tourist attractions.

For the time being, I won’t go into detail about the individual places I visited but will share with you my route and the things I saw. I had planned my path in advance and thoroughly enjoyed my typical tourist trail even though some of the attractions were not really my cup of tea!

I started off at Hyde Park Corner, one of the busiest traffic intersections in central London. I am still haunted by the memory of breaking down in my dad’s car here many years ago – I had borrowed the car with the promise that I wouldn’t drive it into London! I took some photos of the wonderfully ornate gates marking the entrance to Hyde Park and then walked around to Apsley House, home of the Duke of Wellington in the 19th Century. Then across the road to Wellington Arch - one of London’s most well known landmarks with its magnificent sculpture entitled “Peace descending on the Chariot of War” (below).

When planning my itinerary I had a choice of walking across Hyde Park to Kensington Palace or Green Park to Buckingham Palace. On this occasion, I chose the latter as, universally, it is probably more recognisable as the Queen’s London home. Diana’s home will be saved for another time.

Walking through Green Park I was amazed at the number of joggers and runners using the footpath but was disappointed not to see any horse riders using the special bridle paths. I think that most riders must exercise their horses in the early morning. Green Park lived up to its name that day and was looking positively glorious in its greenness! I strolled along at quite a sedate pace enjoying the intermittent sunshine on my way to Buckingham Palace.

Apsley House and Wellington Arch are open Wednesday to Sunday 11am-5pm.

Apsley House Adult Entry: £5.50

Wellington Arch Adult Entry: £3.30

London Pass holders get free entry to both attractions.

Bali Memorial, London

2008-06-28T23:10:00.001+01:00

Following on from the Fiona Banner Full Stops outside City Hall, I discovered another spherical piece worth mentioning. I’m not sure that one should describe a memorial sculpture as an art work but it is difficult to label it otherwise.

The Bali Memorial is a few metres away from Horse Guards Parade at the bottom of Clive Steps and commemorates the victims of the 2002 bombings.

The marble globe is engraved with 202 doves representing the victims of the blast, The curved stone wall behind lists the names and ages of all those who lost their lives including 28 Britons.

It was officially opened on the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attack by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in a ceremony attended by survivors, relatives of the victims and representatives from the 21 nations who lost citizens.

The 1.5 metre memorial globe is the work of artists Garry Breeze and Martin Cook and took nine months to complete. The inscription surrounding the base of the globe reads “YOU WERE ROBBED OF LIFE YOUR SPIRIT ENRICHES OURS”.

If you are visiting the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms or are in the area of St James’s Park, take a few moments to visit this permanent memorial. It is a simple yet poignant reminder.

Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, London

2008-06-26T21:17:00.003+01:00

A short walk away from the Houses of Parliament on the edge of St James’s Park, the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War rooms are hidden beneath Clive Steps. These underground rooms were the epicentre for the British war effort between 1939 and 1945. The War Cabinet, Winston Churchill (the British Prime Minister), and his most senior advisors plotted the war here and were protected from German bomb attacks on London throughout the Second World War.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the Cabinet War Rooms but assumed it would amount to little more than a few reconstructed offices decked out with wartime furnishings! How wrong I was! The bunker style entrance immediately provokes the notion that this is not just a homage to Churchill – it is the genuine and faithfully preserved British control centre of the Second World War.

Opened to the public in 1984 with additional rooms opened in 2003, the Cabinet War Rooms are run by the Imperial War Museum and the Churchill Museum followed in 2005. There is so much I could write about this underground complex as it is a fascinating labyrinth of offices, bedrooms, dining and conference rooms. The fact that the whole place was kept secret from the nation and, most importantly, Hitler, makes it all the more amazing.

The War Cabinet Room itself is exactly as it would have been during the war. (Unfortunately my photos are not great as the room is protected by a glass front but they can all be seen on my flickr page). Even further below ground in the sub-basement is the “dock” which can’t be accessed by the public but contained the sleeping quarters for junior staff. Cramped conditions, low ceilings, vermin, insects, noise and bright lighting hardly encouraged people to take advantage of the facilities. Many staff decided the blitz was worth the risk rather than staying in accommodation that did not even boast a flushing toilet!

All the doors in the network of rooms are numbered and it is room 63 which contained the biggest secret of all. From the outside, it appears to be a toilet and most staff believed it was the only flushing toilet in the basement and not available for their use. But Room 63 was, in fact, the transatlantic telephone “hot-line” room where Churchill was able to speak to the US President without fear of phone tapping from the enemy.

Although there is little evidence of luxury, the sleeping facilities for senior staff were surprisingly homely. Mrs Churchill had her own bedroom (right) close to the Prime Minister’s detectives and military advisor. The Prime Minister’s bedroom-cum-office (below right) contained a large desk, a single bed and a supply of his trademark cigars (how did he get these during the war?). There was also a private dining room (left) which was serviced by a specially installed kitchen. Despite all these living facilities, it is believed that Churchill only spent 3 nights sleeping here and preferred to sleep in his Downing Street quarters or watch the bombings from the roof of the building (nobody could accuse that man of cowardice!).

Among the offices, typing pools and map rooms is the BBC radio broadcasting room from where Churchill addressed the nation periodically. A network of colour coded telephones can be seen in all the offices and original maps plotting the war effort are on practically every wall. The main map room (among others) became defunct when war ended in 1945 and was not touched or seen again until the 1970s. Everything is now exactly as it was left more than sixty years ago down to the very last drawing pin! When the map room was uncovered, an envelope was found hidden in a desk drawer with a name on the front and some sugar lumps inside - with rationing in place, this was clearly one item that was particularly precious to its owner!

To walk around the Cabinet War Rooms, knowing that one of the greatest Britons of the 20th Century had walked along those same corridors is surprisingly emotive. Knowing that the majority of what you see is original and has remained in situ, untouched, for all these years makes the experience an even better one. Whatever your nationality, age or sex this is one London landmark that should be seen and appreciated by every visitor to London. Sir Winston Churchill once said “Broadly speaking, the short words are the best”; so GO SEE IT!

The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms are open daily from 9.30am-6pm
Adult entry fee: £12
Senior Citizens/Students: £9.50
London Pass holders can enter without further payment and receive a free audio guide.
Sound guides are available in eight languages.

Picture Perfect Park

2008-06-23T23:09:00.014+01:00

The weather in London is still somewhat changeable at the moment but, generally, this is a lovely time of year to visit the city. There are many more green areas than you would imagine in London with tree lined roads and beautiful, vast stretches of parkland.

When I lived in London I was fortunate to be only a short walk away from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. I didn’t make the most of the Royal Parks but on a sunny weekend it was a lovely place to escape to. Even surrounded by groups playing ball games and families enjoying the open space with relish, Hyde Park had a serenity which belied its location in central London. For a while I also worked close to Buckingham Palace and would, occasionally, take a stroll through St James’s Park on my way home.

Last week, I revisited St James’s Park briefly and joined the clusters of tourists and workers eating their lunch in the sunshine. It was a lovely half hour sitting near the lake, only disturbed by a couple of squirrels (pictured right) who fancied sharing my lunch! Birdkeepers Cottage (also known as Duck Island Cottage) is a quaint feature of the area with a wonderful garden of wild flowers. Having been home to a number of bird keepers at St. James’s Park since the early 19th Century, this picturesque cottage is now the office of the London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust.

The lake is famed for its wide range of birdlife. Strangely, when I looked around I did not see anything as mundane as a duck (!) but I got dangerously close to a swan who was, thankfully, preoccupied with his/her cleaning regime! Across the other side of the lake I caught sight of the exotic pelicans that are fed fresh fish at 2.30pm every day.

London is an incredibly bustling city which never appears to stand still but, after a fleeting pit stop in St James’s Park, I felt refreshed and ready to fight through the crowds surrounding the Houses of Parliament! Making my way towards the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, I came face to face with a couple of army tanks heading to Horse Guards Parade. Ordinarily, I would have been too flustered to take a photo but the calming effect of lunch in the park turned me into Miss Methodical and I managed a couple of snaps to contrast with the tranquil wildlife shots.

London is a wonderfully diverse city and the Royal Parks are significant contributors to the multiplicity. If you are visiting London, live or work there, then take a little time to enjoy one of the parks and put the calm back into your day.

Free Gardening Advice In London

2008-06-21T16:46:00.006+01:00

My free London event suggestion this week is slightly unusual. The Imperial War Museum, The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms and The Royal Parks of London have all joined forces to recreate a wartime campaign.

The original Dig For Victory campaign encouraged ordinary people during the Second World War to grow their own vegetables to help combat fresh food shortages.
Concerns about eating healthily and getting exercise are still relevant today and so, with this in mind, Second World War and modern day allotments have been developed side by side in St James’s Park. The project explores the ideas of healthy eating, gardening and growing vegetables both in wartime and today.

Tomorrow is the third and final “Sustainability Sunday” being held at the allotment with this week’s subject being “How does your garden grow?”. There will be a variety of experts from the Royal Parks on hand to answer all your horticultural questions between 11am and 4pm. This activity is free and suitable for all the family.

The allotment can also be visited every day between 10am and 5pm and the project is accompanied by a special display at the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms.

To find the St James’s Park Dig For Victory allotment, follow the signs from the Churchill Museum in King Charles Street, SW1.

Southwark Cathedral

2008-06-20T15:40:00.002+01:00

Unlike its more famous counterpart (St.Paul’s) across the river, Southwark Cathedral has often been overlooked by visitors to London. However, with the recent regeneration of the Southbank and the Cathedral’s cleaning and renovation in 2000 it has, quite rightly, become a significant religious landmark as well as a popular tourist destination.

Southwark Cathedral is London’s oldest Gothic building, dating from 1220-1420. However, religious buildings have stood on the same site possibly since the 7th century. In an archaeological dig in 1999, Saxon foundations were found so this is, without doubt, an ancient religious site of great importance. Southwark was awarded Cathedral status in 1905.

The building itself is a positive mish-mash of styles and materials. I don’t know a lot about architecture but somehow this fusion adds to the splendour and it is an incredibly attractive Cathedral. It is worth walking the full perimeter of the Cathedral and admiring its turrets, towers, spires and steeples.

There are several entrances to Southwark Cathedral but, whichever door you use, volunteers are on hand to answer questions and lead you in the right direction. There are also helpful signposts throughout the Cathedral which is a little strange but necessary in such a sprawling building.

I admit that my first reaction on entering the Cathedral was one of disappointment. It is such a shame that in a beautiful building with stunning stained glass windows and striking stone work, ones eyes are first drawn to the ugly, incongruous chairs where, I assume, wooden pews once stood. I know modern seating is quite normal in many churches and cathedrals across the country and appreciate that the ancient pews cannot last forever, but surely more fitting chairs could be found?

I went straight to the Cathedral Shop to claim my free souvenir guidebook and audio guide. Unfortunately they had run out of audio guides but, rather than wait for one to be returned, I was happy to find my own way round and use the guidebook for information.

Southwark Cathedral has so many interesting links to famous people through the ages and memorials, plaques, windows and even chapels are dedicated to a wide range of luminaries. The Harvard Chapel is named after the university benefactor, John Harvard, who was born in Southwark, baptized in the church in 1607 and educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge before setting off for a new but short life in America. He died prematurely in 1638 leaving part of his fortune to a college for the “education of English and Indian youth in knowledge and godliness”. That college eventually became known as Harvard University.

Other highlights of Southwark Cathedral are the 20th Century Shakespeare Memorial in the east end of the south aisle, depicting the playwright in a relaxed pose in front of the Globe and Rose Theatres. Next to this is a memorial tablet to American actor/director Sam Wanamaker who was responsible for the recreated Globe Theatre that I visited recently. Shakespeare’s actor brother, Edmond, is also commemorated in a floor tablet near the Great Screen of the Chancel along with two dramatists of the same era.

Among the many memorials is a tablet shaped like a ship’s wheel, dedicated to the victims of the Marchioness disaster on the River Thames in 1989. Geoffrey Chaucer is also remembered in a stained glass window depicting his Canterbury pilgrims leaving Southwark.

In 2001, Nelson Mandela officially opened the newest part of the Cathedral which houses the Refectory Restaurant, a shop, library, conference facilities and also a museum. It is also where you can find the toilet facilities, below the Refectory, which I awarded 7/10 in my London Ding Dong’s Loo of 2008 contest!

Southwark Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit. Despite its Cathedral status and size it still feels very much like a community church and I would imagine the worshippers of Southwark feel very fortunate to have this incredible Cathedral as their local place of worship.

Admission to Southwark Cathedral is free but a minimum donation of £4.00 is requested. Photographs may only be taken inside the Cathedral with permission and a £2 fee must be paid (£5 for video cameras).

£2.50 is charged for an audio tour wand and the authorised guide book is also £2.50.

London Pass holders receive a free audio guide and glossy souvenir guide book and are offered 10% discount at the Refectory restaurant.

London Loos 3

2008-06-18T23:45:00.008+01:00

The featured loo this week is at Southwark Cathedral. It is not the easiest toilet to find. You have to locate the Refectory Restaurant, make your way passed people eating and drinking and, just when you think you have reached the right place, you have to make your way down a flight of spiral stone stairs! This is not something one would relish if you were in a hurry to get to the loo!

Thankfully, I was not in any great rush and even took time to take a photo of the entrance (pictured left) which promised great things from the luxurious wooden door and modern brass engraved plaque. Inside was slightly disappointing. It was not as modern as I had anticipated and, whilst perfectly clean, it had a slightly grubby and worn appearance.

The soap provided was unmemorable in terms of aroma but it served its purpose! Hand drying facilities were in the form of an electric warm air blower which looked fairly new and was also powerful enough to dry my top quickly after a little water accident.

All in all, Southwark Cathedral provides adequate toilet facilities which are clean and well serviced.

However, the location in the depths of the building mean that accessibility would be an issue for some visitors, particularly those with mobility problems and young children.

With this in mind, I am awarding the toilet at Southwark Cathedral 7/10 which puts it in 2nd place for London Ding Dong's Loo of 2008.

Researching A London Visit

2008-06-17T13:18:00.009+01:00

Gosh, how pleased am I that I didn’t need to go to London by train last week? The various rail disruptions were all on the line that I use into Liverpool Street Station and I’m not sure how I would have made it into town! Those poor Essex commuters who have no option!
Over the weekend I planned my next day of London sightseeing and discovery and had hoped to do my tourist bit yesterday. With the continuing overhead train problems and President Bush visiting from the USA, it seemed sensible to wait until later in the week when normal order will hopefully be restored!

Thankfully, the London Pass isn’t date specific so it is activated when it is swiped at the first place you visit. But if you have a multiday pass it does have to be used on consecutive days so, if you use it for the first time at 4pm on Monday, that will count as day 1. (In other words, if you want to make the most of the London Pass then start using it as early in the day as possible!)

My London Pass guidebook has become something of a sightseeing Bible for me. I use the maps and information provided to decide which attractions I’m going to visit and, generally, plan geographically. I don’t really want to be chasing across London to different places in one day so, as you know, I have been concentrating on places of interest near the Tower Bridge end of the River Thames and along the Southbank.

Last time, I didn’t plan my day until I was sitting on the train to London and, as a result, I hit a problem. When I arrived at the Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee I was told they no longer accepted the London Pass and that the museum wasn’t really open anymore! The rather flustered chap in the tea shop let me have a look around the museum in exchange for buying a cup of tea (which I would have bought anyway) but it was clear that the incredible collection of tea and coffee memorabilia was somewhat neglected. It seemed such a shame so while I waited for my cup of Earl Grey I asked a few pertinent questions! Apparently, Edward Bramah passed away in January and the landlord of the building decided to keep the tea shop open but was unable to run the museum too. However, there are plans to relocate the museum to a neighbouring building in the future. The chap doing his best to keep things going was, in fact, the odd-job man (his words, not mine) who had been drafted in to make the tea! A lovely cup of tea it was too! (pictured right)

When I got home, I went on to the London Pass website ready to register my complaint but, when I clicked on the Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee page, I found this message:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances the Bramah Museum will be closed from 01 April 2008 until further notice.”
Hmmm…I should have double checked with the website before leaving home! So I think the lesson here is not to use the guidebook or website exclusively. In addition, it is worth checking the main websites of the attractions in case opening hours have changed or there are unforeseen closures. This is a particularly good idea if you are visiting places outside of central London or away from the main sightseeing areas. Also, certain attractions and tours may require booking in advance even with your London Pass so make sure you check to avoid disappointment!

So Sparkly Songbird’s advice for a successful trip to London is to research and plan your time carefully and utilise the information available on the internet. Do your preparation in advance and you should have a stress-free and enjoyable time in London. It’s probably a good idea to check the weather forecast too!

Free Films In London

2008-06-13T00:05:00.005+01:00

Happy Friday 13th! Instead of watching out for black cats, ladders and cracks in the pavement, why not watch a film for free today?

Tonight’s free film at the Scoop amphitheatre in front of City Hall (on the Southbank near Tower Bridge) is the classic true-life “Dam Busters” starring Michael Redgrave. In close proximity to the World War Two warship, HMS Belfast, the location is unique and rather poignant for this particular film. You cannot book seats in advance so arrive early for the screening at 9.30pm. Seats must be taken by 9.15pm but barbeque food and a bar will be open from earlier in the evening.

Next Wednesday (18th June), the Scoop promises quite a spectacle. If you are in the area it may well be worth passing by, if only to see audience members who are encouraged to dress up for the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”. If you fancy going to see this cult film and haven’t seen a public viewing before then expect the unexpected: diehard fans will undoubtedly dress up in an assortment of costumes with an emphasis on corsets, stockings and high heels (that’s just the men!). Audience participation is a tradition at Rocky Horror and don’t be surprised if you get sprayed with water guns, have rice and confetti thrown at you and even toast during one scene!
It’s not the sort of film for a romantic night out but it is guaranteed to be a lot of fun, especially if you go with a crowd (suits, sandals and socks are not recommended attire unless you want to stand out as a Rocky Horror Virgin!).

If you are in possession of the London Pass over the weekend then take advantage of a free film at one of two cinemas famed for their art-house and independent viewings. You can see a film for free before 5pm Friday-Sunday (anytime Monday-Thursday) at the Curzon cinemas in Mayfair and Soho.
Films showing this weekend include:

Mongol: The Rise To Power of Genghis Khan (15)
Priceless (12A)
Persepolis (12A)
In Search Of A Midnight Kiss (15)
Let’s Get Lost (15)

Big Black Blobs

2008-06-12T17:27:00.012+01:00

In front of City Hall on the south bank of the River Thames, dotted around the amphitheatre, are some mysterious big black blobs. Too big to sit on, too big to jump over and too big to hug, I wondered if they had a purpose. Maybe they represented something significant in this newly regenerated area? Or maybe somebody just thought they were pretty (they’re not!).

I inspected a little more closely, curious to find out more about these “things” and what they were doing at the More London site. Surprisingly, a lot of tourists were taking photos of the big black blobs and I began to wonder if these were, in fact, significant works of art by a famous artist which I ignorantly knew nothing about. I found a small plaque (right) but was none the wiser.

So I have done my research. There was not any “further information” on the website as promised on the plaque so it took me a while to find out more about the Full Stops by Fiona Banner.
These giant full stops are sculptured in bronze and each represents a full stop from different font types. The following explanation makes basic sense:
“For More London, the forms selected are chosen to mirror the surrounding architecture of the development, the new GLA building and Tower Bridge. The sculptures cause one to pause, stop, carry on.”
I’m afraid the artist lost me with this next quote though!
“The sculptures create an abstract encounter with language. The Full Stops function as abstract sculptures with or without their reference to language and punctuation.”

They may not be colourful or self-explanatory but the Full Stops add a little texture to the area and are a talking point among visitors. I prefer my name for them though!

Britain At War

2008-06-11T16:28:00.010+01:00

Of all the attractions and sights I’ve visited so far on my London Ding Dong rediscovery project, Winston Churchill’s Britain At War Experience is by far my favourite. This enchanting museum is a living, breathing testament to World War Two and really gives you a sense of what life was like for Londoners during the war.

From the moment you step through the door in Tooley Street, you are transported to wartime London with the sounds of popular songs of the era. My London Pass was accepted with a smile and I was handed a ticket. I then exchanged the ticket to take the lift to the underground air raid shelter. This was a recreation of a London Underground station platform where, during the war, literally thousands of Londoners took shelter from the bombings. This fact was nothing new but the way it was presented was so realistic, to the point of being upsetting. Tiny bunk beds with grubby pillows and blankets, a WVS lending library, a very basic canteen and first aid facilities – all set up to keep people safe and as comfortable as possible in these horrendous times.

Sitting in the darkened Underground platform, watching news reels from the period (updated in colour), I was quite overwhelmed by the hardship people suffered and what they endured in order to simply survive. About 25 people sat with me in quiet reflection including several children who appeared quite pensive. This first part of Britain At War is not depressing or overly solemn but the significant disparity between London above ground in 2008 and London under ground in the 1940s is a huge shock. To see how people coped with adversity during the war makes some of the following, more positive, representations all the more incredible.

Moving out of the underground shelter, more displays showed every side of war torn London: the BBC radio studio where war news was streamed across the world; a pub with watered down beer; the dressing room of the Drury Lane theatre; an American GIs club; children being evacuated; women at work in traditionally men-only jobs; clothes and fashion; food rationing… every aspect of life in WW2 is here, presented in an educational yet exciting way. Unfortunately the most effective displays could not be captured by my inferior camera due to the darkness.

A standard survival structure during the war was the Anderson Shelter - constructed in most gardens as a safe haven during air raids. The Britain At War reconstruction is pitch black, accompanied by sound effects so loud and realistic that you can’t help but appreciate how terrified those families huddled in an Anderson Shelter for protection must have felt.

The climax of Britain At War is a recreation of the Blitz in full flow. I admit to feeling fairly panicky as I felt my way through the darkness, taking one careful step after another. The sound, smoke and light effects make this a frighteningly realistic experience and I left, through the gift shop, with a considerably more sympathetic understanding of life during WW2.

The Britain At War Experience is not just a museum. It really does portray the lives of Britons during the most testing of times. Most of us learnt the facts of WW2 at school but now I have a much greater sense of how it affected ordinary people. I wonder, if (heaven forbid) we found ourselves in a similar situation today, whether we would have the same endurance and mettle. I doubt it somehow.

Winston Churchill’s Britain At War Experience is open 7 days a week from 10am to 4.30pm. Adult entry is £10.45 although free entry is included if you are using the London Pass. The entrance is in Tooley Street SE1, located behind the Hays Galleria shopping centre.

Travelling To Work In London

2008-06-09T12:30:00.005+01:00

Last week I was working in London. After seven years of singing for a living in the Spanish sun, I returned to working as a voiceover artist in the UK at the end of last year. Recording in studios is not quite as glamorous as putting on my glad rags for a gig but the adrenaline still pumps and I still get a real sense of fulfilment. I guess I am one of life’s lucky people – I thoroughly enjoy the work I do.

The studios I’m sent to can be just about anywhere but recently I have had a string of bookings in London which is much easier for me to get to than somewhere like Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. Going to London for work is a totally different experience to a pleasure trip. More often than not, I am driven to the studio but, last week, luxury travel was replaced by regular train travel. When I’m going to work I worry that the train will be delayed and I’ll be late as, invariably, I leave home later than I plan. Often I don’t know what will be expected of me until I arrive at the studio so I am usually quite uptight during the journey. Silly things wind me up on a train journey to work; people talking noisily on mobile phones; people playing music too loudly on their iPods; people who stare; people who eat; people who share my carriage! Yes, I am Miss Grumpy Train Traveller 2008! Actually, I am most easily riled in the morning and the later I travel, the less irritated I seem to be. A direct correlation between early mornings and grumpiness methinks!

My slightly strange tube phobia is an extra drawback when I’m working in London. If I’m in town for some sightseeing and fun then I prefer to take my time and take the bus. I have grown to love these bus rides and wish it was a practical option every time. If I’m going to work then I have to face the tube head on as, time-wise, it is usually more predictable. But, of course, my stress levels rise when I’m down in the underground (actually, it starts as soon as I reach the ticket queues - pictured right). I try hard to keep calm but perpetually fail and resort to a shot of Rescue Remedy to settle my nerves. I dearly wish I could overcome this inexplicable tube phobia.

Another inexplicable thing is that, when I’m walking from the tube station to the studio, I rush. Last week I had no reason to rush. I had plenty of time to amble slowly along the street and enjoy the leafy London suburb. When I’m in London for pleasure I stroll from A to B - I certainly don’t rush - and am even learning to look around! Maybe when I’m on my way to work I feel the need to appear as though I’m in a hurry, that I mustn’t be stopped or delayed because I am on my way to somewhere or something important. I’m no psychologist, but it does make me wonder if I subconsciously induce this officious demeanour and cause myself to get all hot and bothered unnecessarily.

Anyway, I shall not dwell on these strange anomalies as, with any luck, I will be able to relax in a car again next time I have a voiceover job. Last weeks work was the conclusion of six months post-production on Dr Who and, whilst I cannot reveal what is left to come in this current series, I will say that the final few episodes are positively explosive! Come to think of it, I may have the answer to my travel tribulations… does anyone know where I can buy a Tardis?!

The Telectroscope

2008-06-08T08:55:00.006+01:00

Yesterday I tried to explain to my Mum what the Telectroscope is all about. She had been away when it hit the headlines but I assumed she had seen something about it in a newspaper or on the news. The conversation went something like this:
Mum - “What did you do in London last week?”
Me – “Oh, I saw that Telectroscope thing”
Mum – “That Telec what?”
Me – “You know, that Victorian thing where you can wave to people in New York”
Mum – “I have no idea what you are talking about… do you want a drink?”

And that was that! A couple of martinis later and I attempted a full explanation of how the Telectroscope works. As I explained about the tunnel that had finally been completed between London and New York and how, with the help of many mirrors and a little bit of magic, we were able to silently communicate with our friends across the pond my Mum did not look impressed. I told her how a Victorian inventor had started it but had gone mad and never finished so his great grandson had re-started the tunnel project and finished it more or less single handed. At this point she started nodding slowly – just as she has done when I was telling wild stories as a kid. She wasn’t convinced.

Frankly, I was pitching my story to the wrong audience. Had I told one of my young nephews about the Telectroscope they would have been enthralled by the tale of extraordinary engineering feats resulting in a huge tunnel going all the way from here to there. They would have loved the idea of such a wacky invention and insisted on going straight to London to make faces and do silly dances for their American counterparts! Unfortunately for me, none of the said nephews were on hand to impress and enchant so I spoke no more about the Telectroscope.

However, this morning I spoke to my 13 year old nephew on the phone. He has just started shaving. He is at that awkward stage – he is cocky but still wants a cuddle; he knows it all but has it all to learn. I decided to tell him about the Telectroscope and ask if he wanted to go and visit it next weekend before it disappeared as quickly as it arrived. He listened silently while I described the contraption and explained about the tunnel. He started laughing. Then he responded very slowly and deliberately as though I was some kind of idiot: “There… isn’t… a… tunnel. There…are…no…mirrors. It…is…a…webcam…”
“You don’t want to see it then” I replied. “No thanks” he said. What does he know? He’s only a kid!

But if you want to see it and wave or write notes to visitors at the Brooklyn Bridge then get yourself along to the Scoop, by City Hall. If your children haven’t reached the cynical (or knowledgeable) stage, they will love this magic tunnel with its madcap machine. In London we are charged just £1 for a few minutes of silent interaction (though annoyingly, in New York they get their fun for free).
If your kids ask who Tiscali is then tell them he helped dig the long tunnel under the Atlantic!

The Telectroscope will be there until next Sunday (15th) and is open 24 hours a day.

Glitch Now Fixed

2008-06-07T07:29:00.000+01:00

What started as a Blogger glitch soon became a Mozilla problem which, in turn, became a laptop breakdown and put me out of action last week. I have no idea if any of these things were related or not as I am frustratingly ignorant when it comes to techy stuff! I had to wait until this morning for a friend to come and sort me out and admit that I glazed over when he tried to explain what had gone wrong! Anyway, he has done his stuff (thank you) and the gremlins have now been put back in their place. Am not sure if I’ve “lost” anything (I am a nightmare for not backing up files) but hopefully I can, at least, get back to sharing my London discoveries with you all and catch up on last weeks planned posts asap. Thanks for your patience!

The Other Side Of London

2008-06-03T20:07:00.007+01:00

I found news reports of “revellers” on the underground at the weekend really quite disturbing. It all seemed so senseless with echoes of the bad old days of football hooliganism. It looked like many at the “last tube booze-up” were only there to cause trouble and the organisers clearly hadn’t thought through the consequences of their suggestions. Unfortunately, it puts London in such a bad light across the world. London is a great place to live, work and visit and it is a shame that more of the good is not reported across world media.

The day before the boozy tube disruptions, I visited London as part of my Ding Dong rediscovery and saw the other side, the much more pleasant side, of London. Over the last few months I have walked along the south bank of the River Thames a couple of times but only as a means to get from one place to another. I have been guilty of ignoring my surroundings whilst concentrating on getting from A to B, so missing some of the new and rather exciting features on that side of the river.

Being half-term holiday, there were a lot of people milling around, enjoying the sunshine and the sights. I sat down on the steps near City Hall among tourists, workers and families and the atmosphere was reminiscent of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Admittedly there were only two steps to choose from here but the air of excitement was palpable. It was truly refreshing!

Walking passed City Hall towards London’s latest temporary attraction, The Telectroscope, I noticed a sunken amphitheatre. I cannot believe I didn’t notice this before! The Scoop (great name!) is an open air performance space offering FREE events throughout the summer months (hmmm… it is raining again as I write this!). A poster advertised free performances of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” over the weekend which I can imagine does not go down well with the Globe Theatre a few minutes walk away but how wonderful for everyone else!

A little research has revealed that the Scoop really does provide a wide variety of free events for anyone and everyone.
Until the end of September, fitness classes will be held at the Scoop every Wednesday from 7.30am-8.30am. Promising to get you going for the day, classes are suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. Arrive early as numbers are limited and will be run on a first come first served basis.
June is the month of free films at the Scoop starting with “Chicago” tomorrow and then a different movie every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30pm until the end of the month.
July is free music month with a fabulous line up of famous and up and coming artists to entertain you at lunch time and in the early evening.
August and the beginning of September is free theatre time with two contrasting shows being performed 5 nights a week.

The Scoop seating capacity is 800 and seats are allocated on a first come first serve basis. Barbeque food and a bar will be available so it is worth getting there early to guarantee a seat and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

I will definitely take advantage of some of these free events from More London and will invest in an extra comfy cushion to sit on!
As an example of a community project on a grand scale, you don’t get much better than this. The Scoop proves that London has much to offer its people and its visitors without expecting something in return! I shall see what the reality is like but I think the Scoop is well on the way to getting a Ding Dong award from me. Don’t you just love a freebie?!

Ship Ahoy In London

2008-06-02T00:32:00.005+01:00

Last week, I braved the hordes of school children on half-term holiday and set off for another day of Ding Dong discovery in London. I am becoming rather familiar with the major sights along the River Thames but familiarity does not always breed contempt; I am actually growing incredibly fond of this area. It was a slightly overcast day when I arrived but the sun soon broke through the clouds and summer was most definitely in the air.

I left the bus outside the Tower of London with the express intention of taking photos of the latest temporary London sight; the Azamara Journey luxury cruise liner. I had read a couple of newspaper reports on Thursday stating that the World’s largest cruise ship would be moored by Tower Bridge for two nights and thought it could make quite an interesting blog post. Cruise liners are not a particularly common sight along the River Thames so armed with my camera I was quite excited at the prospect of seeing this new (launched last year) and huge ship.

Well, here are my pictures. Are you disappointed? Yes, I was too! I have been lucky enough to go on a few cruise ships in my life time and, to me, this looked no better than a cross-Channel ferry! It certainly didn’t look brand spanking new and, although one can’t always tell size from a distance, I couldn’t imagine it was the largest cruise liner in the world.

So last night, when I uploaded my pictures I did a little cross referencing with photos of the Azamara Journey ship and I am now 99% certain that I did not photograph the World’s largest cruise liner! I don’t know what it is or why it is there- for all I know it could be a giant fishing boat! I can only assume that the Azamara Journey continued its journey onto France early on Friday morning! Hey ho!

Unfortunately this wasn’t the only disappointment I incurred on Friday but there are some good things to report too! As usual, all will be revealed eventually!

Tower Bridge Exhibition

2008-05-31T17:45:00.013+01:00

Along with Big Ben, Tower Bridge is probably one of the most iconic images of London. People across the world recognise images of this famous bridge (although many mistakenly think this is London Bridge) and flock to see it on arrival in London. It is, indeed, a magnificent structure.

I approached the bridge from Tower Hill tube station, walking by the Tower of London and attempted to take some arty photographs which, as you can see, really don’t look arty at all! At the ticket office my London Pass was swiped, my bags had to go through an x-ray machine and I was half heatedly frisked by a security guy (what exactly do those hand-held metal detectors detect? I didn’t buzz despite wearing a belt and having a metal clip in my hair!). I never resent these security measures if it helps prevent the risk of terrorism but I did hear a few mutters of dissent from the group behind me.

I was then stopped by a guy with a camera and asked to stand against the wall while he took my picture. At this point I began to wonder if security at Tower Bridge was, in fact, way over the top! It turns out it was actually for one of those theme-park style photo mementos which superimposes you onto an image of Tower Bridge. A great souvenir for a family but I didn’t bother to stop and look at my pic. Up we went in the lift while the operator informed us about what we would see when we reached the top. While he recited his script, he didn’t open his eyes once which was very disconcerting; either he was desperately trying to remember his words or he was scared of the lift!

The Victorian Gothic design of Tower Bridge not only looks stunning but is also an engineering marvel. The stone and metalwork detail is surprisingly beautiful up close and, when you discover how the bridge was constructed before the days of health and safety, you cannot help but be impressed!

Unfortunately on the day I visited, the bridge was not due to lift but I imagine it’s an incredible sight when a ship passes through. The bridge is raised about 1000 times a year so it’s worth phoning to check the schedule on 02079403984 to see what the Victorians described as the “Wonder Bridge” in action!

Tower Bridge has two high-rise walkways, 42 metres above river level, providing views up and down the River Thames. I arrived late morning and it was a typically grey London day so my pictures are perhaps not as impressive as they could be. By the time I had made my way around the engine rooms, the London sky had turned blue but too late for my supposedly panoramic pictures! Although I haven’t got a great head for heights, I enjoyed the views and seeing just how architecturally diverse the London skyline is. I was quite surprised at the number of cranes I could see which I guess means London is going to cram a few more buildings in to that skyline!

The engine rooms with their Victorian steam engines were not of great interest to me though you can’t help but be impressed by the pure scale of the operation involved. Like HMS Belfast that I visited afterwards, I guess the steam engines would have more impact on boys who are interested in machinery and suchlike.

Adult entry to the Tower Bridge Exhibition is £6.00 and it takes about an hour to look around depending on how long you spend taking pictures. I had free entry with my London Pass and, with so many of their other inclusive attractions in the area, it is undoubtedly a place worth visiting. I probably spent about another half hour taking photos of the bridge itself, which can all be seen on flickr.

Alcohol Free London Transport

2008-05-30T15:38:00.000+01:00

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago London’s new Mayor, Boris Johnson, promised to ban alcohol on public transport. Well, he has kept his promise and from Sunday 1^st June alcohol will no longer be allowed on buses, tubes, DLR and the multitude of stations across London.

According to various reports and statements from the Transport Police and Transport for London officials, anyone consuming alcohol will first be reminded of the new ban and will only be ejected if they refuse to heed the warning. It is good to know that there will not be a heavy-handed approach at first but with the huge number of posters on display warning travellers of the ban, there shouldn’t be any excuse.

Various groups have been set up on social networks encouraging people to “enjoy” one last night of drinking on the tube tomorrow. This seems like a pretty pointless exercise, intended for inane publicity rather than genuine protest. Let’s hope it doesn’t get out of hand. Personally, I can imagine nothing worse than getting drunk on the tube; packed in the carriage with too many strangers and a cacophony of unpleasant smells and alcohol fumes is not my idea of a good night out!

Anyway, I think BoJo should be congratulated on moving quickly with this particular election pledge. I don’t know anyone who relishes the prospect of sitting near someone on public transport with an open can of lager. They may well be harmless, but it is the uncertainty which is unsettling. I haven’t felt insecure travelling on public transport in recent months but any measures to help Londoners and visitors feel safe in the city has got to be a good thing.

HMS Belfast

2008-05-29T18:12:00.005+01:00

This historic floating museum was my “something blue” (which is actually grey camouflage) on my most recent sightseeing day in London. I admit that warships would not normally be my first port of call (excuse the pun!) on a tourist trail but HMS Belfast is a significant part of British naval history and an unavoidable sight along the River Thames. I knew I musn’t ignore this popular visitor attraction which is undoubtedly an integral part of the London experience.

You cannot miss HMS Belfast if you are anywhere near the Tower of London, Tower Bridge or City Hall- it is the big grey ship moored in the river! It was brought here in 1971 after a campaign to save her for the nation. She was launched on St Patricks Day in 1938, served throughout the Second World War and the Korean War before being retired from the Royal Navy in 1965.

The ship is an imposing metallic beast, built to withstand attack as well as carry out assaults against enemy forces. Almost all of this vast vessel is available to be explored by visitors and it is suggested that a full tour of the nine decks will take about 2 hours. Personally, I think it would take a little longer to see everything on show but if, like me, you are selective then 1.5 hours is ample time.

The purpose of HMS Belfast as a museum is to give visitors a taste of life onboard through the decades of its working life. They have worked hard to provide a sense of reality with dummies (i.e., mannequins!) in appropriate poses, sound effects and even smell effects! At first I found the life-like dummies a little creepy but they definitely bring the ship to life and help demonstrate the environment those sailors lived in. I have a feeling that some (not all) may be Madame Tussaud’s rejects as, on close inspection, I’m sure I saw Prince Philip, Lawrence Olivier and even a young Robbie Williams!

HMS Belfast is not an ideal place to visit if you have mobility problems and is also not particularly size-friendly (by that, I mean if you are tall or wide you may have difficulty getting around). The steps are steep and I, for one, was thankful that the ship was not moving in rough waters and that I had remembered to wear non-slip trainers! Rather than struggle, I decided I would miss out the engine rooms on the lower deck and concentrate on the crew quarters and living facilities. I don’t have any great interest in naval history, ammunitions or the workings of a warship but the human aspect really caught my attention.

The low-slung hammocks slept in by Ratings were quite an eye-opener. How they ever got any rest in those cramped conditions, I don’t know! I’m not sure if it was for real, but there was even a miniature hammock containing the ships cat! The Officers’ quarters were considerably more luxurious but hardly reached modern cruise ship standards! It was amazing to see the facilities onboard for nearly 1000 crew members including a shop, bakery, dental surgery, operating theatre, sick bay (I’m not sure how the ill and infirm made it onto the top bunk!) laundry and chapel.

For the naval and military-minded among you, there is an abundance of information on ammunitions, weights and measurements. You will also find specialist equipment to marvel at, maps and charts to ponder and lots of big guns to admire!

Regardless of how deep your interest is, HMS Belfast is an incredible museum reflecting how those brave men lived, worked and fought during the 20^th Century. The free colour coded map enables you to find your own way around the ship but if you plan to see everything from the top of the Bridge to the boiler and engine rooms below water level then use the audio guide to help you. Don’t forget to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes- even in summer, this is no place for sandals or high heels!

At a cost of £1000 per day to maintain, HMS Belfast is well preserved and the adult entry fee of £10.30 is well worth it (although I had free entry with the London Pass). For an extra special event, kids can take part in the “Kip In A Ship” experience, living the life of a sailor for a day and a night! For real naval enthusiasts, HMS Belfast can be hired for parties and can even be used as a wedding venue! I’m not sure it would be my choice for that special day but I’m glad I visited Britain’s largest surviving 20^th Century warship.

London Loos 2

2008-05-28T22:49:00.005+01:00

This week’s featured loo is at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour and Exhibition Centre. In stark contrast to the Elizabethan surroundings of the theatre, the toilet facilities were positively modern and verging on luxurious.

These particular toilets would probably best be described as “restrooms” as the first room contains a lovely inviting sofa to take a rest on! A massive mirror adorns the wall and it’s impossible to walk passed without taking a sneak peak at how you look!

The toilets themselves were in pristine condition and the room even smelt pleasant! The soap dispensers were full and the sinks were clean and shiny. The whole facility was spotless but not clinically sterile which is a curiously satisfying combination for a public toilet.

I thoroughly recommend using these loos when you visit the Globe Theatre (even if you don’t need to, they’re worth a visit!).

At this early stage in my research I have to leave room for potentially perfect loos so I will not be giving this one full marks. It fell down slightly for encouraging vanity with that huge mirror (yes, I know that’s a lame reason!)

So, the toilets at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour and Exhibition Centre receive a nearly perfect 9/10 putting it in the lead for London Ding Dong’s Loo of 2008*.

* Due to the fact that Sparkly Songbird is of the female persuasion, this is only a female and/or unisex toilet contest!

Does The London Pass Offer Value For Money?

2008-05-26T16:35:00.005+01:00

One of my readers has questioned the apparent financial loss I made on my recent day out using the London Pass. Diamond Geezer (whose blog I thoroughly recommend and is linked on the right hand side of this page), has jumped the gun though as I haven’t finished writing about it yet! I often get waylaid by other London stories which I feel compelled to opine about and, as my Ding Dong Project is all about rediscovering London after living abroad for several years, this blog is not restricted to my sightseeing experiences.

On my last day sightseeing in London I visited four attractions. I took my time at each location and enjoyed a sedate walk from one place to the next. Had I started earlier in the day or whizzed around each sight and used the tube or bus I daresay I could have added another couple of sights to my itinerary – but where is the fun in that?! I paid £36 for a one day London Pass but had I paid at each attraction, the entry fees alone would have cost £38.90. Add discounts on snacks and drinks and I guess I saved about £5 on that particular day.

Of course, if I was on holiday or lived in London then I would certainly get more for my money. Living outside London and aiming to do my rediscovery on a budget, I am restricted to later trains into the city and so, at best, my sightseeing day cannot start before 10.30am. Holidaymakers, tourists and Londoners would do well to buy a multi-day London Pass as the more days you get, the cheaper it becomes. A 2 day pass is significantly reduced and works out at £23 per day for an adult. A full 6 day pass is just over £13 per day which is incredible value (these figures are based on their current offer of tickets at 2007 prices).

For me, the London Pass not only saves a few pounds but also saves the hassle of queuing for tickets at each place. I like the fact I can queue jump which leaves even more time for enjoying what I’m really there to see. I like the fact that many tourist attractions offer discounts in their restaurants and cafes when you show them your London Pass. I like the fact that, if I want to, I can get discounts on theatre tickets and also free cinema tickets. I like the fact that there is so much more to the London Pass than just sightseeing.

Really, how much value one gets from the London Pass is up to the individual. If you plan your time carefully and take advantage of their website itinerary wizard then I’m certain you can save an awful lot of money without rushing around unnecessarily!

So, to answer my own question: yes, the London Pass does offer value for money and I shall continue to make the most of it!

Beat London Queues

2008-05-25T00:21:00.002+01:00

I’m a sucker for a good music competition but last nights Eurovision Song Contest was a complete farce! I admit I’d hoped the contest may come to London next year with such a strong entry from the UK’s Andy Abrahams but I guess that was a pipedream! As I predicted, the song was obviously too sophisticated for the taste of Eurovision voters! The huge bias in Eastern European voting was, I guess, predictable but shows that it is now fairly pointless for Western European countries to enter in future. I am also still wondering how I missed Israel leaving the Asian continent and becoming part of Europe! We Brits used to have a good laugh at the Eurovision Song Contest but the humour has now disappeared in a cloud of politics.

Most British kids are on half-term holiday this week but do not let this put you off sightseeing in London. Yes, there may be larger crowds than usual waiting to get into the major attractions but if you have the London Pass in your hand you needn’t worry. With your little plastic card you will be treated like a VIP, receiving fast track entry into famous sights such as the Tower of London. You’ll be marvelling at the Crown Jewels before others have even made the front of the queue!

There is also priority seating offered to London Pass holders at selected restaurants which is a real ding dong bonus when you’ve had a busy day sightseeing. Make sure you don’t spend precious time standing in line when you could be having fun in London: check out their website for more details on restaurant offers and other special deals www.londonpass.com

Sport In London

2008-05-24T23:42:00.002+01:00

This week, construction began on the 2012 Olympic Stadium in East London – several weeks ahead of schedule. But before the Beijing Olympics have even started, the media are openly debating what the various London facilities should be used for post-2012. To spend millions (or is it billions?) on an event which only lasts a few weeks may seem ridiculous but, if all goes to plan, the local people should reap the rewards in a number of ways. Employment prospects are already looking better pre and post Olympics; regeneration should increase the value of property in the area significantly and locals will have new sporting facilities to be proud of. I would imagine there will be a right Royal hoo-ha if, for some reason, the Olympic committee fail to deliver for the local people. Let’s hope that all those people who lost their homes to make way for this immense sporting project will feel their significant sacrifice was worth it for the future of British sport.

As a West Ham United football supporter, I had hoped that the Olympic stadium may eventually become our new ground but it seems that is an unlikely outcome now. Latest reports suggest that a local rugby team may move in there when the Olympics have finished and the stadium has been altered for its new use. Personally, as long as it is utilised well, I don’t really mind who takes over. Besides, we have plenty of time left to discuss and (probably) decry the future use of the Olympic facilities.

Monday is, of course, a Bank Holiday in the UK. These all too rare national holidays are a good excuse to do something different with your loved ones or friends. Don’t sit at home and watch bad movies on the TV. Don’t let the rain and wind make you stay indoors. Don’t stay in bed all day bemoaning the fact you have to return to work on Tuesday. Get outside and discover London and all the wonderful places it has to visit. Parents often complain there is little to do with the kids during half-term holiday but with the London Pass there are over 50 attractions to visit and enjoy. Kids and adults will love the sports stadium tours on offer and also the free cycling tours around London. We are all being encouraged to get more exercise these days so why not see some of the famous London sights while pedalling to your hearts content?

Chelsea Flower Show

2008-05-22T03:14:00.005+01:00

I have tried desperately hard to get excited about today’s planned post. For three nights in a row I have watched the coverage on TV with disinterest and wondered how I will muster enough enthusiasm to write about this annual gardening show! I warn you now that I have failed before I’ve even started writing!

Therefore, not wishing to put you off, I will quote the official description of what has become something of an event in London’s social calendar:

“The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the ultimate event in the gardening year. It sets the latest gardening trends, features the newest and most desirable gardening products and creates an explosion of colours and scents.”

I appreciate that this is an incredible exhibition of horticultural brilliance and innovation but it simply does not float my boat! My family all love gardening and I think this is probably one reason for my aversion. As a kid, we had a massive garden which took all my parents spare time. In retrospect, I can tell you it was beautiful but the garden often came before me in their priorities so I hated it!

When I lived in London I missed the garden for one reason only – homegrown vegetables. I didn’t miss the grass or the flowers particularly though it would’ve been nice to sit outside on a warm day. My mum gave me a window box with baby tomato plants in it and I occasionally sat outside the front door (Mediterranean style!) in a deckchair so I was happy enough.

Anyway, back to the Chelsea Flower Show which runs until Saturday. Held at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea since 1913, there are approximately 600 exhibitors from around the world. The most popular exhibits are the show gardens which are put together (not sure if that is a correct gardening term!) in the days running up to the show. In the last four years alone nearly 250 new plants and flowers have been given their debut here and awards are presented to the best exhibitors. During the five days, 49000 glasses of Pimms, 5000 bottles of champagne and 54000 cups of tea and coffee are consumed!

If you are not a heathen like me and your appetite has been whetted then I must now disappoint you; tickets for this years show are all sold out! But you may like to visit one of London’s great gardens which are all part of the London Pass package including the Chelsea Physic Garden, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew (aka Kew Gardens) and Hampton Court Palace.

I am doing my own bit for British horticulture this week - my parents are on holiday and they’ve entrusted me to water their garden… fools!

London Loos

2008-05-21T01:01:00.005+01:00

I’m not sure if the expression “loo” translates internationally but this post is the start of my little sideline research into the standard of toilets/cloakrooms/restrooms/bathrooms/loos in London! Toilet facilities are pretty important when you are sightseeing in any city (probably more so for women) and so I feel obliged to guide you in the direction of good ones and steer you away from the less satisfactory.

I received divine inspiration for my research at St Paul’s Cathedral where I noticed a small and rather dog-eared certificate outside the Crypt toilets declaring:

“National Heritage Award For Loo Of The Year”.

Now, one can understand this prestigious (!) honour being displayed had it been awarded this year or even last. But, the year in question was in fact 1995. Yes, 1995!

Sadly I think their standards have slipped in the intervening 13 years and I doubt they’d win any awards now! They are not the worst facilities I’ve ever used (basically clean and well serviced) but lack of soap lost them a couple of marks.

So, for the toilets in the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral, I award a less than holy 6/10.

I shall run my research until the end of the year and then award my own certificate to “London Ding Dong’s Loo Of 2008”. With any luck, word will soon spread and we will not have to suffer soap-less services any longer!

St Paul's Cathedral With The London Pass

2008-05-20T00:12:00.009+01:00

I have trouble getting up in the mornings. This is probably because I have a trouble going to bed at night! Ordinarily, this doesn’t cause any problems but when you have a day of sightseeing planned and you can’t wake up at a decent hour one has to pay the price! Consequently I rarely get to see as much as I’d like to when I go to London and would advise anyone more sensible than me to go to bed at a “normal” time and get up early to make the most of your London experience. Also check the opening hours of each attraction so that you don’t miss out. The London Pass site and guidebook provide all the details you need so spend a few minutes planning your itinerary carefully, especially if your time in London is limited. Thankfully for me, I’m not restricted by time so I probably won’t be changing my sleeping patterns just yet!

It was getting a little late in the afternoon when I headed towards St Paul’s Cathedral but was still well within “opening hours”. I took the advice given in the London Pass guidebook and avoided potential queues by entering via the Crypt. Having walked from the Globe Theatre across the Millennium Bridge and around the Cathedral to the downstairs entrance (stopping to take some pics of that little squirrel you've already seen!), I was pleased to find the Refectory Restaurant was open and offered 20% discount to London Pass holders. Half an hour, one cup of tea and a chocolate brownie later (oh when will I ever resist temptation?!), I made my way to the Crypt which contains a Who’s Who of famous historical figures – or rather their graves and monuments! Christopher Wren, architect of this magnificent building is buried here along with renowned musicians, writers, artists, scientists and soldiers.

It seems wrong to walk across grave stones but in St Paul’s Crypt it is virtually impossible not to as they are packed into every available space! Some of the engravings are hard to decipher and, in some cases, so worn by age and footsteps that they have disappeared completely. I guess that every visitor has their “favourites” (is it wrong to have a favourite grave?!) but I veered to the tombs and memorials representing the Arts rather than the multitude of military figures.

One of the most touching memorials I discovered was a small plaque dedicated to Robert Eaton who was once a St Paul’s chorister and died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trader Centre.

I should explain that you are not allowed to take photographs inside but if you make it to the top of the building you can take pictures of the views across London. I had forgotten to purchase my discounted audio guide before entering the Crypt and probably spent too long wandering around aimlessly reading inscriptions. I was also waylaid by an excellent exhibition charting the relationship of the Royal Family with St Paul’s. By the time I went to get an audio guide I was kindly warned that I’d almost certainly run out of time to make it up the 530 steps to the Golden Gallery (even though I was planning to run up them – ha ha!) and may not even reach the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Gallery should really be done in pairs anyway to make the most of its clever acoustics (the prospect of being on opposite sides of the 30 metre high gallery and whispering to each other blows my mind!). The lovely man apologised (as though it was his fault that I hadn’t woken early enough!) and said that he could stamp my ticket to enable re-entry on another occasion. How kind is that? I still would’ve returned at some point for the momentous climb but now I’ll keep that ticket safe and do the deed when I’m back in London.

Instead, I took the opportunity to look upwards from the Cathedral floor (beware: neck strain!) and appreciate the spectacular mosaics, carvings and art work. Although I had not been inside before, the £40million cleaning and repair programme - in preparation for the 300^th anniversary in 2010 - is definitely money well spent! The inside of St Paul’s is truly breathtaking and, despite so many visitors wandering around, provides a place for quiet contemplation in the middle of this bustling metropolis.

London Newspaper Nonsense

2008-05-19T01:50:00.005+01:00

Apologies to those of you who have missed my posts over the last week or so. I had a little trip to hospital and my sparkle was rather diminished as a result! After a few days rest, my sparkle has returned and I’m back with a vengeance!

Today, in the Times newspaper (London), there was a somewhat random letter from a person in Kentucky complaining that he was charged £10 to enter St Paul’s Cathedral. This is not strictly true as anyone can worship there without charge! However, to see the most interesting parts there is, quite rightly in my opinion, an entrance fee which goes towards maintenance and repair of this most historic and sacred of London’s famous sights. It also helps pay for the two hundred members of staff employed to ensure that two million visitors each year enjoy and appreciate the Cathedral to the full.

But, had this particular visitor done his research, then he would have bought the London Pass and been able to visit 55 different London attractions for free including St Paul’s Cathedral!

Silly man – he missed out there!

This brings me neatly onto my own visit to St Paul’s which I will share with you tomorrow.

Loving London Buses

2008-05-09T13:23:00.004+01:00

Taking the bus in London has been quite an eye opener for me. Way back when I lived in London (it’s not that long ago but things have changed in eight years) the norm was hop on hop off buses with a segregated driver and a conductor to take your money or see your travel card. Not many of these buses exist now but they had their pros and cons. In those days you could run for a bus you’d missed and take a leap of faith onto the platform. If there were traffic jams, you could hop off and start walking. The conductors were a mix of over-the-top happy or miserable as sin but generally kept things ticking along nicely. Once, with a broken leg in plaster, I struggled to get onto the bus with my crutches only to be told by the conductor there was no room downstairs and I must make my way up to the top! Thankfully, a kind gentleman saved me from breaking my other leg and offered me his seat! There was a certain camaraderie when taking the bus though they were pretty dirty vehicles, rather ancient and prone to breaking down!

Nowadays, things are very different. I don’t know if this is the same throughout London or just in the areas I have visited (the City through to the West End) but now you can purchase your ticket or top up your Oyster Card at regular bus stops. In fact you are encouraged to do so as it keeps buses on schedule. Most buses are now conductor-free with the driver taking responsibility for everything. For the elderly, infirm or disabled many buses can be lowered for easy access (that would’ve been handy with a broken leg!) and wheelchair spaces are provided toward the front of the bus. These really are new buses for the people! One bus I went on announced each stop in advance so there’s no panic about where to alight. This is particularly handy for tourists and people like me who can’t contemplate travelling through London without an A-Z! Another bus didn’t have that particular feature but it did have a TV screen showing internet-style entertainment news and features! This was great except I missed my stop while reading a piece of London gossip!

So London buses have joined the 21^st Century with aplomb and really do make travelling more comfortable and enjoyable. There is another massive bonus if you take the bus: you see everything! Pictured right is the latest temporary art piece photographed from the bus at Trafalgar Square- something I probably wouldn’t have made a special trip to see (and the people in the foreground don't look overly impressed either!). You have a better idea where one attraction is in relation to another; the pieces of the London jigsaw fall into place and you get a greater sense of your surroundings.

London’s new Mayor, Boris Johnson (or Bojo as he is now being called!) is promising greater security on buses, banning eating and drinking (with particular reference to the consumption of alcohol), and introducing women-only night bus stops. I don’t doubt that these moves will be welcomed by the majority of Londoners as well as tourists. In the eight years I was living abroad, Ken Livingstone established a massively improved bus service and it seems that Bojo intends to continue this good work.

Apparently “bendy” buses are a bone of contention among Londoners but I have yet to experience one of those…

London Underground's Not For Me

2008-05-07T19:22:00.002+01:00

Memory recall. It’s a strange thing and often hits at inopportune moments. Last week, as I stepped off the overhead train at Liverpool Street station and was heading towards the underground, I suddenly remembered that I don’t like travelling by tube! When you have your journey planned by train and tube this is not a good memory to conjure up!

The underground system is so much better than it used to be; it’s pretty clean and safe and, these days, it can even seem quite friendly! Of course, it can be a nightmare during rush hour and the crowds piling onto trains at Oxford Circus are unforgiving with their shopping bags. It is no fun being crushed together like sardines when it’s busy but, generally speaking, you succeed in getting from A to B. Besides, nobody would take the tube for fun would they?

One thing many tourists don’t realise is that the tube map bears no relation to the relative distances between stations. It’s possible to travel three or four stops, even change onto a different line, and only be a few minutes walk away from where you started. Walking up and down escalators, along never-ending tunnels, following the crowd ahead like a flock of sheep can, potentially, take longer than getting to your destination by foot! It’s a bit of a nonsense really.

Over the last few months I’ve wondered why I get so hot and bothered whenever I visit London. Sometimes I even arrive home with a headache from hell and wonder why when I’ve had a rather pleasant day out! Now I remember why I rarely used the tube when I lived in London and was often prepared to spend much longer above ground on London’s red buses. I think maybe I am tube-phobic (I looked up phobia names to see if this was covered but the nearest - Siderodromophobia - doesn’t work as I’m ok with normal trains).

From now on I will avoid London’s wonderful underground system when possible and allow a little longer for my journeys. I don’t intend to walk everywhere (heaven forbid!) but the bus will now be my first option for travelling within London. If you are using the London Pass with travel then be reassured that this option includes red London buses, Docklands Light Railway and overhead trains to Windsor as well as the underground through all zones.

Crossing London

2008-05-05T19:09:00.004+01:00

So back to my day of London Pass fun.
After leaving the Globe Theatre I headed towards my “something new” which is, I suppose, somewhat misleading. The Millennium Bridge is new to me but is now, as its name suggests, several years old. It hit the headlines when it was opened due to its uncontrollable wobbling and was soon closed for essential modifications. Those who crossed the footbridge in its first few days of existence reported that it felt more like a rope bridge than a modern high-tech feat of engineering! It was, therefore, with some trepidation that I approached the entrance at the Tate Modern Gallery end.

There is no doubting that the Millennium Bridge is an attractive addition to the River Thames and it affords some incredible views in all directions. Despite my fears, I am glad to report that there was not the slightest hint of a wobble as I crossed the bridge and I actually rather enjoyed the sedate walk across the Thames. At either end are two major London landmarks (the Tate Modern Gallery and St Paul’s Cathedral) so whichever way you walk you get a great view. Admittedly, walking towards St Pauls is rather more pleasing on the eye than walking away from it!

With my London Pass in my bag I headed towards St Paul’s for a little historical, religious and architectural education! It’s rather shameful to admit that this would, in fact, be my first trip inside the world famous Cathedral. But, as they say, it’s never too late to start learning!

May Day Mayor and Banksy Bank Holiday

2008-05-02T22:16:00.003+01:00

So the first of the May bank holiday weekends is upon us and, hopefully, the weather will be kind to Londoners, tourists and visitors alike. A 3 day London Pass is the perfect accessory if you are visiting London this weekend and fancy a little sightseeing. There are also a few slightly out of town sights included on the London Pass and I would imagine Windsor Castle is a lovely place to visit at this time of year. If you buy the London Pass with travel you’ll be able to take the overhead train to Windsor at no extra charge which is a ding dong bonus!

Of course, this weekend is the first for London’s new Mayor – Boris Johnson. I wonder what Ken Livingstone (seen here in front of Tower Bridge) will be doing on his first weekend off in 8 years? Maybe he’ll catch up on a little sightseeing or take a canal boat trip? If he’s sensible he’ll buy a London Pass, get a free trip on Jason’s Canal Boats starting in Little Venice, travel through Regents Park, past London Zoo and end up in Camden Lock for some weekend market shopping! After all that political wrangling and campaign trailing I’m sure he could do with some down time!

After mentioning the street artist Banksy last week, he has been in the news again today. This weekend near Waterloo Station, he presents “The Cans Festival” which is described as “A street party of stencil art”. This Banksy collaboration with artists from around the world includes stencil graffiti art and some installations. It is being held in a disused tunnel in Leake Street SE1 and visitors are invited to add their own stencil works. Giving a rare quote to the press Banksy said: “to cover an entire street with graffiti is a dream come true, or as some people might call it -- a complete and utter nightmare." The exhibition is open from 10am Saturday until 10pm Sunday.

Review Of King Lear At The Globe Theatre

2008-04-28T23:42:00.005+01:00

As I approached the Globe Theatre for the second night of King Lear, the atmosphere around the theatre was positively buzzing.

There was a slight confusion when, bursting for the loo, I politely asked a steward where the “cloakroom” was. He told me there wasn’t one at the theatre which seemed utterly mad so I asked if I could use the one in the exhibition centre (I’d used those earlier in the week and they were rather plush!). He looked confused and asked his colleague if there was somewhere to leave coats. It was then that I realised my polite turn of phrase had just confused everybody! I re-phrased and asked if he could direct me to the toilets!

People stood outside the theatre, chatting, drinking and eating. Dotted around were various stalls selling drinks, sausage baps, cookies and nuts. There was also a stall renting cushions and back rests (I had brought my own cushion after being tipped off about the hard benches!). About 10 minutes before “curtain up” a drum began beating and people made their way into the theatre. Inside the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Strolling minstrels wandered through the audience, playing Elizabethan instruments and percussion and were soon joined by actors with bell sticks who mingled and spoke to the audience. The musicians made their way up on stage and continued to play while the auditorium filled up. A speech was made in character requesting the audience not take photographs or disturb the actors with “anachronistic ringtones” (I took my photos before this announcement!)

The last time I saw this play was Kenneth Branagh’s 1990 production with Richard Briars in the lead role and Emma Thompson as the Fool. This new production would have a lot to live up to! King Lear is not the easiest of Shakespeare’s plays to follow if you are not familiar with the text. Fortunately for me, I studied this particular tragedy many many years ago and it all came flooding back when the actors appeared on stage. The opening scene was taken at such a fast pace that I would think some of the audience struggled to keep track. However, the lead characters were suitably established and it ran smoothly from there on in. The two older sisters, Goneril and Regan, were played by actresses Sally Bretton and Kellie Bright. Both are rather young but infinitely capable and believable as the cruel, bloodthirsty sisters. King Lear, played by David Calder was a proud, stubborn man who reaches total despair and deserves every inch of our sympathy towards the end.

The late Elizabethan costumes and a subtly adaptable set were appropriately dowdy in autumnal colours with splashes of red. Without getting too deep, this reflected the action well. The scene changes were seamless, often linked by snatches of live music, and most often I failed to notice the manoeuvre from one scene to the next.

By the very nature of a roofless theatre in central London, action is sometimes disturbed by an overhead aeroplane or helicopter but the cast were unfazed and, much to their credit, not a single line of dialogue was lost.

During the interval large glasses of Pimms were for sale as well as hot drinks and Elizabethan-style snacks. I wandered around looking at the names engraved on the paving stones, all generous contributors to the building of the Globe Theatre. In pride of place was the man whose vision enabled the Globe to be reconstructed, Sam Wanamaker. There was much chatter among the audience and most seemed positive (except one man who I overheard telling his companion that he had to go home for fear of snoring loudly during a poignant moment!). Once again the drums lead us back into the theatre and, in the second half, I witnessed some of the best choreography and acting I’ve seen in a long time.

The highlight of the whole play was, for me, the storm scene. Dirt covered, near naked actors appeared from nowhere, weaving through the yard, causing the audience to move and sway; the musicians provided incredible percussive sound effects and the audience, so wrapped up in this scene of chaos and tempest, began to put their coats and hats on to ward off the elements!

There was some superb acting, not least from David Calder as Lear and his Fool, played by Danny Lee Wynter, was a joy to behold. My one criticism of this production is that, in a play which is foremost a tragedy, the comic moments were perhaps hammed up too much. Some members of the audience laughed a little too hard for my liking and I can only concur that they were drawn away from the true depths of despair experienced by Lear and some of the other characters by the overplayed gags. There were moments of disturbing and realistic violence and bloodshed which, again, some laughed at. It is possible that this was nervous giggling borne from the discomfort of seeing such graphic brutality in close quarters. However, in the program is an article about the comic content of Lear so I am assuming the delivery was intentional even though it didn’t sit quite right with me.

I must mention Trystan Gravelle who played Edgar/Poor Tom. This actor shone brightly in a cast of quality and experience. His performance was physically exciting and full of vocal strength. With perfectly understated comic delivery and touches of emotive brilliance, this is surely a name to watch out for.

In keeping with Shakespearian tradition, each character (dead or alive) rose to his feet and joined in a company song and dance at the end. This is, without doubt, everso slightly strange but equally uplifting! I am pleased to say though that the singing (in Olde English) and dancing abilities of the cast were as impressive as the acting and in no way detracted from the fabulous production.

I sneakily took one or two photos during the curtain call and as people began to leave. The full selection can be seen on flickr along with my other photos of the Globe Theatre.

Banksy Strikes London Again

2008-04-25T04:31:00.010+01:00

I was incredibly excited to see my first “live” Banksy in London yesterday and, what’s more, it is only 10 days old! The graffiti artist (I use this term loosely for he is soooo much more than that) has, once again, produced a piece of work on a gargantuan scale under a veil of secrecy. What is known about this latest work in Newman Street (just seconds away from bustling Oxford Street) is that on the weekend of April 12^th/13^th, three stories of scaffolding were erected within a secured Royal Mail yard and shrouded with tarpaulin. It is believed the actual art work was carried out under further cover of darkness. Ironically Banksy was surrounded by CCTV cameras but apparently none captured an image of the elusive artist!

So… Who is Banksy? Nobody knows for sure. There are one or two photos on the internet claiming to be Banksy but no sighting has ever been confirmed. Similarly, a few names have been bandied about in an attempt to reveal his identity but even his agent says she has never met the artist! (But I doubt he put that scaffolding up single handedly so someone, somewhere knows who he is!).

What is Banksy? Graffiti artist, street artist and guerrilla artist all describe Banksy as do satirist, social and political commentator and even urban or plain old vandal. It all depends on how you view his particular form of art.

Where is Banksy? Nobody knows where the artist lives but he is thought to originate from Bristol. His work can be seen all over London, Bristol, New York, Los Angeles, Palestine, Sydney and Melbourne.

I have long been an admirer of Banksy’s work and was thrilled to see such a new piece in situ - untouched by graffiti taggers or painted over by over zealous council workers (Last year one of his most iconic images, the Pulp Fiction banana parody, was painted over by Transport For London who claimed the “graffiti” produced an atmosphere of “social decay” and encouraged crime). I am not alone in my admiration though; famous celebrities and collectors have paid tens of thousands of pounds for Banksy originals reaching a whopping £288,000 for one piece (believed to be bought by Angelina Jolie!)

Love or hate Banksy’s work or the principle behind it, the sheer scale and speed at which he produces his stencil based works surely cannot fail to impress?

To download free images from the man himself visit the Banksy Online Shop.

To view all my Banksy photos visit flickr.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

2008-04-24T11:24:00.004+01:00

So the “somewhere new that looks old” was the Globe Theatre on the south bank of the River Thames. This magnificent reproduction of the original 16^th Century theatre is an absolute joy to look at and even better when you get inside.

With the London Pass you get the opportunity to visit the theatre, see the world’s largest exhibition devoted to William Shakespeare and take a guided tour of the semi-open air theatre.

My guide-storyteller, Emmiline, did a fantastic job of grabbing everybody’s attention and giving us all an informative and entertaining 40 minute tour. Even the children in the group stayed silent with wide eyed fascination while she spoke.

There was a rehearsal taking place on the stage and they still very kindly allowed us to access the theatre. What a bonus to actually see some wonderful actors rehearsing King Lear in front of our very eyes! On the downside, we weren’t allowed to take photographs while they rehearsed so I can only show you the outside of the building.

This is the 3^rd Globe theatre to be built in the vicinity. The first one was built in Shakespeare’s time and many of his greatest works were written and performed there. Unfortunately the original Globe burnt down but was soon rebuilt. The second one was closed down by the Puritans who believed theatre bred bad behaviour- drunkenness, prostitution and theft. They were right to a certain degree!

The new Globe was constructed in the 1990s using traditional crafts and techniques to produce an authentic looking theatre with few modern additions. The auditorium and stage area are stunning. You get a real sense of how it would have been in Elizabethan times. In those days, one could stand in the pit for just 1 penny or sit for 2 pence and have a cushion for 3! Nowadays it is still pretty cheap. 700 tickets for every performance are sold for just £5 and the top price is £33 which for London theatre is incredibly cheap.

I got so carried away with the magic of the Globe that, after the tour, I found myself queuing up at the box office! The season only started last night and tonight I’m going back to the Globe to see “King Lear” in its entirety. I will, of course, write a review.

It’s hard to explain how special Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is so I highly recommend that you include it in your sightseeing itinerary and discover for yourself. The theatre season runs until October but the exhibition and tours are available all year round.

London Pass Day

2008-04-23T00:36:00.005+01:00

Yesterday I spent another great day in our Capital City doing some sightseeing with the London Pass. When I left home it wasn’t particularly warm but by the time I arrived in London the sun was shining and it was a glorious April day without the rain showers.

So, where did I go this time? Well, I visited somewhere new, somewhere old, somewhere blue (well, grey really but that doesn't work!) and somewhere new that looks old! I crossed water by foot; I went underground by tube and overground by bus. I mixed the Arts with Religion and a little architecture in between and discovered that people in London can be genuinely helpful, friendly and considerate.

I even had a sight of inner-city wildlife in the form of a squirrel (left) that had become very tame in his pursuit of food. The other tourists weren’t so sure about it though and treated it with some disdain!

I walked along the South Bank of the River Thames past pavement eateries and people enjoying the warm spring weather. Ice cream vans were surrounded by school kids and, at lunchtime, the city workers took their jackets off, rolled up their sleeves and hovered outside the riverside pubs in the splendid sunshine.

On my way home on the train I played my new found game – The Bluetooth Game! Basically you activate the Bluetooth function on your mobile phone and search for new devices. Your phone then displays a list of other Bluetooth devices in your vicinity. Sometimes people don’t set a nickname so their mobile will just be the name of their model (e.g. NOKIA_6300), but most of the results are personalised. Then you look around and try to work out which name belongs to which person! I can’t share some of the names I found as they were far too rude but I rather liked “Big Bold Greek Bird” (I think that was a woman sitting about three rows behind me with fantastically big hair!), “Golden Guru” (the bespectacled gentleman with blonde hair to my right?), “Suzy Smooth” (I couldn’t work that one out) and “Guess Who?” (I wonder if he/she was playing the same game as me?). My favourite was “Naughty Nigel”. Those two words just don’t fit together somehow (are Nigel’s ever naughty?!). I couldn’t see anyone that looked like a Nigel, let alone a naughty one! It’s all very silly but a great way to kill time on a train journey.

Anyway, back to my London tourist trip… actually I think I’ll leave you in suspense. All (or some) will be revealed soon!

And The Winner Is...

2008-04-21T07:37:00.002+01:00

So the excitement is over for another year (or at least until the next awards ceremony) and the winners will no doubt have hangovers this morning and, quite likely, so will the losers!

The BAFTA Television awards were, as expected, a glamorous affair with the cream of British and international talent in attendance. Probably the biggest shock of the night was Dame Judi Dench losing out in the Best Actress category to her Cranford co-star Eileen Atkins. Despite predictions, the BBC drama failed to pick up any other awards but BBC3 comedy Gavin and Stacey won two – the Audience Award for Programme of The Year and Best Comedy Performance for creator and actor James Corden (above with co-star and fellow writer Ruth Jones). Last Christmas Eve I was waiting to meet a friend in a large computer store with a fruity name in Regent Street (eat one a day and it keeps the doctor away!) and for a good 10 minutes stood next to a man I thought I knew. I turned and smiled at him a couple of times and he smiled back with no recognition so I didn’t risk speaking to him in case it was mistaken identity! It was only when I started to watch Gavin and Stacey a couple of months ago that I realised he was James Corden who I have never worked with or even met! Thank goodness I didn’t embarrass myself totally!

Some guest presenters last night included Patrick Duffy (of Dallas fame) who, in my opinion, gets more handsome with age; Alan Dale, currently starring in West End show Spamalot but known to TV viewers from Neighbours and Ugly Betty; British Olympic hopeful, 13 year old diving champion Tom Daley, joined Denise Lewis to present the sports coverage award and Paul Merton gave a tribute to the big winner of the night, new Academy Fellow, Bruce Forsyth.

The big winners at the glitzy London ceremony were:

Actor: Andrew Garfield - Boy A

Actress: Dame Eileen Atkins - Cranford

Entertainment Performance: Harry Hill - Harry Hill's TV Burp

Comedy Performance: James Corden - Gavin and Stacey

Drama Series: The Street

Drama Serial: Britz

Continuing Drama: Holby City

International Series: Heroes

Feature: Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares

Current Affairs: China's Stolen Children - A Dispatches Special

News Coverage: Glasgow Airport Attack

Sport: ITV F1- Canadian Grand Prix Live

Entertainment Programme: Harry Hill's TV Burp

Comedy Programme: Fonejacker

Sitcom: Peep Show

Audience Award for Programme of the Year: Gavin and Stacey

Holby City was an unexpected winner of what is, essentially, the soap opera award. Harry Hill (pictured right) was a double winner with his TV Burp and (surprisingly?) beat Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing to Best Entertainment Programme.

The process of deciding the award winners has always been a little controversial but I think, for the second year in a row, there may have been more than a few eyebrows raised. I watch my fair share of television (verging on unhealthy!) and there were some nominees and winners that I had never heard of. Still, for those of us not invited to turn up in evening dress or black tie on a Sunday evening in London, this wonderfully sparkly event was a welcome diversion to normal life.

The British do these occasions with such elegance and, with Graham Norton at the helm, a good dose of humour too.

Congratulations to all the winners and to the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for a superb evening.

Star Spotting in London

2008-04-20T00:09:00.007+01:00

There are people in this world who travel hundreds of miles for the chance of seeing their favourite celebrity. Today, if you happen to be in London, you only have to make your way to the London Palladium Theatre in Argyll Street. This most famous of theatres, just off Oxford Circus, is currently home to the hit West End musical “The Sound of Music” but, tonight, it is holding the prestigious BAFTA Television awards.

Hosted by comedian Graham Norton, the Academy Fellowship will be presented to veteran entertainer Bruce Forsyth who this year celebrates his 80^th birthday and continues to present prime time TV show “Strictly Come Dancing” after 50 years on television.

Other stars hotly tipped to win awards are Dame Judi Dench for the costume drama “Cranford” which is nominated for four awards; Harry Hill for his madder than mad “TV Burp” show; Stephen Merchant - finally out of Ricky Gervais’s shadow - is up for Best Comedy Performance in “Extras”.

If you join the throng of expectant and adoring fans expect to see the stars of your favourite soaps (which are quaintly called Continuing Dramas by BAFTA!) but not Coronation Street which was controversially passed over for nomination this year. You may also catch sight of one or two international stars and homegrown talents such as Joanna Lumley, Rob Brydon, Patsy Palmer, Sid Owen, Alesha Dixon and Piers Morgan (I’m pushing the “talent” label at the end there!). Presenters, sports stars and a few musicians may be spotted among the actors, producers and directors.

Expect plenty of glamour on the red carpet for the most glittering television awards ceremony of 2008.

For those of you who would rather watch the stars arrive, win or lose and leave in the comfort of your own home, you can catch it on BBC1 at 8pm (not quite live in case somebody swears during their acceptance speech!)

p.s.the good people at the London Pass are currently offering a 30% discount on tickets for the Sound of Music. To find out more and to book your tickets click on the following link while the offer still lasts.

London Pass Theatre Offers

Coming Soon In London

2008-04-18T19:32:00.007+01:00

There is plenty to keep London visitors busy at this time of year. The weather may not be great and the economy may be in decline but the Arts continue to flourish in London.

Opening next week at the Coliseum is a new English National Opera production of The Merry Widow. The cast includes ENO regulars Amanda Roocroft and John Graham-Hall and Britain’s “favourite” tenor, Alfie Boe. With just 12 performances starting on Saturday 26^th April, this is sure to be one of the hottest shows of 2008.

If you are coming to London in May, you might be interested to know that the legendary Liza Minnelli will be appearing in concert at the Coliseum from May 25^th-27^th. I understand there are some tickets still available but expect to dig deep as this rare opportunity to see Liza does not come cheap!

If Latin music is more your thing then you’ll be pleased to hear that the Buena Vista Social Club return to the Hammersmith Apollo on May 3^rd and 4^th. The surviving members of the band will bring some Cuban magic to the city for two nights only so don’t miss your chance to see these celebrated musicians live in London.

Visiting opera houses and big concert venues doesn’t quite fit into my London budget but if I do make it to any of these events I will, of course, report back!

I am having another day of London Pass sightseeing this week so expect some more tourist tips and hopefully some Ding Dongs if I discover anything extra special. In the meantime, have a great weekend.