London, taking a trip next month

[Ishbel]

If you fancy an afternoon tea - then I can recommend Claridge's, the Ritz or the Landmark hotel - all have wonderful, traditional afternoon teas. So does Fortnum & Mason's - but that is rather more hit and miss.

[bughut]

I would highly reccommend a pie and mash shop, where you can get eels and liquor (gravy) on the side. (very basic)Spent a few years in Londons South east (Elephant & castle) Never took to the eels and liquor, but my babies thrived on it.
Alternatively try an Italian cafe for a mega, (theres one at Kings cross. just off the station)full English breakfast.It'll be hanging off the plate.
On a cultured note, I went to a lovely place near Covent garden. Cant remember the name. Churchill was a regular patron. They served fish and chips served in the Times. Fab bt Mega bucks

[Ishbel]

Bughut mentioned Covent Garden - I have eaten at Bertorelli's in Floral Street, both for lunch and pre-opera dinner. The second option is really reasonable - about 20 quid per head (without drinks) for a very limited choice menu - but the food is great!

[RPMcMurphy]

I'll be staying at one of the following, looks like the Waldorf Hilton as Grange City is booked...These are the "preffered" list of hotels, but if anyone has any hotel recommendations comparable, please recommend.

Grange City Hotel

Thistle, A Guoman Hotel

THE WALDORF HILTON

Grange Holborn

[RPMcMurphy]

Also, I'm looking for a place called Le Ho Fook.....

...been craving a big dish of beef chow mein...

[boar_d_laze]

More tourist knowledge:

Bughut's Fish and Chips shop in Covent Garden is Rock and Sole Plaice -- a tourist must, which is how I know about it.

Simpson's in the Strand (formerly Simpson's Cigar Divan (I'm a broken record, so sue me)) has a great fry up (aka "Full English"), but a pricey one. I found out about the breakfast by stumbling in there one Friday morning with a client after he took me to dinner there the night before. Still drunk too. Probably something to do with the Law of Conservation of Liquor. It's walking distance from the Waldorf. So is Rock and Sole Plaice, for that matter.

Best fry up I ever had (but I haven't had many), and just as pricey is The Park which is in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The Mandarin Oriental is one of those places where you want to stay -- IF someone else is paying. It backs up against Hyde Park. Victorian Splendor in all caps. Everything's delovely and dewonderful. It's a five star as opposed to the Waldorf's four. Bring money.

Other great fry ups? Every caff and greasy spoon. The English know how to clog their arteries, that's for sure. Most places don't charge much either.

While in London, don't forget to have beer. Lots and lots of lovely beer.

BDL

[American_Suisse]

I bounce all over when in London but one place I always make sure to hit is Orso. It's right in thee middle of the West End. I forget the exact address but it's on Wellington St. It's not "British" cuisine but it is really good quality Italian. The menu is always changing so what I've had in the past is sometimes not available. For me it's a must!

[American_Suisse]

Sorry...I forgot...Le Ho Fook is located somewhere on Kilborn or Kilburn Lane. Not exactly sure of the road's spelling.

[boar_d_laze]

Suisse,

There is a Le Ho Fook on Kilburn, but the Warren Zevon one is on Gerrard in SoHo. Big picture of Warren on the wall. Speaking of Gerrard: Four Seasons for roast duck. World class!

Don't ask,
BDL

[RPMcMurphy]

hahaha,

I was definitely being facetious, but glad someone got it! (my girlfriend didn't)

[andy009g]

You should try fish and chips in London

[GTanny]

i know the Ramsay name has been mentioned a lot but i think your missing out what i feel is one of the better Ramsay restaurants

Maze!

its not like the others in ways as the meal is made from normally about 8 different very small dishes and unlike most of the Ramsay Holdings its not all french food the chef Jason Atherton has done a very good job in introducing many other foods

on a side note dont judge the fish and chips in london as (sorry to say this but...) there not the best you can get, im not saying there bad but i come from just outside Grimsby (the home of fish and chips) and the Fish & Chips here is a lot better and cheaper then anything ive had in london. although i wouldnt reccomend a trip for it as london is bar far the better place overall

[boar_d_laze]

Originally Posted by linguini

Fish & chips is the best in Scotland ... and try the haggis too!

When it comes to muckin' about with the tourists, haggis can't compare to regional specialties like Irn Bru, cold bacon butties, the ever-popular and ever-greasy bridies, and the previously mentioned fried Mars (like a sweeter Milky Way in the US) bar. On the other hand, there's buttermilk and salt for your oatmeal. What could be better?

Haggis might frighten the squeamish who find offal icky. But I'm not a little girl, and as a food haggis is not that bad -- if you like subtle verging on bland. The liver, the heart and the suet at least give it some taste, because most of the other ingredients are boring beyond belief -- oatmeal being (once again) the big attraction. On the other hand, there's the whisky sauce. I could eat plumbing fixtures with whisky.

BDL

[BombayBen]

Lived in London for a very long time. All the above are good and upmarket restaurants. Cafe Naaz in Brick Lane is also good, but for the true taste of London, you need to go to the East End and have pie, mash and licker (licker being a parsley sauce). The Happy Garden in Soho is good for Chinese if you really want REAL english food, London is probably too cosmopolitan. For a good Roast lunch, try a West country pub. The Bombay Brasserie is good too.

[boar_d_laze]

No point in posting more London local knowledge, the OP is back in the States. Loved the duck at The Happy Garden.

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