London

[CooterBrown 18,005]

Did the Heathrow Express two weeks ago. It’s really easy and convenient.

[kevwun 15,772]

Yeah if you are staying anywhere close to Paddington it's awesome.

[G650 14,247]

20 hours ago, Ghost of LL said:

For what you're looking for, you might want a place in the Paddington area--that's going to be right there at the station for the Heathrow Express, and Paddington is on the District Line, which takes you down to Wimbledon.

This is good advice.

If you want to put some extra effort into getting back and forth you could stay in Earls Ct or Chelsea and have a better area to stroll around in. Or just go to Mayfair/St. James.

[midtown 3,345]

18 hours ago, kevwun said:

Yeah if you are staying anywhere close to Paddington it's awesome.

Or anywhere in London really.. I just took the Express then walked about 6 blocks south to Lancaster Gate and few stops to Tottenham Court Rd

[Doug E. Fresh 452]

1 hour ago, G650 said:

This is good advice.

If you want to put some extra effort into getting back and forth you could stay in Earls Ct or Chelsea and have a better area to stroll around in. Or just go to Mayfair/St. James.

Or Marylebone/Notting Hill.  Paddington is right between these neighborhoods, which are both fantastic, although I do prefer Marylebone.

[Pato del Muerto 52,488]

I’m in the Kensington area for the next 2 nights. Looking for dinner recs. 

Going to hit up Wassouf Lounge tonight unless there are objections.  Also saw a steakhouse called toro something  

also could use recs for touristy things for tomorrow.  I think we are doing a Globe tour in the morning.  

Specifically we are at the Hilton Olympia. Would like to eat fairly close by, but no problem bussing to sightsee. 

Edited March 13, 2019 by Pato del Muerto

[kevwun 15,772]

There's an awesome pub across from Earl's Court station that has great steak pies.  It's called The Blackbird.  We stayed north of you above Portobello Market, so all of the other neighborhood type places I know about are a little far from you.  What have you seen so far?

[thunderlounge 7,816]

Da Mario if you want Italian. Great little place. 

[Spankytoes 1,739]

3 hours ago, Pato del Muerto said:

I’m in the Kensington area for the next 2 nights. Looking for dinner recs. 

Going to hit up Wassouf Lounge tonight unless there are objections.  Also saw a steakhouse called toro something  

also could use recs for touristy things for tomorrow.  I think we are doing a Globe tour in the morning.  

Specifically we are at the Hilton Olympia. Would like to eat fairly close by, but no problem bussing to sightsee. 

In Kensington & Chelsea? I don't know...Nando's near Gloucester Rd. tube? Not a whole lot of great places near you.

I always recommend Evans & Peele for drinks, though I hear the food is edible.

[McCroskey 1,504]

Damn good day today....landed at LHR at 8:50am and made it through customs in approximately 15 mins. Couldn’t believe our luck on the timing.

Heathrow Express and a taxi got us to the hotel in a flash and the room was even ready, although my God there was an unbelievably large Brexit protest today right in this Hyde Park/Marble Arch Area. Had to have been 250k people around easy.

Fortunately, made it over to a pub I like called Crown & Anchor for a fish & chips lunch.

Jugged Hare on tap for lunch tomorrow thanks to some recs on here, will report back.


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[PenelopeWitherspoon 19,100]

Damn good day today....landed at LHR at 8:50am and made it through customs in approximately 15 mins. Couldn’t believe our luck on the timing.

Heathrow Express and a taxi got us to the hotel in a flash and the room was even ready, although my God there was an unbelievably large Brexit protest today right in this Hyde Park/Marble Arch Area. Had to have been 250k people around easy.

Fortunately, made it over to a pub I like called Crown & Anchor for a fish & chips lunch.

Jugged Hare on tap for lunch tomorrow thanks to some recs on here, will report back.


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Hope you enjoy the Jugged Hare. They have 40 day Longhorn as their roast (or they did in 2016). It was outstanding.

[thunderlounge 7,816]

6 hours ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Hope you enjoy the Jugged Hare. They have 40 day Longhorn as their roast (or they did in 2016). It was outstanding.
 

 

They still do, and it’s still fucking excellent. Pheasent appitiser is also a must. 

[McCroskey 1,504]

Was a 45-day aged Longhorn roast that I just tore the fuck up. Damn that was good.






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[TornACL 7,698]

On 3/13/2019 at 9:18 AM, Pato del Muerto said:

I’m in the Kensington area for the next 2 nights. Looking for dinner recs. 

Going to hit up Wassouf Lounge tonight unless there are objections.  Also saw a steakhouse called toro something  

also could use recs for touristy things for tomorrow.  I think we are doing a Globe tour in the morning.  

Specifically we are at the Hilton Olympia. Would like to eat fairly close by, but no problem bussing to sightsee. 

Did you end up finding anything good in Kensington? I have a hotel in that neighborhood for next Sat & Sun. Saw a few pubs in the vicinity that looked decent. 

Been to London before so I don't need to go see Big Ben & Parliament, but interested in any activities or events either in that area or a tube ride away. 

[Pato del Muerto 52,488]

Not really. There was an argentine steak place and a Lebanese place that looked promising, but the wife nixed both. 

I walked into a little pub near Freddie Mercury’s house and had a decent burger. Place had a traditional pub menu as well as Indian, as the owner/chef’s name was khan. 

[kevwun 15,772]

1 hour ago, TornACL said:

Did you end up finding anything good in Kensington? I have a hotel in that neighborhood for next Sat & Sun. Saw a few pubs in the vicinity that looked decent. 

Been to London before so I don't need to go see Big Ben & Parliament, but interested in any activities or events either in that area or a tube ride away. 

It's a big area so not sure where you are exactly, but The Eagle was a good spot when we were there.  It's a popular neighborhood spot and also has solid food.  There's also a really good pizzeria run by an Italian family called Pizza East nearby on Portobello Rd.

If you are ever near Earl's Court station, go to The Blackbird.  They have great meat pies.

Edited May 2, 2019 by kevwun

[RiceOwl 74]

On 3/13/2019 at 1:02 PM, thunderlounge said:

Da Mario if you want Italian. Great little place. 

Just seeing this now but I’ve eaten here before as well and I agree it is an awesome spot.

right on Gloucester rd.

[midtown 3,345]

Throwing out my visit to Punjab in covenant garden. Really good Indian. Daal Tarka. House specialty

 

 

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[Player 4,575]

T-10 days now. Thanks for all of the suggestions in here. Apartment in Mayfair, Heathrow Express, and Sunday roast at Jugged Hare all booked. 

[thunderlounge 7,816]

Have a good trip!

[mycox 582]

Does anyone know if Google Pay works on the tube with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card? I have heard conflicting stories. I don't want to bother with an oyster card.

[thunderlounge 7,816]

In general, contactless like that does. Samsung/Apple Pay anyway. There might be a mention of it on FT, but can’t say for sure. A google search with site:flyertalk.com should produce results.

[Pato del Muerto 52,488]

1 hour ago, mycox said:

Does anyone know if Google Pay works on the tube with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card? I have heard conflicting stories. I don't want to bother with an oyster card.

I used Apple Pay on the buses. I don’t remember if google pay logo was there or not, but most people seemed to be using a phone and Apple isn’t that ubiquitous. 

Edited June 15, 2019 by Pato del Muerto

[midtown 3,345]

1 hour ago, mycox said:

Does anyone know if Google Pay works on the tube with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card? I have heard conflicting stories. I don't want to bother with an oyster card.

Just have Chase send you a card that works in case

[mycox 582]

Ask Chase for a contactless card? Do they offer that in the US? We are always behind the times.

Google Pay will work if Apple Pay works. I think it depends on the bank.

[thunderlounge 7,816]

I guarantee apple pay works. Loaded my sapphire on my phone and the wife's. Thanks to the miracle of apple pay, it worked just fine and got the points from both phones. 

[midtown 3,345]

Ask Chase for a contactless card? Do they offer that in the US? We are always behind the times.
Google Pay will work if Apple Pay works. I think it depends on the bank.

Yes...i have a contactless amex and I'm pretty sure chase offers it for a few of their premium cards.

[thunderlounge 7,816]

They do, or are at least starting to. IIRC there were some issues with them on the tube.

 

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase-ultimate-rewards/1964526-chase-visa-contactless-work-london-tube.html

[mycox 582]

I can confirm Google pay and Apple pay  will work on the trains. Just use your phone and no need to get an oyster card. There is a cap on the oyster and they will no longer charge you for the day. I don't know what the cap is.

[Thetexashammer 1,062]

On 5/2/2019 at 5:08 PM, Pato del Muerto said:

Not really. There was an argentine steak place and a Lebanese place that looked promising, but the wife nixed both. 

I walked into a little pub near Freddie Mercury’s house and had a decent burger. Place had a traditional pub menu as well as Indian, as the owner/chef’s name was khan. 

[McCroskey 1,504]

Anyone have a recommended AirBNB that can accommodate 7 people for a few nights?   Preferably in Mayfair.

[Thetexashammer 1,062]

On 3/26/2018 at 2:06 PM, Ghost of LL said:

Looking for a full-bespoke tailor.

The Sunday roast will be perfect--clear customs, head into town, sit down to lunch around 2:00 while my AirBNB is getting ready.

John Phillips. I have two myself.

[Thetexashammer 1,062]

Landed at London City. Uber into just north of Kensington Gardens was just north of 30 pounds. 

[Ghost of LL 15,531]

"This is a Piccadilly Line train to Cockfosters" will never not make me giggle.

We had Sunday roast at Blacklock in Shoreditch and cannot recommend it highly enough.  We did the all-in-one with pork, lamb, and rump roast, and all were outstanding.  The Madeira-reduction gravy, though, was a standout.

For Lebanese, we went to Noura right next to the Saudi embassy and had a really good meal.  I think they also have an outlet down in Victoria.

[thunderlounge 7,816]

[G650 14,247]

Never gets old.

[Onboard 2.0 9,083]

On 8/28/2019 at 12:32 AM, thunderlounge said:

Snicker snicker ......giggle giggle.

[Chopper 17,230]

So true.

 

 

[SaucyJack 3,488]

Headin' over to see the sights, five days, including (by happenstance):

[thunderlounge 7,816]

Sounds like a nice time. I like the O2 for shows. Well, provided I'm not way up in the rafters.

 

[SaucyJack 3,488]

First timer, this thread has been a good primer along with some travel guides and shows on Prime. 
Full itinerary. We’ll report how it holds up. 

[The Ace of Aces 5,179]

Gymkhana- one of if not true best Indian restaurant in the world - reopened last week after being closed more than a year from a fire.

[Napoleon 8,666]

On 8/27/2019 at 11:32 PM, thunderlounge said:

 

On 8/29/2019 at 3:05 PM, G650 said:

Never gets old.

This is exactly what went through my head when I saw the photo.

Then I looked below and saw this comment.

#truerwords...

[McCroskey 1,504]

Thread deserves a bump...one of my favorite cities...going back (hopefully) at long last in a couple of months.

Wondering how much the dining scene has changed, if any...any of you been recently?

Edited January 5, 2022 by McCroskey

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19,100]

Paging @Doug E. Fresh to the white courtesy phone.  

I would also be interested in this as I am probably heading in for a work trip in March or so.  Not that I think I will have time to do anything, but I am going to fly in the weekend before and then stay over the weekend after to see friends.

[Doug E. Fresh 452]

Happy to help. Fortunately London restaurants have generally survived the pandemic well, although it has been difficult. There have been a couple of big closures at the high end of the dining scene, notably The Ledbury (my fav in London), The Greenhouse and Bar Boulud. One thing I have really noticed is that London has become much more casual. Some of that was already happening, but the pandemic has taken it to a new level. All the restaurants below can be done with relatively casual dress. I went to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay over the summer and wore a suit, as I have always done, and felt over dressed.

But, lots of new places have popped up and are surviving and some even thriving. Here are some of the key ones:

Core by Clare Smyth (Notting Hill) - I think this is hands down the best place in London now. Nearly impossible to get a table but if you get on a waiting list or check open table, you might snag a spot.

Kol (Marylebone) - This place is really cool. Santiago Lastra is doing a Mexican tasting menu sourced from only local ingredients. And he is doing it really well. There is also a great Mezcaleria in the basement that is good for drinks and snacks. London and the UK are finally discovering good tequila and mezcal. When I first lived here 10 years ago, Cuervo Gold was generally the ceiling.

Frog by Adam Handling (Covent Garden) - did the tasting menu here before Christmas and it really impressed. Cool vibe, great food and just on the edge of Covent Garden.

Osteria Romana (Knightsbridge) - this little Italian gem was something we discovered after a night out at the V&A. Really great Roman cuisine, reasonably priced and a good local haunt.

Louie (Soho) - now this place really delivered, went there last weekend for dinner. It is a former chef from Brennans (NOLA) that opened up a restaurant in the old L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon space on West Street. It is definitely worth a look, but don't expect a Brennans menu. There is a classic French twist to it (Paris Society group backs it) and the food is not as rich/heavy.

Carousel (Fitzrovia, formerly Marylebone) - they have rotating chefs that come through for a few weeks at a time. It is usually someone about to open a new place in London or a solid guest chef

Kingly Court (off Carnaby Street) - tons of great casual restaurants here and a fun place to eat and drink. I would recommend Imad's Syrian Kitchen, Korean Dinner Party or Dishoom

Two Texas themed places I am dying to check out are Sonora Taqueria (Hackney) and Texas Joe's (South Bank), just haven't made the trek over there yet. Other than that, just let me know what area you are staying in and what you like to eat. Will do my best to recommend, although the areas I know best are Marylebone/Fitzrovia/Mayfair and to a lesser extent Soho and Covent Garden.

Edited January 5, 2022 by Doug E. Fresh

[kevwun 15,772]

On 2/27/2020 at 8:32 PM, The Ace of Aces said:

Gymkhana- one of if not true best Indian restaurant in the world - reopened last week after being closed more than a year from a fire.

Talk about shitty timing.

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19,100]

3 hours ago, Doug E. Fresh said:

Happy to help. Fortunately London restaurants have generally survived the pandemic well, although it has been difficult. There have been a couple of big closures at the high end of the dining scene, notably The Ledbury (my fav in London), The Greenhouse and Bar Boulud. One thing I have really noticed is that London has become much more casual. Some of that was already happening, but the pandemic has taken it to a new level. All the restaurants below can be done with relatively casual dress. I went to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay over the summer and wore a suit, as I have always done, and felt over dressed.

But, lots of new places have popped up and are surviving and some even thriving. Here are some of the key ones:

Core by Clare Smyth (Notting Hill) - I think this is hands down the best place in London now. Nearly impossible to get a table but if you get on a waiting list or check open table, you might snag a spot.

Kol (Marylebone) - This place is really cool. Santiago Lastra is doing a Mexican tasting menu sourced from only local ingredients. And he is doing it really well. There is also a great Mezcaleria in the basement that is good for drinks and snacks. London and the UK are finally discovering good tequila and mezcal. When I first lived here 10 years ago, Cuervo Gold was generally the ceiling.

Frog by Adam Handling (Covent Garden) - did the tasting menu here before Christmas and it really impressed. Cool vibe, great food and just on the edge of Covent Garden.

Osteria Romana (Knightsbridge) - this little Italian gem was something we discovered after a night out at the V&A. Really great Roman cuisine, reasonably priced and a good local haunt.

Louie (Soho) - now this place really delivered, went there last weekend for dinner. It is a former chef from Brennans (NOLA) that opened up a restaurant in the old L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon space on West Street. It is definitely worth a look, but don't expect a Brennans menu. There is a classic French twist to it (Paris Society group backs it) and the food is not as rich/heavy.

Carousel (Fitzrovia, formerly Marylebone) - they have rotating chefs that come through for a few weeks at a time. It is usually someone about to open a new place in London or a solid guest chef

Kingly Court (off Carnaby Street) - tons of great casual restaurants here and a fun place to eat and drink. I would recommend Imad's Syrian Kitchen, Korean Dinner Party or Dishoom

Two Texas themed places I am dying to check out are Sonora Taqueria (Hackney) and Texas Joe's (South Bank), just haven't made the trek over there yet. Other than that, just let me know what area you are staying in and what you like to eat. Will do my best to recommend, although the areas I know best are Marylebone/Fitzrovia/Mayfair and to a lesser extent Soho and Covent Garden.

Wow, the Ledbury closed?  Shit.  I had no idea.

 

[closetojumping 62,592]

4 hours ago, Doug E. Fresh said:

Happy to help. Fortunately London restaurants have generally survived the pandemic well, although it has been difficult. There have been a couple of big closures at the high end of the dining scene, notably The Ledbury (my fav in London), The Greenhouse and Bar Boulud. One thing I have really noticed is that London has become much more casual. Some of that was already happening, but the pandemic has taken it to a new level. All the restaurants below can be done with relatively casual dress. I went to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay over the summer and wore a suit, as I have always done, and felt over dressed.

But, lots of new places have popped up and are surviving and some even thriving. Here are some of the key ones:

Core by Clare Smyth (Notting Hill) - I think this is hands down the best place in London now. Nearly impossible to get a table but if you get on a waiting list or check open table, you might snag a spot.

Kol (Marylebone) - This place is really cool. Santiago Lastra is doing a Mexican tasting menu sourced from only local ingredients. And he is doing it really well. There is also a great Mezcaleria in the basement that is good for drinks and snacks. London and the UK are finally discovering good tequila and mezcal. When I first lived here 10 years ago, Cuervo Gold was generally the ceiling.

Frog by Adam Handling (Covent Garden) - did the tasting menu here before Christmas and it really impressed. Cool vibe, great food and just on the edge of Covent Garden.

Osteria Romana (Knightsbridge) - this little Italian gem was something we discovered after a night out at the V&A. Really great Roman cuisine, reasonably priced and a good local haunt.

Louie (Soho) - now this place really delivered, went there last weekend for dinner. It is a former chef from Brennans (NOLA) that opened up a restaurant in the old L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon space on West Street. It is definitely worth a look, but don't expect a Brennans menu. There is a classic French twist to it (Paris Society group backs it) and the food is not as rich/heavy.

Carousel (Fitzrovia, formerly Marylebone) - they have rotating chefs that come through for a few weeks at a time. It is usually someone about to open a new place in London or a solid guest chef

Kingly Court (off Carnaby Street) - tons of great casual restaurants here and a fun place to eat and drink. I would recommend Imad's Syrian Kitchen, Korean Dinner Party or Dishoom

Two Texas themed places I am dying to check out are Sonora Taqueria (Hackney) and Texas Joe's (South Bank), just haven't made the trek over there yet. Other than that, just let me know what area you are staying in and what you like to eat. Will do my best to recommend, although the areas I know best are Marylebone/Fitzrovia/Mayfair and to a lesser extent Soho and Covent Garden.

I heard Simpson's In The Strand closed for good during the pandemic as well. Is that also true? We were headed to London last month (ended up changing the trip up so it didn't matter ultimately) and were planning the trip in early November. My wife looked into getting a reservation and said it had closed permanently and it's still not really clear on the Internet whether that's the case or not. Anyway, it was a super old traditional place that her family loved and we'd been to many times when visiting, so sad deal if true.

[Doug E. Fresh 452]

3 hours ago, closetojumping said:

I heard Simpson's In The Strand closed for good during the pandemic as well. Is that also true? We were headed to London last month (ended up changing the trip up so it didn't matter ultimately) and were planning the trip in early November. My wife looked into getting a reservation and said it had closed permanently and it's still not really clear on the Internet whether that's the case or not. Anyway, it was a super old traditional place that her family loved and we'd been to many times when visiting, so sad deal if true.

I’ve heard it will reopen this year but nothing official yet.