London's West End Attractions

London's West End is really the home to artists, authors, actor's and fashionable society, and all have long enjoyed the pleasures of the parks and heaths that relieve west London's urban sprawl. Noblemen built their palaces and planted gardens here, along the banks of the River Thames.

To the south, great views will offer a great opportunity to enjoy the wonderful countryside among the wooded hills that sweep across north Surrey.

But, there's nothing more typically English than having afternoonn tea in London's West End, (or as the English say; a nice cup of tea) and even more so than having a pint at the local pub believe it or not.

Ever since the Duchess of Bedford, one of Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting decided that a cup of tea, along with a few nice savory and sweet snacks, would tide her over between launch and dinner, and since then, the afternoon tea break has become a national pastime.

In the West End of London, there are numerous places to enjoy your afternoon tea, including the posh Palm Court at the Ritz Hotel Piccadilly, to that well fortified position, of Britannia, Brown's. The English Tea Room at Brown's in Mayfair has once again received an Award of Excellence, by The Tea Guild, for their Top London Afternoon Tea 2008.
Here are just two or three hotels I recommend in West London:

The elegant Connaught Hotel on Carlos Street in fashionable Mayfair, has always hosted a spot on afternoon tea in the impressive drawing room, but with the recent opening of its sem-circular glassed in terrace, it has become the place to enjoy a nice cup of tea in the West End.

Incidentally, the usual fare is cucumber and watercress sandwiches, scones with Devonshire clotted cream; and a triple tier of even more sinful desserts, which is served on blue patterned Limoges porcelain from 3:30 to 5:30 pm daily. The cost is about $36 US. 1 Carlos Place, Mayfair.

The Regal Tea: The Orangery, Kensington Palace. What better place to enjoy your afternoon respite than the glass-roofed, palm filled Orangery, on the grounds of Kensington Palace. Choose the traditional tea ($19) which includes cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, Orangery cake and choice of tea; or upgrade to the "Sharing Plate" ($26), which features an array of English cheeses and wine.

The Orangery offers the usual teas, but for something different, why not try Tregothnan, England's first home grown tea, from an estate in Cornwall.

Afternoon tea is served daily until 6 pm.

Also, I have recently learned that Claridge's is delighted to announce that they are now serving all of the Tregnothnan English Estate teas.

Smythson of Bond Street:
This is the very exclusive and very expensive stationers on New Bond Street in the West End which has catered to posh Londoner's for generations.
40 New Bond Street
Details
Underground: Bond Street

Hatchards on Piccadilly:
This book store has the very best selection on Royalty and has been in business since 1797. A great place to visit for the discerning bibliophiler.
187 Piccadilly
Details
Underground: Green Park

Talking Book Shop:
Unbeleivable selection of nonfiction books published only in the Uk and include unabridged classics too. There are kid's stuff for all ages as well.
11 Wigmore Street
Details
Underground: Bond Street

Daunt Books:
This is an independent book shop, one of only a few in London. Daunt Books has a great travel section and the very latest UK fiction to browse
183 Marylebone High Street
Details
Underground: Baker Street

Harrods:
From its food halls to its home entertainment centers, Harrods is a London institution as well as an over-hyped, and over-priced bore.
#87 - #135 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge
Details
Underground: Knightsbridge

Fortnum and Mason:
Fortnum and Mason is the city's very best grocer featuring delectibles fit for royalty, plus the store has a gourmet picnic fare and a selection of specialty teas.
181 Piccadilly
Details
Underground: Green Park

Hamley's:
London's answer to FAO Schwarz has seven floors of fun and games with an unbelievable selection of more than 35,000 toys and games.
189-196 Regent St.
Details
Underground: Piccadilly Circus

La Senza:
You must come here see the most classy and of course well priced lingerie anywhere; some of the underwear is unbelievable and a must see here.
162 Oxford Street
Details
Underground: Oxford Circus

Harrods Toy World:
There is something for all ages here, plus small size cars for children to drive. Most kids and grown-ups just want to stay in the the store.4th floor, 87 - 135 Brompton Rd.
Details
Underground: Knightsbridge

Harrods Food Hall:
Harrods sells a great selection of edible gifts branded with its famous name; be sure to focus on the remarkable ceiling in the produce and meat department.
#87 - 135 Brompton Road - Knightsbridge
Details
Underground: Knightsbridge

Harvey Nichols:
Harvey Nichols say they are the leading international luxury fashion destination, a one-stop-shop for the world’s most exclusive brands.

They bring this luxe lifestyle experience to each of their dining venues, all situated on the top floor of the stores, plus the OXO Tower on the eighth floor of London’s famous OXO Tower building and Prism in the heart of the City of London.
Details
Underground: Knightsbridge

Leave London's West End and return to getting around London

© copyright 2007 - 2011 London-Day-Trips.com

SBI!