N - London & Partners

FEBRUARY 2013LONDONPLANNERTHE OFFICIAL MONTHLY GUIDE TO LONDONVISITLONDONVISITLONDON.COMSENSATIONALCITYSCAPESExperience the capital’s mostspectacular panoramasPLUSCelebrate 150 yearsof the TubeEmbrace romanceExplore Bond StreetSIGHTS | ARTS | SHOPPING | EATING | ENTERTAINMENT | SHOWS | TRAVEL | MAPSFREE

Welcome…elcome to this month’s London Planner, your indispensible guideWto the best of what’s happening in the capital this month.If you are looking for a night at the theatre there are some blockbuster showsopening, including A Chorus Line and The Book Of Mormon (p. 68). If it’s abargain you are after, there are also some great shows participating in Get IntoLondon Theatre, a terrific scheme offering discounted tickets to some of thebiggest hits around (p. 66).This month we’re also celebrating the Chinese New Year and will be welcomingthe Year Of The Snake. Head to central London for the largest and most colourfulcelebrations outside Asia (p. 10), and tuck into some of the delicious food beingserved up in Chinatown afterwards.And if that’s not enough of a highlight, then why not try one of the highest of highlights, with a trip upThe Shard (p. 35), which at 310m, is the tallest building in Western Europe, dwarfing the likes of Big Ben,BT Tower and even Canary Wharf. This striking addition to our city’s skyline opens to the public this month,offering breathtaking 360 degree views of up to 64km! It is your opportunity to really get the Londonexperience from a totally new perspective. Going up!Enjoy your time in London – I hope we will be able to welcome you again very soon.Boris Johnson, Mayor of LondonFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |3

Editor’s PicksSet the scene for romance,p. 22.Fun ideas forkids, p. 27.FEBRUARY 2013Enjoy London from a new perspective, p.12.Left: Enjoy Chinese New Year, p. 10.Above: Lichtenstein at Tate Modernand other major art exhibitions, p. 47.4| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

DINING IMAGE COURTESY OF CELLARIUM CAFE & TERRACE; STATUE IMAGE © DAVID G. TAYLOR; UNDERGROUND MAP COURTESY OF LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM © TRANSPORT FOR LONDON;JERSEY BOYS IMAGE © BRINKHOFF & MÎGENBURG; CHINESE NEW YEAR IMAGE COURTESY OF CHINATOWNLONDON.ORG; LICHTENSTIEN IMAGE COURTESY OF TATE; GREENWICH IMAGE © VISITLONDONIMAGES/BRITAINONVIEW;LONDON EYE IMAGE © EDF ENERGY LONDON EYE CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MARKS BARFIELD ARCHITECTS; SAILOR IMAGE © IWM/DAMON CLEARYDine at WestminsterAbbey, p. 81.Bond Street p. 20.Above: Marking 150 years of the Tube, p. 16.Cut-out image, left: Enjoy cheap seats at top West Endtheatre productions, including Jersey Boys, p. 66.Cover image: © The View From The ShardLONDONPLANNERMorris Visitor Publications233 High Holborn,London, WC1V 7DN 020 7242 5222 london.planner@morriseurope.comtwitter: @LondonPlannerMgEditor:David G. TaylorActing Deputy Editor:Jo CairdContributor:Kasha Van SantArt Director:John BarkerProduction Manager:Melanie NeedhamSenior Production Assistant:Jennifer BourneProduction Assistant:Elizabeth ChimaGroup Sales & Marketing Director:Andrew TurnerSenior Account Director:Robert WayAdvertising Account Managers:Lindsay Carline, Charlotte Last,Laura NapolitanoSales & Marketing Co-ordinator:Samantha ArbouineDistribution & HotelServices Manager:Samantha JohnsonOperations Manager:Bridget MastinoOperations Assistant:Stefano PitzalisPublisher & Managing Director:Chris ManningLondon & Partners 020 7234 5800 londonandpartners.comVisitBritain 020 7578 1000 visitbritain.comTo find out where to get your copy ofLONDON PLANNER, contact SamanthaJohnson on 020 7611 7884.London Planner Volume 28, Issue 23.Printed in Great Britain. Over 125,000monthly copies distributed worldwideby VisitBritain. Est. 1984. © MorrisVisitor Publications.No part may be reproduced without writtenpermission from Morris Visitor Publications.NOTE: The information contained inthis publication has been published ingood faith on the basis of informationsubmitted to Morris Visitor Publications.MVP and VisitBritain cannot guaranteethe accuracy of the information in thispublication and accept no responsibility forany error or misrepresentation. All liabilityfor loss, disappointment, negligence orother damages caused by reliance on theinformation contained in this publication,or in the event of bankruptcy, or liquidationor cessation of trade of any company,individual or firm is hereby excluded.Printed by William Gibbons & Sons Ltd,ISO 14001 accredited.ISSN 0265 8437 LP/358/Feb13/1065.London Planner is a member of VisitBritain.The papers used for this magazineare produced from recycledfibre and certified sustainablesources by mills with recognisedenvironmental accreditation.Please recycle this magazine,or return it to your hotel.featuresWelcome 3Mayor Of London’sforewordEditor’s Picks 4Highlights for themonth aheadTop 10 Attractions 7Popular things to seeand doLondon’s Compass 8Discover hidden gemsacross the cityItinerary 10Enjoy the multiculturalside of LondonPerfect Panoramas 12Magnificent views of the city150 years of the Tube 16London Undergroundcelebrates in styleArea Focus 20Bond StreetRomantic rendezvous 22Make Valentine’s Daylast the whole monthOut Of Town 24Jane Austen’s WinchesterlistingsSightseeingMuseums & GalleriesShoppingEntertainmentDining & NightlifeAccommodation& TravelmapsTheatrelandCentral LondonLondon Underground2747616681917949-5198February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com | 5

Fill half-term with fun inBloomsbury, Holborn & St Giles.It’s all here if you know where to look:World class museumsA galaxy of cultural attractionsQuirky shops and historic pubsEclectic mix of places to eatVibrant heritage to exploreVisit the GoToMidtown shop for free guided walks, attractiontickets, hotel bookings, discounted theatre deals, taxis, uniquelocal gifts and friendly one-to-one expert advice on where togo and what to do.Find us just a stone’s throw from the British Museum.GoToMidtown Shop andVisitor Centre56 New Oxford Street,London WC1A 1ESTel: 020 7078 7077Open 7 daysFor info, discounts/freebies and chances to win, follow us on Twitter @BuzzBeeTweets and@GoToMidtown.Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/gotomidtown and discover our 1,000 year timeline.Or if you can’t make it into the shop, follow this link on your smartphone mid.bz/gtmshop

Tower Of LondonVictoria And Albert MuseumTop 10 AttractionsWith so many attractions, both historical and contemporary, London is one of theworld’s most exciting cities to explore. These are the top 10 attractions, according tothe latest available visitor numbers from London & Partners.TOWER OF LONDON IMAGE © VISITLONDONIMAGES/BRITAINONVIEW/PAWEL LIBERA;V&A IMAGE © V&A IMAGES; SCIENCE MUSEUM IMAGE © VISITLONDONIMAGES/BRITAINONVIEW1 BRITISH MUSEUMThis world-famous museum,founded in 1753, houses someof history’s greatest treasures,including Egyptian mummiesand the Elgin Marbles (p. 55).2 TATE MODERNThis former power station issituated in Bankside and hostsa globally-recognised modern artcollection, plus some greattemporary exhibitions including majorinstallations in its Turbine Hall (p. 54).3 NATIONAL GALLERYThis huge gallery is filled withpriceless European art belonging tothe nation. See works by Botticelli,Da Vinci, Monet and more (p. 52).4 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMExplore the natural world, includinga full-size diplodocus skeleton,child-friendly exhibitions, fossils andDarwin’s pet tortoise (p. 56).5 EDF ENERGY LONDON EYEExperience the full glory of Londonby taking a ride in one of thecapsules (p. 30). On a clear dayviews can extend as far asWindsor Castle (p. 44), which isover 40km away.6 SCIENCE MUSEUMInteractive scientific fun forchildren, from steam engines tospace rockets. Just as fascinatingfor bigger kids who want to learnhow the world works (p. 56).7 VICTORIA ANDALBERT MUSEUMAn incredible range of artefactsthat span more than 3,000years of art, design, jewellery,photographs, sculpture, textilesand fashion. Excellent exhibitionsshow off the famous permanentcollection (p. 57).8 MADAME TUSSAUDSA 126-year-old museum loved byvisitors for its lifelike waxworksof famous people. Expectinteractive exhibits, plus lookalikemodels of world leaders, popicons, royals, Hollywood starsand more (p. 31).9 NATIONAL MARITIMEMUSEUM/ROYALOBSERVATORYDiscover more about seafaringand stargazing at these popularattractions in the royal boroughof Greenwich (p. 55/32).!0 TOWER OF LONDONThe 900-year-old moated Englishfortress on the banks of the RiverThames is guarded by the famousBeefeaters and has been home tokings, prisoners and ghosts (p. 37).ScienceMuseumFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com | 7

Columbia Road Flower MarketLondon’s CompassWhether central, north, south, east or west, all of London’s regions have hidden gems to offerCENTRAL LONDONLondon’s heart is made up ofmany boroughs including Camden,Islington, the City Of Westminster,and the City Of London. This buzzingregion has a dense concentrationof offices, embassies, museums,theatres, nightspots, shops and statebuildings, as well as the home ofthe Queen. It’s also famed for itsentertainment and dining hubs, suchas the West End.Hidden Gem: St. Paul’s Church,Covent Garden. Inigo Jones builtthis beautiful structure, which standsat the western end of Covent GardenPiazza, in 1633. It’s known as “TheActors’ Church” because of its closeties with the theatre community.Admire the many memorials totheatre folk and find peace and quietin the courtyard garden. Mon-Fri08.30-17.00; Sun 09.00-13.00.Bedford Street, WC2. 020 78365221. actorschurch.orgË Covent Garden. Map C6.NORTH LONDONMore than 120 languages arespoken in this vibrant region, whichis renowned for its culture andsteeped in history. Areas of interestinclude Hampstead Heath andthe spectacular views fromPrimrose Hill (p. 31).Hidden Gem: Highgate Cemetery.Built in the 19th century, thisatmospheric graveyard is theeverlasting home of some of themost illustrious personalities of theVictorian era and early 20th century.In the East Cemetery you’ll find thegraves of George Eliot and KarlMarx (Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00; Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Admission £3),while the family of Charles Dickensare buried in the West Cemetery(accessible by tour only, daily Mon-Fri13.45; Sat-Sun hourly 11.00-15.00.Admission £7, child £3).Swain’s Lane, N6. 020 8340 1834. highgate-cemetery.orgË Archway. Off map.SOUTH LONDONLess built up than the north, thisarea is loved for its open spacessuch as Clapham Common andRichmond Park (p. 31). It’s popularfor sporting attractions including theWimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum(p. 38). It’s also home to the royalborough of Greenwich, the UK’smost famous maritime site.Hidden Gem: Brixton VillageMarket. Alongside its nearby sistersite, Market Row, this coveredmarket place is London’s latestfoodie destination. Grab a bite at oneof the cafés, a drink in a trendy baror shop for delicacies from aroundthe world, while you rub shoulderswith south London’s pretty people.Mon-Wed 08.00-18.00, Thurs-Sat 8.00-00.00, Sun 08.00-17.00Admission free.Coldharbour Lane, SW9. brixtonmarket.netË t Brixton. Off map.EAST LONDONOnce the heart of working-classLondon, the east has gone througha period of regeneration thanks tothe recent London 2012 OlympicGames and Paralympic Games.Factories and docks have given wayto a funky arts and nightlife scene,plus markets like Old Spitalfields(p. 64), and The O 2 complex – hometo shops, bars, restaurants and theBritish Music Experience (p. 56).Hidden Gem: Columbia RoadFlower Market. Whether you’relooking for cut flowers, growingplants, or just a stroll to soak upthe atmosphere, there’s nowherebetter on a sunny Sunday than thisbusy east London market (pictured).Arrive before 10.00 to beat thecrowds (p. 23). Sun 08.00-15.00.Columbia Road, E2. columbiaroad.info Ë Bethnal Green.Off map.WEST LONDONParts of this affluent area runalongside the western end of theRiver Thames and Regent’s Canal.Here you’ll find elegant districtsincluding Chelsea and Knightsbridge.It’s also home to Notting Hill’sfashionable shops and restaurants,plus Portobello Road, site of thefamous market (p. 65).Hidden Gem: The Bush Theatre.This fringe theatre in a convertedlibrary is highly acclaimed for itsproductions of new British andinternational plays. Times vary.Tickets from £10.7 Uxbridge Road, W12. 0208743 5050. bushtheatre.co.ukË Shepherd’s Bush Market.Off map.COLUMBIA ROAD IMAGE © LONDON ON VIEW8| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Middle Eastern photographyat the Victoria & Albert museum1 LONDON WELCOMESTHE CHINESE NEW YEARThe spectacular Chinese New Yearcelebrations in central London are thebiggest in the world outside of China.This year the festivities take placeon 10 Feb. In the Chinese calendareach year is represented by one of 12animals, and 2013 is the Year Of TheSnake. A colourful parade through theWest End, dancing dragons, fashionshows, food and craft stalls, Chinesehip-hop artists and fireworks areamong many highlights you can enjoyfor free. Much of the action takesplace around Chinatown, ShaftesburyAvenue and nearby Trafalgar Square(map B5-6/C5-6). It’s there you cancatch live performances on stagefrom noon to 17.40 (p. 39). The addedexcitement makes February theperfect month to explore the shops,restaurants and markets of London’sworld-famous Chinatown district. chinatownlondon.org2 BOLLYWOOD AND BEYONDThis year marks one hundred yearssince the first Bollywood film wasreleased. In London, you can getclose to some of the biggest namesin Bollywood at Madame Tussauds.Pose for photographs with life-likewax models of legends like dancingbeauty Madhuri Dixit-Nene (picturedright with her waxwork), the star of hitfilms like Devdas. While you’re there,you can encounter other influential10Chinese New YearITINERARY:MULTICULTURAL LONDONExperience an exciting range of world cultures this month. By David G. Taylorfolk from around the world includingBarbadian popstar Rihanna, JamaicanOlympic althete Usain Bolt andSpanish artist Pablo Picasso.Madame Tussauds, p. 31.3 WORLD CUISINEDubbed ‘the food capital of the world’,London’s chefs have imported theirnative cuisines from all round theglobe. Take a taste safari by samplingflavourful foods from America, France,India, Mexico and beyond right here inthe capital. Turn to Dining, p. 81-89.Some areas of the city are knownfor a particular world cuisine. Forinstance Spitalfields in eastLondon is famous for the curriesof its Bangladeshi and south Asiancommunities, which centre aroundthe curry houses of Brick Lane(p. 64). The area is knownas Banglatown.Elsewhere, you’llfind excellentTurkish restaurantson KingslandHigh Streetin Hackney(off map.Ë t DalstonKingsland).Meanwhile,Soho’s Chinatown(map C5), is notonly home to thewonderful Chinesefood, but also a| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013wide range of east Asian cuisines,such as Japanese, Thai, Malaysian,Korean and Vietnamese, so take yourtastebuds on a savoury tour.4 CULTURAL CREATIVITYAmong many exhibitions celebratingartists and cultures from around theglobe, you could catch Light FromThe Middle East: New Photography(until 7 Apr) at the Victoria AndAlbert Museum (p. 57). Look backat Mughal India: Art, Culture AndEmpire (until 2 Apr) at the BritishLibrary (p. 55). Find out aboutcontemporary Russian creativity at theSaatchi Gallery in Gaiety Is The MostOutstanding Feature Of The SovietUnion (until 5 May). Then explore thework of leading German photographerJuergen Teller in his solo showWoo (until 17 Mar) at the ICA.Meanwhile, The JewishMuseum is paying homageto the post-war abstractpainter R.B. Kitaj in theshow Obsessions(from 21 Feb).Jewish Museum,Raymond BurtonHouse, 129-131Albert Street, NW1. 020 7284 7384. jewishmuseum.org.ukË Camden Town.Off map.Bollywood starMadhuri Dixit-NeneTOP LEFT: NERMINE HAMMAM’S ‘THE BREAK’, FROM THE SERIES UPEKKHA, 2011 © V&A. ART FUND COLLECTION OF MIDDLE EASTERNPHOTOGRAPHY AT THE V&A AND THE BRITISH MUSEUM; CHINATOWN IMAGE COURTESY OF CHINATOWNLONDON.ORG

LONDON 360:PERFECTPANORAMASThe View From The Shard attraction, which opens thismonth, offers just one of a number of spectacular vistasof the capital waiting to be discovered.By David G. Taylor12 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

MAIN PHOTO © THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD; OXO TOWER © ISTOCKPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES/ANTHONY BAGGETT; EMIRATES AIR LINE © TRANSPORT FOR LONDON PRESS IMAGES; TATE MODERN © ISTOCKPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES/MATTHEW FERNEmirates Air Line and The O 2THE SHARDFrom the pinnacle of London’slatest landmark, visitors can see64km across the capital on cleardays. Gazing down from levels69-72, The View From The Shard(pictured left, from 1 Feb) offersa very different perspective of thelandmarks below from 244 metresup, including the River Thames(p. 39), the Tower Of London(p. 38), Big Ben (p. 30),Buckingham Palace (p. 28) andWembley Stadium (p. 38).Twelve digital telescopes enableviewers to zoom in live to thecity beneath, or switch betweenrecorded day and night views.The interactive screens of the‘tell:scopes’ also offer interestinginformation on 200 of the city’ssights in 10 languages.Designed by Italian architectRenzo Piano as a ‘vertical town’,The Shard (or Shard Of Glass)is the tallest building the UK hasever seen, at a rather towering309.6 metres high.The View From The Shard, p. 35.THE O2Ever fancied climbing a Londonicon? Well, you can with Up At TheO 2 , a 90-minute active outdoorchallenge that offers adventuroustypes 360-degree views of London,including Canary Wharf andGreenwich, from a viewing platformin the centre of The O 2 ’s famousdomed roof. The exhilaratingclimb and descent is part of thefun and adds to the sense ofaccomplishment. Once you’vebooked, be sure to download theUp At The O 2 mobile app toenhance your experience.Up At The O 2 , p. 38.EMIRATES AIR LINELondon’s first cable-car systemopened last summer and providesa quick north-south commuterlink between the Royal Docks andGreenwich. Suspended high abovethe River Thames, it’s a fun journeywith impressive views that the wholefamily will enjoy. Children under-fiveyears old travel free. Peer down onThe O 2 , Canary Wharf, Docklandsand the regeneration of the OlympicPark in Stratford.Air Line (Emirates), p. 94.TOWER BRIDGEA symbol of London, the gothicstyleTower Bridge was considereda marvel of Victorian hydraulicengineering when it was completedin 1894. Whenever tall ships wish topass, the bridge is able to raise theroad across two central bascules toa steep 86 degrees, allowing themthrough. It’s an impressive sight thatliterally stops traffic, and Londonersand visitors alike enjoy watching. Lifttimes are posted on the website daily.Today, it’s possible to explorethe bridge inside and out at theTower Bridge Exhibition. Itshigh-level walkways provide agreat vantage point east and westalong the River Thames. Originallydesigned to allow pedestrians tocross the bridge when the road wasraised, they now offer amazing viewsof the Tower Of London, The Shardand many more photo opportunities.Tower Bridge Exhibition, p. 37.DINING ROOMS WITH A VIEWOXO TowerAltitude 36021-24 Millbank, SW1. 0207592 7618. altitudelondon.com Ë Pimlico. Off map.Min Jiang, p. 82.OXO Tower RestaurantOXO Tower Wharf, Barge HouseStreet, SE1. 020 7803 3888. harveynichols.comË t Waterloo. Map C7.Paramount RestaurantCentre Point, 101-103 NewOxford Street, WC1. 0207420 2900. paramount.uk.net Ë Tottenham Court Road.Map B5.Rhodes Twenty FourTower 42, 25 Old Broad Street,EC2. 020 7877 7703. rhodes24.co.ukË t Liverpool Street. Map B9.Tate Modern RestaurantTate Modern, Bankside, SE1. 020 7887 8888. tate.org.uk Ë Southwark. Map C7/8.Inside TateModern

The MonumentViews from the EDF London EyeTHE MONUMENTTopped with a flaming golden urn,this 61 metre stone column wasdesigned by British architect SirChristopher Wren to commemoratethe Great Fire Of London in 1666.Its viewing platform offers amazingviews of the battleship HMSBelfast (p. 30), Tower Bridge andbeyond. Climb the 311 steps for alofty vantage point, or if you don’thave a head for heights, watch thepanoramic live cam footage screenedat street level.The Monument, p. 31.LONDON EYEThe EDF Energy London Eye is thetallest observation wheel in Europeand London’s fifth most popularattraction (p. 7). Visitors can gaspat its amazing views includingnearby St. Paul’s Cathedral from thecomfort of one of 32 air-conditionedcapsules during the 30-minute ride.Spectacular by day, the panorama isjust as magical on wintry eveningswhen the city’s lights twinkle as faras the eye can see.EDF Energy London Eye, p. 30.THE ROYAL OBSERVATORYEnjoy dramatic city views fromoutside the Royal Observatory,which is situated on a hilltop inGreenwich Park. Gaze down onthe architectural wonders below,including the historic NationalMaritime Museum and 17th-centuryQueen’s House (p. 55), the 21stcenturydome of The O 2 (p. 77)and, of course, London’s beautifuland iconic cityscape.The Royal Observatory, p. 32.ALEXANDRA PALACEBuilt in 1873, this iconic northLondon entertainment venueis surrounded by 196 acres ofbeautiful parkland. The groundsboast a range of attractions,including an ice rink, boating lake,deer enclosure and lots morebesides, but it’s the vistas overLondon that provide some of thebest photo opportunities.Alexandra Palace Way, N22. 020 8365 2121. alexandrapalace.comË Wood Green,t Alexandra Palace. Off map.PRIMROSE HILLLocated on the north side of prettyRegent’s Park, Primrose Hill offersviews over central London from78 metres up. Take a winter strolldown the hill, and around the park,before heading to nearby ZSLLondon Zoo (p. 38) to see wildlifefrom around the world.The Royal Parks, p. 31.RIVER VIEWSYou can take in stunning viewsof London’s cityscape from fastflowingstretches of the RiverThames, including key landmarkslike Big Ben and the Tower ofLondon. For a guided tour withs commentary pointing outplaces of interest travel withCity Cruises and LondonDucktours. High-speed commuterpassenger service KPMG ThamesClippers is a great way to reachattractions by water, taking inlandmarks on the way. Alternatively,for views with dinner, cabaret anddancing join the floating partyaboard the London Showboat.River Thames, p. 39.THE MONUMENT © VISITBRITAIN/BRITAIN ON VIEW; LONDON EYE © VISITBRITAIN/SIMON WINNALL; GREENWICH PARK © LONON ON VIEW/BRITAIN ON VIEWGreenwich Park14 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

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With London Undergound celebratingits 150th anniversary in 2013, thereare exciting events taking place allyear, from heritage railway days toexhibitions. By Jo CairdTUBE TRAIN IMAGE © THINKSTOCK/DORLING KINDERSLEY RF; BACKGROUND © THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO;ALL OTHER IMAGES COURTESY OF LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM © TRANSPORT FOR LONDONHAPPYBIRTHDAYLondon saw a huge number ofchanges during the Victorianera, but perhaps none moremonumental than the events of 9Jan 1863. It was on this day thatthe inaugural train of the world’sfirst underground railway madeits journey through the brand newtunnels of the Metropolitan line.Connecting Paddington in the westwith Farringdon in the east, this wasthe first section of a network thatnow, 150 years later, serves 270stations and carries over one billionpassengers every year.‘OPEN WEEKENDS WILLBE TAKING PLACEAT THE LONDONTRANSPORT MUSEUM’SACTON DEPOT’Transport for London and theLondon Transport Museum (p.56) are celebrating this importantanniversary with a year of events,exhibitions and more. It all kickedoff in January with a recreation ofthat first ever Tube journey witha series of heritage engines andcarriages. The locomotive usedto haul the train, MetropolitanSteam Locomotive No. 1, will runthroughout the year across theMetropolitan line network on specialoccasions. The 115-year-old enginewill also be part of a programme ofactivities at the BuckinghamshireRailway Centre (Quainton RoadStation, Quainton, HP22. 01296655 720. bucksrailcentre.orgt Aylesbury) in August (check ltmuseum.co.uk for details). Ittakes around an hour to reach thisout of London destination, whichis open all year round.If August is too long to wait for yourheritage Tube fix, don’t panic. You cansee other engines from the early daysof the Underground on display at theLondon Transport Museum practicallyevery day of the year.Behind The Scenes events andOpen Weekends will also be takingplace at the museum’s Acton depot(2 Museum Way, 118-120Gunnersbury Lane, W3. Ë ActionTown) – which isn’t usually opento the public – in April and October(details TBC). During the OpenWeekends, you’ll be able to seethe Metropolitan Locomotive No.1 ‘in light steam’, which means it’llbe standing stationary, but with itsengine burning fuel.This month (from 15 Feb) seesthe opening of Poster Art 150– London Underground’s GreatestDesigns at the London TransportMuseum. London Underground’sdesign pedigree has long beenrecognised, and this exhibition letsyou see 150 of the best postersall in one place, including rareexamples from the late 19th centuryand designs by the likes of surrealistphotographer Man Ray.Main picture: A timetable and railwayguide from 1913. Top: Servingrefreshments to Londoners shelteringfrom the Blitz at Holland Park stationin 1940. Above: Poster from 1940.February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |17

Main picture: MetropolitanLocomotive No. 1. Left: a map of theLondon Underground from 1908There will be furtheropportunities to explore the Tube’sfascinating history and its impacton Londoners’ lives across thenetwork throughout 2013. Art OnThe Underground is presenting aprogramme that will see artworksbrought into every station. Fifteen‘THE TUBE PLAYEDA VITAL ROLE DURINGWARTIME, SHELTERING170,000 PEOPLEA NIGHT DURINGTHE BLITZ’leading comtemporary artists havealso been commissioned to createa set of posters and limited editionprints to mark the 150th anniversary.There’s plenty going on whenit comes to moving pictures andperforming arts too. There will bescreenings of London Undergroundthemedfilms from the BFI archive(p. 68) at a Tube station, and a seriesof theatrical events at the disusedAldwych station (details of allevents to be confirmed from ltmuseum.co.uk).Aldwych station opened in 1907 buthas been closed since 1994 – it wasdecided that replacing the originallifts would be too expensiveconsidering how little the stationwas used. Lots of televisionprogrammes, music videos andfilms have been shot at thestation, including the 2007 KeiraKnightly film Atonement.The station was also closedfor the entire course of theSecond World War, when itwas used as an air-raid shelter (withtreasures from the British Museum(p. 55) stored in the unused tunnels).The Underground played a vital roleduring wartime, its station platformssheltering up to 170,000 people anight during the Blitz (see picture onprevious page).If you want to take a memento ofthe 150th anniversary year homewith you, London Undergroundhas that covered too. There’s acommerative Oyster card availableand you can buy gifts includingMetropolitan line glassware, threenew books published by Penguin(available from penguin.co.uk,see right) and heritage posters fromthe London Transport Museum’sshop. In addition to this, the RoyalMint (see Bank of England Museum,p. 57) has put two new two-poundcoins into circulation and Royal Mailhas issued 10 new stamps. Six ofthese feature scenes from the historyof the network and four showcaseclassic London Underground posters.Charles Pearson, the 19th-centurypolitician who first proposed theidea of the Tube, sadly died justone month before the new network’sinaugural journey. If only he couldsee it now – many happy returnsLondon Underground!RAILWAY READINGUnderground: How The TubeShaped London 1863 to 2013A brand new official history of theUnderground that includeslavish illustrations.LondonUndergroundBy DesignThis illustratedbook chartsthe evolutionof the Tubeas a designinnovator, from maps to trains.Poems On The UndergroundPoetry has been displayed inadvertising spaces on Tubetrains since 1986 with the aim ofbringing it to a wider audience.This new book is the latest in theseries inspired by the programme.BOOK COVER IMAGES COURTESY OF PENGUIN; IMAGES COURTESY OF LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM © TRANSPORT FOR LONDON18| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

THE ROYAL MEWSBUCKINGHAM PALACESee the historic carriages that tookpart in the Royal Wedding processionand Diamond Jubilee celebrations

FanArea Focus: Bond Street, W1 By David G. TaylorWHY? Classical music, culture and cuisine, plusgreat shopping. Not only for the designer desirablesit’s most famous for, but also for high street brands.WHEN? Shopping hours are best for enjoyingthe atmosphere. For more local detail, visit bondstreetassociation.comLOCAL HISTORYA fashionable street for shoppers since the 18thcentury, Bond Street is mentioned in countlessnovels, from Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibilityto Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. But did youknow that Bond Steet is actually two adjoiningroads: New Bond Street and Old Bond Street?We’ve focused on New Bond Street, the northernsection, which is linked to Bond Street station byOxford Street.EAT & DRINKStop for a Belgian-hotchocolate at confectioners2 Leonidas (75 NewBond Street, W1. 0208965 3211. leonidasbondstreet.co.uk).Enjoytasty Italian treats at3 Carluccio’s restaurantinside Fenwick ( 0207629 0699. carluccios.com). Take lunch witha pint of beer at nearbyBritish pub, the 4 Coach & Horses (5 BrutonStreet, W1. 020 7629 4123. taylor-walker.co.uk),or drop into 5 Hush for brasserie-style ModernEuropean cuisine in a quaint mews (8 LancashireCourt, W1. 020 7659 1500. hush.co.uk).SHOP IN STYLEAs the industry bigwigs viefor the best seats at LondonFashion Week (15-19 Feb),there couldn’t be a better time toupdate your wardrobe. AlongsideBond Street’s luxury brands(ranging from Burberry to RalphLauren’s Children’s Store), you’lldiscover high street names suchas Next, Diesel, Zara and Victoria’s Secret.Find five floors of fashion at 3 Fenwickdepartment store (pictured, p. 62). Then, where NewBond Street meets Oxford Street, you’ll find moredepartment stores including 6 Debenhams (p. 62),and a vast 7 House Of Fraser (p. 62), where newspring lines, include gorgeous accessories by SoniaRykiel, Aquascutum and M by Missoni.Elsewhere, fashionistas will find plenty to interestthem this month, with the exhibitions: Valentino:Master Of Couture (until 3 Mar) at SomersetHouse (p. 37) and Hartwell To Amies (until 23 Feb)at the Fashion & Textile Museum (p. 58). Visit theFan Museum too (p. 58), or the permanent FashionGallery at the Victoria And Albert Museum (p. 57).TALKING POINTHave your photo taken with 1 Winston Churchill andFranklin D. Roosevelt. The bronze sculpture (above)depicts the former British Prime Minister and AmericanPresident deep in conversation. It was created in 1995by US artist Lawrence Holofcener to mark 50 years ofpeace following the Second World War.U BONDSTREETSTATION76OXF ORD STREET2N EW BOND STREET8 53BROOK STG R O S VEN OR ST491CLASSICAL BEAUTY8 Handel House Museum (pictured, p. 58)celebrates the work of German-British composerGeorge Frideric Handel, who resided at thisaddress between 1723 and 1759. Visitors canexplore the fine Georgian interiors, enjoy liveconcerts and catch exhibitions. Currently there’sa chance to discover more about Handel’scollaborator and librettist with Charles Jennens:The Man Behind Handel’s Messiah (until 21 Apr).The neighbourhood also boasts lots of commercialart galleries, and nearby is the famous 9 RoyalAcademy Of Arts (p. 54).HANDEL HOUSE MUSEUM IMAGE © THE HANDEL HOUSE TRUST LTD; FENWICK, CHURCHILL AND COACH & HORSES IMAGES © DAVID G. TAYLOR20| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

We’ve gathered together thecapital’s ultimate romanticexperiences so you don’thave to. By Jo CairdLONDON INLOVEGREATVIEWSTreat your special someone to atrip in Cupid’s Capsule on theEDF London Eye (above). Theticket price includes a privatecapsule for two, a bottle ofchampagne, a box of delectablechocolates, priority boarding, andof course, amazing views acrossthe capital (p. 30).BUBBLESSip a glass of bubbly with your belovedat Europe’s longest champagne bar.Amid the gorgeous surroundings ofSt. Pancras station, heated leatherseating will keep you toasty and there’sa call button (right) to ensure yourglass will never go empty.Searcys Champagne Bar,St. Pancras International Station,N1. 020 7870 9900. searcyschampagnebars.co.uk Ë t King’sCross St. Pancras. Off map.CINEMAYou can’t beat the cinema as a classic date location, but why not up theromance factor by taking advantage of the snuggly sofa seating availableat Everyman screens (pictured)? All London locations have bars too, withHampstead and Besize Park offering full waiter service.5 Holly Bush Vale, NW3 (and branches). 020 3145 0500. everymancinema.com Ë Hampstead. Off map.FILMLOCATIONSWhen it comes to romantic movies,there are plenty of examples whereLondon itself is the star. Visitcharming Notting Hill, where JuliaRoberts and Hugh Grant courted inthe 1999 film of the same name;Keats House (p. 30), home to the19th-century romantic poet JohnKeats and location of Bright Star,the 2009 movie about his life;and Postman’s Park in the City OfLondon, where the lovelorn starsof Closer admire the MemorialTo Heroic Self Sacrifice. Detailsof these and further romanticLondon film locations at filmlondon.org.uk22| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

MAIN IMAGE LONDON EYE © EDF ENERGY LONDON EYE CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED BY MARKS BARFIELD ARCHITECTS; CINEMA IMAGE COURTESY OF EVERYMAN; CHAMPAGNE IMAGE COURTESY OF SEARCYS; WILTONS IMAGE COURTESY OF WILTONS;SIR JOHN SOANE’S IMAGE COURTESY OF THE TRUSTEES OF SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM; CHOCOLATE IMAGE COURTESY OF HOTEL CHOCOLAT; COLUMBIA ROAD IMAGE © LONDON ON VIEW; MIDNIGHT TANGO IMAGE © MANUEL HARLANOYSTERSIf oysters are the ultimateaphrodisiac, then Wiltons, whichhas been in business since 1742,is just the ticket. What began as astreet seafood stall is now a Londoninstitution serving a menu of Englishclassics, including, of course, thevery finest of oysters (above).55 Jermyn Street, SW1. 0207629 9955. wiltons.co.ukË Green Park. Map C5.WALKSEscape the hustle and bustle ofthe city with a visit to the IsabellaPlantation in Richmond Park, oneof the capital’s most peaceful spots.There’s plenty of beautiful plant lifeto see here even in winter, making itperfect for a romantic stroll (p. 31).CANDLE-LITSir John Soane’s Museum isatmospheric whenever you visit,but there’s something extra specialabout the monthly candle-lit eveningopenings at this eccentric instituation.Take your beloved by the hand on5 Feb and discover the beautiful artworks and artefacts tucked away innooks and crannies throughout theformer home of the neo-classicalarchitect (below, p. 59).CHOCOLATE TASTINGNo question that chocolate makes an excellent Valentine’s Day gift – goone better and treat your sweetheart to a chocolate tasting session(pictured) at award-winning chocolate makers Hotel Chocolat. You’ll learnhow to taste it, when to taste it and what to look for in a quality chocolateat this mouth-watering event taking place on 14 Feb.4 Monmouth Street, WC2. 020 7209 0659. hotelchocolat.co.ukË Covent Garden. Map B6.FLOWERSSay it with flowers on a Sundaymorning visit to Columbia RoadFlower Market in east London andstop for coffee in one of the lovelycafés. From exotic cut blooms tonative plants and seeds galore, you’llbe sure to find something here tomake your love smile (above, p. 8).THEATREThere’s nothing like a romanticWest End musical or play to pullon the heart strings, so why notgrab a pair of tickets to a topLondon show? Classics such asLes Misérables (p. 70) and ThePhantom Of The Opera (p. 70),and more recent arrivals suchas The Bodyguard (p. 68) andMidnight Tango (p. 71) all centrearound glorious love stories you’llbe powerless to resist.February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |23

The Clifton SuspensionBridge, BristolWinchester CathedralJane Austen’sHouse MuseumOUT OF TOWN:WINCHESTERBy Kasha Van Santnce the capital of England,the historic Roman city ofOWinchester is within easyreach of London. It is blessed witha multitude of beauty spots, fromhistoric buildings to its proximityto the rich landscape of the SouthDowns National Park. An iconicstatue of the 9th-century king andlocal hero Alfred The Great has stoodguard over the city for more than100 years.Start your journey in the city centreat the awe-inspiring WinchesterCathedral, where over 1,000 years ofhistory, the still lustrous 12th-centuryWinchester Bible, ornate carvings andfrescoes await you. Take a tour ofthe crypt and the Fisherman’s Chapeland have a Hampshire cream tea inthis truly grand building. Then moveon to the City Museum, whose threegalleries trace Winchester’s journeyfrom small Iron Age trading centre tothriving modern city.At the top of the High Streetstep into Arthurian legend atWinchester Castle or rather oneof the last surviving parts of it, theGreat Hall. It is home to King Arthur’slegendary Round Table, a 1,200kgoak construction thought to becreated in 1290 which now hangs inthis ancient aisled room. WolveseyCastle, the former palace of BishopHenry of Blois, is in a rather moreruined state than Winchester Castle,but no less worthy of a visit. The ruinsstand next to the cathedral and oncehoused a courtyard, stables and evena prison. Other traces of a punitivepast include the Westgate, a fortifiedmedieval gateway that was the city’sdebtors’ gaol for over 150 years.Check out the museum with itsgibbet and grafitti-covered walls.From ruined palaces toseats of education: WinchesterCollege was founded in 1382and is thought to be the oldestschool in the country. There is aGothic Chapel, Chamber Courtand cloisters to enjoy. The CityMill is also worth a look. Poweredby the River Itchen, this cornmill can be seen in action andis a hands-on, family-friendlytreat, with milling days, bakingand quizzes.Travel further out of thecity centre to learn aboutWinchester’s most famous name,Jane Austen, who lived in the villageof Chawton. This year marks the200th anniversary of the publicationof her novel Pride And Prejudice.Jane Austen’s House Museum’sThe Story Of Pride And PrejudiceExhibition is a must-see.Winchester’s rich history maybe hard to miss but there are alsoplenty of modern gems to explore,including the Winchester Gallery,a contemporary arts space locatedon a pleasant university campus justoutside the city centre.TRAVEL INFORMATIONRail: Direct trains depart fromË t London Waterloo tot Winchester. Journey timeis approximately 60 mins.TOURIST INFORMATIONCENTREWinchester Guildhall, HighStreet, Winchester SO23. 01962 840 500. visitwinchester.co.ukStatue ofKing AlfredThe GreatJANE AUSTEN’S HOUSE MUSEUM IMAGE © JANE AUSTEN MEMORIAL TRUST;WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL & ALFRED THE GREAT IMAGES © THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO24| visitbritain.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

THE ROYAL MEWSWINDSOR CASTLEHISTORICCASTLEROYALPALACEFAMILYHOMEOFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE QUEEN

SightseeingWith Jo CairdWhat’s hotSIGHTSEEINGPANCAKE DAY IMAGE © ALTERNATIVE ARTS; TOWER BRIDGE IMAGE COURTESY OF THE TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION; HALF-TERM IMAGE © IWM DAMON CLEARYTo mark the beginning of the period Christians call Lent, many people inthe UK celebrate a festival called Shrove Tuesday by eating pancakes.Lent is traditionally a time of abstinence so Pancake Day, as it’s known,is the last chance to indulge in the foods that you’re not supposed toeat in this period (in other cultures this celebration is called Mardi Gras,which translates literally as ‘Fat Tuesday’). These days, eating pancakesis just one aspect of the fun, as pancake day races (pictured) that thewhole family will enjoy now take place at Spitalfields in east London .The Great Spitalfields Pancake Day Race, p. 39.Brilliant bridgeGet the inside track on the world’smost famous bridge with theweekend Engineering Tours atThe Tower Bridge Exhibition.These 90-minute tours are dividedinto two parts, the first exploringthe exhibition with an experiencedguide, the second led by one of thebridge’s technical officers, who takevisitors to areas normally off limitsto the public. You’ll see the BridgeControl Room, the enormousBascule Chambers below the levelof the bed of the River Thames– which hold the huge weights thatbalance the bridge as it opens– and the Machinery Rooms, wherethe hydraulics that operate thebridge are located.The Tower BridgeExhibition, p. 37.Half-term hijinksMost of the capital’s school children will be on holiday during the week of16-24 Feb, so take advantage of the many interactive kids events taking placeat London attractions over this period. Slang At Sea at HMS Belfast (p. 30)is a fun look at navy slang and the phrases that have come into the Englishlanguage via the sea. There are also objects used aboard ship to handle.Meanwhile at the London Wetland Centre (p. 31), there’s Wing Watch,where you can learn about our feathered friends on special bird-watchingwalks and get involved in bird-themed art and craft sessions. Visit the centre on16-18 Feb and you can also get up close and personal with birds of prey suchas owls and peregrine falcons. An expert falconer will be on hand to answerquestions.Back in the centre of town, the Household Cavalry Museum (p. 30)is hosting craft activities every morning of half-term. Check individualorganisations’ websites for details of recommended age groups and timings.Comics – not just for kidsWhether you’re already a fan of comics and graphic novels or are simplyinterested in learning more about them, the London Super ComicConvention (23-24 Feb) is the event for you. This huge happening bringstogether the authors of some of the world’s best loved titles.London Super Comic Convention, p. 39.London 2012 Issue August/September|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |27

SIGHTSEEINGThese are the capital’s topsightseeing attractions.References are to theCentral London Map onp. 49-51. Times and pricesare correct at time ofpress, but call to check– they can change at shortnotice. Many attractionsoffer admission discountswhen purchasing tickets inadvance online.To dial the UnitedKingdom remove the first0 and add +44.KEY: : TelephoneË : London UndergroundË : London OvergroundË : Docklands Light Railwayt : National Rail : WebsiteMain AttractionsAPSLEY HOUSEKnown as ‘Number OneLondon’, this elegant houseat Hyde Park Cornerwas the first Duke OfWellington’s home. Sat-Sun10.00-16.00. Admission£6.50, child £3.90.149 Piccadilly, W1. 0207499 5676. englishheritage.org.ukË HydePark Corner. Map C4.BANQUETING HOUSEThis grand old building wasdesigned by Inigo Jones forJames I, with an exquisitepainted ceiling by celebratedbaroque artist Peter PaulRubens. Mon-Sun 10.00-17.00. Check for closures.Admission £5, child free.Whitehall, SW1. 0203166 6154. hrp.org.ukË t Charing Cross.Map C6.BROADGATE ICE RINKUntil 24 Feb Skate outdoorsin the heart of the City ofLondon. Timed sessionsMon-Fri12.15-21.00; Sat-Sun 09.30-21.00. Checkthe website in advanceof your visit as the rinkis sometimes closed forprivate events and broomballcompetitions (p. 40).Admission £9, child £7,skate hire £2. Monthlyseason ticket available.Broadgate Circle, EC2. 020 7505 4176. broadgate.co.ukË t Liverpool Street.Map B9.BUCKINGHAM PALACEDiscover the Queen’spalatial London residence.Until 3 Feb ExclusiveTour. Guided tour of theState Rooms with theirgilded ceilings, glitteringchandeliers and magnificentcollection of art andantiques. Tours last over twohours and include a glassof champagne. Tickets £65.Check for dates and times.Booking essential (p. 43).The Mall, SW1. 020 7766 7300. royalcollection.org.ukË t Victoria, Ë GreenPark. Map D5.CEREMONY OFTHE KEYSEach night since 1340,the Tower of London’s(p. 38) outer gates arelocked at 21.53 and thekeys delivered to thewarden. To watch for free,send names, dates and anSAE to: Ceremony Of TheKeys Office, HM TowerOf London, EC3N 4AB, atleast two months ahead ofyour visit.Tower Of London, TowerHill, EC3. 020 31666278. hrp.org.ukË Tower Hill. Map C9.CHANGING THE GUARDAt 11.30 on alternatescheduled days, witness thechanging of the Queen’sGuard on BuckinghamPalace forecourt. No guardchange in very wet weather.Buckingham Palace,The Mall, SW1. 0207766 7300. royal.gov.ukË t Victoria, Ë GreenPark. Map D5.The Mounted GuardChanging Ceremony takesplace Mon-Sat 11.00;Sun 10.00. The mountedsentries change every hour.Horse Guards Parade,Whitehall, SW1. 0207414 3269. army.mod.uk/events Ë St. James’sPark/Green Park. Map C6.Top: Adventures at GoApe! Bottom: A guardon duty at Horse GuardsParade, off Whitehall.CHELSEA FC STADIUMTOURS & MUSEUMTour Stamford Bridge to seethe dressing rooms and walkthrough the players’ tunnel.Tours commence every30 mins daily 10.00-15.00,except on match days andthe day before ChampionsLeague home matches.Museum only £10, child £8.Tour and museum admission£18, child £12.Stamford Bridge,Fulham Road, SW6. 08719 841 955. chelseafc.com/toursË Fulham Broadway.Off map.CUTTY SARKThis internationally famous19th-century ship is thelast surviving tea clipper inthe world. Reopened lastyear after major restorationworks, the ship now offersvisitors the opportunity toexplore above and belowdecks, with interactivedisplays to enhance theexperience. Mon-Sun10.00-17.00. Admission£12, child £6.50.King William Walk, SE10. 020 8858 2698. cuttysark.org.ukË Cutty Sark. Map inset.DISCOVER CHILDREN’SSTORY CENTREChildren’s museum andcreative literary centre.Check the website forregular events. Daily10.00-17.00. Generaladmission £4.50.383-387 High Street, E15. 020 8536 5555. discover.org.ukË Ë t Stratford.Off map.ELTHAM PALACE18-22 Feb The remains ofa medieval palace, HenryVIII’s boyhood home anda 20th-century art decomasterpiece. Designed bythe wealthy Courtaulds,Eltham boasts extraordinarydécor, especially the diningroom. The gardens combineTudor and art deco elements.Sun-Wed 10.00-16.00.Admission £9.60,child £5.80.Eltham, SE9. 020 8294 2548. english-heritage.org.ukt Eltham. Off map.FULHAM FCSTADIUM TOURSVisit Craven Cottage,home of London’s oldestprofessional football club.Tours include the TrophyLounge and changing rooms.Regular tours daily 11.15.Ticket £10.50, child £7.50.Match tickets from £30,child £20.Stevenage Road, SW6. 08432 081 234. fulhamfc.comË Putney Bridge. Off map.GO APE!15-24 Feb An exhilaratingtreetop adventureplayground for outdoorsytypes of all ages. Negotiateladders, bridges andziplines while attached toa reassuring harness. Theenthusiastic staff providea full safety briefing andare on-hand throughoutthe three-and-a-half hourexperience. Open daily,TOP IMAGE COURTESY OF GO APE! ; HORSE GUARD IMAGE © LONDON ON VIEW28 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

LONDON’S NO.1 SIGHTSEEING TOUR ON THE THAMESThe best wayto see Londonnow costs less!With this great offer on our River Red Rover tickets, you can not onlyset off on a voyage of discovery along London’s riverside landmarks,but you can get off and on and often as you like along the way! It’s agreat trip for all ages and a great way of travelling through the heartof London.HALFPRICERiver Red Rover ticketsOffer expires31st March 2013All boats have onboard commentary, serve refreshmentsand have full toilet facilities. Most are wheelchair accessible;please call +44 (0) 20 77 400 400 for more details.ImportantTo purchase your Half Price River Red Rover tickets present thisadvert at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich Piers orquote PLANNER whencalling our ticket office020 77 400 400Offer is available on standard River Red Rover tickets only. Family River Red Rover tickets are not eligible.

SIGHTSEEINGplease check the websitefor hours. Admission £30.Trent Park, CockfostersRoad, EN4. 020 84499240. goape.co.ukË Cockfosters. Off map.HAM HOUSE & GARDENFrom 16 Feb One ofEurope’s greatest 17thcenturyhouses, with abeautiful collection offurniture and gardens thatare said to be haunted.30-minute house tours Sat-Thurs 12.00-15.30; café andgarden 11.00-16.00. Houseand garden admission£10.90, child £6.05. Gardenonly £3.65, child £2.45.Ham Street, TW10. 020 8940 1950. nationaltrust.org.ukË t Richmond. Off map.HAMPSTEAD HEATHThis ancient park offers790 acres and wonderfulviews (especially fromParliament Hill), sports fieldsand Kenwood House. Ifyou’re feeling brave, two ofthe Heath’s 25 ponds, theLadies’ Pond and the Men’sPond, are open for swimmingall year round. 07.30-dusk.Park admission free; ponds£2, child £1.Hampstead, NW3. 020 7332 3322. cityoflondon.gov.ukË Hampstead/TufnellPark/Belsize Park.Off map.HAMPTONCOURT PALACEOnce home to King HenryVIII, this magnificent Tudorpalace and impressivemaze is set in 60 acres ofparkland. Daily 10.00-16.30.Palace, maze and gardensadmission £16.95, child£8.50; maze £3.85, child£2.75; gardens £5.50,child free.Hampton Court, EastMolesey, Surrey, KT8. 08444 827 777. hrp.org.ukt Hampton Court.Off map.HMS BELFASTPermanently moored on theRiver Thames, this ship isEurope’s only surviving WorldWar II cruiser. In service until1965, it’s now a reminderof Britain’s naval heritage.16-24 Feb Slang At Sea.Learn about naval slang andthe activities that took placeon board ship. Event 11.00-12.30 and 14.00-16.00(p. 27). Daily 10.00-17.00.Admission £14.50, child free.Morgan’s Lane, off TooleyStreet, SE1. 020 79406300. iwm.org.ukË t London Bridge.Map C9.HOUSEHOLD CAVALRYMUSEUMAt this living museum youcan discover the history ofthe mounted guards (whoparticipate in Changing TheGuard, p. 28), witness theirday-to-day life, includingworking their horses in18th-century stables, andwatch the daily inspectionat 16.00. Daily 10.00-17.00.Admission £6, child £4.Horse Guards, Whitehall,SW1. 020 7930 3070. householdcavalrymuseum.org.ukË Westminster. Map D6.HOUSES OFPARLIAMENTThis has been Parliament’shome since 1265, thoughthe current building wasconstructed in the 19thcentury in neo-gothic style.Its clock tower houses thefamous bell Big Ben. Watchdebates and committees orenjoy a 75-minute guidedtour on Sats 09.15-16.30that includes the Queen’sRobing Room and the RoyalGallery. Admission free. Tour£15, child £6.Westminster, SW1. 08448 471 672. parliament.ukË Westminster. Map D6.THE JEWEL TOWERBuilt around 1365 to houseEdward III’s treasures, thisbuilding is one of only two leftfrom the medieval Palace ofWestminster after an 1834fire. It features a display onthe history of Parliament. Sat-Sun 10.00-16.00. Admission£3.50, child £2.10.Top: The famous Ashesurn at Lord’s CricketGround. Bottom: TheRoyal Albert Hall.Abingdon Street, SW1. 020 7222 2219. english-heritage.org.ukË Westminster. Map D6.KEATS HOUSEThis elegant 19th-centurybuilding was home toromantic poet John Keats.Its collection includes hisbooks, poetry, paintings andhousehold items, plus theengagement ring he gave tosweetheart Fanny Brawne.Fri-Sun 13.00-17.00.Admission £5, child free.Keats Grove, NW3. 020 7332 3868. keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.ukË Hampstead. Off map.KENSINGTON PALACEThis royal residence sits inKensington Gardens andwas Princess Diana’s lasthome. 1, 8, 15, 22 Feb EerieEvening Tours. An after-darktour around the echoingcorridors and rooms of thepalace. 18.45. Admission£25. Daily 10.00-17.00.General admission £14.50,child free.Kensington Gardens, W8. 08444 827 777. hrp.org.uk Ë HighStreet Kensington/Queensway. Map C1.SEA LIFELONDON AQUARIUMOne of Europe’s largestaquaria, with 500 speciesof global marine life andwalk-through tank tunnels.See how the fish are fed onthe Behind The Scenes Tour(tickets £7.50, child £5) andexperience the thrilling SharkReef Encounter. Mon-Thurs10.00-18.00; Fri-Sun 10.00-19.00. Admission £19.80,child £14.40. Joint ticket withLondon Eye and MadameTussauds available.County Hall, WestminsterBridge Road, SE1. 08716 631 678. visitsealife.com/londonË Westminster. Map D6.LONDON BRIDGEEXPERIENCEA very scary and excitinghistory lesson that describesthe past of the 1,700-yearoldLondon Bridge site.Tickets also include TheLondon Tombs, housed ina former plague pit.Mon-Sun 10.00-18.00.Admission £23, child £17.2-4 Tooley Street, SE1. 08448 472 287. thelondonbridgeexperience.comË t London Bridge.Map C8.EDF ENERGYLONDON EYEThis icon is one of theworld’s largest observationwheels, and takes centrestage on the River Thames.Interactive screens in eachpod give an insight intothe landmarks on view(p. 22). Journeys lasts 30mins. Daily 10.00-21.00.Admission from £18.90,child £11.10. Ride and rivertour packages, plus jointtickets with the LondonAquarium and MadameTussauds available.South Bank, SE1. 08717 813 000. londoneye.comË t Waterloo. Map C6.LORDS IMAGE © MCC; ROYAL ALBERT HALL IMAGE © CHRIS CHRISTODOULOU30| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

IMAGE © THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTOThe Royal ParksWinter is a quiet time to visit these beautiful open spaces,many of which were once the grounds of royal homes andare now property of the Crown. Filled with fun activities oroffering a peaceful retreat from city life this month, theyform some of the biggest green areas in London. Usuallyopen from 07.00 until dusk, but check individual times at royalparks.org.ukBushy Park, Hampton, Middlesex. A charming park northof Hampton Court Palace. t Hampton Court/Teddington. Off map.Green Park, SW1. A peaceful haven near St. James’sPark. Ë Green Park. Map C4-5/D4-5.Greenwich Park, SE10. Encompassing the RoyalObservatory (p. 32) and offering spectacular views.Ë t Greenwich and Ë Cutty Sark. Map inset.Hyde Park, W2. Swim (in summer), boat on the lake, ridehorses, or listen to speeches at Speakers’ Corner. Ë HydePark Corner/Lancaster Gate/Marble Arch. Map C3-4/D3.Kensington Gardens, W8. The grounds of KensingtonPalace and a continuation of Hyde Park.Ë Lancaster Gate/Queensway. Map C1-2/D2.Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, NW1. Home toZSL London Zoo (p. 38), plus fabulous views from the hill.Ë Baker Street/Regent’s Park. Map A3/4.Richmond Park, TW10. London’s largest open space wasonce a royal hunting ground. Ë Ë t Richmond. Off map.St. James’s Park, SW1. Pretty ornamental park with alake. Ë St. James’s Park. Map C5/D5.OTHER PARKS AND HEATHS INCLUDE:Battersea Park, SW11. Large, elegant Victorian parkby the River Thames. Lovely walks, a small zoo and greatviews across the river. t Battersea Park. Off map.Hampstead Heath, NW3. Ancient parkland covering790 acres and boasting wonderful views (especially fromParliament Hill), sports fields and Kenwood House.Ë Hampstead/Tufnell Park/Belsize Park. Off map.Holland Park, W8. Enchanting park with a Japanesestylegarden. Ë Holland Park. Off map.St. James’s ParkLONDON WETLANDCENTREOn this 42-hectare wildlifereserve, look out for morethan 100 species of rareand wild birds, as well asa family of otters who havetaken up residence ina specially-designed holt.There are various tours andbird-spotting hides, as wellas the Water’s Edge Café(p. 27). Daily 09.30-17.00.Admission £10.99,child £6.10.Queen Elizabeth’s Walk,SW13. 020 8409 4400. wwt.org.ukt Barnes. Off map.LORD’S CRICKETGROUNDTours of the spiritual homeof cricket include theplayers’ dressing rooms,the Marylebone CricketClub Museum, home ofthe original Ashes urn,and the award-winningJ.P. Morgan Media Centre.Tours hourly 10.00-14.00(but please check for matchday times as there are notours on major match days).Architectural tours can alsobe arranged. Admission£15, child £9.St. John’s Wood Road,NW8. 020 7616 8595. lords.org Ë St. John’sWood. Map A2.MADAME TUSSAUDSThe celebrated homeof life-sized waxworksdepicting famous figuresfrom the worlds ofpolitics, sport, history andentertainment. Pose withyour favourite legend andvisit the terrifying ChamberOf Horrors and Screamexperience. Don’t miss theexcellent Marvel SuperHeroes 4D multi-sensorycinema housed in theformer planetarium. Mon-Fri09.00-17.30, weekends andschool holidays 09.00-18.00. Admission £30, child£25.80. Joint tickets withthe London Eye and LondonAquarium available.Marylebone Road, NW1. 08718 943 000. madametussauds.comË Baker Street. Map A4.THE MONUMENTThis beautiful stone columnnestling in the heart of theCity was built in 1677 tocommemorate the 1666Great Fire of London.Visitors can see architectand scientist Sir ChristopherWren’s laboratory and climb311 steps to the goldenorb for spectacular views ofthe city. Daily 09.30-17.30.Admission £3, child £1.50.Joint ticket with the TowerBridge Exhibition available.Monument Street, EC3. 08451 659 812. themonument.infoË Monument. Map C8.NAMCOEntertainment venue withmore than 150 of the latestvideo games, an Americanstylepool hall, technobowling and bumper cars.The private karaoke room,‘Namoke’, has waiter serviceand 4,000 songs to choosefrom. The Vault: Laser MazeChallenge is an excitingMission Impossible-stylelabyrinth. Daily 10.00-00.00.Admission free.Riverside Buildings,County Hall, WestminsterBridge Road, SE1. 020 7967 1067. namcofunscape.comË t Waterloo. Map C6.NEASDEN TEMPLEBAPS Shri SwaminarayanMandir, known as theNeasden Temple, isEurope’s first traditionalHindu temple. It’s anamazing jigsaw puzzleof a building, made of26,300 individual piecesof carved marble. Visit theUnderstanding Hinduismexhibition to learn about thehistory and values of thisancient faith. 09.00-18.00.Admission £2, child £1,50.105-119 Brentfield Road,NW10. 020 8965 2651. mandir.orgË Ë Stonebridge Park.Off map.OLD ROYALNAVAL COLLEGEThis baroque masterpieceis the home of British navaltraining, with costumedSIGHTSEEINGFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |31

SIGHTSEEINGcharacters and tours.Grounds open daily 08.00-18.00; Painted Hall, Chapeland Discover Greenwichopen daily 10.00-17.00.Tours £6, child free.Admission free.Greenwich, SE10. 020 8269 4747. ornc.org Ë t CuttySark/Greenwich, or takea boat (p. 39). Map inset.RIPLEY’S BELIEVEIT OR NOT!This curiosity shop-stylemuseum is a hit across theglobe. Explore a huge rangeof oddities, from a shrunkenhead to an albino alligator,via a red-knitted Ferrariand the world’s tallest man.Don’t miss the mindblowingMirror Maze andbe sure to check out theDungeon Zone for a dose offrightening fun. Daily 10.00-00.00. Admission £26.95,child £21.95.1 Piccadilly Circus, W1. 020 3238 0022. ripleyslondon.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.ROYAL ALBERTHALL TOURSA 60-minute front-of-housetour around this neo-gothicVictorian building, includingthe Royal Retiring Room,the auditorium and theQueen’s Box. Departs hourlyon selected dates between10.30-15.30. Tickets £8.50,child free.Kensington Gore, SW7. 020 7589 8212. royalalberthall.comË South Kensington.Map D2.ROYAL BOTANICGARDENS, KEWA botanical research centreand World Heritage Sitecontaining plants fromacross the globe with atropical greenhouse anda stunning pagoda. TheXstrata Treetop Walkwayhas great views. Until13 Mar A Natural Gallery.British sculptor DavidNash exhibits his workusing Kew’s gardens asa backdrop. From 9 Feb.Orchids At Kew. The PrincessOf Wales Conservatoryis transformed into a seaof colour (p. 35). Daily11.00-16.15. Gardens open09.30, closing times vary;glasshouses and galleriesclose 17.00. Admission£16.00, child free.Kew, Richmond, TW9. 020 8332 5655. kew.org Ë KewGardens. Off map.ROYAL INSTITUTIONOF GREAT BRITAINMagnificent Grade I-listedGeorgian building with astate-of-the-art museum.Learn about the institution’s14 Nobel Prize-winningscientists via interactivedisplays, and see scientistsat work. It offers afascinating talks programme.Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00.Admission free.21 Albemarle Street, W1. 020 7409 2992. rigb.org Ë Green Park.Map C5.ROYAL OBSERVATORYHome of Greenwich MeanTime, and the Prime Meridianof the World. Visit thePeter Harrison Planetariumto watch regular shows,including those designedspecifically with youngchildren in mind. Until 3 FebAstronomy PhotographerOf The Year. See the winningimages of outer space fromthis year’s competition,including photographs of theMilky Way. Daily 10.00-17.00;Planetarium times vary.Admission £7, child free;Planetarium £6.50,child £4.50.Greenwich Park, SE10. 020 8858 4422. rmg.co.uk Ë CuttySark, or take a boat (p. 39).Map inset.ROYAL MEWSBuilt by John Nash in1825, this beautiful part ofBuckingham Palace housesthe Queen’s vehicles andhorses, including the GoldState Coach and the 1902State Landau used for theDiamond Jubilee. Witnessdaily life and learn about themews’s history. Open daily10.00-16.00. Admission£8.25, child £5.20.32 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Inside the Most Famous Bridge in the WorldEnjoy breathtaking views of London fromthe Bridge’s Walkways.Experience the beautiful VictorianEngine Rooms.Enter and be amazed.Prices: Adults £8.00 Children £3.40Concessions £5.60 Under 5s FREEContact: 020 3642 6589www.towerbridge.org.ukTower Bridge is provided by the City of London Corporation - a uniquely diverse organisation in that it not only promotes and supports the city and provides it with a full range of services, but also provideswider services for London and for the nation as a whole.

Blooming marvellousKew has one of the oldest and most comprehensivecollections of orchids in the world. You can catch aglimpse of these floral treasures at any time of theyear – a small part of the collection is displayed in thePrincess Of Wales Conversatory on rotation all yearround. Now, however, is a particularly special timefor fans of the exotic blooms because OrchidsAt Kew (from 9 Feb) sees the lush, tropical zone ofthe glasshouse transformed into a sea of flowers.Kew’s orchid collection dates back over 200 years andholds around 5,000 specimens that scientists comefrom all over the world to study. Although now widelyavailable, when the first orchids were imported to theUK from South America in the early 19th century, theywere an unknown entity and the subject of a buyingcraze that continued throughout the Victorian era.Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, p. 32.Step inside...Adults: £3.00Children: £1.50Concessions: £2.00Contact: 020 3642 6588Open: 7 days a weekwww.themonument.infoSIGHTSEEINGIMAGE © RGB KEWThe Mall, SW1. 020 7766 7300. royalcollection.org.ukË t Victoria, Ë GreenPark. Map D6.ROYAL OPERA HOUSEThe UK’s most famous operavenue, which is also home tothe Royal Ballet, dates backto the 19th century. Admirethe stunning Paul HamlynHall or take a tour. 6, 13,14, 21, 27 Feb Velvet, GiltAnd Glamour. Auditoriumtour lasting 45 mins. 16.00.Tickets £9.50, child £7.50.The Backstage tour lastsone hour and 15 mins, threetimes daily Mon-Sat. Tickets£12.00, child £8.50. Tourtimes and dates vary,please check.Bow Street, WC2. 0207304 4000. roh.org.ukË Covent Garden.Map B6SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBEBeautiful reconstruction ofwhat experts believe theBard’s original ElizabethanGlobe theatre would havelooked like, including one ofthe only thatched roofs inLondon. Take a backstagetour and see an exhibition ofthe writer’s life and works.Daily 10.00-17.00 (until3 Feb), 09.00-17.00 (from4 Feb). Admission £13.50,child £8.New Globe Walk, SE1. 020 7902 1400. shakespearesglobe.com Ë Southwark.Map C8.THE VIEWFROM THE SHARDHop in a high-speed‘kaleidoscopic’ lift and enjoythe view from 244m atLondon’s newest landmark.Daily 09.00-22.00. AdvanceThe Monument is provided by The City of London Corporation - a uniquely diverse organisation in that it not only promotes and upportsthe City and provides it with a full range of services, but also provides wider services for London and for the nation as a whole.February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com | 35

SIGHTSEEINGTHE ORIGINAL LONDON VISITOR CENTRETICKETSto London’s Top Tours,Shows and Attractions★ Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tours★ Top Theatre Tickets★ Attractions★ Trips to Paris★ Out of Town Tours★ River Cruises★ Hotel Bookings★ Airport Transferstel: +44 (0)20 7389 5040 www.theoriginaltour. comJACK THE RIPPER TOURS“...this is an eerie, historical site... and, without a singleprop, Richard Jones succeeds in conjuring more potentmemories out of the area than from a neighbourhoodfull of palaces...” The Sunday TimesSEE IT ONLINE BEFORE YOU BOOKYou can follow a step by step guide to our route, read the full Jackthe Ripper story and watch videos on our website BEFORE youtake the walk:www.rippertour.comOn our walk we show you original Victorian photographs of thestreets through which you are walking as they were in 1888.We are the only Jack the Ripper Walk to limit the number ofparticipants so booking is essential.The tour costs just £9 and lasts around two hoursTO BOOK YOUR PLACES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITEWWW.RIPPERTOUR.COM or TEL: 020 8530 8443 36| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

ooking recommended(reductions available online).Admission £29.95,child £23.95.Joiner Street, SE1. theviewfromtheshard.com Ë t London Bridge.Map C9.SOMERSET HOUSEThis glorious, neoclassical18th-century building,set around a courtyardfull of fountains, housesthe Courtauld Gallery(p. 52). Until 3 MarValentino: Master OfCouture. Exhibition aboutthe legendary Italianfashion designer and hiscreations. Until 30 MarIn The Beginning WasThe End. Site-responsivetheatre production (p. 74).Embankment level daily10.00-18.00; river terraceand Seamen’s Hall daily08.00-23.00; courtyarddaily 07.30-23.00.Admission free.Strand, WC2. 0207845 4600. somersethouse.org.uk Ë Temple/Embankment. Map C6.ST. JAMES’S PALACEOne of London’s oldestpalaces, constructed in the14th century and home toroyalty for three centuries.Visitors can watch part ofthe Queen’s Guard mountdaily at 11.00 in FriaryCourt. Palace and house notopen to the public.Pall Mall, SW1. royal.gov.uk Ë St. James’sPark. Map C5/D5.ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDSPalladian church with liveclassical and jazz music, abrass rubbing centre and acafé. Mon, Tues, Fri 08.30-13.00 & 14.00-18.00; Wed08.30-13.15 & 14.00-17.00;Thurs 08.30-13.15 & 14.00-18.00; Sat 09.30-18.00; Sun15.30-17.00. Church closedto visitors during the hoursof service. Admission free;audio tours £3.50; brassrubbing from £4.50.Trafalgar Square, WC2. 020 7766 1100. smitf.orgË t Charing Cross.Map C6.ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRALSir Christopher Wren’s300-year-old cathedral isfilled with stunning mosaicsand craftsmanship. Thedome is currently closed formaintenance but you canstill reach the WhisperingGallery. Explore the crypt,with its monuments tofamous Britons and don’tmiss Oculus: An Eye IntoSt. Paul’s, a 270-degree filmexperience for an excellentoverview (and a way toexperience the dome duringthe maintenance period andfor those less able to climbstairs). Free tours. Mon-Sat08.30-16.30. Admission£15, child £6.St. Paul’s Churchyard,EC4. 020 7246 8357. stpauls.co.ukË St. Paul’s. Map B8.TEMPLE CHURCHThis beautiful church,which Dan Brown fans willrecognise from the 2000film The Da Vinci Code,was built by the KnightsTemplar in the 12th century.Information on concerts canbe found at templemusic.org Mon-Fri 11.00-13.00and 14.00-16.00. Sat11.00-13.00. Sun 14.00-16.00 (and services).Admission £4, child free.2 King’s Bench Walk,Temple, EC4. 020 73538559. templechurch.com Ë Temple. Map B7.THE TOWER BRIDGEEXHIBITIONThis breathtaking bridge,designed in 1884, is oneof London’s most famouslandmarks, offeringwonderful views. Not to beconfused with its less grandneighbour, London Bridge.1, 2, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24Feb Engineering Tours.Behind-the-scenes toursof this feat of Victorianengineering (p. 27). 15.30.Tickets £30. Daily 09.30-17.30. Admission £8, child£3.40. Joint tickets with TheMonument available.Tower Bridge Road, SE1. 020 7403 3761. towerbridge.org.ukË Tower Hill, or by boat(p. 39). Map C9.SIGHTSEEINGFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |37

SIGHTSEEINGTOWER OF LONDONThe world-famous historiclandmark includes theBloody Tower, Traitors’Gate and the Jewel House,home of the Crown Jewels.Admission includes thePrisoners Of The Towerexhibition plus costumedtours. Visitors can attendthe nightly tradition of TheCeremony Of The Keys(p. 28) for free. At the RoyalBeasts exhibition, discoverwhy exotic creatures wereimprisoned in the tower.6, 13, 21, 27 Feb TowerTwilight Tours. The Tower’sYeoman Warders lead thesespooky tours aorund thefortress. 19.00. Tickets £25.Tues-Sat 09.00-16.30; Sun-Mon 10.00-16.30. Admission£20.90, child £10.45.Tower Hill, EC3. 08444827 799. hrp.org.ukË Tower Hill, or by boat(p. 39). Map C9.UP AT THE O 2This new attraction at TheO 2 gives visitors with a headfor heights the opportunityto walk right over the topof the iconic arena viaa suspended walkway.This exhilerating strollguarantees fantastic viewsacross the surrounding area,including Canary Wharf,Greenwich and right acrossLondon. Mon-Fri 12.00-18.20. Sat-Sun 10.00-18.20. Tickets £28.The O 2 , Peninsula Square,SE10. theo2.co.uk/upattheo2 Ë NorthGreenwich. Map inset.THE VAULTThe Hard Rock Cafe’srevamped rock ‘n’ rollmemorabilia museum,located beneath the LondonRock Shop, contains sometruly impressive itemsincluding Madonna’s bustierfrom her Blonde Ambitiontour and Sting’s FenderPrecision bass. Daily 11.00-22.30. Admission free.The Vault, Rock Shop,The Hard Rock CafeLondon, 150 Old ParkLane, W1. hardrock.comË Hyde Park Corner.Map D4.VINOPOLISDiscover wines and spiritsfrom around the world ontours, plus master classesand tasting events. Tworestaurants offer food andwine deals. Wed 18.00-21.30. Thurs-Fri 14.00-21.30; Sat 12.00-21.30; Sun12.00-14.00 (last admissiontwo hours before closing).Tastings from £27.1 Bank End, SE1. 020 7940 8300. vinopolis.co.ukË t London Bridge.Map C8.WARNER BROS.STUDIO TOUR LONDONExplore behind the sceneson The Making Of HarryPotter tour. Visitors can seesome of the series’ mosticonic film sets, coveringover 150,000 square feet,including the Great Hall,Hagrid’s Hut, Diagon Alleyand the Gryffindor CommonRoom. Advanced, timedtickets only online. Mon-Fri10.00-17.00, weekends,bank holidays andschool holidays 10.00-18.00. Admission £29,child £21.50.Studio Tour Drive,Leavesden, Hertfordshire,WD25. 08450 840 900. wbstudiotour.co.ukË t Watford Junction.Off map.WELLINGTON ARCHClimb to the viewinggalleries of this magnificentarch standing astride HydePark Corner for panoramicviews over the Royal Parksand Houses Of Parliament.There’s also an exhibitionabout the arch’s history.Wed-Sun 10.00-17.00.Admission £4, child £2.40.Apsley Way, Hyde ParkCorner, W1. 020 79302726. english-heritage.org.uk Ë Hyde ParkCorner. Map D4.WEMBLEYSTADIUM TOURSThis 75-minute tour givesvisitors a behind-the-sceneslook at one of the mostfamous football stadiumsand concert venues inTop: The Sea LifeLondon Aquarium.Bottom: Leeds Castle.the UK. Peep inside thedressing rooms, walkthrough the players’ tunnelonto the pitch and haveyour picture taken with areplica of the FA Cup. Daily10.00-16.00. Tickets £16,child £9.Olympic Way, Wembley,HA9. 08448 002 755. wembleystadium.com/wembley-toursË Wembley Park.Off map.WESTMINSTER ABBEYConsecrated in 1065, thismagnificent abbey is thecrowning and burial site ofmost English monarchs. Italso houses Poets’ Corner,the burial place of CharlesDickens and other famouswriters. Prince Williamand Kate Middleton (nowthe Duke and Duchessof Cambridge) weremarried here in 2011. Free30-minute organ recitalevery Sun 17.45. Mon-Tues,Thurs-Fri 09.30-16.30; Wed09.30-19.00; Sat 09.30-14.30. Admission £16, child£6, under-11s free; tour £3.Broad Sanctuary, SW1. 020 7222 5152. westminster-abbey.orgË Westminster. Map D6.WIMBLEDON LAWNTENNIS MUSEUMThis modern museumfeatures trophies,memorabilia, historicsporting fashions and the‘ghost’ of John McEnroe.Visit the exhibition GameOn, showcasing Olympicmedals and ephemera, anddon’t miss the 3D cinema.The tour includes CentreCourt. Daily 10.00-17.00.Museum £11, child £6.75;museum and tour £20,child £12.50.The All England LawnTennis and Croquet Club,Church Road, SW19. 020 8946 6131. wimbledon.com/museum Ë Southfields.Off map.WORLD RUGBYMUSEUM &TWICKENHAM TOURA rugby enthusiast’sdream, this entertainingmuseum chronicles thesport’s colourful historywith an unparalleledcollection of memorabilia.The tour gives access tothe stadium, including theEngland team’s dressingroom. Check for occasionalclosures. MuseumTues-Sat 10.00-17.00;Sun 11.00-17.00. ToursTues-Sat 10.30-15.00;Sun 13.00,15.00. Tour andmuseum admission £15,child £9.Twickenham Stadium,Rugby Road, TW1. 020 8892 8877. rfu.com/museumt Twickenham. Off map.ZSL LONDON ZOOImmerse yourself in theanimal kingdom at theworld’s oldest scientific zoo,with more than 750 speciesrepresented, including gorillas,meerkats, giraffes, lions andzebras. There’s a colourfulAquarium and an exoticReptile House, plus don’t missRainforest Life and PenguinBeach (daily shows 14.30).MAGE © GETTY IMAGES/THINKSTOCK38 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

The River ThamesThames ClippersThe following information describes some of the majorsightseeing and ferry companies on the River Thames.A booklet giving routes, times and fares is available atcentral London piers, Tube stations and London TravelInformation Centres, or see tfl.gov.uk/riverMAIN PIERS Map references are (p. 49-51):Bankside Pier Ë Southwark/Mansion House. Map C8.Embankment Pier Ë Embankment. Map C6.Festival Pier Ë t Waterloo. Map C6.Greenwich Pier Ë Cutty Sark/Greenwich for MaritimeGreenwich. Map inset.Millbank Pier Ë Pimlico. Map E6.St. Katharine’s Pier Ë Tower Hill. Map C9.Tower Pier Ë Tower Hill. Map C9.Waterloo Pier Ë t Waterloo. Map C6.BOAT OPERATORS Bateaux London 020 76951800. bateauxlondon.comCity Cruises 020 7740 0400. citycruises.comKPMG Thames Clippers High-speed hop-on, hop-offcatamarans leave every 20 mins. 08707 815 049. thamesclippers.comThames River Services 020 7930 4097. thamesriverservices.co.ukWestminster Passenger Service Association (WPSAUpriver Ltd) 020 7930 2062. wpsa.co.ukSIGHTSEEING CRUISES City Cruises’ River RedRover offers an unlimited hop-on, hop-off service betweenWestminster and Greenwich Piers. Take a 30-minute tour ora leisurely three-hour round trip. Ticket £19, child £8.50.Sundowner (City Cruises). Sunset champagne cruises.Fri-Sat, 18.30. Ticket £20. 020 7740 0400.Thames RIB Experience. Sightseeing by speedboat fromEmbankment Pier. thamesribexperience.comKayaking London. Guided sightseeing tours of the RiverThames by kayak. Cremorne Riverside Centre, Lots Road,SW10. 020 7349 9591. kayakinglondon.com.LUNCH & DINNER CRUISES The London Showboat(City Cruises). See the river at night on this three-anda-half-hourcabaret cruise, with songs from West Endmusicals, a four-course meal and wine. Fri-Sat, board at19.15 (19.30 sailing). Embark at Westminster Pier. Tickets£75 per person. 020 7740 0400. citycruises.comZoo daily 10.00-16.00.Admission from £21.00,child £15.00.Regent’s Park, NW1. 020 7722 3333. zsl.org Ë CamdenTown. Map A4.Special EventsCHINESE NEW YEARCELEBRATIONS10 Feb Last year’s ChineseNew Year celebrations werethe biggest outside Chinaand 2013 promises to beequally spectacular. Theday begins with a paradeof floats and beating drumsthrough China Town, followedby the traditional eye dottingceremony in TrafalgarSquare. Speeches fromspecial guests kick off anafternoon of performancesfeaturing music, dancing andacrobatics, including the LionDance (p. 10). Parade 10.15-11.30. Performances 12.00.Admission free.Trafalgar Square, WC2(and parade through ChinaTown). 020 7333 8118. chinatownlondon.orgË t Charing Cross.Map C6.LONDON SUPERCOMIC CONVENTION23-24 Feb The UK’s largestcomic exhibition sees thecreators of some of theworld’s best loved comicsand graphic novels broughttogether for a weekendof panel discussions andautograph sessions, as wellas numerous exhibitorsselling all manner of comicsand related memorabilia(p. 27). Sat 10.00-18.00,Sun 10.00-17.00. Day tickets£17.50, weekend pass £25.ExCel London, OneWestern Gateway, RoyalVictoria Dock, E16. londonsupercomicconvention.com Ë CustomHouse. Off map.THE GREATSPITALFIELDSPANCAKE RACE12 Feb Celebrate ShroveTuesday, popularly known asPancake Day, with a seriesof fun and truly silly racesthat the whole familywill enjoy (p. 27). 12.30.Admission free.Dray Walk, Old TrumanBrewery, Brick Lane, E1. 020 7375 0441Ë Shoreditch High Street.Off map.Tours – GuidedBIG BUS TOURSDaily open-top doubledecker,multilingual toursaround the city’s very bestsights. A hop-on, hop-offticket includes a river cruiseand guided walking tours.Tickets £29, child £12,family £70.48 Buckingham PalaceRoad, SW1. 020 72339533. bigbustours.comË t Victoria. Map D4.BLACK TAXI TOURSA luxurious way to take inthe city day or night. Londoncabbies are equipped with‘The Knowledge’ of the city’sstreets, as well as plenty ofamazing insider info – askthem anything. Passengersdecide the itinerary, whilethemed tours include TalesOf The Thames and SecretLondon. Pick-up from anycentral London hotel. Callor visit the website for prices. 020 7935 9363. blacktaxitours.co.ukFAT TIRE BIKE TOURSThese bicycle tour specialistsrun two unique guided routes.Royal London tours runThurs-Mon at 11.00 fromË Queensway. Checkwebsite for times of RiverThames tours fromË t Waterloo. Onlinebooking recommended. RoyalLondon tours £20, RiverThames tour £30.36-38 Queensway, W2. 07882 338 779. fattirebiketours.comË Queensway. Map C1/B1.GHOST BUS TOURSA frightfully good Londonbus tour. Board the black,double-decker old-styleRoutemaster to discoverthe spooky stories behindLondon’s landmarks, butwatch out – the bus isSIGHTSEEINGFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |39

SIGHTSEEINGOPEN SATURDAYS, YEAR ROUND20% DISCOUNTNOVEMBER 2012 TO FEBRUARY 2013To obtain discount present advertisementat Ticket Office when purchasing.For telephone or online bookingsquote code LONDONP20To book tickets please call+44 (0)844 847 1672, for groupscall +44 (0)844 847 2498 or visitwww.ticketmaster.co.uk/housesofparliamentIce is niceIf you love skating outdoors – and let’s be honest,who doesn’t? – hurry down to Broadgate Ice Rink,the last place you can take to the ice in the open airin the capital before next winter. The rink is in theheart of the City of London, a stone’s throw fromË Liverpool Street, so you might find that you’rejoined on the ice by local office workers in businessattire having a quick glide on their lunch break. It’sopen for daytime and evening skating sessionsevery day until 24 Feb and there’s no need to book(though check the website before your visit as it issometimes closed for private events). The rink is alsohome to the Broomball League, a competition thatsees teams of six players attempt to ‘sweep’ a ballinto the opposite team’s goal. The rules of broomball– which originated in Canada – are similar to thoseof ice hockey, with the major difference that playerswear rubber-soled shoes rather than ice skates.Broomball is a fantastic spectator sport, so call fordetails of when evening matches are taking place.Broadgate Ice Rink, p. 28.DiscoverSTONEHENGEAfter 5,000 years it’s still an awe-inspiringplace to visit. Discover the history andexperience the enduring mystery ofthis prehistoric stone circle with acomplimentary audio tour available in10 languages.Stonehenge, Wiltshire SP4 7DEwww.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehengeor call 0870 333 1181haunted. Tours depart Tues-Sun 19.30 & 21.00. Tickets£20, child £14.Northumberland Avenue,WC2. 08445 678 666. theghostbustours.comË t Charing Cross.Map C6.THE LONDON BICYCLETOUR COMPANYDaily bicycle tours of centralLondon and the West Endwith commentary in severaldifferent languages. 10.00-16.00. Bikes also availableto hire.Tickets £18.95.The Wharf, 1a Gabriel’sWharf, 56 Upper Ground,SE1. 020 3318 3088. londonbicycle.comË t Waterloo. Map C6.LONDON DUCK TOURSUnique tours in brightyellow amphibious WorldWar Two DUKW vehicles.They depart from ChicheleyStreet just behind theLondon Eye and pass majorLondon landmarks (with anentertaining commentary),before a thrilling ‘splashdown’into the River Thames.Multiple daily departuresMon-Fri 10.00-16.00,Sat-Sun from 09.30-16.00.Tickets £21, child £14.40 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Chicheley Street, SE1. 020 7928 3132. londonducktours.co.ukË t Waterloo. Map D6.ORIGINAL LONDONSIGHTSEEING TOURWith over 60 years’experience, thesemultilingual open-topguided bus tours take youto the city’s best attractions,allowing you to hop onand hop at more than 90stops along the way. Ticketsinclude walking tours anda river cruise. Tickets £26,child £13.17-19 Cockspur Street,W1. 020 8877 1722. theoriginaltour.comË t Charing Cross.Map C5.SEE LONDON BYNIGHT TOURAtmospheric double-deckerbus tours that explore theWest End and City under thecloak of darkness. Regulardepartures from outside theRitz at Ë Green Park. Daily19.30 & 21.20. Tickets £15,child £10.Piccadilly, SW1. 020 7183 4744. seelondonbynight.comË Green Park. Map C5.WARTIMELONDON TOURLearn the city’s wartime storyin a period vehicle. Morningand afternoon tours coversights including St. Paul’sCatherdral, Westminster andthe West End, including avisit to General De Gaulle’sheadquarters. Tues, Thurs& Sat. Morning tours depart08.45 from Victoria CoachStation. Ticket £24, child£19. Afternoon tours departfrom Vauxhall Bridge Roadat 16.45. Adult £26, child£21. Full-day tour ticket £48,child £38. 020 7950 1777. wartimelondontour.com Ë t Victoria.Map D4.Tours – WalkingAUDIO WALKING TOURSDiscover London on sixwalking tours producedby Lonely Planet TravelGuides, including The City,Covent Garden, South Bankand Spitalfields. A seventhdownload combines allthe available walks. You’lllearn historical facts, quirkystories and more. From£1.29 per download. audiogo.co.ukBIG BUSWALKING TOURSThere are four walking toursto choose from, includingGhosts By Gaslight andRoyal London; routes vary,please call for details. Walksare free with the Big BusTour, or £5 if purchasedseparately. Daily fromTrafalgar Square(Ë t Charing Cross).48 Buckingham PalaceRoad, SW1. 020 72339533. bigbustours.comË t Victoria. Map D4.DICKENS LONDONTOUREntertaining ramble throughthe city of Victorian novelistand social campaignerCharles Dickens, includingplaces he lived and worked,and settings for his novels.Knowledgeable Blue BadgeGuide Richard Jones leadsthe walks. Booking essential.Tours depart Wed & Sunfrom Ë Chancery Lane at11.30. Tickets £10. Checkfor dates. 020 8530 8443. dickenslondontours.co.uk Map B7.GOTOMIDTOWNMore than 80 themed45-minute tours aroundcentral areas, includingBloomsbury and Holborn.Tours are free and there’sno need to book. Checkwebsite for dates. All 10.00& 13.00 walks start by theorange information kioskoutside Ë Holborn, whilewalks starting at 11.00,14.00 & 17.30 meet at thethe Gotomidtown touristinformation shop.56 New Oxford Street,WC1. 020 7078 7077. gotomidtown.co.ukË Tottenham Court Road.Map B5.SeeYour open toptour of LondonBy NightDeparting daily from Green Parkbus stop next to the Ritz Hotelat 19.30 & 21.20Spectacular live guided toursof London by nightAdult - £15, Child - £10Tel: 0844 504 3285 +44 (0)20 7183 4744www.seelondonbynight.comJACK THE RIPPER “London’s best guidedwalks” Time OutLONDON WALKS ®GoldMedalBest TourismExperience2009ATTRACTIONSFrom monuments to museums, Renoirsto rattlesnakes, fairs to festivalsBe sure to mention that youfound your attraction inhas ALL you need to know aboutwhat’s happening in LondonLONDON SKYLINE ILLUSTRATION©THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTOSIGHTSEEINGFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |41

IMAGE © VISITLONDONIMAGES/BRITAINONVIEW/PAWEL LIBERALast chance to seeEach festive season the Queen opens the doors ofher world famous London residence for a series ofExclusive Tours of Buckingham Palace’s gloriousState Rooms. These winter tours guarantee a reallyin-depth visitor experience of these stunning rooms– which are used by the monarch and her family toreceive and entertain guests on State, ceremonialand official occasions. Each tour lasts over twohours and includes a glass of champagne. The StateRooms were originally designed and furnished toreflect the tastes of George IV (the present Queen’sgreat great great grand-uncle), the monarch whocommissioned architect John Nash to transformwhat had been known as Buckingham House in toa grand palace in the early 18th century. Today theState Rooms contain many of the Royal Collection’sgreatest treasures, including paintings, sculpturesand antiques. You’ll have to hurry though – the toursonly run until 3 Feb.Buckingham Palace, p. 28.GREENWICHROYAL TOURSLed by a fun and informativeguide, discover local gemsincluding Greenwich Market,Old Royal Naval College,Queen’s House, GreenwichRoyal Observatory and theCutty Sark. All tours includeadmission fees to attractionsand the full-day tour includesa pub lunch. Daily toursdepart 09.30. Tickets £75,concessions £65. Half-daytours depart 12.30. Tickets£45, concessions £40.Greenwich Pub Tour alsoavailable, which visits fourpubs; ticket price includes abeer in each one. Mon-Sat tours depart 18.00.Tickets £35. 08005 421 200. greenwichroyaltours.com Ë t Greenwich/Cutty Sark. Map inset.HAIRY GOAT LONDONPHOTOGRAPHYMYSTERY TOURSA fun, interactive walkingtour photographing London’slesser-known sights withan expert guide. All types ofcamera welcome. Departsfrom outside the RoyalExchange at Ë Bank at11.00. Check websitefor dates. Instructionalphotography tours alsoavailable (check website fortimes and prices). Tickets£40, 12-15-year-olds £35,child under-12 free. 07540 832 771. hairygoat.netJACK THERIPPER TOURBlue Badge Guide RichardJones of London WalkingTours, an author of books onJack The Ripper, leads thesepopular tours. They offeran informative, intriguingand chilling look at one ofthe city’s most fearsomeformer residents. Numbersare limited for a betterexperience. Booking isessential. Tours depart dailyfrom outside Ë Aldgate Eastat 19.00. Tickets £9. 020 8530 8443. rippertour.comLONDON ARCHITECTUREWALKSFascinating tours withLondon-born architect IkeIjeh. Wide range of routes. Nofixed times. Minimum groupsize 4 people. Or check thewebsite for scheduled walkswith no minimum group size.Tickets £15. 07904 063 078. londonarchitecturewalks.comLONDON TOWN WALKSTailor-made walking tourcompany offering a range ofguided routes, includingYe Olde City Of LondonWalk, which departs fromË Monument to takewalkers on a journeythrough the city’s hiddenpast. Call for dates andtimes. This and all otherroutes are wheelchairaccessible. Tickets £10. 07849 759 012. londontownwalks.comLONDON WALKSLondon’s oldest walkingtour company offers morethan 300 walks. Favouritesinclude The Jack The RipperWalk (departing daily at19.30, plus Sat 15.00 fromË Tower Hill) and CharlesDickens’ London. Enjoyspooky stories on the spinetinglingGhost Walks everynight at 19.30. Tickets £9,under-15s free (with adult). 020 7624 3978. walks.comORIGINAL LONDONSIGHTSEEING WALKSWalks leave daily from thecentrally-located OriginalLondon Visitor Centre andinclude Changing TheGuard (departing 10.30),Rock ‘n’ Roll (13.00) andJack The Ripper (15.30from Ë Tower Hill). Freewith the Original LondonSightseeing Tour.17-19 Cockspur Street,W1. 020 8877 1722. theoriginaltour.comË Charing Cross.Map C6.Out Of Town These are some of thetop attractions within twohours of London. Timesand prices may vary, soplease call the individualvenues, or a TouristInformation Centre,before visiting. Traintimes are approximate.BLENHEIM PALACEFrom 9 Feb This Englishbaroque palace and WorldHeritage Site was thebirthplace of WinstonChurchill. Enjoy the StateRooms plus groundsby landscape architectCapability Brown. Daily10.30-17.30. Admission£20, child £11.50.Woodstock, Oxfordshire. 01993 810 530. blenheimpalace.comË t Paddington tot Oxford (one hour).DICKENS WORLDThe world of CharlesDickens’ novels comes tolife with a Victorian-frontedsquare, an austere school,a haunted house and aGreat Expectations boatride. Actors stage showsin the main square andinteract with visitors. Mon-Fri 10.00-16.30; Sat-Sun10.00-17.30. Admission£13, child £8.SIGHTSEEINGFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |43

SIGHTSEEINGLeviathan Way, ChathamMaritime, Kent, ME4. 01634 890 421. dickensworld.co.ukË t London Victoria tot Chatham (50 mins).HEVER CASTLERomantic 16th-centurymoated castle, home toAnne Boleyn, second wifeto Henry VIII and mother toElizabeth I. The 125-acregrounds feature Tudorgardens, topiary and mazes.Open daily 10.30-18.00.Admission £14.50,child £8.30.Hever, near Edenbridge,Kent. 01732 865 224. hevercastle.co.ukË t London Bridge tot Edenbridge (45 mins).LEEDS CASTLEThis medieval fortressturned Tudor palace, which,confusingly enough, isnowhere near the city ofLeeds, sits beside a lakeon the River Len. It’s apicture-perfect castle set in500 acres of gardens, witha maze, ferry boat, children’strain, falconry displays andregular events. Open daily10.00-17.00. Admission£19.75, child £12.50.Leeds Castle, Maidstone,Kent. 01622 765 400. leeds-castle.comË t Victoria to tBearstead (one hour).ROALD DAHL MUSEUMAND STORY CENTREDelightful museum aboutthe world-famous children’sauthor in the town wherehe lived. The Story Centreallows children to discoverhis tales and create theirown works of fiction. Tues-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat-Sun11.00-17.00. Admission£6.60, child £4.40.Great Missenden,Buckinghamshire. 01494 892 192. roalddahlmuseum.orgË t Marylebone tot Great Missenden(45 mins).SALISBURYCATHEDRALAn exquisite 13th-centurymedieval cathedral with theUK’s tallest spire. Mon-Sat09.00-17.00; Sun 12.00-16.00. Admission free,tower tours £10, child £8.Salisbury, Wiltshire. 01722 555 120. salisburycathedral.org.uk Ë t Waterloo tot Salisbury (one hourand 20 mins).STONEHENGEThis mysterious prehistoriccircle of large standingstones, dated at 3,500BC, is a must-see WorldHeritage Site. Daily 09.30-16.00. Admission £7.80,child £4.70.Salisbury, Wiltshire. 08703 331 181. english-heritage.org.ukË t Waterloo tot Salisbury (one hourand 20 mins).WARWICK CASTLEBuilt by William TheConqueror in 1068,this awesome castle isnow a family-friendlyexperience. Don’t missMerlin: The Dragon Towerand displays of medievalweaponry. Beware of thecastle’s newest residents,the wicked Witches OfWarwick. Daily 10.00-17.00.Admission from £30.60,child £25.80.Warwick, Warwickshire. 01926 495 421. warwick-castle.co.ukË t Marylebone tot Warwick (one hourand 40 mins).WINDSOR CASTLEThe world’s oldest inhabitedcastle, and one of theQueen’s official residences.Don’t miss the StateApartments. Until 9 JunThe Queen: Portraits OfA Monarch. Selection ofofficial portraits of ElizabethII, including work by CecilBeaton and the recentlyacquiredAndy Warholpaintings. Daily 09.45-16.15. Admission £17,child £10.20.Windsor, Berkshire. 020 7766 7300. royalcollection.org.ukË t Waterloo tot Windsor & EtonRiverside (one hour).TOURSOF THE ROYALALBERT HALLExperience the magic inside thisextraordinary entertainment venueby joining our engaging guides forone of our fascinating frontof house tours.BOX OFFICE: 0845 401 5021www.royalalberthall.comRoyal Albert Hall, Kensington GoreLondon SW7 2APRegistered charity no: 25454344| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

How . . .tall is the Ashes Urn?VISIT THE HOME OF THECHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS!AND SEE THE TROPHYTO BOOK A STADIUM TOUR VISIT CHELSEAFC.COM/TOURSOR CALL 0871 984 1955*SIGHTSEEINGLORD’S TOUR& MUSEUMCome see foryourself andexplore the largestcricket collectionin the world.www.lords.org020 7616 8595tours@lords.orgTours do not run on home match days or the day prior to champion’sleague home matches. Tour are subject to availability, change andcancellation at short notice. *Office hours apply Monday to Friday9am-5pm. Please visit www.chelseafc.com for full terms and conditionsCraven CottageHome of Fulham Football ClubStadium tours at London’soriginal football clubBook your tour atfulhamfc.com/cottagetoursFor further information call 0843 208 1234 (option 4),9am-5pm Mon-Fri or email cottagetours@fulhamfc.comGET BEHIND THE SCENES ATTHE HOME OF ENGLAND RUGBYrfu.com/museum 020 8892 8877February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |45

THE QUEEN’S GALLERYBUCKINGHAM PALACETHE NORTHERNRENAISSANCEDÜRER HOLBEIN2 NOVEMBER 2012 – 14 APRIL 2013

Museums& GalleriesWith Jo CairdWhat’s hotMUSEUMS & GALLERIESThe UK’s only collection of contemporary design and architecture has justunveiled its new permanent display. Extraordinary Stories About OrdinaryThings encompasses modernism, fashion and the dominance of plastic as amedium, as well as objects that define a nation. It’ll make you look at everydayobjects – like this Boby Trolley by Joe Colombo (pictured) – in a new light.The Design Museum, p. 56.TOP IMAGE COURTESY OF THE DESIGN MUSEUM; LICHTENSTEIN IMAGE COURTESY OF TATE; MAN RAY IMAGE © MAN RAY TRUST;MORANDI IMAGE COURTESY OF GALLERIA D’ARTE MAGGIORE, BOLOGNA‘Pop’ goes the easelThe most comprehensive retrospective of Roy Lichtensteinever staged, Lichtenstein (from 21 Feb) explores the workand legacy of the artist whose name is synonymous withthe American Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Featuringover 125 of his best known works, including many of hisfamous comic-book inspired Benday dot paintings (such asMasterpiece, pictured), the show also breaks new ground byexamining his little known engagement with art history.Tate Modern, p. 54.Here’s looking at youMan Ray Portraits (from 7 Feb) is the firstever museum exhibition of the 20th-centuryartist’s portrait photography. Among the 150-plus vintage prints – most of which have neverbeen seen before in the UK – are photos ofthe influential modernist’s friends and lovers, aswell as famous cultural figures of the day suchas Catherine Deneuve, Ava Gardner and PabloPicasso. The artist himself is pictured here in his1932 work Man Ray Self-Portrait With Camera.The National Portrait Gallery, p. 54.Celebrating Italian artThis year the Estorick Collection, one of the best galleries of 20th-centuryItalian art in the world, is celebrating its 15th birthday with GiorgioMorandi: Lines of Poetry (until 7 Apr). The painter and printmaker isfamous for his subtle landscapes (such as Small House With Portico AndCypress, pictured) and depictions of subjects such as vases and flowers.Estorick Collection Of Modern Italian Art, 39a Canonbury Square,N1. 020 7704 9522. estorickcollection.com Ë Ë Highbury& Islington. Off map.February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |47

CELEBRATECELEBRATE THETHEVERY BEST THATVERY LONDON BEST HAS THATTO LONDON OFFER IN HAS THISAMAZING TO OFFER YEARImage: Wellcome Library, LondonFind out what’s on,plan and book atvisitlondon.com19 October 2012 — 14 April 2013Book tickets atwww.museumoflondon.org.uk/dissectionor on 020 7001 9844An online booking fee and timed entry apply. Due to itssubject matter, Doctors, Dissection and ResurrectionMen is not recommended for children under 12.Barbican, St Paul’s, MoorgateMedia partner48 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Central London Map

For key, please see page 49 Central London Map

MUSEUMS & GALLERIESHere we list majormuseums and galleries,along with our selectionof the best exhibitionscurrently on show.Many venues offer freegeneral admission, butcharge entry to specifictemporary exhibitions.Visitors may be able toget reduced price entry bypurchasing tickets onlineor in advance. Admissionprices and opening hourscan change at short notice,while the qualifying agesfor ‘child’ admission pricesvary from place to place– in both cases, check withthe venue before you visit.Map referencescorrespond with the CentralLondon map on p. 49-51.Details unavailableat the time of press arelabelled TBC, which standsfor To Be Confirmed.To dial the UnitedKingdom remove the first0 and add +44.KEY: : TelephoneË : London UndergroundË : London OvergroundË : Docklands Light Railwayt : National Rail Train : WebsiteArt GalleriesBARBICAN ARTGALLERY & THE CURVEEurope’s largest multi-artsvenue has two exhibitionspaces: the Barbican ArtGallery and The Curve.From 14 Feb The Bride AndThe Bachelors: DuchampWith Cage, Cunningham,Rauschenberg And Johns.Exhibition exploring MarcelDuchamp’s impact onfour great modern artists:composer John Cage,choreographer MerceCunningham, and visualartists Robert Rauschenburgand Jasper Johns.Admission £12, under-13sfree. Until 28 Feb RainRoom. Digital installationin The Curve mimics a rainstorm but sensors allowvisitors to walk throughwithout getting wet. Fri-Tues11.00-20.00; Wed 11.00-18.00; Thurs 11.00-10.00.Barbican Centre, SilkStreet, EC2. 020 76384141. barbican.org.ukË Barbican. Map A/B8.COURTAULD GALLERYImportant European artcollection, plus temporaryexhibitions, housed inSomerset House. From14 Feb Becoming Picasso:Paris 1901. Exhibitiontelling the story of the greatartist’s breakthrough year.Focusing on paintings, theshow includes some of hisvery first masterpieces(p. 59). Daily 10.00-18.00.Exhibition £6, child free.Admission free every Mon10.00-14.00 (except bankholidays).Somerset House, Strand,WC2. 020 7848 2526. courtauld.ac.ukË Temple. Map C6.DULWICH PICTUREGALLERYEngland’s first public artgallery was founded in1811 and today holds oneof the finest collectionsof Old Masters in the UK.The imposing building wasdesigned by 19th-centuryarchitect Sir John Soane(p. 59). From 6 Feb Murillo& Justino De Neve: The ArtOf Friendship. Paintings bythe Spanish baroque painterBartolomé Esteban Murillocommissioned by a canon ofSeville Cathedral, a patronand friend of the artist.Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun11.00-17.00. Admission £5,child free. Exhibitions £11,child free.Gallery Road, SE21. 020 8693 5354. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk t Herne Hill.Off map.GUILDHALL ARTGALLERY & ROMANAMPHITHEATRETemporary exhibitions,extracts from the Cityof London’s permanentcollection and the remainsof a Roman amphitheatre.Until 14 Apr Ajamu:Fierce. Portraits of blackBritish-born LGBT peopleby photographer Ajamu.Admission £5, child free.Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00. Sun12.00-16.00. Admissionfree to permanent collectionand amphitheatre.Guildhall Yard, offGresham Street, EC2. 020 7332 3700. guildhallartgallery.cityoflondon.gov.ukË Bank. Map B8.HAYWARD GALLERYThe Southbank Centre’scontemporary arts spacewith events and exhibitionsfeaturing leading artists.Until 28 Apr Light Show.Collection of installationsand sculptures that use lightin different ways. Admission£11. Mon 12.00-18.00; Sat-Wed 10.00-18.00; Thurs& Fri 10.00-20.00. Generaladmission free.Southbank Centre, SE1. 08448 750 073. southbankcentre.co.ukË t Waterloo. Map C6.ICAThe Institute ofContemporary Arts boastsgalleries, a bookshop, alate-night bar and cinemas.Until 17 Mar Juergen Teller.Major solo exhibition ofrecent photography fromthe award-winning Germanartist whose notablecollaborations includeadvertising campaigns forfashion designer MarcJacobs. 11.00-18.00;Thurs 11.00-21.00.Admission free.1 The Mall, SW1. 0207930 3647. ica.org.ukË t Charing Cross.Map C5.KINGS PLACEArts venue with two maingalleries: Kings Place andPangolin London. Until22 Feb John Lessore:Paintings. Showcase ofoil canvasses depictingordinary everyday sceneswith a remarkable useof light and colour. Until3 Mar Adam Birtwistle:Paintings. Exhibition fromthe renowned contemporarypainter known for his deeplyrevealing portraits. Tues-Sat10.00-18.00. Kings PlaceTop: Paestum Drawings atSir John Soane’s Museum.Bottom: The Bride AndThe Bachelors at Barbican.Gallery: Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00; Sat 12.00-18.00.Admission free.90 York Way, N1. 0207520 1490. kingsplace.co.uk Ë t King’s CrossSt. Pancras. Off map.NATIONAL GALLERYOne of the world’s greatestcollections of WesternEuropean painting, includingworks by Leonardo Da Vinci,Peter Paul Rubens andVincent Van Gogh.From 6 Feb ThroughAmerican Eyes: FredericChurch And The LandscapeOil Sketch. Landscapepaintings from thecelebrated 19th-centuryartist. Admission free.From 27 Feb Barocci:Brilliance And Grace.Resplendent 16th-centuryaltarpieces and devotionalpaintings seen here outsideItaly for the first time.Exhibition £13.20. Sat-Thurs10.00-18.00; Fri 10.00-21.00. Admission free.Trafalgar Square, WC2. 020 7747 2885.TOP IMAGE BY PIRANESI COURTESY OF SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM; BOTTOM IMAGE BY ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG © COLLECTION WALKER ART CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS52 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

A goldenopportunityMUSEUMS & GALLERIESto visit the Bank’s Museum for a great day out!There are special events and more every day.Find out what the Bank doesLearn about banknote designTry and lift a gold barAudio visual displaysMuseum shopAdmission free10am – 5pm Monday to Friday.Closed weekends and public holidays.Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, LondonEC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545www.bankofengland.co.uk/museumInspiringBeautifulFreeVictoria and AlbertMuseum, LondonThe world’s greatestmuseum of art and designwww.vam.ac.ukV&A Rotunda Chandelier, Dale Chihuly, 1999.Photography by Peter DurantFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |53

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES nationalgallery.org.ukË t Charing Cross.Map C5.NATIONAL PORTRAITGALLERYBritish history through theages told through portraitsof famous and influentialpeople. From 7 Feb ManRay Portraits. The firstever museum exhibition tofocus on the 20th-centuryartist’s photographicportraiture includes over150 vintage prints (p. 47).Until 17 Feb Taylor WessingPhotographic PortraitPrize. Stunning portraitworks by contemporaryphotographers from aroundthe world. Until 24 MarMarilyn Monroe: A BritishLove Affair. Celebrating theiconic actor’s life in picturesby British photographers,shown alongside magazinecovers, vintage prints,lobby cards and film stills.Exhibition £12.70, childunder 12 free. Sat-Wed10.00-18.00; Thurs& Fri 10.00-21.00.Admission free.St. Martin’s Place, WC2. 020 7312 2463. npg.org.uk Ë LeicesterSquare. Map C6.PHOTOGRAPHERS’GALLERYSoho gallery specialisingin international and Britishphotography. Until 7 AprA season of collage at thegallery which includes threenew shows: Laura Letinsky:Ill Forms And Void Full;Perspectives On Collage;and Geraldo De Barros.Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00;Thurs 10.00-20.00;Sun 11.30-18.00.Admission free.16-18 Ramillies Street,W1. 08452 621 618. photonet.org.ukË Oxford Circus. Map B5.QUEEN’S GALLERYOver 500 years of treasuresfrom the Royal Collectiondisplayed in BuckinghamPalace, including paintings,furniture, ceramics, silver,jewellery and textiles.Until 14 Apr The NorthernTop: Floriculture atthe Garden Museum.Bottom: Barocci at TheNational Gallery.Renaissance: Dürer ToHolbein. Bringing togethermore than 100 works fromnorthern Renaissancemasters, this exhibitionincludes works by thegreatest painter of theperiod, Albrecht Dürer, aswell as works by celebratedportrait artist Hans HolbeinThe Younger. Daily 10.00-17.30. Entrance by timedtickets. Admission £9.25,child £4.65.Buckingham Palace,Buckingham Palace Road,SW1. 020 7766 7301. royalcollection.org.ukË t Victoria. Map D5.ROYAL ACADEMYOF ARTSFounded in 1768, the RAstages regularly-changingexhibitions and variedevents. Until 14 Apr Manet:Portraying Life. Majorexhibition of portraits by thecelebrated 19th-centuryParisian artist examiningthe relationship between hisportraiture and scenes ofmodern life. The first of itskind in the UK. Exhibition£15. Fri 10.00-22.00;Sat-Thurs 10.00-18.00.Admission prices vary.Burlington House,Piccadilly, W1. 020 7300 8000. royalacademy.org.ukË Green Park/PiccadillyCircus. Map C5.SAATCHI GALLERYA large, highly-influentialcontemporary art gallery.Closed between exhibitions.Until 5 May Gaiety IsThe Most OutstandingFeature Of The SovietUnion. Fascinating mix ofphotographs, paintingsand installations from18 emerging Russiancontemporary artistsexamining how thenation’s creativity hasbeen influenced by itsrecent tumultuous history(p. 10). Daily 10.00-18.00.Admission free.Duke Of York’s HQ, King’sRoad, SW3. 020 78232363. saatchi-gallery.co.uk Ë Sloane Square.Off map.SERPENTINE GALLERYA respected arts spacein Kensington Gardensdisplaying modern andcontemporary work.From 13 Feb RosemarieTrockel: A Cosmos.Exhibition juxtaposingthe German artist’s work– photographs, paintingsand installations – withthat created by otherswith whom she feels anaffinity. Daily 10.00-18.00.Admission free.Kensington Gardens, W2. 020 7402 6075. serpentinegallery.orgË South Kensington.Map C2.TATE BRITAINTraditional andcontemporary galleriesshowcasing British art,including a stunningJ.M.W. Turner collection.Until 17 Feb BP BritishArt Displays: Ian HamiltonFinlay. Sculptures in arange of media by the lateBritish artist. Admission free.Until 12 May SchwittersIn Britain. Exhibition oflate works from Germanmodernist Kurt Schwitters,who embraced collagesurrealism and the use ofvaried materials in his art.Exhibition £10. Daily 10.00-18.00 (until 22.00 on thefirst Fri of the month).Admission free.Millbank, SW1. 0207887 8888. tate.org.ukË Pimlico. Off map.TATE MODERNCompelling contemporaryart in a huge convertedpower station. From21 Feb Lichtenstein:A Retrospective. Majorexhibition exploring the workof the great American Popartist (p. 47). Exhibition £14.Child under 12 free. Until1 Apr A Bigger Splash:Painting After Performance.Taking its title from oneof David Hockney’s mostfamous paintings, thisexhibition examines therelationship betweenperformance art andpainting, including worksby the late influential artistJackson Pollock. Fri-Sat 10.00-22.00; Sun-Thurs 10.00-18.00.Admission free.Bankside, SE1. 0207887 8888. tate.org.ukË Southwark. Map C7/8.WHITECHAPELGALLERYCutting-edge East Endexhibition space showcasingcontemporary art. Until8 Mar Gerard Byrne. Majorsolo showcase of workfrom the Irish multimediaartist renowned for his filminstallations that reconstructthe past. Seven huge multiscreeninstallations unfoldacross the gallery. Tues-Sun11.00-18.00; Thurs 11.00-21.00. Admission free.77-82 WhitechapelHigh Street, E1. 020 7522 7888. whitechapelgallery.orgË Aldgate East. Map B9.WILLIAMMORRIS GALLERYReopened after a £10mrevamp, this gallery housesTOP IMAGE FROM HORTO MAGAZINE © GARDEN MUSEUM; BOTTOM IMAGE BY FEDERICO BAROCCI © THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON54 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUMMilitary museumsWar Horse: Fact & Fiction at theNational Army MuseumCHURCHILL WARROOMSFormer Prime Minister SirWinston Churchill foughtWorld War II from thisfortified basement. UntilAug Undercover – LifeIn Churchill’s Bunker. Anexhibition reveals workingconditions in the secretHQ. Daily 09.30-18.00.Admission £16.50, child free.Clive Steps, King CharlesStreet, SW1. 020 79306961. iwm.org.ukË Westminster. Map D5.FIREPOWER, THEROYAL ARTILLERYMUSEUMEurope’s biggest artillerycollection, with interactivegalleries and big guns. Tues-Sat 10.30-18.00, plus bankholidays. Admission £5.30,child £2.50.Royal Arsenal, SE18. 020 8855 7755. firepower.org.ukË t Woolwich Arsenal.Off map.NATIONAL ARMYMUSEUMThe story of the British Armytold through displays, eventsand lectures. Until 31 MarWar Horse: Fact & Fiction.Interactive family exhibitiontaking its lead from MichaelMorpurgo’s story. Daily10.00-17.30. Admission free.Royal Hospital Road, SW3. 020 7730 0717. nam.ac.uk Ë SloaneSquare. Off map.NATIONAL MARITIMEMUSEUMState-of-the-art museumexploring Britain’s maritimehistory and future. Until28 Apr Ansel Adams:Photography From TheMountains To The Sea.Exhibition on the pioneeringlandscape photographer’sfascination with water. Daily10.00-17.00. Admission free.Romney Road, SE10. 020 8858 4422. rmg.co.uk Ë CuttySark. Off map.ROYAL AIR FORCEMUSEUMNational aviation museumon the historic LondonAerodrome site, with over100 aircraft. Times vary.Admission free.Grahame Park Way,Hendon, NW9. 020 8205 2266. rafmuseum.orgË Colindale. Off map.the art collection and worksof 19th-century visionaryWilliam Morris, includingdesigns, paintings andfurniture by other influentialVictorians such asleading pre-RaphaeliteBrotherhood member DanteGabriel Rossetti. Until3 Feb Everyday Encounters.Exhibition extolling thevirtues of Morris’s beliefthat art should be part ofour everyday lives, withbeautifully-crafted objectsfrom 28 members ofThe Society Of DesignerCraftsmen. Wed-Sun 10.00-17.00. Admission free.William Morris Gallery,Forest Road, E17. 020 8496 4390. wmgallery.org.ukË t WalthamstowCentral. Off map.CommercialGalleriesOCTOBER GALLERYInnovative contemporarygallery specialising in avantgardecross-cultural art. Until16 Feb William S. Burroughs:All Out Of Time And Space.Retrospective showcaseof work by the infamouspostmodernist author andartist who was a forerunnerof the Beat movement.Tue-Sat 12.30-17.30.Admission free.24 Old Gloucester Street,WC1. 020 7242 7367. octobergallery.co.ukË Holborn/RussellSquare. Map B6.RIFLEMAKERA trendy contemporary artspace housed in an oldseven-storey gun-maker’sworkshop in the heart ofSoho. Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00;Sat 11.00-18.00.Admission free.79 Beak Street, W1. 020 7439 0000. riflemaker.orgË Piccadilly Circus.Map B5.ROBERT BOWMANGALLERYContemporary commercialgallery in the centre ofLondon, with a secondbranch at number 34.Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00. Satopen by appointment only.Admission free.12 Duke StreetSt. James’s, SW1. 0207930 0985 robertbowman.com Ë GreenPark/Piccadilly Circus.Map B5.WHITE CUBEBERMONDSEYThe gallery’s southernbranch holds exhibitions froma who’s who of contemporaryartists. Until 10 Feb AntonyGormley: Model. An excitingnew large-scale, interactivework from the famoussculptor and Turner-prizewinner. Tues-Sat 10.00-18.00. Admission free.144-145 BermondseyStreet, SE1. 020 79305373. whitecube.comË Bermondsey. Off map.WHITE CUBEMASON’S YARDOne of two White Cubegalleries in the capitalshowing works by leadingcontemporary artists. Until16 Mar Kris Martin: Domino.Martin’s work questions thenotion of time and our desireto comprehend it. Tues-Sat10.00-18.00. Admission free.25-26 Mason’s Yard, SW1. 020 7930 5373. whitecube.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.Major MuseumsBRITISH LIBRARYThe world’s largest library,with a fascinating permanentcollection and temporaryshows. Until 2 Apr MughalIndia: Art, Culture AndEmpire. Showcase of morethan 200 objects fromthe Mughal Empire, whichdominated South Asia fromthe 16th to 19th centuries.Mon & Wed-Fri 09.30-18.00;Tues 09.30-20.00; Sat09.30-17.00; Sun& bank holidays 11.00-17.00. Admission free;guided tour prices vary.96 Euston Road, NW1. 020 7412 7332. bl.uk/everyoneMUSEUMS & GALLERIESFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |55

MUSEUMS & GALLERIESË t King’s CrossSt. Pancras/Euston.Map A5.BRITISH MUSEUMA mammoth array ofinternational cultural historyfrom ancient Egyptianmummies to the Elginmarbles. From 7 FebIce Age Art: Arrival OfThe Modern Mind. Seeextraordinary works ofart made across Europeduring the last Ice Age.These sculptures, drawingsand portraits were createdbetween 40,000 and10,000 years ago, makingthem the oldest in the world.Exhibition £10, child free.Sat-Thurs 10.00-17.30; Fri10.00-20.30.Admission free.Great Russell Street, WC1. 020 7323 8299. britishmuseum.orgË Tottenham Court Road.Map B5/6.BRITISH MUSICEXPERIENCEBritain’s award-winningmuseum of popular music,filled with iconic memorabiliaand state-of-the-artinteractive displays. Playinstruments and usea ‘smart’ ticket to downloadcontent to take home,including any moves you filmin the Dance The Decadebooth. Until 3 Feb DanielKramer: Photographs OfBob Dylan. Exhibition ofthe iconic artist’s timewith noted American filmdirector and photographerDaniel Kramer. Until 3 FebRip This Joint: The RollingStones 1972. PhotographsBy Jim Marshall. Picturestaken during the band’slegendary 1972 tour. Daily11.00-19.30. Admission£12, child £6.The O 2 , Peninsula Square,SE10. 020 8463 2000.britishmusicexperience.com Ë North Greenwich.Off map.DESIGN MUSEUMWorld-leading museum thatexamines the influence ofcontemporary design.Extraordinary Stories AboutOrdinary Things. Newdisplay of everyday objectsthat offer insights intonational identity andmodern life (p. 47). Until3 Mar UnexpectedPleasures: The Art AndDesign Of ContemporaryJewellery. Weird andwonderful designs thatpushed the boundaries ofcontemporary jewellery.Until 28 Apr United MicroKingdoms (UmK): A DesignFiction. Exhibition imagininga fictional future for theUnited Kingdom. Daily10.00-17.45. Admission£10, child free.28 Shad Thames, SE1. 020 7403 6933. designmuseum.orgË Tower Hill. Map C9.HORNIMAN MUSEUM& GARDENSDisplays ranging fromnatural history to musicalinstruments make up acollection based upon thatof the adventuring Victoriantea trader Frederick JohnHorniman. Until 24 FebBritish Wildlife Photography.Free exhibition of thebeautiful winning imagesfrom the 2011 BritishWildlife PhotographyCompetition. Daily 10.30-17.30. Museum and gardenfree; aquarium £2, child £1.100 London Road, SE23. 020 8699 1872. horniman.ac.ukË Forest Hill. Off map.LONDON TRANSPORTMUSEUMInteractive exhibits exploringthe past, present and futureof the capital’s transportnetwork, with more than80 historic vehicles, plusglorious old advertisingposters. From 15 FebPoster Art 150: LondonUnderground’s GreatestDesigns. Exhibitioncelebrating the 150thanniversary of the Tube,part of a year of widercelebrations taking placeacross the capital (p. 16).Museum Mon-Thurs, Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00; Fri 11.00-18.00. Admission £13.50,child free.Last chance to seeUntil 24 FebDeath: A Selfportraitis amajor exhibitionpresenting over300 objectsfrom a uniquecollectionof art worksand artefactsdevoted to theiconography ofdeath. Assembledby American printdealer RichardHarris over manyyears, it includesrare prints byRembrandt,Dürer and Goya,anatomicaldrawings, humanremains and 20th-century installations celebratingthe Mexican Day of the Dead. Plenty of intriguingcuriosities appear too, such as this undated SkeletonPuppet (pictured), a common figure in medieval‘Dance Of Death’ entertainments. Surprisingly,despite the subject matter, this show is not at allmorbid – rather it is playful, shocking and moving byturn, causing us to consider the way we think aboutdeath and its many representations. What Makes AGood Death? (1 & 2 Feb) is a fascinating evening ofperformance followed by a full day of talks exploringthe idea of how the ‘good death’ has changedover time and with the rise of modern medicine.Tickets £30.Wellcome Collection, p. 59.39 Wellington Street, WC2. 020 7379 6344. ltmuseum.co.ukË Covent Garden.Map C6.MUSEUM OF LONDONThe world’s largest urbanhistory museum includes theGalleries of Modern London,which tell the story of thecapital from 1666 to thepresent day. A recent updateto the Roman Londongallery, Our Londinium 2012shows the parallels betweenRoman London and the citytoday. Until 14 Apr Doctors,Dissection And ResurrectionMen. A fascinatingexhibition inspired by aburial site excavation atthe Royal London Hospitalthat revealed a gruesomeearly 19th-century historyof bodysnatching, dissectionand autopsy. Exhibition £9,child £7. Daily 10.00-18.00.Admission free.London Wall, EC2. 020 7001 9844. museumoflondon.org.uk Ë St. Paul’s. Map B8.MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDSThe intriguing history ofthe meandering RiverThames, from its time as aRoman thoroughfare to theregeneration of Docklands.Displays include London,Sugar & Slavery, whichcharts the history of thetransatlantic slave tradeand its links to the city. Newgallery Many East Endsexplores the culture andhistory of the area throughthe eyes of its inhabitants.Daily 10.00-18.00.Admission free.IMAGE © THE RICHARD HARRIS COLLECTION56 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

West India Quay, E14. 020 7001 9844. museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Ë CanaryWharf. Map inset.NATURAL HISTORYMUSEUMAstounding collections withexhibits ranging from theImages Of Nature galleryto dinosaur skeletons andfossils. The new Treasuresgallery houses some of themuseum’s most preciousartefacts. Until 3 MarVeolia EnvironnementWildlife Photographer OfThe Year 2012. Display of100 extraordinary imagesfrom nature shortlisted forthe prestigious accolade.Exhibition £10, child £5.Daily 10.00-17.50 (until22.30 last Fri of month).Admission free.Cromwell Road, SW7. 020 7942 5000. nhm.ac.uk Ë SouthKensington. Map D2.SCIENCE MUSEUMDedicated to scienceand technology withchanging exhibitions andan IMAX 3D cinema.Until 3 Feb Watercolours+ Works On Paper Fair.Mix of early, modern andcontemporary artworks onpaper presented for sale byrespected art dealers in theFirst Floor Galleries. Until14 May The Voice Of TheBBC: 90 Years Of PublicBroadcasting. Exhibitionexploring early radio. Until31 Jul Codebreaker: AlanTuring’s Life And Legacy.Exhibition celebrating thelife and work of the WWIIEnigma codebreaker. Daily10.00-18.00. Admissionfree; IMAX ticket prices vary.Exhibition Road, SW7. 08708 704 868. sciencemuseum.org.ukË South Kensington.Map D2.VICTORIA ANDALBERT MUSEUMThe V&A’s magnificentcollection of fine and appliedarts spans 3,000 years andincludes ceramics, fashion,paintings, photographsand illustrations fromaround the world. The newFurniture Gallery providesa permanent home for themuseum’s amazing furniturecollection. Until 7 Apr LightFrom The Middle East: NewPhotography. This stunningexhibition of photographyfrom and about the MiddleEast features over 90 worksby artists from across theregion. Sat-Thurs 10.00-17.45; Fri 10.00-22.00.Admission free.Cromwell Road, SW7. 020 7942 2000. vam.ac.uk Ë SouthKensington. Map D2/3.More MuseumsBANK OF ENGLANDMUSEUMCharting the history of thenation’s finances, from theBank’s foundation in 1694to today. From 14 FebThe Huguenot Legacy.Display exploring the bank’slink to the Huguenots,French protestants whoarrived as refugees inthe 17th century. Mon-Fri10.00-17.00. Closedon bank holidays.Admission free.Threadneedle Street, EC2. 020 7601 5545. bankofengland.co.ukË Bank. Map B8.BENJAMINFRANKLIN HOUSEThe US Founding Fatherlived here in the yearsleading up to the signingof the Declaration OfIndependence. Monarchitectural tours 12.00,13.00, 14.00, 15.15 and16.15; historical showsWed-Sun 12.00, 13.00,14.00, 15.15 and 16.15.Admission £7, child free.36 Craven Street, WC2. 020 7925 1405. benjaminfranklinhouse.org Ë t CharingCross. Map C6.CINEMA MUSEUMThis fascinating collectionencompasses every aspectof going to the pictures,from advertising andarchitecture to photographsGET CLOSER TOWIMBLEDON IN 3D!NEW 3D FILM VIEWPOINTOPENED OCTOBER 2012!SEE WEBSITEFOR MOREINFORMATION.INSPIRING THETENNIS GREATSEvery summer brings anotherexciting Championship atWimbledon, so why not visit theamazing award-winning Museumand learn more about the historywhich inspires the great players,and see John McEnroe’s ‘ghost’and the original tournamenttrophies. You may also take thebehind the scenes tour of thegrounds and explore the home oftennis, including Centre Court, fora truly inspirational experience.Open Daily 10:00am until 5:00pmNearest Underground: SouthfieldsTelephone: 020 8946 6131WIMBLEDON.COM/MUSEUMSUPPORTED BYMUSEUMS & GALLERIESFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |57

MUSEUMS & GALLERIESand projectors. Visits onlyby guided tour, which mustbe booked in advance. Daily11.00-16.30. Admission£10, under-16s £7.2 Dugard Way, SE11. 020 7840 2200. cinemamuseum.org.ukË t Elephant & Castle.Off map.CLINK PRISONMUSEUMA former prison datingback to 1144, it houses anexhibition about London’spenal past and instrumentsof torture. It’s said to behaunted by the ghosts offormer occupants. Mon-Fri10.00-18.00; Sat-Sun10.00-19.30. Admission £7,child £5.50.1 Clink Street, SE1. 020 7403 0900. clink.co.ukË t London Bridge.Map C8.DE MORGAN CENTREExcellent collection ofceramics and paintings byPre-Raphaelite artistsWilliam and Evelyn DeMorgan. Until 20 AprEvelyn De Morgan: The LostPaintings. Photographs andstudies of paintings thatwere destroyed in a fire in1991. Tues-Fri 13.00-17.00;Sat 10.00-17.00 (until 21.00first Thurs of each month).Admission £4, child free.38 West Hill, SW18. 020 8871 1144. demorgan.org.ukË East Putney. Off map.DENNIS SEVERS’HOUSEA London townhousestaged by the late artistDennis Severs to appear asif residents from the17th to 19th centuriesstill live there. Explore itsrooms and follow soundinstallations recreating thelife of a Huguenot family ofsilk weavers. Please checkfor opening times and days.Admission from £5 to £12.18 Folgate Street, E1. 020 7247 4013. dennissevershouse.co.uk Ë t LiverpoolStreet. Map A9.DR JOHNSON’S HOUSEIn this period home,Dr Samuel Johnsoncompiled the firstcomprehensive Englishdictionary. The buildingdates from the 18th centuryand boasts historic interiors.Mon-Sat 11.00-17.00.Admission £4.50,child £1.50.17 Gough Square, EC4. 020 7353 3745. drjohnsonshouse.orgË Chancery Lane. Map B7.THE FAN MUSEUMThe world’s only museumdedicated to the art of thefan features pieces fromaround the globe, somedating back to the 11thcentury. Check the websitefor details of temporaryexhibitions. Tues-Sat 11.00-17.00; Sun 12.00-17.00.Admission £4, child free.12 Crooms Hill, SE10. 020 8305 1441. thefanmuseum.org.ukË Cutty Sark. Map inset.FASHION ANDTEXTILE MUSEUMBritish textile designerZandra Rhodes is behindthis hub of contemporaryfashion, textiles andjewellery. Until 23 FebFrom Hartnell To Amies:Couture By RoyalAppointment. Exhibitioncelebrating London coutureand the Queen’s patronageof groundbreaking Britishdesigners (p. 20). Tues-Sat11.00-18.00. Admission £7,child £5.83 Bermondsey Street,SE1. 020 7407 8664. ftmlondon.orgË t London Bridge.Off map.FLORENCENIGHTINGALEMUSEUMMuseum about the work ofthis pioneering 19th-centuryBritish nurse and healthreformer, known as ‘TheLady With The Lamp’.2 Lambeth Palace Road,SE1. 020 7620 0374. florence-nightingale.co.uk Ë t Waterloo.Map D6.FOUNDLING MUSEUMBritain’s original homefor abandoned children,founded in 1739 by ThomasCoram, William Hogarth andGeorge Frideric Handel.Until 19 May Fate, Hope &Charity. This new exhibitionreveals the untold storiesof the museum’s ‘tokens’,small everyday objects leftby mothers with their babiesas a means of identificationwere the mother ever returnto reclaim her child. Leftaround the middle of the18th century, these storieshave been kept hidden untilnow. Tues 10.00-17.00; Sun11.00-17.00. Admission£7.50, child free.40 Brunswick Square,WC1. 020 7841 3600. foundlingmuseum.org.uk Ë Russell Square.Map A9.FREUD MUSEUMFormer home of thetrailblazing Austrianpsychoanalyst SigmundFreud, where you can seehis famous couch. Until10 Feb DreamWork.Exhibition responding tothe museum by ceramicistChristie Brown.20 Maresfield Gardens,NW3. 020 7435 2002. freud.org.ukË Finchley Road.Off map.GARDEN MUSEUMCreated in 1980, themuseum has a 17thcenturytomb, contemporarygalleries and a buzzingevents calendar. From14 Feb Floriculture: Flowers,Love And Money. Exhibitiontelling the story of the cutflower trade from the 17thcentury to today. Mon-Fri10.30-17.00 but closed firstMon of month; Sat & Sun10.30-16.00. Admission£7.50, child free.Lambeth Palace Road,SE1. 020 7401 8865. gardenmuseum.org.ukË Westminster/LambethNorth. Map D6.GEFFRYE MUSEUMHistoric 18th-centuryalmshouses with roomsrecreating English interiorsfrom 1600 onwards.2 Feb Chinese Lanterns.Children aged 5 to 11are invited to constructand decorate lanterns tocelebrate Chinese NewYear (p. 10). 10.30-12.30and 14.00-16.00. Tues-Sat10.00-17.00; Sun 12.00-17.00. Admission free.136 Kingsland Road, E2. 020 7739 9893. geffrye-museum.org.ukË Hoxton. Off map.HANDEL HOUSEMUSEUMAnglo-German composerGeorge Frideric Handellived here for 36 years.Faithfully restored, thismuseum hosts exhibitionsand ticketed music recitals.Tues-Wed & Fri-Sat10.00-18.00; Thurs 10.00-20.00; Sun 12.00-18.00.Admission £6, child £2(free Sat & Sun).25 Brook Street, W1. 020 7495 1685. handelhouse.orgË Bond Street. Map B4.LONDON CANALMUSEUMDiscover the history of thecapital’s canals throughdisplays, arts and crafts,guided walks and boat trips.Download an MP3 tourfrom the website beforeyour visit. Until 28 FebAn Inland Voyage: The1940s Canal PhotographyOf Robert Longden.Exhibition exploring the lastperiod in which Britain’scanals were used forindustry. Tues-Sun & bankholiday Mon 10.00-16.30(until 19.30 on the firstThurs of the month).Admission £4, child £2.12-13 New Wharf Road,N1. 020 7713 0836. canalmuseum.org.ukË t King’s CrossSt. Pancras. Off map.LONDON FIREBRIGADE MUSEUMThis museum includes a firestation that was once partof the original 19th-centurySouthwark fire station, aswell as historic fire engines58 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE COURTAULD GALLERYA year in the lifeAt the age of 19, a young Spanish artist named PabloPicasso travelled to Paris to present his work in ashow at the Vollard Gallery, run by one of the city’smost important modern art dealers. The year, 1901,is now recognised as the one that launched Picasso’scareer. It was during this period that he found his ownunique artistic style, creating many early masterpiecesnow acknowledged to be among the artist’s mostprofound works. The paintings of this time, such asChild With A Dove (pictured), anticipated the artist’sfamous Blue Period, when he moved away from abroadly Impressionistic style towards one favouringblues and greens. Becoming Picasso: Paris 1901(from 14 Feb) brings together major paintings fromthis breakthrough year, shining a light on an importantperiod not just in the life of one man, but in the historyof 20th-century art.The Courtauld Gallery, p. 52.and displays about therole of the brigade from itsestablishment in the 1860sto today. Visits by guidedtour, which must be bookedin advance. Tours Mon-Fri10.30 and 14.00. Admission£5, under-16s £3.94a Southwark BridgeRoad, SE1. 020 85551200. london-fire.gov.uk Ë Borough. Off map.OLD OPERATINGTHEATRE MUSEUM& HERB GARRETA fascinating relic ofthe original St. Thomas’Hospital. Inside you’llencounter bizarre medicalimplements and hair-raisingstories of operations intimes before the inventionof anaesthetic. Daily 10.30-17.00. Admission £5.90,child £3.40.9a St. Thomas Street,SE1. 020 7188 2679. thegarret.org.ukË t London Bridge.Map C8.POLLOCK’S TOYMUSEUMA pair of neighbouringhouses in the heart ofFitzrovia boasting a uniquecollection of toys. Historicalboard games, all differenttypes of dolls, toy theatresand more are crammedinto every nook and cranny.There’s a wonderful toyshop on the ground floor.Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00.Admission £6, child £3.1 Scala Street, W1. 0207636 3452. pollockstoymuseum.comË Goodge Street.Map B5.SHERLOCK HOLMESMUSEUMDedicated to the famousfictional detective and keptexactly as described inauthor Sir Arthur ConanDoyle’s thrilling stories. Soconvincing you’ll believe thatHolmes actually lived here.Mon-Sun 09.30-18.00.Admission £6, child £4.221b Baker Street, NW1. 020 7224 3688. sherlock-holmes.co.ukË Baker Street. Map A3.SIR JOHNSOANE’S MUSEUMThe celebrated 19th-centuryarchitect’s Georgian hometurned-museumdesignedto show off his collection ofantiques and art. Candlelitopening first Tues of themonth – arrive early as entryis limited to the first 200visitors (18.00-21.00. Ticket£5). Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00.Admission free.13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields,WC2. 020 7405 2107. soane.org Ë Holborn.Map B6.V&A MUSEUMOF CHILDHOODNational collection ofchildhood objects datingback to the 16th century.Until 1 Sep A TreasuredCollection. Showcase ofmini museums – individualcollections of objects andkeepsakes that tell a uniquepersonal story. Daily 10.00-17.45. Admission free.Cambridge Heath Road,E2. 020 8983 5200. museumofchildhood.org.uk Ë Bethnal Green.Off map.WANDSWORTHMUSEUMCharting the history ofLondon’s Wandswortharea, including its IceAge landscapes. The DeMorgan Centre (p. 58)is in the same building.Until 24 Feb PaintingWandsworth. Display oflocal watercolours Tues-Sun 10.00-17.00.Admission £4.38 West Hill, SW18. 020 8870 6060. wandsworthmuseum.co.uk Ë East Putney.Off map.WALLACE COLLECTIONThe former Wallace familyhome displaying theircollection of rococo art,sculpture and furniture.Paintings include Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s 18thcenturymasterpieceThe Swing. From 6 FebMurillo At The WallaceCollection: Painting OfThe Spanish Golden Age.Exhibition of paintingsby the 17th-centuryartist showing scenes ofreligious and everyday life.Daily 10.00-17.00.Admission free.Hertford House,Manchester Square, W1. 020 7563 9500. wallacecollection.orgË Bond Street. Map B4.WELLCOMECOLLECTIONMedicine, life and artexplored in a fascinatingcollection includingshrunken heads and ancientremedies. Until 28 FebDeath: A Self-Portrait. Majorshowcase dedicated tothe iconography of death,with more than 300 worksincluding prints, war art,anatomical drawings, Incanskulls, sculptures of strangedeities and art installations(p. 56). Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat10.00-18.00; Thurs 10.00-22.00; Sun 11.00-18.00;bank holidays 12.00-18.00.Admission free.183 Euston Road, NW1. 020 7611 2222. wellcomecollection.orgË t Euston. Map A5.MUSEUMS & GALLERIESFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |59

SHOPPINGExplore MagnificentApsley HouseBe captivated by the treasures of Apsley House,the stunning residence of the Duke of Wellington.Hyde Park Corner TubeCall 020 7499 5676 or visitwww.english-heritage.org.uk/apsleyhouseTGA.7140.26011260 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

ShoppingWith Kasha Van Sant and Jo CairdSHOPPINGWhat’s hotIf you like a crisp white or a fruity red then satisfy those tastebuds at Mayfair’s newest wine and spirits boutique. HedonismWines is a quirkily-designed contemporary space (pictured) withsome clout, as advisers are former sommeliers from London’sfinest restaurants. A bottle of Courvoisier 1976 BaccaratDecanter is just one of the tasty tipples available to connoiseurs.3-7 Davies Street, W1. 020 7290 7870. hedonism.co.uk Ë Bond Street. Map C4.WHAT’S HOT IMAGE COURTESY OF HEDONISM; KINETICA IMAGE © EDWINS GALLERY; OSSIE CLARK LONDON IMAGECOURTESY OF DEBENHAMS; EARRINGS IMAGE COURTESY OF THIS OLD THING LONDONThe art of scienceThe fields of art and science cansometimes seem leagues apart, butnot at the Kinetica Art Fair 2013(from 28 Feb). This annual eventbrings together galleries from allover the world to celebrate worksthat play with the interconnectionbetween science and art, such asLight Rhythm by Edwin Rahardjo(pictured). If you can’t stretchto buying an original work, theshop at the fair sells books, CDs,gadgets and more inspired bythe art on offer (Ambika P3, 35Marylebone Road, NW1. 0207392 9674. kinetica-artfair.comË Baker Street. Map A4). Othergreat science-related goodies canbe found in the gift shop at theScience Museum (p. 57).Brit packThis month the department store Debenhams(p. 62) launches the Spring/Summer collectionof the Ossie Clark London range (pictured).Inspired by the work of the late designer, afavourite among the big fashion names ofthe 1960s and ‘70s, the collection seeksto recapture the magic of that influentialperiod in British fashion. Hackett, anotherUK institution – albeit one that’s just forthe boys – is in full stride, having recentlylaunched a stunning new conceptstore in Spitalfields, which includesa concession by Murdock (p. 63),the men’s grooming emporium(75-77 Brushfield Street, E1. 020 7377 5393. hackett.comË t Liverpool Street. Map B9).And dapper gents this way please,because the tailoring service at thenew Burberry menswear store inKnightsbridge means your choiceof fit and fabric is ready in just 48hours (16-18 Brompton Road,SW1. 020 3043 4530. ukburberry.comË Knightsbridge. Map D3).The old ones are the bestPortobello Road is a mecca for jewels and curiosand Charli Evans’s delightful range, This OldThing London (courtesy of family businessThe Portobello Antiques Store), is noexception. Evans has globally-sourced thecult, the curious and the sublime(79 Portobello Road, W11. 020 72298202 thisoldthinglondon.com Ë NottingHill Gate. Off map). For those of a literary bent,Jarndyce Antiquarian Booksellers specialisesin 18th and 19th-century books, including first editionsof the novels of Charles Dickens (46 Great Russell Street, WC1. 0207631 4220. jarndyce.co.uk Ë Tottenham Court Road. Map B6).February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |61

SHOPPINGNormal opening timesare approximately 10.00-18.00, although somestores open until late onThursdays. Please contactretailers for further details.To dial the United Kingdomremove first 0 and add +44.KEY: : TelephoneË : London UndergroundË : London OvergroundË : Docklands Light Railwayt : National Rail : WebsiteMajor StoresDEBENHAMSGreat value fashion andjewellery from top Britishdesigners, plus homewares.334 Oxford Street, W1(and branches). 08445616 161. debenhams.com Ë Bond Street.Map B4.FENWICKThis fashion department storeis filled with designer names,plus lingerie and more.63 New Bond Street, W1(and branches). 0207629 9161. fenwick.co.uk Ë Bond Street.Map B4.FORTNUM & MASONGifts and china galore,plus the absolutelylegendary Food Hall.181 Piccadilly, W1. 0845 300 1707. fortnumandmason.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.HARRODSThe world’s most famousstore: top fashion labels,accessories, food anddesigner interiors.Brompton Road, SW1. 020 7730 1234. harrods.comË Knightsbridge. Map D3.HOUSE OF FRASERDiscover affordable designerfashion, beauty products,electrical items, homeaccessories and more at thisone-stop shop.318 Oxford Street, W1(and branches). 08448 003 752. houseoffraser.co.ukË Bond Street. Map B4.JOHN LEWISThis splendid store houseseverything from hatsto homewares, displayedover seven floors.300 Oxford Street, W1(and branches). 020 7629 7711. johnlewis.comË Oxford Circus. Map B4.LIBERTYBehind a mock-Tudor styleexterior lie up-to-the-minuteaccessories, fashion ranges,beauty products, interiorsand kitchenware, plus thehaberdashery section forwhich the store is famous.Great MarlboroughStreet, W1 (and WestfieldStratford City). 0207734 1234. liberty.co.ukË Oxford Circus. Map B5.MARKS & SPENCERFrom food to furniture,clothing to cosmetics,all are available from thistop British institution.458 Oxford Street, W1(and branches). 020 7935 7954. marksandspencer.comË Marble Arch. Map B4.PETER JONESSeven floors of retail heaven,including clothes, cookwareand interiors.Sloane Square, SW1. 020 7730 3434. peterjones.co.ukË Sloane Square.Off map.SELFRIDGESExcellent for fashion, beauty,food and now footwear,thanks to the Shoe Galleries,which include the biggestmen’s shoe department inthe world.400 Oxford Street, W1. 0800 123 400. selfridges.comË Bond Street. Map B4.Shopping CentresBOXPARKA pop-up mall of shippingcontainers housing topinternational fashion andlifestyle brands, plus artgalleries and cafés.2-4 Bethnal Green Road,E1. 020 7033 2899. boxpark.co.ukË Shoreditch High Street.Off map.ONE NEW CHANGEA mall next to St. Paul’sCathedral boasting morethan 60 stores, restaurantsand a public roof terracewith superb views.1 New Change, EC4. 020 7002 8900. onenewchange.comË St. Paul’s. Map B8.WESTFIELD LONDONA chic shopping centrewith 300 shops and 65restaurants, plus Playworld, anactivity area for under-fives.Ariel Way, W12. 020 3371 2300. uk.westfield.com/london Ë Shepherd’sBush/White City.Map inset.WESTFIELDSTRATFORD CITYEurope’s largest urbanshopping centre with morethan 270 shops, plus 70restaurants and bars.2 Stratford Place, E20. 020 8221 7300. uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/Ë t Stratford. Off map.BooksFOYLESOne of London’s oldestbookshops, with titles across56 specialist subjects.113-119 Charing CrossRoad, WC2. 020 74341574. foyles.co.ukË Tottenham Court Road.Map B5.WATERSTONESThe largest bookshop inEurope is home to morethan 150,000 books anda fantastic cafe.203-206 Piccadilly, W1(and branches). 08432 908 549. waterstones.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.FashionALEXANDER MCQUEENFabulous ready-to-wearitems, bags, shoes andscarves from the label behindthe Duchess of Cambridge’swedding dress.4-5 Old Bond Street, W1. 020 7355 0088. alexandermcqueen.co.uk Ë Green Park.Map C5.AQUASCUTUMA thoroughly British labeloffering grown-up styleswith a distinctly funky edge.Westfield London, ArielWay, W1 (and branches). 020 8166 9707. aquascutum.co.ukË Shepherd’s Bush/WhiteCity. Map inset.BENETTONInternational retailer famousfor its knitwear and fresh,funky, casual clothes.255-259 Regent Street, W1(and branches). 020 7647 4200. benetton.comË Oxford Circus. Map B4.CLARKSOne of the world’s leadingnames in the shoe business,offering fabulous footwear atpurse-friendly prices.260 Oxford Street, W1(and branches). 08444 993 257. clarks.co.ukË Oxford Circus. Map B4.NEXTThis British high-streetstaple sells on-trendmenswear and womenswearat reasonable prices.201-203 Oxford Street,W1 (and branches). 08448 445 007. next.co.ukË Oxford Circus. Map B4.PAUL SMITHOne of the biggest namesin British fashion, witha cool range of sharp andcolourful tailoring.40-44 Floral Street, WC2(and branches). 020 7379 7133. paulsmith.co.ukË Covent Garden. Map B6.62| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

PRIMARKAn Oxford Street landmark,this huge store offersbargains in fashion,accessories, shoes,homeware and more.499-517 Oxford Street,W1 (and branches). 020 7495 0420. primark.co.ukË Marble Arch. Map B4.RIVER ISLANDA high-street store offeringtrendy clothes at affordableprices. Its extensive rangeincludes basics, shoesand accessories.470 Oxford Street,W1 (and branches). 08448 269 835. riverisland.comË Marble Arch. Map B4.TK MAXXLarge warehouse-stylestore selling designer labelsat discount prices.120 Charing Cross Road,WC2 (and branches). 020 7240 2042. tkmaxx.comË Tottenham Court Road.Map B4.TOPSHOPThis huge flagship storebrims with young, trendy,affordable fashion.Oxford Circus, W1 (andbranches). 08449 840264. topshop.comË Oxford Circus. Map B5.VIVIENNE WESTWOODClothes and accessoriesfrom the British fashionicon’s flagship store.44 Conduit Street, W1(and branches). 020 7439 1109. viviennewestwood.co.ukË Bond Street. Map C5.Food & DrinkBERRY BROS. & RUDDExcellent selection offine wines and port in thistraditional 300-year-old shop.3 St. James’s Street, SW1. 08002 802 440. bbr.com Ë Green Park.Map C5.PATISSERIE VALERIEBuy cakes and treats at thisFrench-style café, a Londoninstitution since 1926.48a Charing Cross Road,WC2 (and branches). 020 7242 1875. patisserie-valerie.co.uk Ë Leicester Square.Map C5.TWININGSAt one of the oldest shopsin London, trading since1706, you’ll find more than100 varieties of teas andinfusions. Try a free cuppaat the Tea Tasting Bar.216 Strand, WC2. 020 7353 3511. twinings.co.ukË Temple. Map C6.GiftsARGOSA one-stop shop for gifts,toys, games, jewellery,watches and just aboutanything else you couldpossibly want. Somethingfor all budgets.150 Edgware Road,W2 (and branches). 08456 402 020. argos.co.ukË Tottenham Court Road.Map B5.LONDONGLASSBLOWINGSTUDIO & WORKSHOPBrowse and buy as youwatch the creation ofexquisitely beautiful handblownglass objects beforeyour very eyes. Classesalso available.62-66 Bermondsey Street,SE1. 020 7403 2800. londonglassblowing.co.uk Ë t LondonBridge. Map D8.Health & GroomingGEO. F. TRUMPERTraditional barber shopoffering wet shaves,toiletries and a full rangeof desirable men’sgrooming accessories.9 Curzon Street, W1 (andbranches). 020 74991850. trumpers.comË Green Park. Map C4.MURDOCKA traditional gentlemen’sgrooming emporium andbarber in Covent Garden.18 Monmouth Street,WC2 (and branches).SHOPPINGShop the world for less with tax freeGet those perfect items at the best prices,wherever you are in the world, with GlobalBlue’s Tax Free Shopping service. Just look outfor our logo in over 270,000 stores across theglobe and ask the staff for a Tax Refund Formto get your tax back.www.global-blue.comFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |63

SHOPPING 020 3393 7946. murdocklondon.comË Covent Garden.Map B6.PENHALIGON’SLuxurious fragrances,scented candles, leathergoods and other gift ideas.41 Wellington Street,WC2 (and branches). 020 7836 2150. penhaligons.comË Covent Garden.Map B6.THE PERFUME SHOPDesigner fragrance brandsat discount prices. Feel freeto ask the staff for advice.425 Oxford Street,W1 (and branches). 020 7491 1711. theperfumeshop.comË Oxford Circus. Map B4.JewelleryERNEST JONESA huge selection ofextremely well-pricedjewellery and watches.277 Oxford Street, W1(and branches). 020 7629 6581. ernestjones.co.ukË Oxford Circus. Map B4.LINKS OF LONDONAn elegant collection ofjewellery and gifts for all.16 Sloane Square,SW1 (and branches). 020 7730 3133. linksoflondon.comË Sloane Square.Off map.SWAROVSKIOffering gorgeous bespokeand ready-to-wear crystaljewellery pieces.One New Change,1 New Change, EC4(and branches). 020 7248 2562. swarovski.comË St. Paul’s. Map B8.TIFFANY & CO.Impress someone veryspecial with gorgeousjewellery and luxurious gifts.25 Old Bond Street, W1(and branches). 020 7409 2790. tiffany.co.ukË Green Park. Map C5.MarketsBOROUGHLondon’s oldest food marketoffers gourmet produce andsnacks, plus wines, fruits andvegetables, gifts and flowers.Thurs 11.00-17.00; Fri 12.00-18.00; Sat 08.00-17.00.8 Southwark Street, SE1. 020 7407 1002. boroughmarket.org.uk Ë t London Bridge.Map C8.BRICK LANEA colourful assortmentof vintage shops and stallsselling second-hand wares.Sun 09.00-17.00.Brick Lane, E1. visitbricklane.orgË Aldgate East. Off map.CAMDEN LOCKA classic market offeringcrafts, fashion and antiques,plus cheap and tastyinternational foods. Sat-Sun10.00-18.00.Chalk Farm Road, NW1. 020 7974 5717. lovecamden.orgË Camden Town. Off map.COVENT GARDENFind antiques, collectables,arts and crafts on the Piazza.Daily, stalls and times vary.Covent Garden Piazza,WC2. 020 7836 9136. coventgardenlondonuk.com Ë Covent Garden.Map C6.GREENWICHUnder a 1908 glazed roof,find antiques stalls Wed-Fri,then arts and crafts Sat-Sun.10.00-17.30; Fri 11.00-19.30.Greenwich Market, SE10. 020 8269 5093. shopgreenwich.co.ukË Cutty Sark. Map inset.THE LONDONSILVER VAULTSThe world’s largest collectionof antique silver to buy, plusexhibitions. Mon-Fri 09.00-17.30; Sat 09.00-13.00.53-64 Chancery Lane,WC2. 020 7242 3844. thesilvervaults.comË Chancery Lane. Map B7.OLD SPITALFIELDSGreat for retro fashion, foodand more. Shops open daily;SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPINGFind a bargain or blowthe budgethas ALL youneed to knowabout theLondonshoppingscene.For an online version of London’s favourite guide go to:visitlondon.com/londonplannerBe sure to mention that youfound your shop inIMAGE©THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO64| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

market Tues-Fri 10.00-16.00; Sun 09.00-17.00.Brushfield Street, E1. 020 7375 2963. spitalfields.co.ukË t Liverpool Street.Map B9.PETTICOAT LANESelling clothing and bargaingoods. Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00; Sun 09.00-15.00.Middlesex Street, E1. towerhamlets.gov.uk/markets Ë t LiverpoolStreet, Ë Aldgate. Map B9.PICCADILLYA quaint market held ina church courtyard with morethan 50 arts and crafts stalls.Tues-Sat 10.00-18.00.St. James’s Piccadilly, 197Piccadilly, W1. 020 72924864. piccadilly-market.co.uk Ë Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.PORTOBELLO ROADA haunt for collectors andstyle gurus in search ofvintage fashion. Shops openMon-Sat; market Sat only05.30-17.00.Portobello Road, W10/11. 020 7229 8354. shopportobello.co.ukË Ladbroke Grove.Off map.Specialist StoresAPPLE STOREEverything the Apple lovercould wish for, including Maccomputers, iPhones, iPadsand accessories.235 Regent Street, W1(and branches). 020 7153 9000. apple.com/uk/retailË Oxford Circus. Map B5.IT’S ONLY ROCK ‘N’ ROLLRock memorabilia, t-shirts,autographs and more.230 Baker Street, NW1. 020 7224 0277. itsonlyrocknrolllondon.co.uk Ë Baker Street.Map A3.JOEL & SON FABRICSA British family business androyal warrant holder, offeringtop-quality fabrics, as usedby leading fashion designersand couturiers.75-83 Church Street, NW8. 020 7724 6895. joelandsonfabrics.co.ukË Edgware Road. Map A3.LONDONBEATLES STORELondon’s first and onlyBeatles shop stocks newand original memorabilia.231 Baker Street, NW1. 020 7935 4464. beatlesstorelondon.co.uk Ë Baker Street.Map A3.M&M’S WORLD LONDONChocoholics will love buyingsweets and collectingmerchandise associated withthe famous brand of treats atthis Leicester Square store.1 Swiss Court, LeicesterSquare, WC2. 020 70257171. mmsworld.comË Leicester Square.Map C5.Toys & GamesBUILD-A-BEARWORKSHOPA fantastic workshop whereyou can create the teddybear of your dreams bychoosing his or her shape,size, fur and clothes.Covent Garden NorthPiazza, WC2. 020 72402372. buildabear.co.ukË Covent Garden. Map C6.THE DISNEY STORENo mere Mickey Mouse outfit,Disney’s concept shop is afun place to visit. Browse, buyand pose with your favouritecharacters. Watch out forregular free events takingplace in store.350 Oxford Street, W1(and branches). 08456 885 113. disneystore.co.ukË Oxford Circus. Map B4.HAMLEYSSeven floors of must-havetoys, games, gadgets andmore for kids and adultsalike. Check online fordetails of regularly occuringin-store happenings andpromotions.188 Regent Street, W1. 08717 041 977. hamleys.comË Oxford Circus. Map B5.Joel & Son FabricsLoro Piana - E. Zegna - Valentino - Ungaro -Armani - Ellie Saab - Zuhair Murad Beautiful hand beaded fabricsLuxurious Bridal lacesFor the most beautiful silk prints,embroideries, dress fabrics andmens suitings from all the topdesigners, visit London’s leadingand largest couture fabric shop.Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.Mail order available – visit our websitewww.joelandsonfabrics.comJoel & Son Fabrics – 75-83 Church Street, London NW8 8EU Fax. (44) 207 724 9840SHOPPINGFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |65

ENTERTAINMENTEntertainmentWith David G. TaylorWhat’s hotFrom 2 Feb Catch Marvin Hamlisch’s award-winning song anddance spectacular A Chorus Line at the London Palladium thismonth. The show explores the fascinating backstories of a bunchof performers auditioning for a stage musical. Amazingly, this isthe first London revival since its original run here in 1976, whenit claimed a raft of trophies including the Olivier Award for BestMusical. Famous songs include One (Singular Sensation), HopeI Get It, What I Did For Love and I Can Do That.A Chorus Line, p. 68.Cheap seats seasonThe annual Get Into London Theatreseason (until 15 Feb) and its cut-price ticketoffers make winter the perfect time to catcha wealth of shows. This year’s big namesinclude Top Hat (p. 68), Kiss Me Kate(p. 68), Jersey Boys (pictured below right,p. 68), Mamma Mia! (p. 70) and One Man,Two Guvnors (right, p. 74). Tickets cost abargain £10, £15, £25 or £35 for morethan 45 top productions. So don’t missa trick, check the website for the latestannouncements about participating shows. 08444 122 703. getintolondontheatre.co.ukA field day for familiesIntroduce children to the beauty of classical andbaroque music at historic St. Martin-in-the-FieldsChurch (left). They’ll enjoy live performances suchas Bite-Sized Baroque: Bach Chamber Masterpieces(5 Feb), Bite-Sized Baroque: The Art Of Fugue(19 Feb), and the Mini Maestro Family Concert(23 Feb), which is a musical journey for kids whichincludes Beethoven’s thrilling 7th Symphony.Situated on Traflagar Square, the historic churchhas lots to offer the whole family. Drop by to exploresome of its fascinating stories with the Children’sTrail (a free self-guided tour), take part in traditionalbrass rubbing, and even catch an art exhibition.Photographer Paul Wenham-Clarke’s showThe Westway (until 28 Feb) offers a snapshot ofa vibrant multicultural community living in theshadow of west London’s busiest flyover. Onceyou’ve worked up an appetite head for St. Martin-inthe-Field’saward-winning eatery, Café In The Crypt.Its scrumptious bread and butter pudding or applecrumble will go down well with anyone with a sweet tooth.St. Martin-in-the-Fields, p. 77.ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS IMAGE © JOHAN PERSSON; JERSEY BOYS IMAGE © BRINKHOFF & MÎGENBURG;ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS IMAGE © VISITLONDONIMAGES/BRITAINONVIEW.COM/INGRID RASMUSSEN66| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

BBC RADIO 2ALSOPLAYINGSUNDAYSTHE STORY OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS0844 482 5151 www.JerseyBoysLondon.com

ENTERTAINMENTTo dial the UnitedKingdom remove the first0 and add +44.KEY : TelephoneË : London UndergroundË : London OvergroundË : Docklands Light Railwayt : National Rail : WebsiteBooking TicketsA visit to London isn’tcomplete without enjoyinga world-class stage show. visitlondon.com hasa secure online bookingservice for a range ofevents. Browse the ‘booktickets’ section to reserveyour seats, or buy from otherlegitimate agents, such asmembers of the Society OfTicket Agents And Retailers s-t-a-r.org.ukFind a wide range oftickets available from theTkts booth in LeicesterSquare (map C5), includingdiscount, advance and sameday.Check the noticeboardsbefore queuing.Getting Around Shows are listedalphabetically andby category. See theTheatreland Map on p. 79for ‘Key’ references.Advance information iscorrect at the time of goingto press. Do be aware thatproductions may closeearly or make last-minutealterations to performanceschedules. Please doublecheckperformance timesand other details when youbook. Information markedTBC means it is still ToBe Confirmed.FilmBFI IMAXSee the latest 2D and 3Dfeatures at the biggestcinema screen in Britain.Times vary.1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,South Bank, SE1. 020 7199 6000. bfi.org.uk/imaxË t Waterloo.Map C7.BFI SOUTHBANKThree screens of films fromthe British Film Institute’s(BFI) collection, plus anarchive of free films and TVprogrammes to watch in theMediatheque. Times vary.Belvedere Road, SE1. 020 7928 3232. whatson.bfi.org.ukË t Waterloo. Map C6.Musicals9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL11-16 Feb Dolly Parton’smusical comedy about longsufferingoffice workers withan idiot for a boss. NatalieCasey (Two Pints Of LagerAnd A Packet Of Crisps),Bonnie Langford (Cats)and Amy Lennox (LegallyBlonde The Musical) star.Based on the 1980 film,songs include the anthemicNine To Five. Times vary.Richmond Theatre, TheGreen, TW9. 08448 717627. atgtickets.comË Ë t Richmond.Off map.A CHORUS LINEFrom 2 Feb Performersaudition for a stage musicalin Marvin Hamlisch’s multiaward-winning show. Thesoundtrack includes themuch-loved numbers One(Singular Sensation), HopeI Get It, What I Did For Loveand I Can Do That (p. 66).Times vary.London Palladium,Argyll Street, W1. 08444 122 957. achoruslinelondon.comË Oxford Circus. Map B5.BILLY ELLIOTTHE MUSICALBased on the film, it’s abouta northern boy whosemacho father tries to quashhis dream of becoming aballet dancer. This OlivierAward-winning showfeatures music by Sir EltonJohn. Mon-Sat 19.30; Thurs& Sat 14.30.Victoria Palace Theatre,Victoria Street, SW1. 08448 110 055. billyelliotthemusical.com Ë t Victoria.Key 49.Top: Helen Mirren starsin The Audience.Bottom: Frights in TheWoman In Black.THE BLUESBROTHERS APPROVED19-23 Feb A comedymusical about R&B-lovingsiblings raising money tosave an orphange fromclosure. Songs includeEverybody, Gimme SomeLovin’, Think and ShakeA Tail Feather. Times vary.New Wimbledon Theatre,The Broadway, SW19. 08448 717 620. atgtickets.comt Wimbledon, Ë SouthWimbledon. Off map.THE BODYGUARDA famous pop singer seeksprotection from a stalker.This big new musical basedon the 1992 film featuressongs made famous byWhitney Houston, such asI Will Always Love You,So Emotional and SavingAll My Love. Mon-Sat 19.30;Wed & Sat 15.00.Adelphi Theatre, Strand,WC2. 08445 790 094. thebodyguardmusical.com Ë t Charing Cross.Key 1.THE BOOK OFMORMONFrom 25 Feb An awardwinningmusical from thewriters of TV’s South Park.It’s an anarchic satireabout organised religion,consumerism and other hottopics. Times vary.Prince of Wales Theatre,Coventry Street, W1. 08444 825 110 bookofmormonlondon.com Ë LeicesterSquare. Key 38.DEAR WORLDFrom 4 Feb Betty Buckley(Sunset Boulevard) andPaul Nicholas (Just GoodFriends) star in the UKpremiere of Jerry Herman’smusical drama. Based onJean Giraudoux’s play TheMadwoman Of Chaillot, it’sabout a lovelorn countessliving in 1945 Paris.Times vary.Charing Cross Theatre,Villiers Street, WC2. 020 7478 0170. charingcrosstheatre.co.uk Ë t CharingCross, Ë Embankment.Key 9.JERSEY BOYSThe Olivier Award-winningstory of pop sensationsFrankie Valli and the FourSeasons. Songs includeCan’t Take My Eyes OffYou and Big Girls Don’t Cry.Tues-Sat 19.30; Tues & Sat15.00; Sun 17.00.Prince Edward Theatre,28 Old Compton Street,W1. 08444 825 151. jerseyboyslondon.com Ë Leicester Square.Key 37.KISS ME KATECole Porter’s classic musicalboasts famous songssuch as Another Op’nin’,Another Show and WhyCan’t You Behave? It’s anexuberant show-withina-show,where a theatrecompany’s production ofThe Taming Of The Shrewforms the backdrop forrivalries and romanticentanglements among thecast. Times vary.Old Vic, 103 The Cut,68 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

ENTERTAINMENTSE1. 08448 717 628. oldvictheatre.comË t Waterloo. Key 32.LES MISÉRABLESThe world’s longest-runningmusical has lost none ofits potency. It’s an epictale of love and courageleading up to the violent1832 Paris uprising inpost-Revolutionary France.Mon-Sat 19.30;Wed & Sat 14.30.Queen’s Theatre,51 Shaftesbury Avenue,W1. 08444 825 160. lesmis.comË Piccadilly Circus.Key 39.LET IT BEFrom 1 Feb This ‘theatricalconcert’ charts the rise ofBritish pop legends TheBeatles, from the relativeobscurity of Liverpool’sCavern Club to internationalsuperstardom. Amongmore than 20 of the FabFour’s greatest hits you canhear Hard Day’s Night andYesterday. Mon, Wed-Fri19.30; Sat 15.00; Sun15.00 & 19.00.Savoy TheatreSavoy Court, Strand, WC2. 08448 717 687. letitbelondon.comË t Charing Cross.Key 41.THE LION KINGA wonderful stageadaptation of the Disney filmwith innovative costumesand clever puppetry. The evilScar sets out to kill lionprince Simba and claim thethrone. Tunes include theCircle Of Life and Can YouFeel The Love Tonight.Tues-Sat 19.30; Wed,Thurs & Sat 14.30.Lyceum Theatre,21 Wellington Street, WC2. 08448 713 000. thelionking.co.uksË Covent Garden. Key 24.MAMMA MIA!The ABBA musical has anew home. A tribute to themusic of the Swedish poplegends, it has a feel-goodstory that centres aroundwedding day revelations ona Greek island. Hit songsinclude Dancing Queen,The Winner Takes It All andGimme! Gimme! Gimme!Mon-Sat 19.45; Thurs& Sat 15.00.Novello Theatre, Aldwych,WC2. 020 7812 7498. mamma-mia.comË Covent Garden. Key 30.MATILDA THE MUSICALRoald Dahl’s kids’ book isbrought to life in a musicalstage version by DennisKelly and Tim Minchin. It’sabout a gifted five-yearoldgirl whose sadisticheadmistress and ignorantfamily have failed to realisethat she’s actually a genius.Tues 19.00; Wed-Sat 19.30;Wed & Sat 14.30;Sun 15.00.Cambridge Theatre,Seven Dials, WC2. 08444 124 652. matildathemusical.comË Covent Garden. Key 8.MERRILY WEROLL ALONGUntil 23 Feb StephenSondheim and GeorgeFurth’s uplifting musicalabout friendship. Songsinclude Good Thing Going,Not A Day Goes By andOld Friends. ActorMaria Friedman makesher directoral debut.Times vary.Menier Chocolate Factory,53 Southwark Street, SE1. 020 7907 7060. menierchocolatefactory.comË t London Bridge.Map C8.THE PHANTOMOF THE OPERAA mysterious masked manhaunting the Paris OperaHouse falls for a beautifulsoprano singer. Songsinclude The Music Of TheNight and All I Ask Of You.Mon-Sat 19.30; Thurs& Sat 14.30.Her Majesty’s Theatre,57 Haymarket, SW1. 08444 122 707. thephantomoftheopera.comË Piccadilly Circus.Key 19.A night at the operaPassion and jealousy rage under the baking Spanishsun in Carmen (from 21 Feb), Georges Bizet’sopera about a fiery gypsy girl. Playing for just 14performances, this revival by director David Freemanis sung in English and performed ‘in the round’ tobring you close to the action. Clever staging allowsaudiences to become completely immersed in the hotdays and sultry nights of Seville, from the cautious stillof the smuggler’s mountain hideout to the bustle andexcitement of the Seville bullring. Among the talentedcast is African-American tenor Noah Stewart (pictured),who last year became the first black musician to topthe British classical charts with his debut album, Noah.Even if you’ve never experienced an opera before, thisis a production sure to keep you captivated.Royal Albert Hall, p. 77.SALAD DAYSA revival of the upliftingmusical by Julian Slade andDorothy Reynolds. It’s abouttwo university graduatesmaking their way in theworld. Mon-Sat 19.45;Thurs, Sat-Sun 15.00.Riverside Studios,Crisp Road, W6. 020 8237 1111. riversidestudios.co.ukË Hammersmith.Off map.SHREK THE MUSICALUntil 24 Feb This irreverentfairytale tells the story ofShrek the ogre, whosebravery wins the heart ofa beautiful princess. Theshow is based on WilliamSteig’s book and the 2001animated film. Mon, Thurs,Fri & Sat 19.30; Wed 19.00;Thurs, Sat & Sun 15.00.Theatre Royal Drury Lane,Catherine Street, WC2. 08448 718 810. shrekthemusical.co.ukË Covent Garden.Key 45.SINGIN’ IN THE RAINA musical comedy based onthe 1952 MGM blockbusterfilm. It’s about a silent moviestar getting to grips withtalking pictures. Mon-Sat19.30; Wed & Sat 14.30.Palace Theatre,Cambridge Circus,109-113 ShaftesburyAvenue, W1. 08444 124 656. singinintherain.co.ukË Leicester Square.Key 33.70 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

SPAMALOTA rip-roaring musical by EricIdle, inspired by his team’s1975 comedy film MontyPython And The Holy Grail.Times vary.Playhouse Theatre,Northumberland Avenue,WC2. 08448 717 627. atgtickets.comË t Charing Cross,Ë Embankment. Key 36.THRILLER LIVENon-stop hit songs, multimediaeffects and razor-sharpchoreography bring to life thiscelebration of the career ofthe late Michael Jackson, andthe Jackson 5. Songs includeCan You Feel It, Billie Jeanand Thriller. Tues-Fri 19.30;Sat 16.00 & 20.00; Sun15.30 & 19.30.Lyric Theatre,29 Shaftesbury Avenue,W1. 08444 829 674. thrillerlive.comË Piccadilly Circus. Key 25.TOP HATA famous American tapdancer pursues the girl ofhis dreams in this dazzlingromantic musical. Songsinclude Let’s Face The MusicAnd Dance. Tues-Sat 19.30;Tues, Thurs & Sat 14.30.Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych,WC2. 08448 471 712. tophatonstage.comË t Charing Cross. Key 3.VIVA FOREVER!A new musical based onthe songs of 1990s girlgroup the Spice Girls. Thestory centres on a rising starstruggling to come to termswith fame and fortune.Times vary.Piccadilly Theatre,16 Denman Street, W1. 08448 717 618. vivaforeverthemusical.com Ë Piccadilly Circus.Key 35.WE WILL ROCK YOUAn Olivier Award-winningmusical set in a bleakfuturistic world where rockmusic has been banned. Itboasts anthems by the bandQueen, including BohemianRhapsody, Crazy Little ThingCalled Love and Radio GaGa. Mon-Sat 19.30; Sat14.30; plus 14.30 on thelast Wed of each month.Dominion Theatre,268-269 Tottenham CourtRoad, W1. 08448 471775. wewillrockyou.co.uk Ë Tottenham CourtRoad. Key 11.WICKEDThis multi award-winningshow is the tale of two girlsfrom the Land of Oz. It’s thebackstory of the witchesmade famous in L. FrankBaum’s iconic book TheWonderful Wizard Of Oz.Mon-Sat 19.30; Wed& Sat 14.30.Apollo Victoria Theatre,Wilton Road, SW1. 08448 268 000. wickedthemusical.co.uk Ë t Victoria.Key 5.PerformanceKOOZAUntil 14 Feb The UKpremiere of Cirque DuSoleil’s spectacular showfeaturing storytelling, dance,acrobatics and clowning(VIP Rouge tickets bit.ly/viprougelondon). Times vary.Royal Albert Hall,Kensington Gore, SW7. 020 7589 8212/08454 015 045. cirquedusoleil.com/kooza Ë SouthKensington. Off map.MIDNIGHT TANGOA young couple meet andfall in love in a late night barin Buenos Aires. This danceshow stars tango championsVincent Simone and FlaviaCacace, plus Russell Grant(Strictly Come Dancing).Times vary.Phoenix Theatre,Charing Cross Road, WC2. 08448 717 629. atgtickets.comË Tottenham Court Road.Key 34.SHOWSTOPPERSFrom 4 Feb The improvcomedy troupe sponteouslyturn audience suggestionsin to an all-singing, alldancingshow. Mondays onlythroughout February. 19.00.Elgar Room, Royal AlbertENTERTAINMENTFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |71

ENTERTAINMENTMissionaries impossibleFrom 25 Feb Catch theWest End premiére of anaward-winning new musical.The Book Of Mormon comesfrom the writers of TV comedySouth Park (Trey Parker andMatt Stone), together withRobert Lopez, co-creator ofstage show Avenue Q. Thestory follows the misadventuresof two Mormon missionariessent to preach in Africa, alongthe way satirising a host ofhot topics including organisedreligion, consumerism and theglobal recession. On Broadwaythe show has won nine TonyAwards, including for BestMusical. Find it playing at thePrince Of Wales Theatre.The Book Of Mormon, p. 68.Hall, Kensington Gore,SW7. 020 7589 8212. royalalberthall.comË South Kensington.Off map.STOMPA multi award-winning fusionof theatre, dance, comedyand percussion. Eightperformers innovate witheveryday items (like dustbinlids, lighters and a kitchensink), to create music andspectacle. Mon & Thurs-Sat20.00; Thurs, Sat & Sun15.00; Sun 18.00.Ambassadors Theatre,West Street, WC2. 08448 112 334. stomplondon.comË Leicester Square.Key 2.PlaysTHE 39 STEPSComic Hitchcock adaptationwhere four actors play morethan 139 roles betweenthem. British hero RichardHannay tries to protect awoman and ends up on therun, being pursued by secretagents. Mon-Sat 20.00;Wed 15.00; Sat 16.00.Criterion Theatre,218-223 Piccadilly Circus,W1. 08448 471 778. love39steps.comË Piccadilly Circus.Key 10.THE ARCHITECTSThe Shunt Collective andNational Theatre collaboratein an unusual new workbased on the Greek mythof the minotaur. It’s apromenade experiencestaged in a labyrinth-likewarehouse space. Tues-Sat 20.00; Sat 15.00;Sun 13.00 & 18.00.V22 Workspace, BiscuitFactory, 100 ClementsRoad, SE16. 020 74523000. nationaltheatre.org.uk Ë Bermondsey.Map inset.THE AUDIENCEFrom 15 Feb The worldpremiere of Peter Morgan’splay about Queen ElizabethII. Helen Mirren stars asHer Majesty (The Queen),Haydn Gwynne (Drop TheDead Donkey) as MargaretThatcher, and RobertHardy (Winston Churchill:The Wilderness Years) asChurchill. Times vary.Gielgud Theatre,35 Shaftesbury Avenue,W1. 08444 825 130. delfontmackintosh.co.uk Ë Piccadilly Circus.Key 17.THE CAPTAINOF KÖPENICKIn 1910 Berlin, a pettycriminal is released fromprison, buys a military uniform72 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013and bluffs his way to power inthis 1930s satire. Times vary.National Theatre,South Bank, SE1. 020 7452 3000. nationaltheatre.org.ukË t Waterloo. Key 27.CHARIOTS OF FIREUntil 2 Feb A stage showbased on the award-winning1981 film. It’s an upliftingdrama about two Britishathletes at the 1924Olympic Games. Times vary.Gielgud Theatre,35 Shaftesbury Avenue,W1. 08444 825 130. delfontmackintosh.co.uk Ë Piccadilly Circus.Key 17.FEASTUntil 23 Feb The vibrantculture of West Africa’sYoruba people is broughtto life with rich music andchoreography, while thestory centres on threesisters making their way toa family dinner. Times vary.Young Vic, 66 The Cut,SE1. 020 7922 2922. youngvic.orgË t Waterloo. Key 52.IN THE BEGINNINGWAS THE ENDAn imaginative and surrealpromenade production thatincludes installation, filmand live performance. Set inthe maze-like undergroundpassages beneath SomersetHouse, it offers a vision ofan apocalyptic world (p. 74).Mon-Sat 18.30-21.30.Somerset House, Strand,WC2. somersethouse.org.uk 020 7452 3000.(National Theatre)Ë Temple. Map C6.THE JUDAS KISSDavid Hare’s dramaabout the downfall of gayVictorian playwright OscarWilde. Rupert Everett(The Importance Of BeingEarnest) plays Oscar Wildewith Freddie Fox (The ThreeMusketeers) as his partnerLord Alfred Douglas.Times vary.Duke Of York’s Theatre,St. Martin’s Lane, WC2. 08448 717 623. atgtickets.comË t Charing Cross,Ë Leicester Square.Key 14.JULIUS CAESARUntil 9 Feb DirectorPhyllida Lloyd (The IronLady) presents an allfemaleversion of WilliamShakespeare’s tragedy aboutthe Roman dictator and thecorrupting effects of power.Times vary.Donmar Warehouse,41 Earlham Street, WC2. 08448 717 624.IMAGE © JOAN MARCUS

‘A FANTASTIC,INSPIRING ANDUPLIFTING NIGHT! ’Chris Evans, BBC RADIO 2ENTERTAINMENTSUBSCRIBE NOW!LONDON PLANNERis London & Partners’ and VisitBritain’s officialmonthly guide to London. Subscribe nowand you will also receive a one-dayLondon Pass, allowing you FREEentry to over 55 top Londonattractions ranging from museums & galleriesto river cruises.12 issues for £30 UK, £38 Europe, £40 rest of world.Contact London Planner Subscriptions at:londonplanner.subs@morriseurope.comor alternatively, send acheque (UK only) to:Morris UK Ltd2nd Floor233 High HolbornLondon WC1V 7DNIf it’s on, it’s in…LONDON PLANNERBOOK NOW 0844 811 0055billyelliotthemusical.comVICTORIA PALACE THEATREVICTORIAFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |73

ENTERTAINMENTJourney into the unknownIn The Beginning Was The End has just openedat Somerset House. It’s an imaginative and surrealpromenade production that includes installation art,film and live performance. Set in the shadowy,maze-like underground passages beneath thefamous central London gallery, it offers audiencesa glimpse into an apocalyptic future, and is a greatchance to explore spaces that are not normallyopen to the public. Staged by the Dreamthinkspeaktheatre company, this unique show draws itsinspiration from sources ranging from the BookOf Revelation to the weird mechanical musingsof Italian renaissance artist, genius and inventorLeonardo Da Vinci.In The Beginning Was The End, p. 72. donmarwarehouse.com Ë Covent Garden.Key 12.HYMNActor Alex Jennings stars asthe playwright Alan Bennett,as he reminisces about hisyouth and the music thatshaped it. Times vary.National Theatre,South Bank, SE1. 020 7452 3000. nationaltheatre.org.ukË t Waterloo. Key 27.LIAR LIARYoung British playwrightE. V. Crowe’s drama for13-16-year-olds is abouta texting-mad young girl,whose lies become wilderand wilder until the policehave to get involved.Times vary.Unicorn Theatre,147 Tooley Street, SE1. 020 7645 0560. unicorntheatre.comË t London Bridge.Map C9.THE MAGISTRATEAmerican actor JohnLithgow (3rd Rock FromThe Sun) heads the cast ofa furiously-paced farce setin Victorian London. It’swritten by 19th-centuryplaywright Arthur WingPinero. Times vary.National Theatre,South Bank, SE1. 020 7452 3000. nationaltheatre.org.ukË t Waterloo. Key 27.THE MOUSETRAPA ruthless murderer strikesat a remote country houseparty in Agatha Christie’sclassic whodunnit. Now morethan 60-years old, this crimedrama is the world’s longestrunningshow. Mon-Sat19.30; Tues 15.00;Sat 16.00.St. Martin’s Theatre,West Street, WC2. 08444 991 515. the-mousetrap.co.ukË Leicester Square.Key 40.OLD TIMESFriends reminisce in thisgripping Harold Pinterdrama. Rufus Sewell (TheIllusionist), and Kristen ScottThomas (Gosford Park) areamong the stars of HaroldPinter’s drama. Times vary.Harold Pinter Theatre,Panton Street, SW1. 08448 717 622. atgtickets.comË Piccadilly Circus.Key 18.ONE MAN,TWO GUVNORSSlapstick comedy about sex,food and money that centreson small-time crooks in1960s Britain. The show,which began life at theNational Theatre, is basedon Carlo Goldoni’s 1743Italian classic The ServantOf Two Masters. Mon-Sat19.30; Wed & Sat 14.30(plus 14.30 on 21 Feb).Theatre Royal Haymarket,18 Suffolk Street, SW1. 020 7930 8800. onemantwoguvnors.com Ë Piccadilly Circus.Key 46.OUR COUNTRY’S GOODA true story about Australianconvicts putting on a playin the1780s. Written by theBritish playwright TimberlakeWertenbaker, the story isbased on Thomas Keneally’snovel The Playmaker.Times vary.St. James Theatre,12 Palace Street, SW1. 08442 642 140. stjamestheatre.co.ukË t Victoria. Map D5.PEOPLEAlan Bennett’s new play setin a crumbing, cash-starvedstately home. Olivier Awardwinningactress Frances DeLa Tour (The History Boys)heads the cast. Times vary.National Theatre,South Bank, SE1. 020 7452 3000. nationaltheatre.org.ukË t Waterloo. Key 27.PRIVATES ON PARADESimon Russell Beale (MyWeek With Marilyn) stars ascross-dressing Captain TerriDennis. This play about anarmy Song And Dance Unitentertaining the troups inMalaysia during the SecondWorld War boasts a lot oflaughs and a handful ofmusical numbers. Times vary.Noël Coward Theatre,St. Martin’s Lane, WC2. 08444 825 140. delfontmackintosh.co.uk Ë Leicester Square.Key 29.QUARTERMAINE’STERMSBritish actor Rowan Atkinson(Blackadder) stars as aninept teacher. Simon Gray’sdrama about empty lives isset in a 1960s school staffroom. Times vary.Wyndham’s Theatre,32 Charing Cross Road,WC2. 08444 825 120. quartermainesterms.com Ë Leicester Square.Key 51.RICHARD IIIAn all-male staging of theWilliam Shakespeare tragedy,starring Mark Rylance (TheOther Boleyn Girl). Thisproduction has transferredfrom Shakespeare’s Globe.Times vary.Apollo Theatre,31 Shaftesbury Avenue,W1. 08444 124 658. nimaxtheatres.comË Piccadilly Circus.Key 4.THE TAILOR-MADE MANFrom 13 Feb The truestory of William Haines, the1930s silent film star whowas fired by Louis B. Mayerof MGM Studios becausehe was gay. It co-stars FayeTozer, a member of BritAward-winning pop groupSteps. Times vary.Arts Theatre, 6-7 GreatNewport Street, WC2. 020 7836 8463. artstheatrewestend.com Ë Leicester Square.Key 6.TURN OF THE SCREWA new version of HenryJames’ Victorian ghost storyabout a children’s governessstarting a new job on an eeriecountry estate. Times vary.IMAGE © EMMA CRITCHLEY74 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Beyond TheatrelandNot all theatres are situated in the West End district knownas Theatreland. Although London Planner does not alwayslist specific shows at these venues, the contact details belowwill help you find out more information about what’s on.Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, N1. 020 7359 4404. almeida.co.uk Ë Ë Highbury & Islington. Off map.Arts Theatre Great Newport Street, WC2. 020 79077092. artstheatrewestend.com Ë Leicester Square.Key 6.Charing Cross Theatre Villiers Street, WC2. 0207478 0170. charingcrosstheatre.co.uk Ë t CharingCross, Ë Embankment. Key 9.Donmar Warehouse 41 Earlham Street, WC2. 08448 717 624. donmarwarehouse.comË Covent Garden. Key 12.Drill Hall 16 Chenies Street, WC1. 020 7307 5060. drillhall.co.uk Ë Goodge Street. Map B5.Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill, SE10. 020 88587755. greenwichtheatre.org.uk Ë t Greenwich.Map inset.Menier Chocolate Factory 53 Southwark Street, SE1. 020 7907 7060. menierchocolatefactory.comË t London Bridge. Map C8.National Theatre South Bank, SE1. 020 7452 3000. nationaltheatre.org.uk Ë t Waterloo. Key 27.New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, SW19. 08448 717 615. theambassadors.com/newwimbledon Ë t Wimbledon. Off map.Richmond Theatre The Green, TW9. 08700 606651. richmondtheatre.net Ë Ë t Richmond.Off map.Riverside Studios Crisp Road, W6. 020 8237 1111. riversidestudios.co.uk Ë Hammersmith. Off map.Royal Court Theatre 50-51 Sloane Square, SW1. 020 7565 5000. royalcourttheatre.com Ë SloaneSquare. Off map.Soho Theatre 21 Dean Street, W1. 020 7478 0100. sohotheatre.com Ë Tottenham Court Road. Key 44.Southbank Centre Belvedere Road, SE1. 08448750 073. southbankcentre.co.uk Ë t Waterloo.Key 61.Wilton’s Music Hall 1 Graces Alley, off Ensign Street,E1. 020 7702 9555. wiltons.org.uk Ë Tower Hill.Off map.Wilton’s Music HallAlmeida Theatre, AlmeidaStreet, N1. 020 73594404. almeida.co.ukË Ë Highbury & Islington,Ë Angel. Off map.TRELAWNY OF THE WELLSFrom 15 Feb Arthur WingPinero’s comic 1898 play. Ittells the story of theatre starRose Trelawny who tries togive up the stage for love.Times vary.Donmar Warehouse,41 Earlham Street, WC2. 08448 717 624. donmarwarehouse.com Ë Covent Garden.Key 12.TWELFTH NIGHTThe Bard’s romantic comedyin an all-male stagingstarring Mark Rylance (TheOther Boleyn Girl ) andStephen Fry (Wilde). Thisproduction has transferredfrom the Globe. Times vary.Apollo Theatre,31 Shaftesbury Avenue,W1. 08444 124 658. nimaxtheatres.comË Piccadilly Circus. Key 4.UNCLE VANYAUntil 16 Feb A newproduction of AntonChekhov’s famous drama.Ken Stott (I’ll Sleep When I’mDead), Anna Friel (Neverland)and Samuel West (VanHelsing) star. Mon-Sat 19.30;Thurs & Sat 14.30.Vaudeville Theatre,404 Strand, WC2. 08444 829 675. nimaxtheatres.comË t Charing Cross.Key 48.WAR HORSEA heartbreaking story,adapted from MichaelMorpurgo’s book, about thebond between a boy andhis horse. When his fourleggedfriend is sold to theWorld War I cavalry, the boylies about his age and enlists.Mon, Wed-Sat 19.30; Tues19.00; Thurs & Sat 14.30.New London Theatre,166 Drury Lane, WC2. 020 7452 3000. warhorseonstage.comË Covent Garden.Key 28.THE WOMAN IN BLACKAn eerie tale of ghostlyapparitions on a windsweptcountry estate, based onSusan Hill’s book. Expectplenty of screams andshocks as a junior solicitorheads to spooky Eel MarshHouse to sort out the affairsof a recently-deceasedrecluse. Mon-Sat 20.00;Tues 15.00; Sat 16.00.Fortune Theatre,Russell Street, WC2. 08448 717 626. thewomaninblack.comË Covent Garden. Key 15.Dance & MusicAll dance and musicevents are listed underthe name of the venue.Not all productions can bementioned, so do checkwith your chosen venuefor its full programme.Ballet &ContemporaryBARBICANUntil 9 Feb Tatyana.A Russian story of younglove, obsession and rejectionfrom Brazilian choreographerDeborah Colker. Times vary.Barbican Centre, SilkStreet, EC2. 020 76388891. barbican.org.ukË Barbican, t Moorgate.Key 7.PEACOCK THEATREUntil 24 Feb Tango Fire.Argentina’s hot Latin dancecompany with its latestproduction, Flames Of Desire.Times vary.Portugal Street, WC2. 08444 124 322. sadlerswells.comË Holborn. Key 55.ROYAL OPERA HOUSEThe Royal Ballet company’sbase. Until 8 Feb Onegin.John Cranko’s interpretationof Pushkin’s novel. From27 Feb Ballet Black. A newprogramme from the ROH’sassociate company, in theLinbury Studio. Times vary.Bow Street, WC2. 020 7304 4000. roh.org.uk Ë CoventGarden. Key 57.ENTERTAINMENTFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |75

ENTERTAINMENTSADLER’S WELLS14-25 Feb Two CigarettesIn The Dark/Vollmond (FullMoon). Two rarely performedpieces created by the late,great choreographer PinaBausch and performed bythe company she set up,Tanztheater Wuppertal.Times vary.Rosebery Avenue,EC1. 08444 124300. sadlerswells.com Ë Angel. Key 60.Classical Concerts& Recitals All concerts start at19.30 unless otherwisestated here.BARBICAN9 Feb Eisenstein’s AlexanderNevsky. A screening ofSergei Eisenstein’s filmwith a live accompanimentof Prokofiev’s score by theBBC Symphony Orchestra.27 Feb Britten Sinfonia/Alina Ibragimova. Theviolinist and the BrittenSinfonia Voices choirperform with the BrittenSinfonia orchestra.Times vary.Barbican Hall, BarbicanCentre, Silk Street, EC2. 020 7638 8891. barbican.org.ukË Barbican,Ë t Moorgate. Key 7.BRITTEN 100An ongoing series ofconcerts and events markingthe centenary of the birth ofBritish classical composerBenjamin Britten. Visit thewebsite or call for programmedetails. Times vary. 01728 451 700. britten100.orgHANDEL HOUSEMUSEUMThe former home of thegreat composer GeorgeFrideric Handel is the settingfor a programme of ticketedclassical concerts andrecitals (p. 20). Tues, Thurs& Sun. Times vary.25 Brook Street, W1. 020 7399 1953. handelhouse.orgË Bond Street.Map B4.ST. JAMES’SPICCADILLY CHURCHAn atmospheric setting fora wonderful programme ofevening concerts. Check thewebsite for further details.Enjoy free lunchtime recitalsevery Mon, Wed & Fri 13.10.197 Piccadilly, W1. 020 7381 0441. st-james-piccadilly.org Ë Piccadilly Circus.Key 58.ST. JOHN’S, SMITHSQUARE CHURCHThis stunning Grade I-listedformer church, designed inthe English baroque style,provides the setting for anexciting daily programmeof classical and chambermusic. Times vary.Smith Square, SW1. 020 7222 1061. sjss.org.ukË Westminster. Map D6.ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS CHURCHHead to this 18th-centurychurch for an extensiveprogramme of evening andlunchtime concerts. Freelunchtime recitals take placeat 13.00 on Mon, Tues andFri (p. 66). Times vary.Trafalgar Square, WC2. 020 7766 1100. smitf.orgË t Charing Cross.Key 59.SOUTHBANK CENTREFind a comprehensiveprogramme of classicalconcerts at this riversidecomplex, which incorporatesthe Royal Festival Hall, QueenElizabeth Hall and PurcellRoom. Times vary.Southbank Centre,Belvedere Road, SE1. 08448 750 073. southbankcentre.co.ukË t Waterloo. Key 61.WIGMORE HALLA luxuriously grand, yetcharmingly intimate concertvenue dating from 1899.Expect a varied programmeof classical, chamber andhistoric music. Times vary.36 Wigmore Street, W1. 020 7258 8200. wigmore-hall.org.ukË Westminster. Map B4.76 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

OperaLONDON COLISEUMThe home of the EnglishNational Opera. From2 Feb La Traviata. A majornew production of Verdi’stragic morality tale. From25 Feb The Barber Of Seville.Director Jonathan Miller’sstaging of Rossini’s comedyset in Spain. Times vary.33 St. Martin’s Lane, WC2. 020 7632 8300. eno.org Ë t CharingCross. Key 54.ROYAL ALBERT HALLFrom 21 Feb Carmen.Bizet’s romantic operacentres on a fiery gypsy girl(p. 66). Times vary.Royal Albert Hall,Kensington Gore, SW7. 020 7589 8212. royalalberthall.comË South Kensington.Off map.ROYAL OPERA HOUSEHome to the world-famousRoyal Opera company.Check the website fordetails of tours, exhbitionsand other events. Until 12Mar La Bohème. Puccini’spopular Parisian tragedy.4-20 Feb Eugene Onegin.Tchaikovsky’s tragedy ina directoral debut by KasperHolten. Times vary.Bow Street, WC2. 020 7304 4000. roh.org.ukË Covent Garden. Key 57.Rock, Pop, JazzCountry & WorldHAMMERSMITHAPOLLO7 Feb Paloma Faith. Soulful,jazzy pop from the Britishsinger-songwriter. 22 FebTrain. American pop-rockfrom the Grammy Awardwinningband. 19.00.45 Queen Caroline Street,W6. 020 8563 3800. hammersmithapollo.com Ë Hammersmith.Off map.THE JAZZ CAFEA live music venue withrestaurant and club nights.Show times vary. Mon-Sun19.00-02.00.5 Parkway, NW1. 020 7485 6834. jazzcafe.co.ukË Camden Town. Off map.ROYAL ALBERT HALL15 Feb Sinéad O’Connor.The Irish singer performs anaccoustic set. 20.30.Royal Albert Hall,Kensington Gore, SW7. 020 7589 8212. royalalberthall.comË South Kensington.Off map.THE O 2 ACADEMYBRIXTON15 Feb Kerrang! Tour. TheUK rock music magazinepresents bands Black VeilBrides, Chiodos, TonightAlive and Fearless VampireKillers. 23 Feb NME AwardsTour. The UK indie musicmagazine presents DjangoDjango, Miles Kane,Palma Violets and Peace.Times vary.211 Stockwell Road, SW9. 08444 772 000. o2academybrixton.co.ukË t Brixton. Off map.‘A JOYOUS VERSION OFTHE HITCHCOCK CLASSIC’SUNDAY TIMESTHE O 2 ARENAA huge domed concertvenue. Check the websitefor full show listings.9 Feb Plan B. British singer,rapper and songwriter BenDrew, with support fromLabrinth and Rudimental.25 Feb The Australian PinkFloyd Show. The Antipodeantribute band pays homage,with classic tracks includingfavourites from the albumThe Dark Side Of The Moon.Times vary.Peninsula Square, SE10. 08448 560 202. theo2.co.ukË North Greenwich.Map inset.ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDSEnjoy weekly live jazzperformances in thewonderfully atmosphericbasement-level Café In TheCrypt restaurant (p. 66).Wed 20.00.Trafalgar Square, WC2. 020 7766 1100. smitf.orgË t Charing Cross.Key 59.ENTERTAINMENTTHE WORLD’SFAVOURITE COMEDYSEEN BY OVER 3MILLION PEOPLE INOVER 39 COUNTRIES0844 847 1778love39steps.comCRITERION THEATREPICCADILLY CIRCUS W1February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |77

ENTERTAINMENTwhere nowITINERARIES ON THE GOPlan your trip to London ordownload on arrival, the newwhere now app for iPhone.DOWNLOAD FOR FREESAVE £££s ON SIGHTSEEING FREE entry into over 60 attractions. Fast track entry at busiest attractions. Free Guidebook. Additional special offers and discounts. 1, 2, 3 or 6 days. £43.£5.00 OFFMULTIDAY LONDON PASSES (2, 3 AND 6 DAY)To redeem this offer take this voucher to a Golden Tours Visitor Centre at one of the below locations:£5DISCOUNTOr book online at www.londonpass.com and enter the code LPLAN1212 to receive your discount.78 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

London’s major theatre and music venues can be locatedon the map above using the grid reference in the keybelow. ‘Key’ references in the listings also refer to this map.Venues with a ‘Map’ reference can be found on the CentralLondon Map.visitlondon.com has a secure online booking service for allmajor current and forthcoming theatre productions.To book tickets go to visitlondon.comKey to Theatres1 Adelphi ..............................B22 Ambassadors ...................A23 Aldwych ............................A34 Apollo Theatre ................B15 Apollo Victoria ................F6 Arts .....................................B27 Barbican Centre ..............G8 Cambridge .......................A29 Charing Cross Theatre ..B210 Criterion ...........................B111 Dominion .........................A112 Donmar Warehouse ......A2 13 Duchess ........................A/B314 Duke of York’s .................B215 Fortune ......................... A2/316 Garrick ...............................B217 Gielgud ..............................A118 Harold Pinter ...................B119 Her Majesty’s ...................B120 King’s Head Theatre ......E21 Leicester SquareTheatre ..............................B122 Little Angel Theatre .......E23 London Palladium ..........A1 24 Lyceum ..............................B325 Lyric ....................................B126 Menier ChocolateFactory ..............................D27 National Theatre ............C328 New London ....................A229 Noël Coward ...................B230 Novello ..............................A331 Old Red Lion ....................E32 Old Vic ...............................C433 Palace ................................A134 Phoenix .............................A135 Piccadilly ...........................B136 Playhouse .........................C237 Prince Edward .................A138 Prince of Wales ...............B139 Queen’s .............................B1 40 St. Martin’s .......................A241 Savoy .................................B242 Shaftesbury .....................A243 Shakespeare’s Globe .....D44 Vaudeville .........................B345 Theatre RoyalDrury Lane .......................A346 Theatre RoyalHaymarket .......................B147 Trafalgar Studios ............C248 Vaudeville .........................B249 Victoria Palace ................F50 WaterlooEast Theatre .....................C451 Wyndham’s .....................B252 Young Vic ..........................C4Key to Dance, Music and Multi-arts Venues53 Barbican Hall ...................G54 London Coliseum ...........B255 Peacock .............................A356 Ronnie Scott’s .................A157 Royal OperaHouse ................................A258 St. James’s Piccadillychurch ................................B159 St. Martin-in-the-Fieldschurch ................................B260 Sadler’s Wells ..................E61 Southbank Centre ..........C3ENETERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENTFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |79

DINING & NIGHTLIFEreal indian foodmeal & drink for around £20 per headspecial deals at lunchenjoymouth watering street foodsfresh & healthy thaalisregional curriesdelicious grillswww.realindianfood.comfind us atbayswater 75 bishops bridge road, w2covent garden 48 floral street, wc2camden 25 parkway, nw1earls court 147 earls court road, sw5fulham 583 fulham road, sw6islington 80 upper street, n1soho 9 marshall street, w180· ·| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Dining& NightlifeWith David G. TaylorWhat’s hotDINING & NIGHTLIFENamed after a bloodthirsty 16th-century English queen, the Mary Tudorcocktail is a blend of vodka, rose jam, fresh jemon juice and sugarsyrup, served with a garnish of rose jam on toast (pictured). It featureson a new drinks menu inspired by Queen Mary I and all variations of thespicy cocktail bearing her nickname, the Bloody Mary. Another must-tryis The Devil’s Punchbowl, a warm cocktail served in a teacup and madewith cream sherry, vodka, merlot, cloudy apple juice, cloves, cinnamonand ginger. You’ll find them being served at Barts, a quirky bar inChelsea that resembles an illicit 1930s drinking den. You’ll discover theentrance hidden inside the Chelsea Cloisters apartment building.87 Sloane Avenue, SW3. 020 7581 3355. barts-london.comË South Kensington/Sloane Square. Off map.Heavenly hospitalityWestminster Abbey (p. 38) is worldfamousfor coronations, royal marriages(including Prince William and CatherineMiddleton), the memorials of Poets’Corner and now, good food. CellariumCafe & Terrace is a new restaurantlocated within its 14th-century splendour.The ancient vaults used by Benedictinemonks to store food and drink provide anatmospheric dining room, while upstairsa second floor boasts a terrace withviews across the abbey’s gorgeous gothictowers. It’s operated by the Benugo team,who also run the lovely Court Restaurantat the British Museum (p. 55). Headthere for modern British cuisine includingtasty breakfasts (from 9.00) and elegantafternoon teas.Cellarium Cafe & Terrace, 20 Dean’sYard, Westminster Abbey, SW1. 020 7222 0516. cellariumcafe.com Ë Westminster. Map D6.Recent openingsLondon’s position asthe world’s culinarycapital is secure, witha range of notablenew openings. Topof the list is CoventGarden’s STKrestaurant (picturedleft, p. 82), the firstinternational outpostof the popular USsteakhouse. Locatedin the heart ofTheatreland at thenew ME Hotel, thiseatery is perfectlyplaced for pre or post-show dining. Inside a live DJ creates a loungebarvibe which is complemented by banquette seating in creamleather and an extensive cocktail list, with treats including the EnglishRose (tanqueray, martini, pear, rosemary and lemon). In additionto signature dishes like fillet steak, burgers and BBQ ribs, dinerscan enjoy a wide range of other options including tasty salads andseafood from the raw bar.Gail’s Kitchen is the first restaurant from the team behind Gail’sArtisan Bakeries, and located just round the corner from the BritishMuseum (p. 55). Not surprisingly, the menu is inspired by the breadoven and mostly features sharing plates, such as baked red mulletwith paprika, tomato and spinach on toast. Not forgetting somedelicious desserts like date pudding with milk and almond ice cream.(11-13 Bayley Street, Bedford Square, WC1. 020 7323 9694. gailskitchen.co.uk Ë Goodge Street. Map B5).Meanwhile, close to the shoppers’ paradise of Portobello Market(p. 64), you’ll find the new bistro Portobello House. In addition tothe bistro’s usual fare of European comfort foods, it’s now offeringquintessentially British Sunday lunches, such as pink sirloin beef,slow-roasted pork belly with crackling, and roast chicken with all thetrimmings (225 Ladbroke Grove, W10. 020 8960 3522. portobellohouse.com Ë Ladbroke Grove. Off map).February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |81

DINING & NIGHTLIFEApproximate prices shownin listings are for a threecoursemeal without wine.£: up to £20 per person.££: £20-£40 per person.£££: £40 or moreper person.Venues are open daily forlunch and dinner, unlessotherwise stated.To dial the UnitedKingdom remove the first0 and add +44.KEY: : TelephoneË : London UndergroundË : London OvergroundË : Docklands Light Railwayt : National Rail : WebsiteAmericanHARD ROCK CAFEEnjoy top burgers, steaksand other North Americanclassics in the presence ofrock memorabilia. This is theoriginal branch of the HardRock Cafe empire. Nowmore than 40-years-old, itsgroundbreaking formula hasprompted outlets across theworld. Live music some nights.Head to The Vault oppositefor even more amazing rockartefacts (p. 38). ££.150 Old Park Lane, W1. 020 7514 1700. hardrock.com Ë HydePark Corner. Map C4.PLANET HOLLYWOODIn this huge, lively venue,enjoy massive, tasty burgers,moreish cocktails, a wokstation for Asian flavoursand fabulous film-focusedmemorabilia, includinga James Bond section. ££.57-60 Haymarket, SW1. 020 7287 1000. planethollywoodlondon.com Ë Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.RAINFOREST CAFEEnter another world bystepping into this tropicalrainforest with life-sizeanimatronic animalsincluding gorillas, plussimulated rainstorms. Kidswill love the jungle theme,and dishes like nachos,chicken wings and pasta. ££.20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue,W1. 020 7434 3111. therainforestcafe.co.ukË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.STK LONDONA US steakhouse chainthat’s chic, innovative andfun. Expect a buzzingcontemporary dining spacewith a live DJ and cocktailsgalore. Enjoy steaks, ribsand burgers, plus manyother options – ranging frompoached lobster to rack oflamb (p. 81). ££-£££336-337 Strand, WC2. stkhouse.comË Covent Garden. Map C6.BritishCAFÉ IN THE CRYPTOne of London’s best-keptsecrets, right on TrafalgarSquare. In the atmosphericbasement of St. Martin-inthe-FieldsChurch (p. 66),this café serves top-notchEnglish grub at prices thatbelie its quality and theimpressive setting.Mon-Sat from 08.00;Sun 11.00. £.St. Martin-in-the-Fields,Trafalgar Square, WC2. 020 7766 1158. smitf.org Ë TrafalgarSquare. Map C6.HELIOT RESTAURANT,BAR & LOUNGEHippodrome Casino’s inhouseeatery serves Britishclassics and more. Typicaldishes include steaks,shepherd’s pie and cornedbeef hash, plus burgers,swordfish, exotic saladsand even French favouritecroque madame. Daily 17.00-00.00. ££-£££.The Hippodrome Casino,Cranbourn Street, WC2. 020 7769 8844.hippodromecasino.com/heliot Ë Leicester Square.Map C5.JOHNSTONSEnjoy lunch, afternoon tea,a pre-theatre dinner orsupper at this smart, elegantbrasserie. The changingmenu of modern Britishcuisine reflects what’s inseason, but expect classicdishes such as pork filletwith potato dauphinoise andsteak and chips. Great valuein the heart of the WestEnd. £.2 Burleigh Street, WC2. 020 7497 4158. strandrestaurants.co.uk/johnstonbrasserieË Covent Garden. Map C6.PARK TERRACESituated in the luxurioussurroundings of the RoyalGarden Hotel London, thissophisticated eatery pridesitself on locally-sourcedingredients. Choose from theformal restaurant or relaxedlounge space for all-daydining and afternoon tea. ££.2-4 Kensington HighStreet, W8. 020 73610602. parkterracerestaurant.co.ukË High Street Kensington.Off map.RESTAURANT ATST. PAUL’S CATHEDRALOffering the best of Britishproduce, this restaurant isnestled in the cathedral’svaults. Expect simple,beautiful dishes likeartichoke and watercresstart, and chicken with broadbean salad. Or try thetraditional afternoon tea.Set lunch available. Nodinner service. £-££.The Chapterhouse,St. Paul’s Churchyard, EC4. 020 7248 2469. restaurantatstpauls.co.uk Ë St. Paul’s.Map B8.ChineseKAM TONGDelicious authenticCantonese and Asiancuisine, including a wideselection of dim sum.Quality dishes range fromdelicacies such as seasonedjellyfish and crispy eel, toold favourites like tom yumsoups, whole sea bass, roastduck, and tempting doublecookedpork. ££-£££.59-63 Queensway, W2. 020 7229 6065. kamtong.org.ukË Bayswater. Map C1.MIN JIANGSuperb food accompanied bywonderful views across HydePark at this five-star Chinesegastronomic experience. Tryexpertly-cooked traditionalSichuan dishes, and don’tmiss out on the Beijing duck(pre-order only). £££.Royal Garden Hotel,2-24 Kensington HighStreet, W8. 020 73611988. minjiang.co.ukË High Street Kensington.Off map.PING PONGTasty, beautifully-presenteddim sum, plus rice dishes,wonton, dumplings, springrolls, spare ribs and more,with a fun vibe and veryreasonable prices. Thisgreat location is one of nineacross London. £-££.45 Great MarlboroughStreet, W1 (and branches). 020 7851 6969. pingpongdimsum.comË Oxford Circus. Map B5.FrenchBRASSERIE ZÉDELA Parisian-style brasserieserving traditional Frenchfood. The picturesque diningroom boasts acres of marbleand you can take afternoontea served amid its art decoelegance. £-££.20 Sherwood Street,W1. 020 7734 4888. brasseriezedel.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.MON PLAISIRLondon’s oldest Frenchrestaurant is family-ownedand has been going strongfor more than 50 years.Enjoy exquisitely-cookedclassics such as Frenchonion soup, steak tartareand coq au vin. ££.19-21 Monmouth Street,WC2. 020 7836 7243. monplaisir.co.ukË Covent Garden. Map B6.IndianAMAYAGlamorous contemporarydining. The Michelin-starredfood is light and packed82 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

with exotic flavours – watchit being cooked in the openkitchen. £££.19 Motcomb Street, SW1. 020 7823 1166. amaya.bizË Knightsbridge. Map D4.CHUTNEY MARYThis west London institution,with a pretty room andconservatory, offers agourmet tour of seven Indianregions. Try unusual dishessuch as pan-fried sea basswith fenugreek and tamarind.No lunch served Mon-Fri. ££.535 King’s Road, SW10. 020 7351 3113. chutneymary.comË Fulham Broadway.Off map.THE DELHI BRASSERIEA Soho institution for morethan 20 years, this charmingrestaurant is perfect for preor post-theatre dining innearby Theatreland. Itsdécor is very smart and themenu boasts traditionalcurries, biryanis and tandooridishes. There’s also a lovelywest London branch(134 Cromwell Road, SW7. 020 7370 7617). £.44 Frith Street, W1. 020 7437 8261. delhibrasserie.comË Leicester Square.Map B5.FLAVORS OF INDIAThe traditional menu hasa wide range of vegetarianoptions, as well as meatfocusedspecialities suchas the tandoori mixed grill.Nibble on spicy chilli pakorato start and try the richlyflavouredjeera rice. £.46 Gloucester Terrace, W2. 020 7402 1100. flavorsofindia4u.co.ukË t Paddington.Map B2.GAYLORDSpecialising in Mughlaifare, which includes thekind of dishes preparedfor mahajarahs and otherroyalty, this extremelypopular restaurant hits thespot. Lobster lababdar (withgarlic butter and masala),is a must-try. ££.79-81 Mortimer Street, W1. 020 7636 0808. gaylordlondon.comË Oxford Circus.Map B5.GOLDEN SHALIMARThis small but perfectlyformed restaurant hasserved classic Indian dishessince 1956; look out forexcellent biryanis, masalasand kormas, plus the verytasty and excellent valuefor-moneyset menus. £.6 Spring Street, W2. 020 7262 3763. goldenshalimar.co.ukË t Paddington. Map B2.HAANDINamed after a cookingutensil used to createthe strong flavours ofPunjabi cuisine. Watch asthe chefs prepare classicNorth Indian frontier foodsuch as authentic Punjabichicken curry, plus plenty ofvegetarian dishes. £.7 Cheval Place, SW7. 020 7823 7373. haandi-restaurants.comË Knightsbridge.Map D3.IMLIBuzzy, brilliant restaurantserving up great food.Take advantage of thetapas-sized portions andreward your taste buds withstunning dishes such asseafood malabar and themouthwatering Rajasthanilamb. The lunch plattersand the three-coursepre-theatre menu are evenmore affordable. ££.167-169 Wardour Street,W1. 020 7287 4243. imli.co.uk Ë OxfordCircus. Map B5.LA PORTE DES INDESStep inside this Georgiantownhouse and you’ll feel asif you have entered colonialIndia. The cuisine is fabulous,taking inspiration fromPondicherry in the south.Try spicy guineafowl orSamudri thali (a home-stylecooking mini feast fromPakistan) with assortedseafood. ££.32 Bryanston Street, W1. 020 7224 0055. laportedesindes.comË Marble Arch. Map B3.DINING & NIGHTLIFEFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |83

DINING & NIGHTLIFEEl PirataADVERTISEMENTEl Pirata De TapasLondon’s finest classic Spanish tapas bar andrestaurant. According to two leading restaurantcritics: ‘El Pirata offers me everything I look for in arestaurant. Fine food, excellent choice, comfortablesurroundings, marvellous service and a bill at the endthat doesn’t give me indigestion!.’‘A feast of tasty dishes. Starting with cold tapas,huge prawns, juicy chorizo and ham, seafood andRussian salad. Then an array of hot tapas disheswhich kept coming. Mmmm!’This is an extremely popular venue - not surprisingly,given its excellent reviews in restaurant guides suchas Zagat, Harden’s and Square Meal.5-6 Down Street, Mayfair, W1 7AQ. 020 7491 3810/020 7409 1315. Ë Green Park. elpirata.co.ukEl Pirata De Tapas in Notting Hill has received muchcritical acclaim for its excellent value contemporarytapas menu, interesting wine list and warm hospitality.The younger sibling of El Pirata in Mayfair, it hasfeatured on the Channel 4 series Ramsay’s BestRestaurant. And it continues to offer some of the bestSpanish cuisine in London.‘El Pirata De Tapas is relaxed and funky. This is justthe kind of restaurant I’d like at the end of my road’.Marina O’Loughlin, Metro.115 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UP. 020 7727 5000.Ë Bayswater/Queensway. elpiratadetapas.co.ukFrom light bitesto luxuryDININGhas ALL you needato know about theLondon dining scene.For an online version of London’s favourite guide go to: visitlondon.com/londonplannerBe sure to mention that you found your restaurant inIMAGE©THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM/HEMERA84| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

MASALA ZONEThis group of eateries offersfantastic value, high-qualityIndian street food. Its CoventGarden branch has lovelyinterior décor strung withcolourful Rajasthani puppets,plus an open kitchen andexcellent, seasonallychangingthalis. Its branch inFulham (583 Fulham Road,SW6. 020 7386 5500)features beautiful frescopaintings. Alternatively, stopby the Masala Express inthe Food Hall of Selfridgesdepartment store (p. 62). £.48 Floral Street, WC2 (andbranches). 020 73790101. masalazone.comË Covent Garden. Map B6.MEMORIES OF INDIALoved by critics andvisitors alike, this smartrestaurant is well-situatedfor Kensington’s museums.It has two brilliant sisterrestaurants, Khan’sOf Kensington (3 HarringtonRoad, SW7. 020 75844114) and Little India(32 Gloucester Road, SW7. 020 7584 3476). ££.18 Gloucester Road, SW7. 020 7589 6450. memoriesofindia.comË Gloucester Road.Off map.NOORJAHAN 2Top-quality cooking from thenorthern regions of India,skilfully executed. The food,such as the special marinatedduck or achari chicken, isrich and flavoursome, thesurroundings stylish and theservice impeccable. Checkout the original Noorjahanin Bina Gardens, SW5 too( 020 7373 6522). ££.26 Sussex Place, W2. 020 7402 2332. noorjahan2.comË Lancaster Gate. Map B2.at the award winningTHAI POTsince 1992SITAARAYTasty street food and all-youcaneat kebabs and curries.A fun Bollywood atmosphereprevails and it’s in the heartof Theatreland. Tues-Satfrom 17.30. £167 Drury Lane, WC2. 020 7269 6422. sitaaray.comË Covent Garden. Map B6.AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE020 7379 4580www.thaipot.bizAwarded:Authentic Thai Food –Ministry ofCommerce, Thailand4 stars –Master Chef UKThai Select Award –Department of ExportPromotion, Ministry ofCommerce, Thailand1 Bedfordbury,Covent Garden,London WC2N 4BPbehind ENO, Coliseum,Ë Charing Cross Station(Covent Garden exit)4 stars restaurant at 2 stars price!– food and service others talk about –BounceBounce is a new and exciting ping pong-playing anddining experience in the heart of London. We bookedan hour of matches and ordered food and drinksin-between. To begin we ordered the sharing boards,which included cappa (Italian cold meat), pizza di Recco(which is a bit like garlic bread), and fresh mozzarellawith pesto – all very moreish and tasty treats. Wefollowed with delicious cocktails – the zingy andrefreshing Ping Pong Show and the delightfully sweetand tangy Treacle Tart.For mains we enjoyed the authentic fresh and rusticItalian pizzas – the baby spinach and free range eggpizza was an extreme delight to eat, and the pork andfennel was very satisfying too. For dessert we lovedthe classic Eton mess, which was refreshing andcrunchy, offering the perfect balance of fruit, creamand meringue. Bounce proved to be novel, fun and asociable way to dine. £. Review by Elizabeth BourneBounce, 121 Holborn, EC1. 020 3657 6525. bouncelondon.com Ë Chancery Lane. Map B7.Ë Ë Ë Ë Ë Ë DINING & NIGHTLIFEFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |85

DINING & NIGHTLIFE“The Show After The Show”Located in the heart of theatreland can befound one of London’s most spectacularrestaurants. Sarastro is not only a treat forthe palate but for the eyes and ears aswell. Dine in the flamboyant operaticsurroundings and feast upon the finearray of Mediterranean dishes.Every Sunday matinee and Sunday andMonday evenings there are live operaperformances from up and coming stars,not only from the Royal and NationalOpera but from all over the world as well.On Thursday evenings enjoy live swing &Motown with West End star Colin Roy.A pre and post theatre menu is alsoavailable at £14.50 for two courses.Private function room for all occasionsavailable for up to 300 guests.126 Drury Lane, London, WC2Tel: 020 7836 0101 Fax: 020 7379 4666www.sarastro-restaurant.comE: reservations@sarastro-restaurant.comVEERASWAMYLondon’s oldest Indian eateryhas benefitted from a majorrefurbishment. The décoris exotic, lavish andchic, evoking a 1920smaharajah’s palace. The foodis excellent too, and cleverlythe menu offers somethingfor everyone. £££.99 Regent Street, W1. 020 7734 1401. veeraswamy.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.ItalianMACHIAVELLICharming Italian café,restaurant and deli in theheart of Covent Garden.Upstairs the all-day caféoffers breakfasts, coffeeand nibbles, whiledownstairs the dining roomis a more elegant alternative,and includes a pre-theatremenu. £-££.69-76 Long Acre, WC2. 020 7240 2125. machiavellifood.comË Covent Garden. Map B6.JapaneseAQUA KYOTOBreathtaking contemporaryJapanese cuisine, stunningWest End views, and abuzzing open-air terrace barmake this a real discovery.Triumphant dishes includesaikyo miso black cod,seared scallops with yuzutruffle and soft-shell crabtempura. Mon-Sat. ££-£££.Aqua London,30 Argyll Street, W1. 020 7478 0540. aqua.com.hkË Oxford Circus. Map B5.TOKYO DINERIntimate, unpretentious andreasonably priced, TokyoDiner offers well-preparedsushi and sashimi, as wellas traditional rice andnoodle dishes such askatsu curry. Service isexcellent too. £.2 Newport Place, WC2. 020 7287 8777. tokyodiner.comË Leicester Square.Map C6.MexicanCANTINA LAREDOA classy take on Mexicancuisine. Enjoy delicious,quality dishes like asadasteak wrapped with poblanopepper, sautéed tiger prawns,Monterey Jack cheese andchimichurri sauce. ££.10 Upper St. Martin’s Lane,WC2. 020 7420 0630. cantinalaredo.co.ukË Covent Garden. Map B6.WAHACASuperb chain of stylishcantinas, mixing the spiritof a Mexican market witha trendy London vibe.The menus feature a rangeof fresh and hearty dishesincluding burritos, tacos andquesadillas. Sample Mexicanbeers and great housemargaritas. £.80 Wardour Street, W1(and branches). 020 7734 0195. wahaca.co.ukË Piccadilly Circus.Map B5.Mideast & N. AfricanMAMOUNIA LOUNGEDelicious Lebanese andMoroccan-fusion cuisine,from tasty tagines to a verytempting range of mezzesharing dishes, such astoasted Lebanese bread withveal, grilled halloumi or freshfalafel. ££.136 Brompton Road, SW3. 020 7581 7777. mamounialounge.comË Knightsbridge/SouthKensington. Map D3.MANGAL 2An award-winning Turkishocakbasi (open charcoalgrill) restaurant that servestraditional fare at greatprices. Fresh dips andstarters, plus grilled meatsand vegetable dishes feature.Finish with a sweet baklavapastry. British artists Gilbert& George are regulars. £.4 Stoke Newington Road,N16 (and branches). 020 7254 7888. mangal2.comË Dalston Kingsland.Off map.86| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Afternoon teasLondon Marriot HotelCounty HallLONDON PLANNERDINING & NIGHTLIFEa wild placeto shopand eat ®The British tradition of taking tea with sandwichesand cakes in the afternoon is something many Londonvisitors like to experience. From classic-style teas,to those with a contemporary twist, there are manyvariations to tempt your taste buds. Here are just afew suggestions to try.5 O’Clock Tea Club at the Oxford Street departmentstore John Lewis, p. 62.Apsleys at The Lanesborough Hotel, Hyde ParkCorner, SW1. 020 7259 5599. lanesborough.com Ë Hyde Park Corner. Map D4.The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1. 020 72356000. the-berkeley.co.uk Ë Knightsbridge.Map D4.Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, W1. 0207493 6020. brownshotel.com Ë Green Park.Map C5.Claridge’s, Brook Street, W1. 020 7629 8860. claridges.co.uk Ë Bond street. Map B4.Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at the Piccadillydepartment store Fortnum & Mason, p. 62.Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, W1. 020 7629 8888. thedorchester.com Ë Hyde Park Corner. Map C4.Kensington Hotel, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, SW7. 020 7589 6300. doylecollection.com Ë SouthKensington. Off map.London Marriott Hotel County Hall, WestminsterBridge Road, SE1. 020 7902 8000. londonmarriottcountyhall.co.uk Ë t Waterloo,Ë Westminster. Map D6.Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville Place, W1.020 7935 5599. mandeville.co.uk Ë BondStreet. Map B4.Park Terrace at the Royal Garden Hotel, p. 82.The Ritz, 105 Piccadilly, W1. 020 7300 2345. theritzlondon.com Ë Green Park. Map C4.Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, WC2. 020 7836 2400. waldorfhilton.co.uk Ë Covent Garden. Map B6.Located in Piccadilly Circus,Rainforest Cafe is a uniqueand vibrant restaurantand bar bringing togetherthe sights and soundsof the jungle.15%Discountoff your final food bill *PERFECT FOR KIDS & BIG KIDSGREAT FOR GROUPS &BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONSPICCADILLYCIRCUSBook online: www.therainforestcafe.co.ukTel: 020 7434 3111Email: sales@therainforestcafe.co.uk*Offer valid seven days a week. Maximum party size of 6.Please present to your safari guide when seated.Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.February 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |87

DINING & NIGHTLIFEModern EuropeanEL PIRATA OF MAYFAIRThe buzzy atmosphereattests to the quality andvalue of the Spanish tapashere. Try the chilli prawns,bean stew and patatasbravas. Closed Sun.A second branch, El PirataDe Tapas (115 WestbourneGrove, W2. 020 77275000), has sleeker décorand equally good dishes. £.5-6 Down Street, W1. 020 7491 3810. elpirata.co.ukË Green Park. Map C4.R.S. HISPANIOLAEnjoy excellentMediterranean cuisine andfantastic views aboardthis restaurant ship, whichis permanently mooredopposite the London Eye.Choose from the à la cartemenu, or graze on traditionalplates of Spanish tapas. ££.Victoria Embankment,WC2. 020 7839 3011. hispaniola.co.ukË Embankment. Map C6.SARASTROSituated in the heart ofTheatreland, this eatery hasincredible décor. Enjoy liveopera during Sun lunch,plus Sun and Mon evenings.Dine on Mediterraneancuisine with a Turkish edgefrom wall-mounted operaboxes. ££.126 Drury Lane, WC2. 020 7836 0101. sarastro-restaurant.com Ë Covent Garden.Map B6.SeafoodMR FISHFish and chips is a favouriteBritish dish, and the wellpricedfare at this critics’favourite will have youcoming back for more. Thedelicious fish is as freshas can be – good food atgreat prices. Try the crunchyplaice with chips and mushypeas. £.9 Porchester Road, W2. 020 7229 4161. mrfish.uk.comË Bayswater. Map B/C2.THE SEASHELLStick with classics such asfish and chips, or go for moreelegant dishes of grilled fishor pan-fried king scallops.Don’t miss the traditionalEnglish desserts. ££.49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1. 020 7224 9000. seashellrestaurant.co.uk Ë t Marylebone.Map A3.Southeast AsianBALI BALIA wonderful spot offeringBalinese cuisine. There aretraditional satays on themenu, but be adventurousas Indonesian cooking isa melting pot of cultures.Try the rijsttafel set menufor an introduction to a rangeof flavours. Closed Sunlunch. £.150 Shaftesbury Avenue,WC2. 020 7836 2644. balibalirestaurant.comË Covent Garden. Map B6.BLUE ELEPHANTFantastic Thai cuisine anda gorgeous riverside setting.The delicious green and lambmassaman curries are highlyrecommended. ££.The Boulevard, ImperialWharf, Townmead Road,SW6. 020 7385 6595. blueelephant.comË Imperial Wharf. Off map.THAI POTThis award-winning andpopular spot has stylishdécor and classic Thai food.Freshly sautéed dishes sitalongside expertly-preparedtofu, fish and meat. Ask thefriendly staff if you prefer itspicy – they are happyto help. The perfect choicefor a pre-theatre meal.Closed Sun. £.1 Bedfordbury, WC2. 020 7379 4580. thaipot.bizË Covent Garden. Map C6.TakeawayCRUSSHA chain of eateries brandedas ‘Fit Food & Juice Bars’and priding itself on offeringhealthier food and snackRoux At The LandauFather andson Albert andMichel Roux Jrare the creativepartnership behindthis elegantWest End diningdestination. Thedynasty’s culinarytorch is carried byprotégé and risingstar Chris King(pictured left,Le Gavroche),who specialisesin ModernEuropean cuisine.It’s an impressiveoperation,from the wood-panelled oval dining room (a formerballroom), to the seamless and attentive service.To start, tender grilled squid with brandade (anemulsion of salt cod and olive oil), and the lightest roastchesnut soup. The mains were delicious too: perfectlycooked dry-aged sirloin beef, and halibut (sustainablysourced from the Scottish Isle of Gigha) with razorclams with coriander and lime foam on a bed of rice. MyFrench companion loved his English apple Charlotte, butyou’d be hard-pressed to top the blackcurrant souffléI’d chosen for dessert, served with pear ice cream andtopped with crunchy wild anise crumble – it was superb.Roux’s great value set menus and handy location makeit an ideal place to catch your breath after scouring thenearby shopping nirvanas of Regent Street and OxfordStreet. ££-£££. Review by David G. Taylor1c Portland Place, W1. 020 7965 0165. rouxatthelandau.com Ë Oxford CIrcus. Map B3.options. Expect delicioussmoothies, juices, soups,stews, sandwiches, noodlesand more. £.14 Broadwick Street, W1(and branches). 020 7287 4480. crussh.comË Tottenham Court Road/Oxford Circus. Map B5.WOK TO WALKGreat-value Chinesetakeaway in Soho. Mixand match noodles, riceor vegetables with extraingredients such as beef,tofu or broccoli. Thereare more than 400 freshlypreparedcombinationsavailable. £.4 Brewer Street, W1 (andbranch). 020 72878464. woktowalk.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.Vegetarian & VeganINSPIRALA planet-friendly caféspecialising in the mostnutritious of foods,free of additives andpreservatives. Dishes includeraw lasagne, Thai greencurry, spelt-crusted vegetableratatouille and edible flowersalad. It’s great for healthyeating, vegans and anyoneon a special diet. £-££.250 Camden High Street,NW1. 020 3370 3797. inspiralled.netË Camden Town. Off map.WILD FOOD CAFÉA vibrant Covent Gardencafé serving raw-centricgourmet world cuisine,sandwiches, smoothies,juices, soups, snacks,confectionery, desserts andIMAGE © BERNARD ZIEJA88 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

more. Enjoy dishes such asseasonal salads, olive andshitake mushroom burgers,and raw chocolate. Daily12.00-17.00. £-££.1st floor, 14 Neal’s Yard,WC1. 020 7419 2014. wildfoodcafe.comË Covent Garden.Map B6.Bars& ClubsHere are some of thehighlights of London’srich nightlife. Most barsopen from 18.00-00.00and most nightclubs from22.00-03.00 (some stayopen as late as 06.00).Please check in advancefor opening hours, anyadmission charges, andin case there is a specificdress code.For advice on late-nighttransport and more, turnto p. 91-96. Informationis correct at time of goingto press, but can changeat the last minute, so docheck before visiting. TheUK’s legal drinking age is18-years-old.BarsBAR ITALIAThis friendly 24-hour cafébar,open since 1949, isa Soho institution, servingcold beer and steamingespressos. Great for peoplewatchingday or night.22 Frith Street, W1. 020 7437 4520. baritaliasoho.co.ukË Tottenham Court Road.Map B5.ICEBAR BY ICEHOTELA bar made entirelyof ice. Book a slot, slip ona thermal cape and mittensand enjoy tasty cocktailsin a glass fashioned fromice. An adjacent restaurant,Belowzero, offers modernEuropean food in muchwarmer surroundings.31-33 Heddon Street, W1. 020 7478 8910. belowzerolondon.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.REVERENDJ.W. SIMPSONAn atmospheric cocktail barserving an excellent menuof fizzes, flips, cobblers,smashes and sours. Namedafter a former resident, thebar’s design incorporates histattered original wallpapers.32 Goodge Street, W1. 020 3174 1155. revjwsimpson.comË Goodge Street. Map B5.ClubsCAFÉ DE PARISThis Soho club has beenrunning since 1924. Itsextremely glamorous interiorsmake any occasion extraspecial. Head here for dancenights and cabaret.3-4 Coventry Street, W1. 020 7734 7700. cafedeparis.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.HEAVENWorld-famous gay venue andan exceedingly fun night out.It’s home to dance nightsincluding G-A-Y (Thurs-Sat).Expect a youngish crowdmoving to the latest chart,pop and indie anthems.Off Villiers Street, WC2. 020 7930 2020. heavennightclublondon.comË t CharingCross. Map C6.MINISTRY OF SOUNDVast dance club boasting fiverooms and four dancefloors.Top DJs spin electro, trance,techno, house and more.103 Gaunt Street, SE1. ministryofsound.com/club Ë t Elephant& Castle. Off map.RONNIE SCOTT’SThis famous Soho jazzinstitution first opened in1959. Dine on Europeancuisine while listening tolive music. It’s not just jazzon stage these days, butfunk, soul and other musicalgenres. Booking is essential.47 Frith Street, W1. 020 7439 0747. ronniescotts.co.ukË Tottenham Court Road.Map B5.Eat, Drinkand Feel Famous!Hollywood inspired diningRestaurant open 11.30am tomidnight (11pm Sunday)Bar open to 1am(midnight Sunday)Souvenir Merchandise StoreMovie Memorabilia on displayPresent this advert to your server before ordering20% OFFFood, Soft Drinks & MerchandiseNot valid in conjunction with any other offer.Valid Sunday to Friday until 31/12/13.Excludes 25 & 31 December 2013.Subject to availability. Code : LPLAN57-60 Haymarket,London SW1Y 4QXClose to Piccadilly Circus& Leicester Square tubeFor reservations please call020 7287 1000planethollywoodlondon.comFind us on Facebook – PlanetHollywoodUK10% OFFAny Sandwich,Salad or Wrap38-40 Ludgate Hill, (nr St. Paul’s) London EC4M 7DEwww.earlofsandwich.co.ukPresent this advert when ordering. Not valid with anyother offer. Expires 31/12/13. Code: LPLANDINING & NIGHTLIFEFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |89

DINING & NIGHTLIFEMr FishADVERTISEMENTThe Sea ShellFor a truly traditional British fish supper, head over toMr Fish, centrally located in vibrant Bayswater. The70-seater restaurant with its fully licensed bar is agreat destination for lunch or dinner. Dishes rangefrom a classic cod and chips with mushy peas anda refreshing beer, to a sumptuous grilled Seabass,Plaice or Halibut washed down with a fine glass ofwine. It’s recommended by Time Out magazine.Open daily 11.00-23.30.Present this advert for 15% off your restaurant billwhen you dine-in at Mr Fish.9 Porchester Road, Bayswater, W2 5DP. 020 72294161. Ë Bayswater/Queensway/Royal Oak. mrfish.uk.comFor over forty years, The Sea Shell restaurant inLondon has been serving the great British traditionaldish of fish and chips. Recommended by Time Out, theSea Shell has gained a great reputation with everyonefrom fans of good food to famous celebrities.Find it located close to many hotels and some ofLondon’s most famous landmarks, such as MadameTussauds, Abbey Road and London Zoo.Mon-Sat 12.00-22.30; closed Sun.49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1 6UH. 020 7224 9000.Ë t Marylebone. seashellrestaurant.co.ukHaandiD CAMDESpecialising in North Indian Frontier cuisine, Haandi’smasalas are freshly-prepared daily and everythingis created in house. It is a truly authentic Indianrestaurant aimed at a clientele that knows its raitasfrom its rotis.Enter from Cheval Place at the rear and a smallbar area opens onto the plush, lush main salon.Decorated with tropical greenery, muted colours,exquisite fabrics and sparkling mirrors – it leaves nodoubt as to Haandi’s East African origins. The glassenclosedkitchen provides the focal point, as watchingthe chefs at work adds an element of drama to thewhole dining experience.Haandi has two entrances:136 Brompton Road, SW3 1HY and 7 Cheval Place, SW71EW. 020 7823 7373. Ë Knightsbridge. haandi-restaurants.comAUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINEThe oldestIndiancuisine inPaddingtonEstablished in1956www.goldenshalimar.co.uk6 Spring Street, Paddington, W2 3RATel: 020 7262 3763 / 020 7402 81639090 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Accommodation& TravelEssential information to help you book a place tostay and navigate your way around the cityACCOMMODATION ESSENTIALS& TRAVELIMAGE © LONDONONVIEW.COM/BRITAINONVIEWKEY: : TelephoneË : London UndergroundË : London OvergroundË : Docklands Light Railwayt : National Rail : WebsiteTo dial the UnitedKingdom remove the first0 and add +44.AccommodationThere is a vast range ofaccommodation in London.Stay in world-famous hotels,B&Bs (bed and breakfasts),guesthouses, self-cateringapartments or good-qualityhostels. You’ll find somethingto suit all kinds of tastesand budgets.AccommodationIf you want a treat, thenLondon has some of the besthotels in the world. Nameslike the Savoy ( fairmont.com/savoy), Claridges( claridges.co.uk),the Dorchester( thedorchester.com), andthe Ritz ( theritzlondon.com) are internationallyfamous and offercomplete luxury.For those on a budget,boutique hotels, B&Bs andguesthouses offer stylish andcomfortable accommodationat very good prices. Mostoffer en-suite rooms, althoughsmaller establishments mightonly have shared bathrooms.Many hotel groups and chainsoffer special deals.By far the cheapestplaces to stay in London arehostels such as GeneratorHostels ( generatorhostels.com) and YHALondon ( yha.org.uk). These offer a secureenvironment and sociableatmosphere, often for lessthan £15 per night.If you’re lookingfor something moreflexible, try self-cateringaccommodation. Havingyour own kitchen gives youmore control over your mealtimes and schedule, plusself catering often works outcheaper than hotels or B&Bs.AccommodationBookingIt is advisable to make youraccommodation reservationsbefore you arrive in thecapital. London’s premierinformation website, visitlondon.com offersonline booking fora range of hotels, B&Bsand hostels, plus great dealson hotel prices. You canalso call the official Londonaccommodation line on 08701 566 366to book by credit card.AccommodationRatingsStar ratings are the officialmark of quality, awardedto accommodation byVisitEngland and the AA.Standards of service,hospitality, food, cleanlinessand comfort are checkedannually by trained andimpartial assessors. Allparticipating establishmentsare awarded between oneand five stars. The more stars,the higher the quality andrange of services andfacilities provided.Take care to check thestar ratings for guest housesand guest accommodation,as they are not the sameas for hotels, and differentcriteria apply. For details,go to enjoyengland.comVisitEngland recognisesthe top scoring propertiesacross the spectrumby awarding Silver andGold awards.AccessibleLondonVisitor InformationFor information on thecity’s disabled facilities,maps including accessibleattractions, and details ofaccommodation for disabledtravellers, please visit thefollowing websites: visitlondon.com/access or openbritain.netFor the most up-to-date, detailed information onplanning your trip, plus special deals, register at London’sofficial visitor website visitlondon.com or call 08701 566 366 (UK only). If you have a smartphone,download the London Official City Guide app for free, at visitlondon.com/appTourist and Travel Information Centres (TICs) aresituated at key points across the capital, including:City Of London Mon-Sat 09.30-17.30; Sun 10.00-16.00. St. Paul’s Churchyard, EC4. Ë St. Paul’s. Map B7.Euston Station Sat-Thurs 08.15-19.15; Fri 08.15-20.15. Opposite platform 8, Euston Station, NW1.Ë t Euston. Map A5. Victoria Station Mon-Sat 07.15-21.15; Sun 08.15-20.15. Victoria Station, SW1.Ë t Victoria. Map D4. Liverpool Street Station Sat-Thurs 08.15-19.15; Fri 08.15-20.15. Liverpool Street,EC2. Ë t Liverpool Street. Map B9. Greenwich Daily10.00-17.00. 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10.Ë t Greenwich. Map inset. For more on TIC locations,go to visitlondon.com/welcomeThe Original London Visitor Centre offers a range ofservices, such as booking theatre tickets, days out, entryinto attractions, car hire, hotels, airport transfers, coachtickets, tours and cruises. Mon-Sat 08.30-19.00;Sun 09.00-17.30. 17-19 Cockspur Street, SW1. theoriginaltour.com Ë t Charing Cross. Map C6.The British Hotel Reservation Centre will help youmake hotel bookings, arrange theatre trips, and reservesightseeing and travel tickets. There are branches atHeathrow Airport, Stansted Airport, Trafalgar Square,Ë t Paddington, t St. Pancras International andË t Victoria. See map p. 49-51. 020 7592 3055. bhrconline.comFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com | 91

ACCOMMODATION & TRAVELStansted AirportLondon’s newestdouble-decker busTravel Prices quoted are forsingle journeys. All faresand times are correctat the time of going topress but can be subjectto change, so checkbefore your journey.Times, prices and furtherinformation is available at visitlondon.comAirportsAIRPORT TRANSPORTEasybus easybus.co.ukFirst Capital Connect 08450 264 700. firstcapitalconnect.co.ukFirst Group 01245 293 400. firstgroup.comGatwick Express 08458 501 530. gatwickexpress.comGreen Line Express 08448 017 261. greenline.co.ukGreyhound 09000 960 000. greyhounduk.comHeathrow Express 08456 001 515. heathrowexpress.comNational Express Airport 08717 818 181. nationalexpress.comSouthern Railway 08451 272 920. southernrailway.comStansted Express 08456 007 245. stanstedexpress.comGATWICK AIRPORT 08448 920 322. gatwickairport.comFirst Capital ConnectDirect to and fromË t London Bridgeand t St. PancrasInternational, up to fourtimes an hour. Journeytime is 30 mins to LondonBridge, and 45 mins toSt. Pancras Internationalin King’s Cross. Faresfrom £8.50.Gatwick Express Directto and from Ë t Victoriaevery 15 mins. Journeytime is 30 mins. Faresfrom £15.95.National Express AirportTo and from Victoria CoachStation, up to two coachesan hour. Journey time is onehour and 20 mins. Faresfrom £8.Southern Railway To andfrom Ë t Victoria, every15 mins. Journey 40 mins.Fares from £12.50. easybus.co.ukThree coaches an hour toË Earl’s Court. Journey 70mins. Fares from £2 online.HEATHROW AIRPORT 08443 351 801. heathrowairport.comThe airport is served byLondon Underground’sË Piccadilly line, which runsbetween central Londonand Heathrow Terminals1-4 and 5, every four-to-fivemins between 05.00 and23.54 (Sun 05.46-22.37).Journey 60 mins. Faresfrom £3.10 with an Oystercard. Heathrow Connect Toand from Ë t Paddington,stopping at Hayes, Southall,Hanwell, West Ealing andEaling Broadway, two trainsper hour. For Terminals4 and 5, change atTerminals 1, 2 or 3. Journey25 mins. Fares from £8.50.Heathrow Express To andfrom Ë t Paddington, fourtrains per hour. This isa direct service. Journey 15-20 mins. Fares from £18.National Express AirportTo and from Victoria CoachStation, three coaches perhour. Journey time from40 mins. Fares from £5.LONDONCITY AIRPORT 020 7646 0000. londoncityairport.comË London City Airport.Trains to and fromË Ë Canary Wharf(change at Ë Poplar),Ë Ë Canning Town,Ë Ë Bank and otherstations, every seven mins.Journey eight to 22 mins.Fares from £2.70.LONDONLUTON AIRPORT 01582 405 100. london-luton.com easybus.co.uk Threecoaches an hour toË Baker Street,Ë Marble Arch andË t Victoria. Journey75 mins. Fares from £2online. First CapitalConnect To and fromË t St. PancrasInternational. Up to eighttrains per hour. Journey from35 mins, followed by a fastshuttlebus to the airport.Fares from £14.Green Line Express Threecoaches an hour fromË Baker Street, Ë MarbleArch and Victoria CoachStation. Journey 75 mins.Fares from £16.SOUTHEND AIRPORT 01702 538 500. southendairport.comUp to eight trains an hourto Ë t London LiverpoolStreet or t FenchurchStreet stations. See FirstGroup for more coaches.STANSTED AIRPORT 08443 351 803. stanstedairport.comThe Stansted Expressruns to and fromË t Liverpool Streetstation, up to four trains perhour. Journey time is from 45mins. Fares from £21.50. TheNational Express Airportcoach service runs to andfrom Victoria Coach Stationand other destinations, threecoaches per hour. Journey80 mins. Fares from £10.STANSTED AIRPORT © THINKSTOCK/HEMERA; BUS IMAGE © TRANSPORT FOR LONDON92| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

We know LondonBritish Hotel Reservations CentreHotels • Tickets • Sightseeing • TravelWe know London’s best hotelsAs London’s specialist hotel provider you can book world famous hotelsincluding The Ritz, The Savoy, Hilton, Holiday Inn & Sheraton. We offer 5-starluxury to budget hotels, helping you get the best price for your stay.Get 2 free Tickets to the Shardwhen making a hotel booking before Feburary 28th 2013** To qualify for the offer a minimum hotel booking must be confirmed to the value £200.Tickets must be booked at the same time of the hotel booking quoting ref: FE13. Hotelbooking is non-refundable and payment is required at time of booking.To help make the most of your visit to London ourBHRC Tourist Services can help with:Travelcoaches - private transfers - trainsEntertainmentsightseeing - theatre - nightlifeKeeping in Touchmobile rental - sim cards- calling cards -To make a booking visit our website www.bhrconline.comor call our Travel Experts on +44 207 592 3055.For friendly, face to face advice visit one of our sites at:Heathrow Airport • Trafalgar Square • St Pancras Rail station •Victoria Coach & Rail station • New Oxford Street

ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL15% discountwith this advertYou’ll find just what youneed without blowingyour budget at London’snewest contemporary, funand funky hostel, Safestayat Elephant & Castle. From£18per personper nightThe Emirates Air Line and The O 2T. +44 20 7703 8000E. reception@safestay.co.uk www.safestay.co.uk Travel InformationFor 24-hour London travelinformation, including bybus, Tube, river, rail, coach,cycle, tram, car and on foot,plus accessibility, assistedtravel and more, visit theTransport for London (TfL)website tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround or call 08432 221 234.Also useful is visitlondon.com/travel or you can visitTravel Information Centresin person at the followingtrain stations:Ë t Victoria,Ë t Euston,Ë t King’s CrossSt. Pancras,Ë t Liverpool Street,Ë Piccadilly Circus,Ë Heathrow Terminals 1-3.AIR LINE (EMIRATES)Opened last year, this cablecar system across the RiverThames takes passengersbetween Royal Docks andthe Greenwich Peninsula.As well as offering amazingviews of the London skyline,it provides a quick linkbetween The O 2 and theExCel London exhibitioncentre. Oyster pay-asyou-gorates for a singlejourney are £3.20 for anadult, £1.60 for a child.‘Boarding Pass’ fares fromthe terminal’s ticket officesfor a one-way trip are £4.30for an adult, and £2.20 fora child.27 Western Gateway, E16.Ë Royal Victoria& Unit 3, Emirates CableCar Terminal, EdmundHalley Way, SE10.Ë North Greenwich. emiratesairline.co.ukMap inset.ON FOOTIt’s often quicker to getaround London by walking.Legible London is ascheme to help pedestriansfind their way around thecapital more easily. Lookout for their blue and yellowstreet maps on tall narrowmonoliths in key areas.They offer informationincluding local landmarks,street names and estimatedwalking times.Signs and maps aroundExhibition Road in SouthKensington help visitors getaround the area’s museums,concert halls and otherattractions. Other areas youcan spot Legible London’sEMIRATES AIRLINE IMAGE © TRANSPORT FOR LONDON94| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

street maps include LondonBridge, Bankside and theSouth Bank in south London;Portobello Road in NottingHill; Bow Road in eastLondon; and Shoreditch HighStreet and Tower Hill in theEast End. For details, visit tfl.gov.uk/legiblelondonOr to plan your walking route,visit walkit.comCYCLE HIRE(BARCLAYS)More than 8,000 bicyclesare available to hire from15,000 docking pointsthroughout central London.Those visiting the city canaccess the scheme usingthe ‘Casual Use’ option,and pay at the dockingterminal, online, or by phone.Charges, which includean access fee and usagecharges, vary, though this isan inexpensive wayto get around. For infoand dock locations, visit tfl.gov.uk/cyclingCAR HIREPlease make sure yourdriving licence is valid forthe UK and see CongestionCharge details below.Avis 08445 810 147. avis.co.ukEuropcar 08713 849847. europcar.co.ukEasy Car easycar.comHertz 08708 448 844. hertz.co.ukKendall Cars Ltd. 020 8542 0403. kendallcars.comEnterprise Rent-A-Car 0800 800 227.COACHESLondon’s main coachservices use Victoria CoachStation, SW1. 020 70272520. tfl.gov.uk/coachesË t Victoria. Map D4.Green Line Coaches 08448 017 261. greenline.co.ukiDBUS 08443 690 379. idbus.co.ukMegabus 09001 600900. ukmegabus.comNational Express 08717 818 181. nationalexpress.comTerravision 01279 662931. terravision.euCONGESTIONCHARGEThere is an £10 congestioncharge to drive into centralLondon, Mon-Fri 07.00-18.00. This must be paid inadvance or on the day oftravel. Pay Next Day allowsdrivers to pay the chargethe next day, but the feerises to £12. 08459 001234/ 020 7649 9122(UK only), or visit cclondon.comDIAL-A-RIDEDial-a-Ride is a door-to-doorminibus service for disabledand older people who areunable to use mainstreampublic transport.For details of eligibilityand how to apply formembership, just visit tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/3222.aspxDOCKLANDS LIGHTRAILWAY (DLR) Ë 020 7363 9700. Trainsrun approximately everythree and a half to 10 mins.Mon-Sat 05.30-00.30;Sun 07.00-23.00. Usefulfor visiting Docklands andGreenwich, the network hasfantastic views of the city.30 mins non-stopevery 15 minsSave 10% when you book onlineGatwick Airport to London Victoria, 30 minutes average timetabledjourney time. First train 04.35. Half hourly from 05.20 to 05.50. Last trains00.50 and 01.35. From December 9th 2012, the 07:05 Monday to Fridaytrains will now depart at 07:06. Visit gatwickexpress.com for details.ACCOMMODATION & TRAVELFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com | 95

ACCOMMODATION & TRAVELOne of London’sfamous black cabst St. PancrasInternational serve northand central Britain.Ë t Charing Cross,Ë t London Bridge,Ë t Waterloo andË t Victoria servesouthern England.For timetables and ticketsvisit nationalrail.co.ukor call 08457 484 950(UK only)/020 7278 5240.Eurostar usest St. PancrasInternational eurostar.com or 08432 186 186(UK only)/01233 617 575.LONDON BUSESLondon buses run 05.00 to00.30. Night buses (00.00-04.30) operate on manymajor routes, and severalservices are 24-hour. Buspassengers in Zone 1 musthave a valid ticket or Oystercard before boarding.LONDONUNDERGROUND(THE TUBE) Ë tfl.gov.uk See p. 98 forthe London UndergroundMap. Services run Mon-Sat05.00-00.30 and Sun07.30-23.30 on most routes.Fares vary, but single adultjourneys in Zone 1 cost£4.50. With an Oyster cardthe same journey works outfar cheaper at £2.10.LONDONOVERGROUND Ë tfl.gov.uk See p. 98 for theLondon Underground Map.Services run Mon-Sat 05.00-00.00, and Sun 07.00-23.30on most routes.OYSTER CARDS/TRAVELCARDSTravelcards are valid for one,three or seven days, plusmonthly or seasonal periods.A Visitor Oyster card (anelectronic smartcard) can bebought in increments of oneweek or more (plus a £5deposit). It can also carrya cash value for pay-asyou-gojourneys and offersmuch cheaper fares.The system is dividedinto nine zones (p. 98), withZone 1 being the centralLondon area. Travelcardsand Oyster cards are valid onUnderground, Overground,bus, all National Rail serviceswithin London, DocklandsLight Railway (DLR), the AirLine (Emirates) cable carand tram journeys, and offerdiscounts on river services.Visitors can buyTravelcards and Oystercards from TouristInformation Centres, anyTfL outlets or in advance atVisitBritain’s online store, visitbritainshop.comFor more information, go to visitlondon.com/travelRIVER SERVICES tfl.gov.uk/river ThamesClippers 08707 815049. thamesclippers.comHigh-speed catamaransleave major piers every20 mins. Services betweenWaterloo Pier and The O 2(QEII Pier) and on to RoyalArsenal Woolwich Pier havescheduled stops includingEmbankment, Bankside,Tower Pier, LondonBridge, Canary Wharf andGreenwich. The adult singlefare is £6 (£5.40 with anOyster card; £4 with aTravelcard). Alternatively,a River Roamer day passallows unlimited hop-on, hopofftravel on the river from£13.60 per adult (p. 39).TAXISHail one of London’s iconicblack cabs (they now comein a range of colours). Whenthe ‘taxi’ sign is illuminatedthey are available to takeyou anywhere within GreaterLondon. Fares increaseafter 20.00.Private hire or minicabsare different: you can’t hailthem in the street but insteadmust book them in advance.We advise against using anyvehicle that approaches youin the street. See tfl.gov.uk/pco for details of locallicensed private hire andminicab operators.TRAINSThere are 11 main stationsin London:Ë t Paddington servesthe West Country, Wales andthe South Midlands.Ë t Liverpool Street andË t Fenchurch Streetserve East Anglia andEssex. Ë t Euston,Ë t King’s CrossSt. Pancras,Ë t Marylebone andSIGHTSEEING PASSESThe London Pass( londonpass.com) offersfree entry, discounts and fasttrackqueuing at over 60 topLondon attractions includingthe Tower of London, theLondon Bridge Experienceand St. Paul’s Cathedral, plussome special offers designedto enhance your visit. An adultone-day pass costs from £46,child from £29. Passes areavailable for up to six days.Official UK tourism authorityVisitBritain offers variouscards including the ThreePalace Royal Pass, £41( visitbritainshop.com).EMBASSIESAND CONSULATESFor emergencies (that areno fault of your own, andwhere local help has beenexhausted), your embassymay be able to assist you.Australia 020 7379 4334.Canada 020 7258 6600.China 020 7299 4049.France 020 7073 1000.Germany 020 7824 1300.India 020 7836 8484.Ireland 020 7235 2171.New Zealand 020 7930 8422.South Africa 020 7451 7299.Spain 020 7589 8989.US 020 7499 9000.TAXI © THINKSTOCK/COMSTOCK96| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

Albro House Hotelwww.albrohotel.co.ukEmail: joe@albrohotel.freeserve.co.ukOne of London’s bestbed & breakfast hotelsACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL155 Sussex Gardens,Hyde Park, London W2 2RYTel: (+44) 020 7724 2931 / (+44) 020 7706 8153Fax: (+44) 020 7262 2278Comfortable and affordable self-cateringholiday apartments in a unique location inSt. Katharine’s Marina adjacent toTower Bridge andthe Tower of LondonSleep up to 6. Weekly letting, linen, towels,washer/dryer, TV, telephone, broadband etc.MITRE HOUSE HOTELAn independent hoteldesigned for individuals178 - 184 Sussex GardensHyde Park, London W2 1TUTel: (020) 7723 8040Fax: (020) 7402 0990www.mitrehousehotel.come-mail: reservations@mitrehousehotel.comOnly one block from Heathrow Express Next to Manor House tube (Piccadilly line)Students, tourists & groups areour specialityfrom10 minutes from centreSingle, double and multi-beddedrooms with bathroomsTel: 020 8802 0800Fax: 020 8802 9070414 SEVEN SISTERS ROADLONDON N4 2LXEmail: enquiries@kenthallhotel.co.ukwww.kenthallhotel.co.ukCAR RENTALSmall family business, offering topservice for over 30 years. Let us meetyou at London airports. Hassle-freepersonal service. Large new fleet.Very low inclusive rates.EST1969Small carsMinivansMultiseaters9, 12 and 15seatersMercedes11 Lombard Road, London SW19 5TZ(near South Wimbledon underground station)Tel: +44 (0)20 8542 040335 Burr Road, Wandsworth SW18 4SQTel: +44 (0)20 8877 9999www.kendallcars.comFebruary 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |97

Underground Map98 | visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|February 2013

TRAVEL TO LONDONWHILE BEING TREATEDLIKE THE QUEENBook now on idbus.comA new kind of coach travel by SNCFfromPARIS: € 35 *LILLE: € 29 *LYON: € 59 *SNCF-C6 SAS cap. of € 6.000.000 - 519 037 147 RCS Paris, Reg. offices : 34 rue du Commandant Mouchotte, 75014 Paris, France.PLUGSFREE WIFICOMFORT* Price per person one way from Paris, Lille or Lyon on coaches running from 10/12/12 to 10/02/13.