Home to 8 million inhabitants, the historic city of London is one of the world’s most visited cities, with an endless supply of landmarks and attractions telling tales from more than 2,000 years ago to the present day. England’s capital, a city of world diplomacy and commerce, embraces its colorful past while it looks to the future with an innovative arts, food and fashion scene. Museum goers, theater lovers, foodies, students of history and royal family fans will find their passions and much more in the city on the River Thames.
GETTING THERE
Five major airports serve London: London Heathrow, London Stansted, London Gatwick, London Luton and London City. Coach transfers are a great value for the money, with National Express services starting from about $7.88 when booked in advance. Air-conditioned coaches run 24 hours a day, many featuring WiFi. Dedicated express trains run regularly to central London stations from Heathrow ($33 one way), Gatwick ($28) and Stansted ($12.60). Use your Oyster Card to take the Tube or Docklands Light Railway from Heathrow or London City. For taxi service, hail a black cab at the airport or book in advance with Addison Lee, London’s largest minicab company, for a fixed price.
GETTING AROUND
A Visitor Oyster Card provides discounted access to several forms of public transportation in London, from the Tube and buses to surface rail networks. The pay-as-you-go card, obtainable at any Tube or major rail station, costs approximately $4.75 (nonrefundable). The Tube provides the fastest and easiest way to get around the city with its extensive lines color-coded and mapped on the walls at each station. Tickets operate on a system of zones, with Zone 1 covering most tourist attractions. The cash fare for a single journey in Zone 1 costs about $7.55, while the Oyster fare is about $3.60 for the same journey. Taxis are metered, with a minimum charge of about $3.75. As of last year, visitors can no longer pay for London bus fare with cash; the Oyster fare for bus service is about $2.35.
9–5
Berners Tavern
Plan a business lunch or impress a client at the sophisticated Berners Tavern inside the luxury London EDITION. Helmed by London’s own Michelin-starred executive chef Jason Atherton, the award-winning restaurant serves contemporary British cuisine, including the freshest produce from the British Isles and beef selected from the region’s most conscientious farmers.
Bread Street Kitchen
London’s early-to-rise corporate crowd meets at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, serving a modern European menu in central London. The expansive restaurant offers lots of room between tables, giving guests privacy while they do business over eggs Benedict and English breakfast favorites.
Fortnum & Mason
One of the oldest and most famous stores in Piccadilly, opened in 1707, Fortnum & Mason offers a number of venues for bespoke corporate events. In addition to its five restaurants, the iconic store features four venues for special occasions including The Crypt, an elegant wine cellar with seating for up to 10 guests or space for 16 for cocktail receptions.
AFTER 5
Artesian
The Langham, London’s award-winning Artesian bar is a glamorous spot to unwind after work, boasting the city’s largest collection of rums, an extensive Champagne list and classic and innovative cocktails in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. This chic bar’s new menu is themed “Unfolding and Exploring,” allowing guests to unfold new experiences and explore unusual ingredients with creative cocktails that impress both the palate and the eye. Try Camouflage, one of its signature drinks served in a golden pineapple.
The Ivy
One of London’s most in-demand restaurants, The Ivy is a uniquely British institution and a favorite with the city’s business elite as well as the preand post-theater crowd, located a stone’s throw from many West End theaters. Coupled with unmatchable service is the restaurant’s matchless menu, boasting dishes from around the world with British flavor. Be sure to try the famous shepherd’s pie.
London Eye
The world’s largest observation wheel, the London Eye wows visitors with jaw-dropping views of the capital day or night. New this year is the Cocktail Hour Experience, offering expertly crafted cocktails as well as spectacular nighttime views of the city’s shimmering landmarks. Book in advance, as spaces fill up quickly.
RESOURCES
For more information, visit visitlondon.com
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