Pubs and Bars in London

The bars in London are just the places to experience London culture at its best. It’s one thing to drink and another to drink in the English pubs. It’s the place where everyone meets up after work to chit chat and sometimes to unwind over a drink or two. Pubs are popular hangout zone for professionals and students alike and a hub for the tourists as well. Spot a seat, grab a drink and watch the English culture unfurl.

There is something so organised about these pubs, that they seem like they’ve been around since forever. That’s quite true. The pub culture has existed in London for years immemorial. The ambience, the decor, the bartender, the people, their conversations and the quirky pub names, it doesn’t get more English.

Though pubs and bars in London are scattered all over the place, there are plenty in Convent Garden, Piccadilly and The Strand. For up market places visit South Kensington and West End. Clapham mostly sees professionals and students. Try experimenting with different places; pub hopping is also a part of the culture.

The pubs have no waiter scheme. You can sit at the counter or get a table and fetch your own drink. You don’t have to follow a line as well. Also remember that tipping isn’t so fashionable. But if you are keen, you could get them a drink instead. Talking to a stranger isn’t considered unusual too. You could strike an accidental conversation and know the local places and information that might come handy for your London trip.

You don’t have to be a drinker to enjoy the pub culture. There are some pubs in London which are family hangouts and serve good pub grub. Some places are hubs for locals and others are hounded by the student crowd. Pubs also host events like football matches, quizzes and live performances. The rooftop and the underground pubs are best known for their refreshing settings. Some hotels have in house bars too which are visited by the locals. Pick one which is most convenient and enjoy an evening like never before.

Pubs and bars in London serve almost every brand of wine, beer and other spirits. Though most people here prefer beer. You name it, they got it. Yet the local beers are the real showstoppers. With unique flavours, they are a must try. If you plan a visit and like crowds, do so on a weekday. Weekends see lesser crowds.

If you’re a beer lover and visiting London in August, here’s some good news for you. The Great British Beer Festival is held each year in August. The sound of beer and good grub is like music to the ears of a beer lover.

Though it’s not unusual to see kids in pubs, serving alcohol to those under 18 years of age is strictly prohibited. Pubs also don’t allow smoking.

On your way back, phone a minicab and ask the people in charge at the venue to help you out with it. Also check the licence of a cab before you board it.

For information on restaurants and bars in London, visit parkgrandkensington.co.uk

Deluxe Double Rooms in London

For family vacations, there is nothing like the deluxe double rooms in London. Travelling with family, especially kids means you’ll need way more than what single travellers need. That’s where the 3 and 4 star hotels come to your rescue, wrapped in package deals. It’s usually a combination of basic amenities and rates which are not-so-heavy on the pocket. Packages mostly include internet facility, tea and coffee, air conditioning, flat screen televisions and complimentary breakfast if you are lucky.

London welcomes backpackers and those on family vacations differently. While there are apartments, bed and breakfast facilities and youth hostels for backpackers, families have to be a bit more careful about comfort and convenience. Single rooms don’t work and so you need to set aside a budget for a comfortable if not luxurious stay. And save up on travel, sightseeing and shopping. Also, there are family discounts on public transport and entry fees to museums. London is an expensive city but there is no end to the fun you can have here with family.

Parks and gardens are like little treasures in London – the perfect picnic spots during the spring season of April-May. Watch out for the unpredictable showers. A windcheater or umbrella is always handy for the moody London weather. But spring time is a good time for families in London. It’s that time of the year when gardens and parks are at their floral best. There are ducks and goslings to be spotted everywhere. You don’t need to lug around heavy winter wear and it’s the perfect time for boat rides and guided bus tours. It’s neither too cold nor too hot for kids or the older members of the family.

No matter when you plan on a visit London, if you are travelling with children, there is no way you are leaving without visiting at least 5 museums and 5 art galleries. Let loose those curious minds through from the British Museum to the National Gallery, Royal Academy, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Natural History Museum to list a few. Some of these require a ticket but others are absolutely free! There are also special exhibitions which can be booked online with credit cards. Just a tip for the budget planners.

Eating out in London is expensive too! Mix expensive places with cheaper ones to get the best of the two worlds. Keep track of eating timings with children. You don’t want to spoil a vacation with mood swings. Also, there is diversity of cuisine in London. There are the tea and pastry shops, the Indian and Pakistani restaurants and of course the pub culture. What you pick completely depends on what your family members enjoy. Indian food can be spicy for kids and pubs aren’t fun places for kids. If you are a keen shopper, include a few toy shops in your list of places to visit and watch how shopping with kids becomes fun.

After all of this come back to your snug deluxe double rooms for a good night’s rest.

For information on deluxe double rooms and packages visit parkgrandkensington.co.uk

Club Double Rooms in London

People travelling to London, have a different level of expectation from the city. They want comfortable stay and a bit of luxury does not hurt. Lesser known destinations have made their way to the itinerary. And, a whole range of restaurants, pubs and theatres have given the traveller choice and rate options. So all you need is some smart budgeting and planning and you’ll be able to convert this ‘expensive city’ to a ‘no so expensive city’ full of choices.

The 3 and 4 star hotels seem to understand exactly what the travellers these days look for. The variety of facilities, rates and packages are to cater to these needs. The staff is warm, the rooms are spacious, amenities like internet and tea and coffee are mostly complimentary and there are packages for family and kids as well. There are single rooms, double rooms, deluxe rooms, double deluxe rooms and club double rooms. Each different rates and facilities.

When it comes to fixing an itinerary too, the trend has changed. People don’t just visit the popular spots, they go around exploring the city on their own. This means, there’s tons of travelling. Say hello to the Oyster Card! With these prepaid cards you have access to local transport. Kids under 14 can travel for free on buses and underground. The tube is also a great way to travel. It connects most of the important sightseeing points. Remember that taxis are expensive and keep them as back up options only. Entry fees to some museums and galleries have family discounts. There are also special exhibitions that can be booked online using credit card. A thorough research will definitely give you a tighter grip on your budget.

Single rooms, double rooms, deluxe rooms or club double rooms, they all have Wi-Fi facility. Read about your travel plans, make notes and have a plan jotted out either before you reach London or even once you are here but before you set out on your exploration tour. Also, speak to the hotel staff and visit the help desk. They will be more than happy to help you. And if you have a friend staying in London or know of someone who has recently visited London, ask for tips and feedback. There is nothing better than experience to learn from.

Travellers love to experiment with food as well. London restaurants are expensive but there are so many options. Of course you should splurge on a holiday. You could dine at some fancy restaurants and also visit food stalls and the ‘grab and goes’. For those travelling with kids, find a place to sit down and eat. You could also try the in house restaurants for your hotels or try something new places. There is so much to explore in London that you will never be disappointed. 

Cheap Hotel Rooms in London

Finding cheap hotel rooms in London can be quite a task. That’s hardly a surprise for a city that ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Yet, there is another side to London, the one you can roam about on a shoestring. Of course if you shop at the Oxford Street, pick a stay at the Baker Street and eat at the fancy restaurants, you are most likely to come back home with a punctured wallet. How about you walk through the lesser known yet interesting lanes of London and follow the road of the supersaver traveller?

Hotels, restaurants, museums, shopping, parks and gardens and tons of other sightseeing. There is so much to do in London! The good news is that for every Oxford Street, there is a Westway, the long list of museums has the British Museum and National Gallery squeezed in to it, the Borough Market doesn’t fail to appease the foodies and there are enough cheap hotel rooms, apartments and B&Bs if you look carefully.

London is loaded with free sightseeing too. The Kensington Gardens, The Hyde Park, St Paul’s Church, Tate Britain and so many other grand cathedrals and magnificent churches are waiting to be explored. Also visit the Houses of Parliament (here’s the Big Ben), the Mediatheque at the British Film Institute, Serpentine Gallery Kensington, Photographer’s Gallery, Natural History Museum, Wallace Collection, Whitechapel Gallery amongst other places. Do take a guided tour or a ferry ride to spot all those hidden city treasures.

Well, London is also a foodies’ haven. On Thursday and Friday, visit the Whitecross food market at Barbican, The Borough Market at a stone’s throw away from the London Bridge is another delightful place, the Southwark Cathedral steps is a surprise for the gourmet and so are Tesco’s and Sainsbury. Walk around the local lanes and chance upon restaurants and pubs for a lovely food expedition of your own.

There is also something for the shopaholics. The others can join them too! The Portobello Market is just like a dream come true. Walk through Westway and Spitalfields Market for Victorian Market Halls, Middlesex Street – Petticoat Lane Sunday Market, Camden Market and other local markets for some whimsical London shopping.

While a chunk of your holiday budget will go in to your stay, here’s some supersaver ideas that could help you save those extra bucks. First, compare rates and look for packages when you set out hotel hunting. Second, look for places not only in the city but also around the city. Third, try getting a place near the tube station, it helps save on travel charges and time. Finally, book well in advance. Many people travel to London during the holiday season especially for its discount rates and shopping sales. Kensington, Paddington and Notting Hill are nice places to stay. Also, don’t just consider luxury places but look at cheap hotel rooms, apartments and bed and breakfast places as well.

Find cheap hotel rooms, discounts and packages on http://parkgrandkensington.co.uk/