London - A feature piece

Oi London!

I

f you’re planning a vacation this year, let London be your number one destination.

Try the quintessential British breakfast and end your day at a fine dining celebrity hotspot. Go for a stroll in the local thrift market or splurge in a luxury departmental store. Let this be your guide for the best of food and shopping experience.

- Praatika Mehra The Joy of Bargaining to splurging!

Pamper your pocket and self!

Brick Lane Market

W

alk into the hustle bustle of London’s favourite flea market.

Famous for its street art and antiques, you can find anything from old furniture to off beat vintage clothing boutiques here.

If you’re a bargain hunter then Sunday is the best time to visit Brick Lane Market. Wind up your shopping experience with dinner and drinks at a local cafe or restaurant.

Rockit Vintage Clothing Store, Brick Lane

Brick Lane Market

Stolen Space Gallery, Brick Lane Market

London’s Iconic Street (Hub of Fashion)

Carnaby Street Home to London’s most creative and innovative designers, Carnaby will offer you everything from street wear to designer boutiques. Stroll around and absorb the vintage look of most of the window displays. Take a break and relax in one of the street cafes. Watch the lights come up, which add the old world charm to Carnaby, once the night falls.

Designer Boutique

Carnaby Street @ Night

Primark

For affordable retail therapy!

All your clothing needs fullfilled under one roof. From womenswear to menswear, as well as children wear to home accessories, Primark caters to all needs and budget.

Selfridges means Yellow!

Selfridges Shopper

Selfridges equals to its iconic yellow colour. You cannot leave London, without a yellow Selfridges carry bag with all your goodies. The abode of high end fashion, Selfridges showcases the collections of Louis Vuitton, Stell McCartney and other brands of this luxury category. It is also famous for its upbeat, quirky window displays.

Louis Vuitton window display at Selfridges Selfridges, London

The Liberty The Liberty celebrates fine craftsmanship and pure indulgence in luxury. Designers like Vivien Westwood showcase their collection at the Liberty, London’s premium spot for shopping with style (and money). From authentic furniture to fine drapery, The Liberty is the ultimate luxury departmental store.

London’s most premium

“Shopping at Liberty is an experience to savour…a perfect clash of innovation, tradition and English eccentricity.”

-Time Out “Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.”

- Oscar Wilde (Poet)

Eat and burp in the best of London!

Dine out cheap or in style

Give your taste buds a treat after a long day of bargaining and carrying heavy shopping bags. You can take your pick from varying cuisines or hog on quintessential London food (think Fish n Chips). Order delicious food at a local restaraunt or be sighted at a celebritiy hot spot. You can even settle for a celebrity chef restaurant, where the masterchefs like Gordon Ramsay will be at your service. A splurge you definitely wont’ mind making.

Masala Zone

Exotic Indian Food under ÂŁ20 Craving Indian food? Choose Masala Zone.

Known for casual Indian dining experience, Masala Zone has a contemporary yet exotic feel to it. From Indian street food to the tradition regional curries, pick any dish on the menu to feed your appetite.

Ping Pong

For a modern Dim Sum experience

Want some Dim Sum? Try out Ping Pong for the traditional cuisine and a contemporary atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its edgy ambience, great food and affordability.Everything on the menu is handcrafted, a fact which Ping Pong restaraunt is really proud of.

Celeb Chef Pick!

He maybe known for the F-word but he’s better known for excellent food. Visit the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London for a celebrity chef owned culinary experience. Every penny paid would be worth every food grain. Its contemporay elegance and unparalleled service are the hallmarks of true excellence.

“Put that emotion in the food, because it’s so much more rewarding down the line.”

-Gordon Ramsay

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Julie’s

For elegant discreet dining experience Julie’s Restaurant and Champagne Bar located at Holand Park is perfect for those who are looking for a pleasant and quiet experience. Its a combination of discreet and elegant dining experience.

Julie’s is also famous for its charming little wine bar

“It’s really romantic and it’s done up beautifully.They have trees inside with white fairy lights in them. The food’s beautiful, European, and there’s always plenty of it. It’s not that posh and it’s really sweet. The perfect place to with a date.”

-Time Out

Splurge in Style

The Gallery @ Sketch Looking for an eccentric culinary experience? Check out the The Gallery @ Sketch, Mayfair. Originally a video gallery and now turned into a restaurant, The Gallery is a magnet for media crowd and personalities from the fashion world.

Turner Prize winner Martin Creed is the mastermind behind the layout and design of this vibrant gastro-brasserie. The reputed French Master Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s genius ensures that restaurant continues to live up to its edgy status.

Handy Tips Pick from one of the few tour packages available to see this city in a brand new way. From taxi to bicycle packages, buses to evening walks, you can even pick a theme for your tour. From Jack the Ripper Walk tour to 007 James Bond Taxi Cab tour, London has various options to see the best of London in a quirky style.

“www.walks.com London’s Best Guided Walks” - Time Out

If you’re the avid traveller kind, with a long list of places to visit in London, then this tip is for you. Scout for deals on tickets online.

Not only they provide decent discounts, they also off combination packages. London Eye, being a prime tourist attraction spot offers various flexi packages. You can check these out on www.londoneye.com For travelling in London, use the London Tubes. Not only they’re comfortable and fast, they’re also relatively cheap.

Instead of hiring personal taxis, use these well connected trains.

Purchase a London Tube Map and get familiar with the places. Also, don’t forget to buy an OYSTER CARD to make your travel smooth and ticket free.

With Oyster Card you can not only travel is Tubes, but also use the same card for the bus service. Just tap the card on the counter and go. It saves time and money.

You can always refund the card once your stay is over.

Explore different nooks and corners of this city while youre there. Walking in London is the best way to explore new places.

The major tourist districts in London are interconnected and one can walk from one place to another easily. The people in London are extremely helpful, especially the police patrol squad. You can always ask them for directions if you’re lost.

While you’re in London, please donot the musicals.

The theatre experience in London is mind blowing.

Watch your favourite films and novels being turned into musical adaptions in some of the famous theatres in London. The best Five Musicals : 1. The Lion King 2. Mamma Mia! 3. Thriller 4.Singing In The Rain 5. Phantom Of The Opera Don’t forget to get your picture clicked with some of the icons of London: 1.The Red Telephone Booth 2.The Guard Of London 3.The Black Taxi Of London 4.The Tower Bridge (famously The London Bridge) 5.The Wax Models @ Tussauds Museum.

6.Inside the London Eye Capsule 7.The Big Ben 8.The Lion @ Trafalgar Square 9.The Harrods 10.While crossing the Abbey Road (Get your Beatles Moment) With this guide in your hand, get ready to explore London in a new light.

Make the most of it. Travel, eat and discover. So what are you waiting for?

Go book your flight tickets now!