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Not surprisingly, this capital is a Mecca for visitors and a great place to live. One of the world’s most remarkable and exciting cities, London carries with it a blend of history, ground-breaking architecture and a way of life that’s created an amazing and constantly evolving destination. London is a vibrant metropolis that embraces the diverse cultures of its population - reflected through its cuisine, shops, music and festivals - a place where the historic past and the pulsating present come alive each and every day. Think Charles Dickens and Shakespeare of years past meet the cutting edge culture of today.

LONDON

Despite its population of over 7 million, more than 30% of London is made up of parks and green space - greater than any other city of its size in the world. Home to Britain’s national art collections, the Royal family and a host of major attractions, London’s rich history (and over 200 museums) offers travelers a unique experience. The city also offers some of the best shopping opportunities in the world - from major department stores (you have to check out Harrods) to designer boutiques and street markets, the choices here are incalculable. And as if that wasn’t enough, London is also pretty darn hard to beat when it comes to nightlife. There are immense choices in restaurants (over 6,000), pubs, cinemas, theatres and nightclubs - not to mention, live music and comedy venues.

So, at any time of day, whatever your mood - London has something for everyone. Whether it’s shopping like the girls from “Absolutely Fabulous” or watching the latest music talent bloom in front of your eyes. London is home to great musical giants like: Coldplay, Pink Floyd, and a little band we have all come to know and love: The Rolling Stones. Whether you are strolling along the streets in Windsor, buying art in Notting Hill, celebrity spotting in Piccadilly, riding the London Eye for the spectacular views, or trying to spot Prince William downing a lager in Chelsea- the possibilities are endless here. No spot is the same. And remember, you can take the tube each day to a new stop, just don’t forget to “mind the gap” when you do.

With so many choices (particularly where food is concerned), London also has real international flavor, with all tastes and budgets in consideration. Known as a Culinary hub, London is a true paradise for food lovers - offering everything from Indian, Mediterranean and Oriental, to traditional and Arabic restaurants - on (what seems like) every corner. Hungry for traditional Bangers n’ Mash, or Faggots and Peas? Pop into any of the millions of pubs you see. But here’s some advice: when in a pub, make sure you go to the bar to order your cider and Steak and Kidney Pie directly - not from a server- they don’t often exist at pubs! And know this: when you stroll around town, you’ll likely be greeted by the smell of fresh Fish n’ Chips that lingers in the air (a nice late night snack after partying at one of the journeyPod picks below).

Here are a few tips: Whatever you decide, you must have the quintessential English afternoon tea - a perfect way to end a hard day of shopping or sight-seeing. And, no matter what you think: black pudding is not a dark chocolate cake!

Now that we’ve got your attention, check our journeyPod picks to some of the best places on the London restaurant and nightlife scene. These spots are just too good to miss.

Restaurants

Sumosan - The hottest name to drop in the Socio-culinary cycle, Sumosan is located on Albermarle Street in Mayfair. Celebrities like Will Smith, Laurence Fishburne, and Christina Aguilera rave about the food and are avid regulars when in the area. Guests enjoy Japanese gastronomy with a hint of western sophistication as they watch pages of Cosmo spring to life before them - beautiful models and actors grace the interior of this ultra sleek hotspot. After hours, J-Bar opens - the capital’s most famous private members club that opens its doors to the fortunate, posh crowd of London who enjoy the award-winning Sumosan punch and dance to the latest beats from the DJ. Tip: Find a way to get your name on the VIP list - if not, you can always try the: “I’m David Beckham’s cousin.” fib - it is so worth it!

Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s - BBC watchers of the show “The F word” will be glad to hear that now they can taste the meals they see being prepared at home at this great location. Part of a chain of excellent restaurants (with its latest addition at the London Hotel in NY), the food is a nice balance of meats and seafood. London’s only triple Michelin-awarded Chef Gordon Ramsay - known for his perfectionism and sharp tongue - dazzles guests with his gourmet heaven at Claridge. Celebrity guests such as Sharon Osbourne sip on oysters, and savor favorites like the Monkfish filet wrapped in Parma ham, fricassee of lentils, chervil papardelle and a horseradish veloute. Just make sure you bring the plastic! Prices are a little steep - but if you know good food, you’ll relish each moment at Claridge. The restaurant is located on Brook Street.

Nobu - Located in the stylish Metropolitan Lane area, Nobu is part of the Myriad Restaurant Group that continues to please customers with the freshest and most carefully constructed Japanese dishes. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa amazes his guests with his innovative creations, especially the Omakasa (Chef’s choice). This dish offers a succulent combination of tempura, yaki and ponzu prepared dishes. The menu is similar to that of Nobu NY - with guest favorites such as the black cod with miso and yellow tail with jalapeno. The decor is minimal, with cream leather seating and neutral tones that make the colorful food really pop! The view of Hyde Park from the restaurant is breathtaking and a spot on the veranda during the summer can be a challenge. Zagat survey agrees, by awarding this awesome restaurant with a well-deserved Michelin star.

Amaya - Located on Halkin Arcade in Chelsea, Londoners agree that this curry spot is by far the best in the city. Amaya gives sharing dinner with friends a new name. The restaurant is decorated with colorful murals, glass chandeliers and Indian statues. Chef Karunesh Khanna leaves guests speechless as plates of biryani, oysters in a coconut sauce, lamb chops and beautifully spiced lobster are placed in the middle of the table for everyone to share. Hungry yet? The restaurant is located at 15 Halkin Arcade.

Locanda Locatelli - Giorgio Locatelli once said: “An Italian’s role in life is to feed people. A lot. We can’t help it.” He does what he preaches, at his charming northern Italian restaurant located on Seymour Street. From Fresh made pasta to amazing risotto dishes, pasta-terians (like us) know good pasta dishes. And his are better than good. Try the Gnocchi di patate e funghi a tartufo nero - trust us! Decorated in modern furnishings, Locanda Locatelli is fine dining with an impressive wine list.

Hakkasan - Offering the ultimate Chinese dining experience in London, Chef Alan Yau has committed himself to bringing back the dragon when it comes to food and decor. Chinese lanterns hang above happy guests enjoying Szechwan chicken in the most cozy blue and purple seating. The drinks are unique and have been designed by guru cocktail-maker Dick Bradsell - who fuses together a mean and carefully concocted Asian martini. The staff is attentive, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is light and comforting. Hakkasan is located at 8 Hanway Place.

Gilgamesh - Located in the Stables Camden Market, Gilgamesh is by far the most intriguing restaurant, bar and lounge in all of London. Ancient sculptures and a hand-crafted mural from India tell the story of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, half mortal and half god. Guests get cozy in beautiful plush seating as they enjoy fresh sushi and a Kutu specialty martini made up of chili, mint, pink grapefruit and Tangeray Gin. The restaurant is a spectacle in itself, constructed as a replica of a palace that was built in the Babylonian times. Gilgamesh is also an establishment divided into a restaurant, tea house, terrace bar, lounge and a VIP Babylon lounge. This is a very cool spot. And, if you really want to read more about Gilgamesh, check out www.gilgameshbar.com.

Loch Fyne - From the shores of Loch Fyne in Scotland, this restaurant provides only the freshest fish and shellfish to ever hit your palate. Are you craving the other white meat? Then let us order for you: start the night off with a romantic appetizer of oysters with a champagne sabayon sauce, then try the traditional Bradan Rost- a roasted salmon char grilled with a whisky and wild mushroom sauce. A must try when in the UK! What’ that…you can’t fit the London restaurant into your busy London itinerary? Don’t you worry - there are over 20 locations across the UK to choose from and this is no ordinary chain.

Nozomi - Opened by Marios George (famous in the nightclub industry), Nozomi is a chic restaurant/bar in Chelsea that boasts classy 1920’s decor. Known for its excellent Japanese cuisine, the locals swear by the sushi. Nozomi is also known for its attractive, stylish clients who, after enjoying Asian tapas, party the night away to the best pop and disco songs from the last few decades. The trendy bar at Nozomi can be found on the lower level (the restaurant is on the upper level). Nozomi is located at 14-15 Beauchamp Place.

City Spice - Located on Thurland Street in Brick Lane next to many other competitive Indian restaurants - City Spice is definitely the way to go when you’re in the mood for this cuisine. A very modern eatery, City Spice features a wide range of delicious Indian dishes - many which are exclusive and cannot be found in other restaurants outside of India. Two of these dishes include the Chicken Khotta Mutta (a sweet and tangy, BBQ-spiced appetizer) and Sab’makamaza (a tandoori meat and vegetable dish prepared with green chilis in a clay oven). To all you late-nighters, City Spice is opened till 2 on weekends.

LONDON

Bars & Nightlife

Ministry of Sound - Mention these three words to any clubber and they’ll know exactly what you are talking about. This place is so hot they put out their own CD each year! The quality of DJs that spin here gets better every year as scouts travel the distance to find out who’s hot. The venue is dark - garnished with flat screen TV’s and an impressive sound system. The sizzling crowd that frequents Ministry of Sound can sip on their mixed drinks (always order “on the rocks” or “straight up” to get your money’s worth) at the sophisticated white bar, while the fashionable crowd shows off their designer wear on the catwalk overlooking the bar. Ministry of Sound is located on Gaunt street, Elephant and Castle. Here’s a tip: Pre-book a guest list to shorten the wait at the door, otherwise, be prepared with patience.

Milk and Honey - Wanna feel like you’re stepping back into time with Howard Hughes and Ava Gardner? Put on your best pearls and bring along your Meerschaum cigarette holders - this is a place that teleports you back to the roaring 30’s. A speakeasy-style, reservations-only trendy new bar, Milk and Honey is located on Poland Street in Soho. As vibrant as it sounds, this hard-to-find hotspot boasts a decor that can only be described as classy, with dark, cozy booths to get into an intimate discussion with that certain someone. The music here is 30’s jazz and swing, so grab your partner and sway to the Glen Miller Orchestra’s “Moonlight Serenade”. Milk and Honey provides an exclusive feel with secret upper-floor accommodations for members who want to pay the annual fee. Here’s a tip to remember: make a reservation by calling in advance since turning up at the door won’t work (especially as we’re not allowed to tell you exactly where it is!)

The End - Situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, this killer club has staged every known DJ! For you music fans: Daft Punk had their first performance on the stage here. Easily the best sound-system in London, crowds continue to spend their nights bobbing their heads and worshiping the celebs and resident DJs who frequent this place and manage to keep people dancing with a flick of a finger. The End is colorful with a metallic theme to it, and guests can relax in the lounge-style room (reminiscent of a giant cabana) before heading to the main dance floor. The End is located at 18 West Central Street.

Fabric - Built on the site of a Victorian meat cellar, Fabric has established itself as one of London’s premier club venues and the nightspot to be at when in London. With a regular lineup of top DJs taking to the decks, Fabric is a true super club. You’ll get the best of both worlds by reclining in bed-seats and enjoying a dry-martini before going wild on the dance floor. Located at 77a Charterhouse Street, Fabric spins house, trance, rap and salsa on different nights and with multiple rooms for different styles. The club also stays open till 3 a.m. when the rest of the town goes down to sleep!

Volupte Lounge - From flappers and magicians, to jazz and teatime treats, this cheeky club tucked behind Chancery Lane is a world of pleasure and exquisite delight that combines everything naughty with everything nice, and where anything goes! Add some cream teas, cigars, organic cocktails, cabaret and comedy - and you’ve got yourself a quirky little spot with divine three-course meals. Volupte Lounge also boasts a two-floor bar with secret zones, nooks and crannies. For daytime entertainment, Volupte offers “Afternoon Tease” - where innovative cocktails (like the Japanese Slipper) are served during sultry performances from the likes of Tallulah Mockingbird. Look for husky singers belting out Nina Simone or bold burlesque strip tease acts - just perfect for a girly afternoon outing! With an emphasis on the burlesque and vaudeville - you can’t go wrong at Volupte Lounge, located at 9 Norwich Street.

Eclipse - Among the many restaurants and bars of Notting Hill, lays this small bar decked out in daring contemporary decor. Comfy leather seats, short tables, and open fireplace add to the charming atmosphere, but your eyes will be drawn to the green bar and dramatically suspended lampshades. The Barmaids and Bartenders are extremely attentive and not bad to look at either (a hint for the newly single people out there)! The locals that hang out here are charming, unpretentious and just darn cool. Try the Watermelon martini with fresh chunks of fruit - which also make the trip to Eclipse so worth it. Thursdays through Saturdays the lounge attracts popular DJs that play some of the best music in London.

Cherry Jam - Notting Hill’s best kept secret (did we just let that slip?). This laid-back bar says “hasta la vista” to the velvet rope and VIP rooms and instead delivers a no-hassle, fun night out. Often touted as a “24-hour food, club, music and arts venue,” music is often the main deal here. They offer special nights with live bands, rotating DJs and a mix of funk, retro pop and soul. Cherry Jam hosts art exhibitions and film screenings throughout the year - attracting an eclectic and interesting crowd. Tip: Since orders for cocktails at the bar can run pretty deep - order pitchers to share.

Art Bar - Located on popular Walton Street in Chelsea, this stylish watering hole showcases art along its walls making for a rather inviting atmosphere. The bar also features a large plasma screen that displays fashion TV - which the crowd doesn’t seem to notice, since its usually too busy checking each other out! A very hip spot, this destination draws affluent locals who enjoy a drink or two. And since the cocktails are so good, folks tend to get pissed (British for drunk) - so approach with caution! If you get hungry, don’t fret -a variety of International dishes are served at the bar.

Beach Blanket Babylon - This triple threat (lounge, bar and club) nightspot is a fairy tale- styled destination that boasts the eclectic decor of a French Country Chateau combined with Gaudi-esque architecture. With furnishings that set the scene for a truly unique and magical experience, upstairs at Beach Blanket Babylon you’ll find a bar that has vintage jewelry hung up on the walls to go along with some of the most expensive drinks in London. The centerpiece of the club is Crypt, a gothic-themed room with an open fire-place. The club is a maze of bridges, walkways and tunnels - and after one two many martinis, you’ll feel like a drunk Alice in Wonderland. Definitely a funky, quirky venue that serves up a fun time! Beach Blanket Babylon is located at 45 Ledbury Road in Notting Hill Gate.

Hawley Arms - Our picks would not be complete without listing this awesome pub. Located in a fairly quiet area near the Stables Market in Camden, this pub is the king of pubs when visiting London. The can’t miss green exterior and recently renovated Hawley Arms attract the locals, as well as a few tourists who sit together and enjoy a nice tall stout beer. This is also a perfect place to take the weight off your feet or to park family members who may not be so enamored with the market as you are. Kelly Osbourne has taken dad to this pub for a nice father-daughter chat over a pint of Old Bob and excellent fish and chips. And, with an awesome jukebox, great drinks and a really welcoming atmosphere, why not check it out?

London shout outs to Bill,Diana and Dana Z.!!!

Written by journeypod.com - your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, the hottest nightlife, and the coolest restaurants. It’s the insiders guide to luxury and vip access around the world.