Piccadilly Circus Plaza

Piccadilly Circus is one of the most popular hubs of entertainment in London. Sited in the area of Westminster it is the heart of the London city. The place was named after the famous Piccadilly Street by John Nash. Piccadilly is the most exciting areas in the city and its stifling crowd, blinking ads and vivacious night life makes it even livelier. The circus is decorated during the festive season which often adds to the beauty of the place. The statue of Angel of Christian Charity sited at the centre of the Piccadilly Circus is the most beautiful structure at the place. The Piccadilly Street is well known as the most elegant street in the city. It is home to several well known restaurants, pubs and night clubs. Piccadilly Circus is also famous for numerous theatres sited at the Haymarket, Shaftesbury, Coventry Street and Glasshouse Street. Some of the most popular entertainment and shopping areas of London are also located in the region of Piccadilly Circus. It is by far one of the busiest areas in the city. Piccadilly Circus is extremely popular amongst the tourists. The Piccadilly Circus tube station is also one of the most crowded London underground.

Piccadilly Circus comprises of four streets including – Piccadilly, Regents Street, Covent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue. The Shaftesbury memorial fountain sited at the centre of the circus is a famous London Landmark. Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, Soho and Shaftesbury are located just a stones throw away from the Piccadilly Circus. London itself has numerous attractions and some of the most popular amongst them are sited around the Piccadilly Circus. Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Admiralty Arch, Liberty, St James Palace, Covent Garden, St James Park, Royal Opera House, Queen Victoria Memorial and Cleopatra’s Needle are some of the renowned London attractions located near the Piccadilly Circus.

Several sensational events are also organized at the Piccadilly Circus. Keb Darge’s Legendary Deep Funk is one of such events which is organized every Friday at Madame Jojo’s Westminster. The venue is within the walking distance from the Piccadilly Circus. This dance party is the favourite hub of the party animals and several dancers also participate in the event. The Getdown, Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, London Friday Night Skate, Lush Launch party at Pacha, Berwick Street Market and Marilyn are some of the other happening events in the area. Piccadilly Circus and the area around is also one of the best places to shop at. It is home to several globally renowned braded show rooms. Lillywhite’s sited within the distance of 1 minute is one of the most visited shops in the town. It owes a remarkable heritage and great brand image. Fortum and Mason, Zavvi - Virgin Megastore (Music store), Water stones Piccadilly (Book shop), Lush (Perfumes) and Simon Carter (Jewellery) are some of the other well known shops in the area.
Piccadilly Circus hosts a wide range of restaurants, pubs and bars. The region offers a variety of delicious cuisines from almost all the parts of the world. Some of the best and the most hygienic restaurants of London are located in the area of Piccadilly Circus.

Amongst all these eateries following is the list of the best amongst them:
• Japan Centre Restaurant Toku – Offers extremely appetizing Japanese cuisines in an outstanding environment. The restaurant offers great hospitality and best prices.

• Noura Central – Lebanese restaurant offering good quality food at exceptionally normal costs. It is one of the best restaurants in London and Paris and is well known for its services.
• Wagamama – Offers South East Asian Cuisine in a mesmerizing atmosphere.
• Chowki – Offering scrumptious flavours of Indian and south Indian cuisines.
• St Alban – Offering modern European Cuisine.
• Fortum and Mason- Well known Café and Delis. A fountain restaurant by the same name offers a wide variety of British cuisine.

Thus it can be said that Piccadilly Circus is the liveliest areas of London and is a must to visit whenever you tour London.

London Night Clubs

The happening capital city of UK – London is amongst the most popular tourist’s destinations in the world. London night life is known to be the best after New York. It is home to several restaurants, pubs, night clubs, dancing dens, theatres etc. As London is a multi ethnic city, you can find a variety of delicious cuisines at the restaurants in the city. Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus, West End etc are some of the areas extremely popular for offering vivacious and electrifying night life. Some of the most excellent London night clubs listed below:

• Egg
Egg is one of the most popular night clubs in London. It is sited in the region of Kings Cross St Pancras. The night club covers a wide area and has 3 floors with a gorgeous terrace garden. The club also offers a well maintained swimming pool during the summer season. Egg is also involved in organizing events and can easily accommodate up to 1400 guests but, the minimum number of guests is 50. With a wide variety of rocking music, the night club also offers food, drinks and snacks. The place is well known for dance parties.

• Fabric
Fabric is amongst the most excellent night clubs in the city located at the Charterhouse Street, London. The club has an electrifying sound system in three different rooms. The most attractive feature of the club is the vibrating floor at the club, it is popularly known as the body sonic dance floor. The floor is attached to the 400 bass transducers that emit the melodious bass frequencies. It is also an ideal option for organizing parties and other events. The club also offers a variety of packages and membership schemes etc.

• The Forum
The Forum is situated in the region of Kentish Town, London and is the most popular amongst the youth. It offers a great sense of intimacy and has an exceptional design, architecture and décor. It is the first preference of the people who love watching live performances. Some of the best bands in the city perform at the club. Forum is one the few night clubs who hold a license of playing music for 24 hours. The club can easily accommodate 2500 guests. So all the clubbers, Forum can surely be the next night club on your list.

• Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound is a globally renowned name in the industry and was even rated at the sixth position amongst the top 100 night clubs. Sited in the Gaunt Street, London it is one of the busiest night clubs in the city. It offers a dominant and passionate clubbing environment. Ministry of Sound not only offers a dazzling DJ night but it also offers several DJ courses etc. With all such facilities in an extremely thrilling environment, Ministry of Sound has become one of the most successful night clubs in the world.

• The Kingly Club
London Groove is the trendiest night clubs in the region of London’s Soho. The club offers spectacular flashing dance floors with the music of all the rage. It is one of the most desirable venues in the city and is popular for its fine service, sushi, champagne and great music. With one of the coolest crowd in the city the club offers the best music by some of the renowned DJ’S. You can also plan a private or a corporate party at this happening venue. The club offers several membership packages and discounts.

So if you are looking for some of the vibrant venues where you can rock your night, then the clubs mentioned above are some of the best options available in the city. The London night life is so popular amongst the tourists that it is also one of the renowned London attractions.

Tremendous Tower of London

London is home to several tourists attractions and thus is also one of the most preferred tourist’s destinations. Tower of London has been the royal fortress and palace of England’s Her Majesty. Though the Tower of London is no more a royal residence but it will officially remain a royal palace. It is one of the most popular attractions in London and is also a supreme landmark in the city. It is located close to the north bank of the Thames River. Sited in the region of London’s Borough of Tower Hamlets, it is easily accessible from the Tower Hill Tube station.

The place is commonly identified with the well known White Tower. It is a great example of the architecture of Norman military. It is said that the tower was founded by the renowned conqueror – Sir Williams when he affirmed his power and was protecting London.

The Tower offers protection to the city through its excellent defensive structure. It also provides a garrison and controls the citizens by the same means. The last military conquest took place at the tower and thus it is one of the most remarkable iconic landmarks of United Kingdom. The Tower of London is made up of ancient stones and has priceless jewels. It holds several astonishing stories from across the centuries. It always had a gloomy reputation as a palace of death and torture. Despite of this dark image it is an extremely enduring and powerful fortress. It has served as a zoo for several years in the past and had been an imperative armoury.

Sited at the centre of the Tower of London is the White Tower, built by the William in the year 1078. It is 90 feet high with four turrets above the battlements. The influence of the white tower was felt in the entire kingdom. The renowned bedchamber and the crown jewels at the tower are not worth missing. You can also explore the place where the prisoners wept and the heads rolled. The tower held several prisoners who belong to almost all levels of the society. This was the place of confinement of the prisoners and the graffiti left by several such prisoner can still be read. You can also explore a brilliant exhibition – Henry VIII – Dressed to Kill, which started on 3rd April 2009 and will last till 17 January 2009. The exhibition is organized at all three floors of the White Tower. In the exhibition a large number of objects that belonged to Henry VIII are on display. Explore the legend Henry VIII as a sportsman, the king and as warrior.

The exhibition also displays the great royal armouries. Several key paintings from the reign of Henry VIII are also displayed in the exhibition. The objects displayed in the exhibition are presented with new dazzling audio – video effects and lighting. The Tower of London has also been featured in films and documentaries. The attraction is open throughout the year although the timings are different for summers and winters. This summer explore the Tower with exceptional family friendly installations that will reveal the story of this great fortress. The stories of the tower under the attacks and the weapons and soldiers who defended it will also be interacted. The Imperial state crown and the Maundy dish which is still a part of the traditions of the annual monarchy can also be explored.

To add some more adventure you can opt for the Beefeater tour available at the attraction. In this tour the “Yeoman Warder’ which is the body of beefeaters will tell you some interesting stories of the people who guarded the fortress for centuries. You will surely be appalled and astounded by these tales. To brief it all the following lists will tell you what is not to be missed when you visit this royal London attraction:

• The White Tower
• Henry VIII – Dressed to Kill
• Crown Jewels
• Lady Jane Grey graffiti
• Yeoman Warder tours
• Prisoners exhibition
• Tower Green
• Ravens
• Medieval Palace
• Family Fun activities

A Ride to Central London

Central London is one of the most popular regions in London. It is referred to the area located on the north south areas of the river Thames. The central London is widely spread and covers an area of around 26 square kilometers. It can e divided into three districts – the City, South Bank and the West End. Some of the major London places are sited in the Central London. The place offers some of the most sought after locations in the city. Central London is home to several well known London hotels, restaurants, bars, night clubs and several vivacious shopping districts. The theatres of West End are one of the major tourist’s attractions in Central London.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Central London:
• Buckingham Palace – This London attraction is open in summer season only. This year the royal palace is open for tourists between 26th July – 28th September 2009. It is easily accessible from the Victoria tube station and the price of the ticket is 16.50 pounds for adult and 9.50 pounds for children.

• London Eye – This magnificent wheel is one of the most popular tourist’s attractions in the world. Sited close to the river Thames it offers excellent views of the city. Embankment Tube station is the nearest tube station. The tickets for the London Eye flight will cost you around 17 pounds.

• Tower of London – It is one of the historical sights in United Kingdom and attracts millions of tourists every year. Tower of London is also one of the most popular iconic landmarks of London. It is easily accessible through Tower Hill tube station.

• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – One of the most excellent wax museums in the world. Sited close to the Bakers Street tube station, London.

• London Dungeon – This terrifying traitor boat ride is an extremely adventurous ride. It will cost you 20 pounds approximately.

• London Aquarium – Located close to the Waterloo tube station and the entry will cost you 15.25 pound approximately.

• Tower Bridge – It is one of the most excellent vantage points in London. It hosts several exciting exhibitions throughout the year. It is just a stones throw away from the London Bridge Tube.

• Kensington Palace – This royal palace in the city was once a private country house now the tourists can also explore this beautiful and ethnic palace. The entry tickets are worth 12.50 pounds for the adults.

• St Paul’s Cathedral – St Paul’s is one of the most visited churches in London. You can explore this church at the price of 11 pounds.

• London Zoo – It is amongst the best tourists attractions in the city and has an easy access from the Chalk Farm tube station. The entry ticket for the zoo will cost you around 18.50 pounds.

Night Clubs in Central London
• Egg
• Fabric
• Future Fusion
• Heaven
• Ministry of Sound

Restaurants in Central London
• Greig’s Restaurant – Located in the Bruton Place and offers British Cuisine.
• Browns Bar & Brasserie – Situated at the Maddox Street, Mayfair and well known for European and Brasserie Cuisines.
• 1997 – Popular for Chinese Cuisine.

• 2 Amici Italian Restaurant – Popular for offering delicious Italian cuisine and situated at the Rochester Row.
• Bhatti – At the Covent Garden and offers delicious variety of Indian food.
• Taste of India – Catherine Street
• Tandoori Nights – Covent Garden offers Indian Cuisine.

Shopping in Central London
• Tottenham Court Road – Electronics
• Charing Cross – Books
• Denmark Street –Music
• Bond Street – Luxury Goods
• Covent Garden – Clothes
• Oxford Circus – Clothes and Accessories

Hotels in Central London
Central London houses several cheap hotels, luxury hotels and other comfortable accommodations such as:
• Hilton London Kensington Hotel ****
• Central House Hotel ***
• Marble Arch Inn Hotel *
• Ashley Hotel **
• Grange City Hotel *****

Central London is one of the most vibrant areas in London. It has something or the other to offer for every one. Besides night clubs, bar and restaurants there are several other means of entertainment such as theatres, malls and much more. So next time you visit London, Central London is the place where you can book your hotel.

Science Museum London - Globally Renowned Resource of Technology

London is home to several art galleries and museums. Being the capital of United Kingdom, it has a rich, powerful and royal history and thus it has a lot of museums that still keep the memories of the royal history alive. Some of the museums and galleries in the city are globally well known and attract millions of tourists every year. Amongst all these London’s Kew Gardens, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Photographers Gallery, Tate Gallery and Science Museum are some of the most visited galleries and museums in the city.

Science Museum is one of the most globally renowned museums in the world and is well known for historic collections. Founded in the year 1857, it has a great glass building commonly known as Crystal Palace. The fund generated from the exhibitions held in Science Museum is used in the educational developments as it was initially suggested by its supporter Prince Albert. Science Museum holds more than 3, 00,000 items in its commendable collection. A collection based around a medical theme by Henry Wellcome is one of the most valuable collections in the museum. The museum also hosts a library which was once known as National Library of Britain for Technology, Science and Medicine. You can find several manuscripts, periodicals and early books in this library. This library is a great resource for scholar’s world wide. The medical collection of the Science Museum also serves the intellectuals globally.

The museum has recently launched a new section called Weellcome Wing, entirely dedicated to the Bioscience. The wide range and intensity of collection at the Science Museum makes it a leading centre for demonstrating the contemporary science in the world. The museum also includes several permanent and temporary galleries. The East Hall is the most appealing section and is also the first area seen by visitors in the Science museum. It is filled with a number of iconic steam engines which depict the story of the revolution in British industry. The Exploring Space Gallery in the museum is also one of the major attractions in the science museum. It exhibits a variety of rockets and items that were once used for space explorations.

Science Museum London is one of the most visited London attractions and is extremely popular amongst the scholars and students. The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 – 6:00 p.m. The entry to the museum is free of charge but there is entry fee for some special exhibitions. The museum hosts a café and souvenir shop which is popular amongst the youngsters. It is easily accessible through several public transports and is within the walking distance from the South Kensington tube station. Educational group tours, events and resource material are also organized by the Science Museum. It is also well known for offering development and professional trainings to the teaching staff from all over the world. The museum is also renowned as a research centre and several facilities for the smooth progress of research are also offered by the museum.

Taking Back Sunday in London

Taking Back Sunday is a globally renowned rock band which has its originally formed in New York, America in the year 1999. The first album of this band came in the year 2001 but, it did not do well initially. After the release of their first album, the band changed the line up of their artists. Soon after the change of the line up the second album known as – Tell All Your Friends was released. This was the actual flavour of success for the band. The band performed several stage shows along with other popular bands such as Brand New, The Used and many more. The band was also a part of the Vans Warped Tour held in 2003. In the middle of the career of this band two of the artists left the band and this departure led to a doubtful future of this band. Currently this outstanding rock band consists of the following performers –:

Lead Vocals – Adam Lazzara
Vocals, Guitar – Matt Fazzi
Drummer – Mark O’Connell
Lead Guitarist – Eddie Reyes
Bass, Vocals – Matt Rubano

The new group has also performed with several celebrated performers in some of the most successful tours in the history of rock music. Though the band is quite old now but, every time it comes with a new album it sounds as refreshing and rocking as ever. This probably is the reason of the huge fan following of the band and the unparallel popularity of the band. Taking Back Sunday has its origin in United States but, it is also well known in other parts of the world. The band recently had quite a few numbers of shows in UK and is still performing in the city. The group is ready to rock the floors at the music hub of Heaven in London. Following are some of the details of this forthcoming event-:

Date
4th August 2009 at 7:00 pm.

Venue
Heaven
9, The Arches, Villiers St
London WC2N 6NG
United Kingdom
(The venue is sited on the Villiers Street sited, easily accessible from the Charing Cross railway station.)

Price
17 Pounds approximately
Age Restriction

Children below 14 years are not allowed. Children between 14 – 15 years should be accompanied by adults.

Nearest Tube
Embankment tube station

Hurry up and book the tickets as soon as possible. You can visit the following site for more info on this concert and concert tickets:
“http://www.ticketswitch.com/tickets/slink.buy/lonnet/p.1CDJ/londonnet/london/heaven/taking-back-sunday.html”

Buoyant Bond Street

London, besides being one of the most desired tourist destinations is also well known as a shopper’s paradise. The place is extremely popular for its trendy and elegant fashion statements. The city has various streets dedicated to shops offering clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, jewellery, books and almost everything that one could thing of purchasing.

Oxford Street, Regents Street, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Soho, Chinatown, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly and Bond Street are some of the most popular markets in the city. These streets are extremely crowded and attract millions of tourists every year. After Paris and New York, London is a hub of fashion industry.

Bond Street is one of the most visited streets in London. It is home to several brands such as Gucci, Armani and many more. Located in the region of Mayfair, it is easily accessible from the Bond Street, Green Park, Oxford Circus tube stations and several other public transports. You can find some of the most expensive and elegant shops in this market. It is a best place in London to get antiques, artworks and perfumes. Bond Street is also the major street in the region of West End, which is commonly known as a shopping district.

It has been a renowned street for shopping since the 18th century and thus it is also considered as a valuable part of history. Boutiques of several renowned and premium designers are also sited at Bond Street. Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Niccole Fahri, Ralph Lauren and Versace are some of the most premium names in this area. London’s Sotheby’s Auction House is also located at Bond Street. As far as the jewellery is concerned the street is particularly famous for diamonds and Tiffany, Cartier and Asprey and Garrard are some of the exclusive brands located in the region.

You can also explore various London attractions located around the Bond Street such as Royal Academy of Arts, Photographers Gallery, Liberty of London, Animation Art Gallery, Royal Institution of Great Britain and Allen Cristea. The Bond Street also offers a variety of entertainment venues such as the Queens Theatre, Prince of Whales Theatre, Leichester Square Theatre and much more. Several events are organized in the area all round the year. The place is also well known for dining and is home to several restaurants such as Sketch, Via Condotti, Patterson’s, Wild Honey, The Square and Hibiscus. Bond Street is also popular for night life. It truly illustrates the flavour London’s vivacious night life.

It is a home to several renowned pubs and night clubs such as Madame Jojo’s, Umbaba, Elysium, Molton House, Funky Buddha and Mahiki. London’s renowned fashion college – Cordwainers at London College of Fashion is also located close to the Bond Street. Several luxurious London hotels are also located at the Bond Street such as Grange Langham Court Hotel, Grange St Paul’s Hotel and many more. Thus it can be said the Bond Street is the best place for the fashionistas. It is extremely popular amongst the tourists and is often familiar as London’s most elite shopping destination. You can read about the other shopping districts in London in my previous post -

http://placesinlondon.blogspot.com/2009/06/oxford-street-londons-popular-shopping.html