Welcome to London! Your Guide to London.
The All About London Team has lived and worked in London for many years. We have detailed knowledge of London, feel free to ask us about Places to visit, places to stay and things to do. London Tours, Attractions, Hotels, Accommodation, Events, Theatre, Shows and Places to eat.
Behind a grey door in Mayfair is a hidden part of London's history.
This is Down Street Tube station. It opened in 1907 but shut again in 1932 because it was too close to other stations to attract sufficient passengers.
During World War Two Winston Churchill initially held cabinet meetings here.
Later the railways were run from the corridors.
You can still see some of the baths in the staff quarters.
Transport for London is seeking expressions of interest to open these spaces to the public.
There are seven sites it thinks could be turned into restaurants or art galleries and it will work in partnerships or lease the spaces out to entrepreneurs.
Transport for London (TfL) is trying to optimise its commercial revenue and aims to increase revenue by £3.4bn in the next 10 years.
The 2015 Wimbledon singles champions will win £1.88m, an increase of £120,000 on last year.
The overall prize fund at the All England Club will rise from £25m to £26.75m, a 7% increase year on year.
Courts 14 and 15 will come back into use after being re-laid following development works, bringing the total ground capacity at SW19 to 39,000, compared to 38,500 in 2014.
And use of Hawk-Eye has been extended to courts 12 and 18.
That means the technology will be in action on six courts across the championships, which run from 29 June to 12 July.
Wimbledon 2015 prize money
Total: £26.75m (+7%)
Singles: £1.88m (+7%)
Doubles: £341,250 (+5%)
Mixed doubles: £100,800 (+5%)
Wheelchair doubles: £15,360 (+28%)
Wimbledon's total prize money increase to £26.75m is 83% higher than in 2011, and maintains the competition's status as the highest-paying in tennis.
"We recognise the players are an essential ingredient of our championships," said All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman Philip Brook
"The level of prize money is affordable to this championship, so we feel it's important that we should reflect that in what we pay the players."
Five-Course Tasting Menu With Champagne and Coffee from £49 at Michelin-Listed The Chancery, Holborn (36% Off)
The Deal
Five taster courses (usually £59) of seasonal European cuisine could begin with a salad of heirloom tomatoes, creamed mozzarella and dried olives. Next, plates of marinated scallops with cucumber jelly, smoked Cornish haddock with ventrèche bacon and watercress, and spring chicken with asparagus are laid out for diners to try. The meal comes to a sweet conclusion with a portion of chocolate, caramel and peanut tart. Alongside their dishes, guests will sip a 125ml glass of Champagne(£10) and mineral water (£3.50), and afterwards a cup of coffee (£4.50).
Sample Menu
Salad of heirloom tomatoes with creamed mozzarella, dried black olives and basil
Marinated raw hand-dived scallops with cucumber jelly, avocado cream, sesame filo and shiso dressing
Fresh and smoked Cornish haddock with Jersey Royals, fresh peas, ventrèche bacon and watercress
Corn-fed spring chicken with ravioli of the leg morels, new season asparagus, rye crumbs and thyme jus
Chocolate, caramel and peanut tart with yoghurt sorbet and malted peanuts
Choose Between Two Options
£49 for a five-course tasting menu, Champagne and coffee for one (36% off)
£98 for a five-course tasting menu, Champagne and coffee for two (36% off)
The Merchant
Secreted away just off Chancery Lane, The Chancery is an award-winning and urbane dining venue suitable for both private and corporate meals. Established in 2004 by restaurateur Zac Jones, it’s bothMichelin-listed and a holder of two AA rosettes. The kitchen is led by Head Chef Graham Long, who concocts modern and seasonal cuisine which showcases the skills he’s acquired working in a host of top establishments, while the front of house is orchestrated by former sommelier Sylvain Gergeaux. The ground-floor restaurant’s interior is styled in modish shades of grey and cream and features dark leather banquette, art deco lighting, and an art collection with works by Tess Jaray and Kenneth Martin. It’s spread out across two spaces and seats up to 55 guests, making it suitable for intimate dinners and large parties alike.
Criterion, Piccadilly Circus: Two (from £20) or Three-Course (from £25) British Meal and Cocktail
The Deal
Diners can choose between a two- or three-course meal at Criterion, with a variety of classic British dishes available. Customers will each receive a Pimm’s cocktail, and can choose dishes from the following set menu (menu items are seasonal and subject to change. Please note supplement value will be settled with the restaurant directly on the day):
Starters:
Homemade salmon gravlax, fennel seed soda bread, wholegrain mustard mousse, capers and pickled shallot
Chicken liver parfait, onion marmalade, Melba toast and port reduction
Buffalo mozzarella, plum tomato and basil pesto
Duck egg benedict, Parma ham, pain brioche and hollandaise sauce (£2 supplement)
Mains:
Homemade pappardelle pasta, field mushrooms, creamy sauce and tarragon
Pan fried salmon, beetroot and horseradish purée, sautéed vegetables and beurre blanc
Three Course Meal with Champagne Cocktail For Two for £56 at Award-Winning 5* Royal Horseguards (28% Off)
The Deal
In the sumptuous surrounds of this two AA rosette awarded restaurant in Embankment’s 5* Royal Horseguards Hotel, pairs of diners can tuck into three courses of seasonal cuisine (usually £25) from a changing menu. With a glass of Champagne cocktail alongside (£14), meals can begin with a starter such as cauliflower veloute with truffle chantilly and bitter cress; or smoked salmon with rye crumbs and beetroot. Next, a choice is made from three main courses such as spaghetti with capers, olives and sun-dried tomatoes; or oven-roasted chicken breast with soured potato and carrot puree. The meal is rounded off by a dessert such as poached rhubarb with walnut crumble; or chocolate hazelnut and raspberry tart. Customers should note that menu is seasonal and subject to change.
Sample Menu
Starters
Cauliflower veloute with truffle chantilly and bitter cress Smoked salmon with rye crumbs, beetroot, radish salad Oakwood smoked duck with cauliflower textures and red mustard frill cress
Main Courses
Oven-roasted chicken breast with soured potato, carrot puree, piquillo peppers Grilled pavé of salmon with five-alive salad of pearl barley, quinoa, kale, pumpkin seed, peanuts Spaghetti with capers, olives, sun-dried tomato
Desserts
Chocolate hazelnut and raspberry tart with mango sorbet Cherry trifle Poached rhubarb with walnut crumble, avocado cremaux and coconut cream
The Aviva Premiership Rugby Final 2015: Ticket for an Adult (from £48.50) or Child (from £25) at Twickenham Stadium
The Deal
One ticket for a child under 15 years old or an adult to the 2014-15 Aviva Premiership Rugby Final
Choice of Band 3 seating in the lower north or west stand; or Band 4 seating in the middle north or west stand
When: 30 May 2015
Where: Twickenham Stadium
Door time: 2pm
Ticket values include all fees
Choose from the following options:
£25 for a child ticket, Band 4
£27.50 for a child ticket, Band 3
£48.50 for an adult ticket, Band 4
£53.50 for an adult ticket, Band 3
The Game
A total of 135 games and nine months of blood, sweat and possibly a few tears have led to the 2014/15 Premiership Rugby Final, taking place in May. The top two teams in England will have fought their way to the summit and through the playoffs, and now have just one final hurdle to overcome to be crowned the Aviva Premiership Rugby champions. Finalists will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of current holders Northampton Saints, who narrowly beat Saracens in the nail-biting 2014 final. A crowd of over 80,000 is expected, and this choice of ticket allows rugby fans to be there in the midst of the mayhem.
Brace yourself for one of the biggest artists in the world, as Paul McCartney brings his incredible ‘Out There’ tour to Britain. The legendary Beatle will be performing many of his iconic smash hits from his solo, Wings and Beatles back catalogue, including the likes of ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Yesterday’, ‘Let It Be’, ‘Let Me Roll It’ and ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’. This is the first show Paul McCartney has performed in London for three years, bringing home the show that’s been seen by nearly 2 million people across 12 countries. Whether you’re a fan of the Beatles, Wings or his solo work, make sure you don’t miss this special career-spanning show, and get your tickets for the London O2 concert here.
£51 (face value £45, booking fee £4.50, facility fee £1.50) for one Fourth Price ticket to Paul McCartney’s ‘Out There’ tour at London’s O2 Arena
£74.10 (face value £66, booking fee £6.60, facility fee £1.50) for one Third Price ticket to Paul McCartney’s ‘Out There’ tour at London’s O2 Arena
£89.50 (face value £80, booking fee £8, facility fee £1.50) for a Second Price ticket to Paul McCartney’s ‘Out There’ tour at London’s O2 Arena
£139 (face value £125, booking fee £12.50, facility fee £1.50) for a Top Price ticket to Paul McCartney’s ‘Out There’ tour at London’s O2 Arena
Sensational River Thames Jazz Cruise with Dining Options
Sensation Cruises & Entertainment Ltd From £75
Indulge your love of smooth jazz, soulful jazz and jazz fusion with an unforgettable afternoon on board a spectacular luxury Thames river cruise with Sensation Jazz Cruises. Featured in smoothjazz.com’s Hottest Jazz Festivals in the World, this luxurious replica Mississippi paddle steamer will provide some of the world’s greatest jazz talent while you kick back in its spacious lounges, bars and decks with sultry live tunes to provide an intimate and personal setting.
Sensation Jazz Cruises is proud to present legendary keyboardist, composer and producer Jeff Lorber, heralded as one of the founding fathers of fusion with his Grammy-nominated power trio, the Jeff Lorber Fusion. Since the late 1970s, this contemporary jazz collective has blended elements of jazz, funk and R&B into a distinctive sound.
£75 (regular price £99) for general admission for one person to the River Thames Jazz Cruise on Sunday 31st May
£139 (regular price £185) for admission with lower deck seating and a meal for one person to the River Thames Jazz Cruise on Sunday 31st May
£159 (regular price £205) for admission with upper deck seating and a meal for one person to the River Thames Jazz Cruise on Sunday 31st May
£179 (regular price £228) for VIP admission with a three-course meal and a glass of wine for one person to the River Thames Jazz Cruise on Sunday 31st May
This river cruise is scheduled to last three hours, departing from Butlers Wharf Pier at 1pm (boarding starts 12:45pm)
Includes live music and entertainment by Jeff Lorber Fusion, Sam Rucker and London Jazz Trio with a special appearance by Joe Leader
Disco entertainment provided by DJ Dave Marley and DJ Rich Edwards
Click here to view the meals included in each dining option
The construction of a new basement transformer room to the south of the palace in Black Rod’s Garden has unearthed some exciting discoveries made by Museum of London Archaeology.
The oldest finds were timber beams from a waterfront structure dating from before the 13th century, but the most significant survival was a stone river-wall dating from about 1300 which stands about 3m or 9 feet high.
The wall is made from carefully dressed stone blocks of substantial size, which remain in remarkably good condition. The wall follows the approximate eastern fronts to the buildings of the medieval Palace, such as St Stephen’s Chapel and the king’s private chamber, known as the Painted Chamber. Gardens were later extended out into the River Thames, and the old wall-line remained hidden until the current work. Luckily, the new concrete piles did not damage the old wall and it has been left in situ, recorded, and re-covered using sand.
In front of the stone wall was the remains of a timber retaining wall constructed from oak and elm piles and wattle hurdles, which was probably contemporary to the stone wall; the posts followed the line of an inlet which once flowed into the Thames from the west. The wood was also in a good state of preservation following centuries of burial in the wet ground.
The main small finds from the excavation were pieces of patterned, medieval ‘Westminster’ floor tiles, so-called because they were first recognised in the Abbey and Chapter House nearby during the 19th century. It was this kind of tile which was used for inspiration by Augustus Welby Pugin when he designed the floor tiles of the Victorian Palace. An iron knife or dagger was discovered too, as well as what appears to be a sail needle.
Further excavations may take place to find the southern extent of the wall sometime in the future although no firm date has been set.
A full report is due from the Museum of London archaeologists when all the analysis of the discoveries has been completed.
Pop-Up Restaurant: Dine in a Church, Crayfish Boil or Yoga Brunch from £35.95 with Grub Club
The Deal
Culinary adventurers can take their pick from three pop-up dining experiences at locations across London, from a church in London Fields to Brixton East Gallery.
Dine In a Church - 15 May
Diners can head to a church in Hackney for a gourmet Italian meal in atmospheric candlelit confines. Classic Italian dishes handed down from generation to generation are served, and can be accompanied by wine brought along by guests.
Church Crescent, London Fields, E9 7DH
The Louisiana Crayfish Boil Experience - 6 June
Guests are taken on a journey to America’s Deep South as succulent crayfish are served up at a communal table, with a live bluegrass band providing the soundtrack.
Elcho Street, SW11 4AT
Yoga Brunch - 16 August
This popular brunch was set up to leave guests feeling zen, calm and very well fed. Diners can unwind with with a session of yoga before tucking into healthy items including soup and salads.
Brixton East 1871, 71 Gresham Road, SW9 7NS
Choose Between Two Options
£35.95 for for one person
£71.90 for two people
The Merchant
Grub Club puts hand-picked chefs in quirky, underused London locales for unconventional meals. The experimental multi-course dining experiences are held in such venues as buses and music halls, and can be hired out by budding hosts. The company is headed up by Liv and Sid, whose passion for the rich tastes of Zanzibari and South Indian cuisine prompted them to start a pop-up restaurant business which could bring together food lovers.
The Museum of Brands: Entry For Two (£7.50) or Family (£10) (50% Off)
The Deal
Two adults or an adult and a child can enjoy two entry tickets to the Museum of Brands. Family entry is also available for a combination of up to two adults and up to four children. Those with visitors aged 4-8 or 9-13 can also go on the Family Trail to tackle activities and talking points while heading down memory lane with the makes and consumer goods of yesteryear.
Choose from the following options for tickets:
£7.50 for two people (50% off)
£10 for family of four (50% off)
The Merchant
Situated close to Portobello Road Market, The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is home to a dizzying array of consumer goods from decades past. Established in Gloucester in 1984, the collection moved to London in 2005. A registered charity dealing with the preservation of all manner of packets, fads, toys, and ads past, the museum is also available as a venue to hire, and contains a tea room as well as retro-inspired goods in its shop.
London Museum of Water and Steam: Adult (from £6.50) or Family (£16) Entry (Up to 43% Off)
London Museum of Water and Steam
Curious visitors can explore the past, present and future of London’s water system at this recently-refurbished museum, unearthing little-known facts about the liquid history of the capital. The Waterworks feature artefacts and interactive exhibits that demonstrate the vital role of water as the lifeblood of the metropolis. Things can get messy in the Splash Zone, an outdoor area for families to enjoy some water-based fun. Stopping by the Waterwheel Courtyard, guests can discover how gears, wheels, buckets, levers, pumps and pipes are all used to control water in different ways.
The heart of the museum showcases a majestic collection of steam pumping engines, including engines from Cornwall, as well as rotative engines. There’s also a short railway line, demonstrating an example of the railways that were a common feature of Victorian waterworks. Outside, visitors can stroll around the gardens among a water feature, vegetable patch and pond. Stokers Cafe is available for those in search of refreshment, or guests can browse the visitor shop.
Choose from 4 Options
£6.50 for entry for one adult, valid weekdays (43% off)
£8.50 for entry for one adult, valid weekends (26% off)
The races started at Blackheath and Greenwich Park, with the finish line on The Mall
...
Paula Radcliffe finished her final London Marathon in two hours, 36 minutes and 55 seconds
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Conditions were reasonably good for the runners, with patchy rain and mild temperatures
Joshua George won the men's wheelchair race, while David Weir came second
Guinness World Records received more than 100 requests from entrants attempting a new world record, including the fastest marathon wearing high heels
A young boy looks through the glass flooring at the Tower Bridge Exhibition Centre as the marathon runners cross over the River Thames. More than 750,000 spectators lined the streets to watch the 37,800 runners compete in the 35th year of the famous 26.2-mile road race
From fundraisers in fancy dress to elite athletes, competitors from up and down the country tackled the London Marathon course today
From fundraisers in fancy dress to elite athletes, competitors from up and down the country took part in the London Marathon today - which attracted the highest number of participants in its 35-year history. Pictured: Runners don masks of David Cameron and Nigel Farage
British Formula One driver Jenson Button (pictured) grinned as he clutched his medal after finishing the London Marathon
While many were running in weird and wonderful get-ups to beat Guinness World Records, others were raising money for charities close to their hearts or overcoming personal challenges
The men and women's elite races came to a finish just before lunchtime, which paved the way for the masses of charity runners to pound the streets - many of whom were dressed head-to-toe in comedy costumes (pictured) - as more than 750,000 spectators cheered them on
Prince Harry and David and Victoria Beckham were among the hundreds of thousands of spectators cheering on the 37,800 runners
One man opted for a 'naked suit' as he made his way around the famous central London course with fellow fun runners and fundraisers
Some runners chose giant costumes, including these participants who dressed up as animals, despite barely being able to see out of them
One person chose to wear a giant dinosaur figure-head as they attempted to make their way around the 26.2-mile central London course
London Marathon: Thousands take part in 35th annual race
Tens of thousands of runners are taking part in the 35th London Marathon.
Organisers said more than 37,800 people are expected to complete the 26.2 mile course from Blackheath to The Mall, making it the biggest in the event's history.
Many competitors are raising money for charity and hoping to beat the 2014 record amount of £53.2m.
Paula Radcliffe, 41, a former winner and the current world record holder, is running her final marathon.
She started with the mass starters rather than the elite field for her final run along the course, on which she set the world record of two hours 15 minutes 25 seconds in April 2003.
Paula Radcliffe started with the mass starters and said her final race would be a "totally different experience"Kenyans Mary Keitany, Edna Kiplagat, Florence Kiplagat and Priscah Jeptoo are competing in the women's elite race
Speaking to BBC Sport, Radcliffe said: "I want to do myself justice so obviously I won't be close to my fast time.
"It will be a totally different experience for me."
Three-time winner Radcliffe, who has had to nurse an Achilles problem just to make it to London, will be honoured with the inaugural John Disley Lifetime Achievement award at The Mall finish.
Organisers said about 37,800 runners started the race this year, compared with the previous record of 37,227 in 2012.
Competitors are running past some of London's most iconic landmarks including the Cutty Sark.
Home favourite David Weir, who was hoping to land a record seventh crown, finished second behind American Joshua George in the men's wheelchair race.
In the elite men's race Wilson Kipsang is hoping to become the fourth man to win three titles.
Many celebrities are running including Formula 1 star Jenson Button and Radio 1 DJ Greg James.
Athlete David Hemery, who won gold in the 1968 Olympic Games in the 400m hurdles, is running his first marathon for 39 years at the age of 70.
Joshua George won the men's wheelchair race, while David Weir came secondDick Beardsley and Inge Simonsen were declared joint winners in the first London Marathon in 1981
Some runners like Rob Young have given themselves additional challenges.
For Mr Young it will be his 367th marathon in a year having decided to run at least one marathon a day after watching last year's event.
Jane Sutton said: "When I have been going out running he has been the person I am thinking about and hopefully I've got the same determination as him so I will cross that finish line."
Laura Harvey and Paul Elliott will be starting married life on the run by tying the knot halfway through the race.
Ms Harvey said: "We're both running separately halfway. We run to about Tower Bridge come off go to our venue, have a quick change to warm up, get married, have a few photos and then go to the end."
The oldest entrant is Paul Freedman, 90, from Hornchurch, Essex, while the youngest will be Jonny Innes from Falmouth, Cornwall, who is celebrating his 18th birthday.
