London - cool places to go

Greenwich, where East meets West at the Greenwich Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) from which all world time zones are based and a serene setting near the River Thames for exploring some of London’s treasures. With its rich mix of museums, galleries, architecture, maritime history, parks and palaces, Greenwich has something for everyone.

The National Maritime Museum, one of the world’s great maritime museum was opened to the public in 1937 by King George VI. It includes the 17th-century Queen’s House and, from the 1950s, the Royal Observatory. Entry to all NMM’s sites are free, with charges only for some special exhibitions.

The Museum is also unique in the architectural importance of its main buildings, the Queen’s House in particular being the keystone of the historic park-and-palace landscape of ’Maritime Greenwich’, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Queen’s House, built for an English Queen and used as a model for the White House in Washington DC, is truly a magnificent building.

Greenwich Royal Observatory, home of Zero Longitude, World Time and where the millennium officially begins for the world is one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. It was founded by Charles II in 1675 and is, by international decree, the official starting point for each new day, year and millennium. Visitors to the Observatory can stand in both the eastern and western hemispheres simultaneously by placing their feet either side of the Prime Meridian - the centre of world time and space.

The Observatory galleries unravel the extraordinary phenomena of time, space and astronomy. The Planetarium lets visitors explore the wonders of the heavens and Flamsteed House, Sir Christopher Wren’s original building, also has London’s only public camera obscura.

On the afternoon of Monday, 22nd November, 1869, a beautiful little clipper ship was launched from Scott and Linton’s shipyard on the Clyde. She bore a name that was to become famous throughout the world and was destined to win a place in the hearts of British seamen, manly due to the fact that she was the only clipper left. Her name was the Cutty Sark. The Cutty Sark is an impressive site in dry dock besides the River Thames and you may climb aboard to see what life was like sailing the high seas under sail. Gypsy Moth IV is another craft besides the Cutty Sark where Sir Chichester sailed single-handed around the world breaking many records along the way.

Greenwich Market was established and granted a Royal Charter in 1849. A vibrant market packed full of unique and distinctive arts and crafts. Well known for its designer makers and small cottage industries, customers have access to items that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Come and enjoy the slow-paced atmosphere, take in some classical music performed by students from nearby Trinity College of Music, enjoy the continental food court whilst browsing through the wonderful array of over 120 arts and crafts stalls. To relax afterwards or picnic under the sun head to the Greenwich Royal Park, London’s oldest royal park where you can enjoy panoramic views over Docklands and the City of London. The park was stocked with deer in 1515, and their descendants still roam in the area today, known as The Wilderness. Concerts are held by the bandstand in the summer and occasional entertainment takes place near the Old Royal Observatory.

Greenwich has a variety of events and entertainment to enjoy day and night. Take time to watch a theatre performance, concert or festival, such as the acclaimed Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, which takes place annually in July. For drinks or a bite to eat Greenwich has a wealth of formal and informal restaurants, bars and corner pubs as any good suburb of London should have.

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel runs under the River Thames between Cutty Sark Gardens and Island Gardens, on the Isle of Dogs. It is 1,217 feet in length and approx. 50 feet deep and lined with 200,000 white tiles. Its original purpose was to allow south Londoners to work in the docks on the Isle of Dogs, but today it is used mainly for funs sake and to sing U2 songs at the top of your voice while listening to your echo. (try the song ‘ In the name of love’)

Greenwich although quite a far from the city centre is easy to reach by train or riverboat, but I would suggest to put aside a day to relax in this gorgeous area and soak up the atmosphere.

All London’s positive and neagatives are amplified smack bang in the cities center, Soho. A confusing array of streets and paths, with a vibrance and messy appeal that continues all day and night, this is as close as you will get to 24 hour living in London. This district is to anyone their own ideal: gay, multicultural, sex mania, sleek, hip, seedy, home to the rich, poor, famous and infamous. There are no major tourist attractions in the area, it is it’s own attraction and unique for it’s lively energy - simple it attracts interesting people! The area is packed with assorted clubs, pubs, theatres, markets, the red light district, specialty shops, book stores, clothes, fashion houses, jewellers, restaurants, cafes and patisseries to name a few. As well as many film, media and multi-media companies. Soho is contained within the area bounded by Shaftesbury Avenue, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Charing Cross Roads. Running through the centre is Berwick Street, the home of the Soho red light district and the century old Berwick Street Markets. In the 1960’s Carnaby Street, Soho became world reknown as the hub of world youth fasion and pop music, it typified neatness of apperance and stylish clothes that received much publicity. The phrase ‘Carnaby Street’ is even used to describe this kind of culture, you can find it in the Oxford English Dictionary and World Book Dictionary. Unfortunately this glory has slowly faded into what is now, umm, contrasting to say the least.

For Music Junkies check out some of these stores; Vinyl Junkies , 9 Berwick st. This Vinyl haven has been established since 1995 and specialises in cutting edge house, disco, funk, tech, new jazz beat, abstract, vocals, soul, compilations and rarities. Uptown Records, D’Arblay St. This should be on the list of any serious vinyl junkie. Storing from US house and garage to hip hop and soul. Flying Records, 94 Dean St. A good selection of house and garage, but not as much variety. Kokon To Zai, 57 Greek St. Specialise in seriously mad music aswell as up and coming fashion. A must see.

For some funky bars take a look at; As mentioned before Ronnie Scott’s on 47 Frith St. One of the world’s most famous jazz clubs, need we say more! The Vintage House, 42 Old Compton St. A fantastic whicky specialist. They stock about 40 single malt varieties, also a range of great aged and single cask varieties. The ‘O’ Bar, 83-88 Wardour St. This place is not the most note worthy club, but for an evening drink it’s perfect. Damp, dark gothic purple interior with mirrors reflecting the flickering candles, old red velvet couches and wooden tables and stools. Large wooden windows opening up onto the street outside. There is no charge to enter for an afternoon drink, but there is for the club later at night. Usually crowded as the evening gets going, friendly enough staff and a broad variety of music from funk, acid jazz, ambience, 90’s dance and disco. Best time is for happy hour starting at 4pm and finishing at 8pm, with deliciously alcoholic cocktails for sale at 7 pounds a jug.

Also known as ‘Theatre Land’, Covent Garden is car-free zone Italian Piazza that was designed by Inigo Jones in the 17th Century. Originally it was the site of London’s fruit and vegetable market, now it is a cosmopolitan haven, for young and old, full of vibrant shops, market stalls, groovy bars and restaurants, live music and street buskers.

If you’re looking for a good drink try the Opera Tavern: it has historic significance (which you can spot by the blue seal on the building) and definitely is one of London’s more traditional places, with Victorian interiors, theatre prints and scenes and real ales for an even price. Another option is the Cafe Baroque: overflowing with over 100 varieties of wine, by the glass or in a sampler selection. Great place for pre-theatre drinks and something to nibble on. Freud’s Bar: Neal Street, Convent Garden is an underground drinking den selling the most delictable cocktails famous and other, usually made up by the staff or passers by. Emits a sleek, tranquil vibe with ambient chill out music in the background and cocktails guarenteed to rock your world. Can easily be missed, as there is only a small sign present then you must take the spiral stairs below ground level.

Covent Garden is a great place for a theatre: the reputation of London for variety and quality of theatres is unparalleled, and maybe only second to Broadway. Whether you want a huge musical production or a small ’cult’ play, comedies or musicals, in London you will find it.

To amuse the mind and shop till you drop Camden Markets is your London culture shock. Situated in Camden Town along the locks, there lie a total of six open-air and indoor markets each with an original zest. Goths, punks, posh, alternative, metal heads, fetish and crazy, here you will find every fashion sense known to man. Open everyday, with the big crowds turning up on Saturday and Sunday. I suggest weekdays as this is your best bet to haggle on the price.

Camden Lock Markets is the original market area established in 1975 which today draws more than 150,000 shoppers a week. Here you can still find an original bargain, with an assortment of board games, juggling equipment, a wide range of music and cult films, and endless selections of independent bookshops with everything from poetry to politics.

The Stables Market has much to appeal to people of all ages and tastes. From the latest in alternative fashion, through the best selection of vintage clothing shops in London, to the joy of collecting antiques. It’s a great and varied place to shop.

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Camden Canal Markets include about 150 stalls and shops selling a wide range of goods including fashion accessories, recorded music, computer games, clothing, jewellery, gift ware and a few traders offer collectables. You can also enjoy international take-away food here.

Camden Buck Street markets is a jumble of over 200 stalls selling varieties of jewellery, clothing, shoes, knick knacks and every kind of cartoon character t-shirt, bootleg and original, even Fragle Rock.

Inverness Street has been the location of a small but popular fruit and vegetable market since around 1900. You can pick up bargains also in clothing and footwear, and relax in some funky cafés or check out the Bar Gansa.

Camden High Street is the main hub with its continuation along Chalk Farm Road, one of the busiest thoroughfares in London lined with amazing shops, pubs, strange indoor markets and restaurants which overflow onto the side streets.

The number of clubs and venues in London which organize concerts is enormous. London is certainly the European capital for live music, especially rock, since on the stage of its countless venues you will have the chance of seeing all great English bands plus a huge selection of bands from all over the world. From the Astoria to the Royal Albert Hall, from the Brixton Academy to the Shepherds Bush Empire, London has venues of any size and capacity. To check out what’s going on concert-wise, just grab a copy of Time Out (the magazine with all events of the week)Time Out Online or the NME (or New Musical Express, the prominent music weekly) NME Online, and you will see for yourself.

The same is valid for the clubbing scene: you will find a club regardless of what your musical tastes are: just check in Time Out. The only things to be aware of are prices, which can be fairly high for dance clubs both for entrance and for drinks, and dress code: many places have one, and if you don’t look the part the bouncers won’t let you in, simple as that.

Fabric, 77a Charthouse Street, near Smithfield Meat Market. One of London’s more consistent and bigger clubs, keeping it’s underground music policy alive. There are three main rooms, two which feature stages for live acts. The rooms house Europe’s first bass-loaded ‘bodysonic’ dancefloor, 5 sound systems and 3 bar areas over 2 floors. They showcase underground DJ talents from around the world and live acts, with a playlist of fresh house and techno, also regarded as the UK’s home of Drum’n’Bass. Entry is usually around 12 pounds and tickets can be bought at the door, for bigger acts it’s advised you reserve through Ticketweb. For Fabric’s upcoming events check them out at: Fabric Online

Pubs are a religion in England and have been around since the Romans, not a corner you will pass in London or the UK for matter of fact without a pub present.

There’s a long history behind pub signs too. Romans began hanging signs outside buildings such as pictures of Roman gods, as the population was largely illiterate. Early pub names were often religious or influenced by local landowners. A red lion was the personal badge of the Duke of Lancaster and later also of King James I so you will be sure to see many a pub called the Red Lion, such as The Red Lion and Pineapple. Names like the Royal Oak refer to the Oak in which King Charles hid and there are also many pubs named after famous battles and admirals. The main theme seems to be odd and unusual combinations of animals, foods and famous lads and lass’.

One of London’s oldest inn’s is the Prospect of Whitby in Wapping. Built in 1520 it began as the Devils’ Tavern and was popular with smugglers of the time. Some of it’s more famous clients have been Dickens, Pepys and Whistler. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese situated just off Fleet Street it had already been described as lop-sided in the 19th century. It was apparently a popular meeting place for Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Conan Doyle and Dickens.

If your on a budget a good backpackers hangout is Slug’n’Lettuce in Fulham broadway on thursday nights, where the waiters dance on the bar intermittently and the sound track will reliably play all the old good time songs to boogey away to until early morning.

For a rowdy pub crawl you cant beat Upper Street, Islington, especially in the summer time, or whenever there is a north london team playing football.

London has a great jazz scene. While there are several clubs where you can listen to jazz concerts and records, two deserve a particular mention. The first one is the now legendary Ronnie Scott, located on 47 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4HT. The Ronnie Scott opens at 8.30 pm, concerts start at 9.30 and the club closes at around 3.00 am; there are three bars, a restaurant and a dance floor called Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s. If you’re not a member, admission is very expensive ($15 on weekdays, £25 on Fri and Sat), so if you plan to go often you should settle for an annual membership, which costs £60 per person, £100 per couple (this latter option shows it’s not so much of a singles bar...), only £15 if you’re a musicians. This will reduce entrance prices to a third approximately. There’s also a discount for students, and in spite of the expensive prices, it claims to have an informal atmosphere. Ronnie Scott, a British sax player, opened the club with Pete King in 1958, at a different address from the current, with the purpose of creating an atmosphere similar to the New York jazz clubs he loved. He succeeded, and since then the cub has been hosting shows by the most prominent jazz players of the world scene, and now is open both to traditional and modern jazz. For more info, visit the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club site.

Another great option is the Jazz Café, in 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PG. The Jazz Cafe was set up by Jon Dabner in Camden in 1990, and was bought by the Mean Fiddler Organisation (a major concert and festival organizer in Britain) in 1992. Since then, the venue has acquired quite a reputation, with an intelligent policy of booking both sophisticated mainstream soul artists (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott) as well as very obscure or exotic emerging jazz artists, keeping a great balance between market necessities and high quality standards. The club has a restaurant as well as a bar, and entrance (restaurant excluded) is limited to people of age (18+ years). The dress code they suggest is "smart casual", watever that means, and, yes, you can be refused admission if they don’t like your face. The audience is apparently a demanding and a noisy one, and the musicians must find their way of charming them into silence. For more information, check out the Jazz Café pages on Mean Fiddler’ site.