DK Travel : London

A city of infinite colour and variety, London is both richly historic, tracing its roots back over 2000 years, and unceasingly modern, at the forefront of fashion, music and the arts. There is a fantastic amount to interest and entertain the visitor here: a selection of the best of the best is explored here.

Nobu

You don’t have to wear Prada or Gucci here, but you will feel more at home if you do. This is the style gurus’ hang-out, where impeccable taste ranges from the oak and maple parquet tables to the fabulous Japanese food. Sushi is served in lacquered bowls, sake is served in bamboo flasks. You don’t need to reserve for the sushi bar.
Noto Restaurant

Sushi bar-cum-diner offering chef’s specials such as sake gashira (grilled salmon head).
Notting Hill Carnival

This three-day Caribbean festival is Europe’s largest carnival, with steel bands and DJ’s playing all imaginable kinds of music, street food, brilliant costumes and lively dancers. Children’s parades on Sunday, grown-ups’ on Monday.
Number Five Maddox Street

Glass, steel and bamboo feature in these high-quality Japanese-style serviced apartments, with on-call chefs to cook for you, Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream in the fridge and full Internet facilities.
Nunhead Cemetery

It's one of the great Victorian Cemeteries, but not many people know about it. It's creepy and great.
Nutmeg

A fantasic modern Indian Restaurant situated in Pimlico, near Victoria. Tasty food in a very pleasantly designed interior, with a roomy garden space too.
Oasis Sports Centre

Famous for its heated outdoor pool, there is also an indoor pool, gym and sunbeds at this central sports centre.
Ocklynge Manor

Bed and breakfast in Eastbourne. Very good facilities, home cooking (including cakes and jams) and nothing is forgotten about.
Old Bull and Bush

We visited the “Old Bull and Bush” on a cold and drizzly February lunchtime. We had children with us and so we headed for the large-and airy no-smoking room on the side of the pub. There were a couple of other large family parties having lunch there, and we found a table in one of the large window alcoves. We could watch the drizzle coming down outside, and I could also watch the televised rugby out of the corner of my eye.

We ordered food from the main bar (American Express accepted) and our burgers and sandwiches arrived just as hungry impatience was setting in. My burger (GBP7.00) was unexceptional, but it did come in a great big fresh rustic bun and the fried potatoes were crunchy. Tina enjoyed her steak sandwich (GBP4.50), and the “bangers on mash” on special looked good.
Old Compton Street

The main street in Soho is a lively thoroughfare both day and night. It is also the centre of London’s sex scene, and now the site of popular gay pubs, Compton’s of Soho and the Admiral Duncan. Soho’s vibrant streetlife spills into Frith, Greek and Wardour streets, where pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafés have pavement tables, often warmed by gas heaters in winter. Some, like Bar Italia in Frith Street and Balans Café at 34 Old Compton Street, are open 24 hours. Everywhere fills up when the evening’s performance at the Prince Edward Theatre ends. A delicious breakfast is to be had at Patisserie Valerie, and such long-standing shops as the Italian delicatessen I Camisi, and the Vintage House (700 whiskies in stock), give the area its village feel. Body tattooists are at work here, and fetish shops show that the sex industry still flourishes.

Old Compton Street

Bar Italia, Frith Street

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50
Hotel price categories

Prices are for a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £70
- £70–£100
- £100–£150
- £150–£200
- over £200