London is the place where the historic past and the vibrant present come alive. A blend of history, ground-breaking architecture and culture has created an amazing and constantly evolving city.
Not surprisingly the capital has become a mecca for visitors and a great place to live. There really is something to appeal to everyone and whatever your interests may be, the city has it covered.
With countless museums, galleries and entertainment options throughout the city there has never been a better time to come and find out just how much it has to offer.

traditional London

Portobello Road Market

Hugh Grant starred in the film but the inimitable backdrop was Portobello Road. The Market sells everything from books to bric-a-brac, furniture to fashion and even exotic foods. The Saturday antiques market is one of the largest antiques/collectables markets in Europe, and it buzzes! With over 1,500 traders, it’s particularly good for jewellery and silverware. Paintings, perfume bottles, porcelain and posters are just a few of the specialities. 
 
Notting Hill, with its ever-increasing celebrity headcount, has long been a party place, filled with clubs, bars and dance venues. The Caribbean residents have had a huge influence on the area and ensured the phenomenal growth of the Notting Hill Carnival. This summertime, multi-cultural arts festival and parade is now world-famous, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Exotic costume is recommended.

It’s not just today that Notting Hill has become highly fashionable. The area, which was farmland as recently as the 19th century, has attracted many famous residents. Leighton House and Linley Sambourne House are both open to the public and well worth a visit. Holland Park is a beautiful haven of greenery with its own theatre and The Electric cinema offers art house films in a luxury setting.
 

Camden Market

Camden Market is actually several markets wrapped into one fun, funky canal side shopping experience. On sale are crafts, bric-a-brac, clothes, health foods and antiques. It is a place to pick up outrageous retro clothing, creative club wear and even silly souvenirs. There's Camden Lock Market, The Stables Market and Camden Canal Market, where you can find a wide variety of goods including clothes, crafts, antiques and jewellery. The best days to go are Saturday and Sunday from 08.00 to 18.00 - as long as you don't mind crowds; there are a smaller number of shops and stalls open on weekdays.
 

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea consists of a mouth-watering array of sandwiches with a variety of fresh fillings, delicate pastries, teacakes and scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. There is also a wide range of distinct blends of tea to choose.

The introduction of Afternoon Tea, a quintessentially English tradition, is usually credited to Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1800s.

The Duchess grew hungry between an early luncheon and a late dinner and conceived the idea of a separate meal. This was served in her boudoir in the mid-afternoon to ward off her own - and her guests' - hunger pangs. This delightful tradition still lives in England.  
 

Public Houses — Pubs

If a pub has been around long enough it's bound to have a bit of history attached to it. And many of London's pubs have been around a very, very long time!

It’s not all about age; many pubs have seen a famous customer or two. More still have had events occur within their walls that have given them a special historical significance.

Pubs have traditionally been the focal point for Londoners to meet with friends and wind down after work. The most popular drinks are draught beers, which mean they are 'pulled' straight from the barrel.

There are two sizes of beer glass, a pint and a half-pint and you should always ask for a "pint" or a "half" when ordering draught beer. A pint is equivalent to 0.6 of a liter, while a half is 0.3 of a liter.

The Biz [London] keeps carrying on regular site inspections—about once a week– and we can always recommend a pub. If you are after great food, good atmosphere or a historic pub—just ask!
 

modern London

London Eye

Evening visit at the London Eye. London Eye is the world’s largest Ferris Wheel. The Eye consists of 32 viewing capsules on the 138 m high structure. Each capsule takes 30 minutes to revolve 360 degrees. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking and flight with champagne could be arranged. Private capsules also available.
 

Tate Modern

Visit the Tate Modern Gallery, Britain's new national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station.

Tate Modern displays the Tate collection of international modern art from 1900 to the present day, including major works by Dalí, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol as well as contemporary work by artists such as Dorothy Cross, Gilbert & George and Susan Hiller.
 

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