Thursday 19 September 2013

City guide to The Shard



The Shard is an iconic, landmark building on the London skyline, designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano. At a height of 1,016ft (310m), the tallest building in Western Europe, The Shard redefines London’s skyline and will be a dynamic symbol of London, recognisable throughout the world.

The View is situated at the top of The Shard, on floors 68, 69 and 72, and almost twice the height of any other building in London. Prepare to embark on a multi-sensory journey to 244 m (800 ft) above one of the greatest cities on Earth. On arrival at Level 00, you will be drawn into the tapestry of London with glimpses of the city laid out before you. Travelling skyward in two high-speed ‘kaleidoscopic’ lifts, you’ll swiftly reach Level 68 - a cloudscape above the world.

Then journey to Level 69 where the view is revealed and London opens out before you. Here, in the sky above London, you’ll experience an astonishing 360 degree, 64 km (40 mile) view over the city.

For the best view in town, ascend to Level 72, at 244m, the highest public level of The Shard. You’ll be exposed to the elements with sounds of the city around you. Looking up, you’ll see the shards of glass that form the top of this skyscraper as they disappear upwards into the sky.

The View is currently open from 9 am-10 pm daily until October 2013. From October 2013 the opening hours will be: Sunday-Wednesday, 10 am-7 pm; and Thursday-Saturday, 10 am-10 pm. All tickets are dated and timed, so we advise pre-booking to ensure an unpressured, premium quality experience.


Restaurants in the Shard
Aqua Shard
This new British restaurant is perched on Level 31 and it is called Aqua Shard.On the menu you’ll find British staples such as Dover sole with cuttlefish, broad beans and cider sauce. There’s also a bar with three-storey-high panoramic windows, where you can enjoy cocktails inspired by British favourites gin and afternoon tea.
Hutong
Aqua Shard’s sister restaurant, Hutong, serves Northern Chinese cuisine and is located on Level 33 of The Shard with fantastic views of the London skyline. Signature dishes include Red Lantern (crispy crab with chilli); chilled, spiced razor clams; crispy de-boned lamb ribs and roasted Peking duck. 
Oblix
Oblix is a restaurant and a bar lounge and it is located over the whole of the 32nd floor. The restaurant is open for traditional lunch and dinner, whilst the bar offers a deli option at lunch time, dinner menu in the evenings and brunch at the weekends. Live music also features in the bar. 

Friday 13 September 2013

How to plan a trip to London

How to plan a trip to London
How to save money when visiting London, is the question on everybody's lips. Visitors think of London as an expensive city but there are plenty of cheap or free activities to be found. Planning for some cheaper activities each day, including some reasonable meals into your itinerary and taking advantage of many of London's great free experiences could make it possible to enjoy London on a tight budget or just stretch your money further.
 About London Transport
Travel fares in London are not cheap and it is not always possible to walk everywhere. That is why London Transport has introduced a 'Pay As You Go' Oyster card which helps you to save a bit of cash when travelling on the tube and buses. Approximately £300,000 is wasted daily by paying cash for journeys. Visit TFL website to compare cash and Oyster fares.
There is no need to register, there are no forms to fill in, and you don't need a photo. You need to pay a small deposit but this will be refunded at any tube station when you have finished your stay in London. Oyster cards are available from Tube stations, newsagents and onlineTransport for London now offers visitors from selected countries outside the UK the option to buy an adult Oyster card before arriving in London. Visitor Oyster cards come with loaded travel value allowing you to jump on the tube as soon as you arrive. Find out more on TFL Visitors page.

Here we created some quick tips for the best free things & attractions in London:
  1. Best Free Things to Do in London
  2. Best London Attractions
  1. Best London Shopping
  2. Best London Dining


                                             Have a wonderful time in London, everyone!



Wednesday 4 September 2013

Top Shopping Spots for Bargain Hunters

Top Shopping Spots for Bargain Hunters


London is the shopping destination which caters for all budgets so if you are visiting the city on a budget, please, keep reading. 

Many High Streets in London offer a wide choice of bargains which you would never dream off. You will definitely need to head to Oxford Street which is famous for its massive choice of absolutely everything and it is the home of many flagship stores such as Primark (amazing for bargains), Topshop (stylish clothes) and many more (H & M, New Look, etc.). 

Vintage clothes are back in fashion and London is the perfect place packed with vintage shops and markets. Alfie's Antiques Market is the largest indoor market with a wealth of designer clothes to browse.

Lilly Allen's store in Covent Garden (Lucy in Disguise) has become a vintage favourite but these fabulous pieces do not come cheap. Other delightful markets for savvy shoppers are Brick Lane, Camden Market and Petticoat Lane. 

Of course, we cannot forget about the famous Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill. It is a wonderful place for antique lovers. Borough Market which featured in the Bridget Jones movie will tease you with mouth-watering smells of the food stalls. 

We wish you happy shopping and lots of good bargains!