Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cameras. There's free Wi-Fi, too. If you're a photography fanatic, seek this place out.
44 Museum St., WC1.
&
07887/930-826.
www.cameracafe.co.uk. Tube: Holborn.
Lomography
Lomo photography is big in the U.K. Highly saturated color
images and funky replica vintage cameras make this a cool and fairly simple hobby to
pick up: You can buy a camera for £50 and start shooting straight away. The Lomo
shop has the biggest selection in London and some excellent examples of lomography
to inspire you.
3 Newburgh St., W1.
&
020/7434-1466.
www.lomography.com. Tube: Oxford Circus.
TOYS & GAMES
Hamleys
Possibly the finest toy shop in the world—more than 35,000 toys and
games on seven floors of fun and magic. The huge selection includes soft, cuddly
stuffed animals as well as dolls, radio-controlled cars, train sets, model kits, board
games, outdoor toys, computer games, and more.
188-196 Regent St., W1.
&
0844/855-
2424.
www.hamleys.com. Tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. Also at St. Pancras International
Station, NW1 (
&
020/7479-7366).
Play Lounge
There's nothing dull about this toy shop aimed at young adults
and big kids. If you like your Japanese figurines and interesting comics, you'll find
something to keep you occupied. The shop is tiny, but it's packed from floor to ceiling
with goodies. If you want a pop-up book and a scary Tim Burton-inspired collectable,
you'll find it here. It's pricey sometimes, but they stock small toys and games on the
counter that are perfect for pocket money.
19 Beak St., W1.
&
020/7287-7073.
www.play
lounge.co.uk. Tube: Oxford Circus.
Pollock's Toy Museum
The key part to this traditional toy shop is that it's
attached to its own museum, so you can buy cute presents and toys (including magic
sets) and then have a wander around the exhibition, which costs around £5. It's a lovely,
old-fashioned shop—and you won't find a single video game.
25 Scala St., W1.
&
020/7636
3452.
www.pollockstoymuseum.com. Tube: Goodge St. Also at 44 The Market, WC2 (
&
020/7379-7866).
4
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Weekly publications such as
Time Out
carry full entertainment listings, including
information on restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. You'll also find listings in all the
daily newspapers, and the
Guide
distributed every Saturday inside the
Guardian
newspaper is an invaluable source of up-to-date information
.
The Performing Arts
The theatrical capital of the world, London is home to some of the most famous
companies on the planet, often housed in glorious buildings. Few things here are as
entertaining and rewarding as a visit to the theatre.
The number and variety of productions, and the standards of acting and directing,
are unrivaled, and a London stage has also become the first port of call for many a
Hollywood star looking to show off their thespian skills. The London stage accom-
modates both the traditional and the avant-garde and is, for the most part, accessible
and reasonably affordable.
GETTING TICKETS
To see specific shows, especially hits, purchase your tickets in advance. Founded in
2000,
London Theatre Direct
(
&
0845/505-8500;
www.londontheatredirect.com)
represents a majority of the major theatres in the city and tickets for all productions can
