Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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£FREE
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Test out some free samples at the fragrant
Neal's Yard Dairy
,
home to hundreds of different British cheeses. It costs a lot to take some
home but it's hard to resist the enticing tastes.
11 Short Gardens
.
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Surprisingly, the only remaining
Benjamin Franklin House
in the world,
this is where the US founding father lived from 1757 - 1775. £7 entrance
and a good stock of exhibits.
36 Craven St.
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Stick on some headphones and listen to the vinyl collections at any of the
independent record shops along Berwick Street
.
Where to eat
This part of London serves up a delectable feast of alternative culinary dining experience,
from bustling international cuisine to aristocratic indulgence. However, the main streets
around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus are packed with fast food joints and bad res-
taurants believing that showing photos of their food is appealing. It's rarely cheap, but it is
possible to discover some highly original and memorable dining experiences in this part of
London. By comparison, Soho offers a baffling plethora of restaurants and cafes, most of
them around the ££ - £££ price range.
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££
- Wander through the flashing neon and waving cat statues of
Chin-
atown
, a not particularly authentic but very affordable place to stuff your
face. Each restaurants offers pretty much the same and the fierce compet-
ition makes it easy to negotiate a discount if you're in a group. There are
several all you can eat buffets here although the quality is debatable. While
you're in Chinatown see if you can spot the red phone booths with their
pagoda-style sloping roofs.
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££££
- Huge portions and an informal atmosphere at the American styled
Joe Allen
. Ridiculously popular in the evenings so better if you're after a big
lunch.
13 Exeter Street.
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£££
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Open 24 hours a day and smack in the heart of the Gay Village,
Balans
is somewhat of an institution and serves up large portions of international
cuisine. Always has a good atmosphere.
60 - 62 Old Compton Street.
