Guest Blog – London is Buzzing this Summer

16 May 2012
By Steve Langley

Our thanks to Lori Hoy, eCommerce Coordinator, Hilton London Olympia, who shares her insights into the Earls Court and Kensington areas of London during this busy summer. I hope to be visiting her property this month and expect to add it to our site in the near future.
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London is buzzing about all of the upcoming activities in the city this summer. And as a US expat living in what I consider to be one of the greatest cities in the world, I could not be more excited about all the events, festivals and activities happening in London this summer!

London is always active during the summer with annual events in and around the metropolitan area such as the Royal Horticulture Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, the Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, the Farnborough International Airshow, and the Notting Hill Carnival just to name a few. However, this year the excitement is even greater with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration and the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics set to take place.

There are 32 boroughs of London and many more districts. One of these, the Earl’s Court district of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a great western location with fantastic public transport links to all parts of London with the District and Piccadilly underground lines and numerous bus lines. This part of the city is vibrant, and full of activity and history. Located here is Earl’s Court Exhibition which is one of London’s best known and largest event and exhibition venues. This summer for the Olympics the venue will be transformed into a 15,000 seat indoor volleyball venue.

Other great attractions abound in the Kensington area. These include world famous attractions such as Kensington Palace, which just reopened at the end of March 2012 after a £12 million revamp and the Royal Albert Hall, opened in 1871 and which hosts countless concerts and events throughout the year along with venue tours. However, there are also fantastic lesser known attractions such as the Leighton House Museum, one of London’s most remarkable 19th century buildings.

The Kensington and Earls Court area is a great place to stay in London with easy proximity to famous shopping destinations such as Harrods, Selfridge’s and Westfield London, which is one of the UK’s largest shopping malls including luxury shopping. Also, nearby are absolutely fantastic parks such as the 260 acre Kensington Gardens or Holland Park, which is considered one of the most romantic and peaceful parks in the city.

Britain has not always been known as a culinary hot spot, however things have changed and London now has all types of international cuisines and many Michelin starred restaurants. However, when visiting you must enjoy some of the traditional British culinary classics like a full English breakfast, afternoon tea (Society Bar & Restaurant in our hotel offers one for £15.95), fish and chips, and a pub dinner with a pint. Some great pubs in the area include the Warwick Arms, a traditional Fuller’s Pub with a twist serving sandwiches and jacket potatoes at lunch and Indian cuisine for dinner. The Albion is also a delightful little pub that serves traditional pub classics at lunch and pizzas throughout the day. Located just off the Kensington High Street is The Princess Victoria Public House which is a great family owned bar and dining room. Finally, just south of the Earls Court district in Fulham is the Harwood Arms, a gastro pub which is the first and only London pub to receive a Michelin star.

At the Hilton London Olympia many preparations are taking place to prepare for what is being referred to as ‘The Great British Summer’. We still have rooms available, but these are filling quickly as we prepare to welcome individuals and groups from all over the world. So come discover London this summer and all the events, culture and history that the city has to offer – you may also just fall in love with this incredible international city as I did!

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Get High in the Chilterns

03 May 2012
By Steve Langley

Ivinghoe Hills: Chilterns Conservation Board

Spring time in the Chilterns is my favourite season. The inhabitants of the beech woods are waking up; squirrels are raiding bird-feeders, waterfowl arrive from Russia and increasingly strident birdsong can be heard whilst eager users of social media track the progress of the bluebell blooms – so quintessentially English that grace these ancient woodlands.

The home of intimate landscapes, market towns, chalk streams and downland, beech woodlands, orchid banks, red kites and a rural life unchanged for centuries – the Chilterns with prehistoric trackways such as the Ridgeway and the Iron Age hill forts dotted along the hills give a sense of the ancient history of this unspoilt area, but still act as an integral pathway that takes in all the cultural and contemporary traditions giving more compelling reasons to visit this unspoilt English destination. The historic market towns of Amersham, Beaconsfield, Princes Risborough, Wendover and Tring, are all situated within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty, a mere 20 miles north west of London. The boundary of the hills is clearly defined on the northwest side by the scarp slope and the dip slope, that merges with the landscape to the southeast and to the south the river Thames provides a watery boundary with the lovely towns of Henley-on-Thames and Marlow.

One of my favourite activities is cycling in the Ashridge Estate, a National Trust countryside estate supporting a rich variety of wildlife and woodland – in which the bluebells bloom in the Spring and best of all, amazing paths and bridleways to reach it from local villages, such as Aldbury and Frithsden.

There are plenty of experiences to enjoy; including museums, historic houses, gardens, canal boats, nature reserves, cycling and rambling – too many to include here.

We have yet to add The Chilterns to our site, so for more local information, the Chiltern Conservation Board website is a good place to start; www.chilternsaonb.org/introduction.html and follow @VisitChilterns for updates on local events.

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The Henley Royal Regatta – The Quintessential British Festival

11 Apr 2012
By Steve Langley

Crews prepare for their race

Only pausing during the two World Wars, the great British rowing tradition, The Henley Royal Regatta has been gracing the riverside town of Henley-on-Thames since 1839. What started off as a single afternoon amateur rowing event for local gentlemen has become a five day affair, attracting spectators and competitors of all levels from around the globe and hosting twenty events for both male and female oarers. Far from just an annual rowing event, it was granted Royal status in 1851, when Prince Albert was first to be given the title of Royal Patron, and he has since been succeeded by several reigning monarchs.

Over the course of it’s illustrious history, other changes have taken place including changes to the courses themselves. Courses called The Old Course, The Experimental Course and The New Course came and went, and in 1924, The Straight Course was finally agreed as the final course, having addressed all the issues of unfairness with the previous courses and now measuring precisely one mile and 550 yards. It runs from a point near Temple Island to a point opposite Phyllis Court.

Many of the regatta’s original traditions do remain, however, and The Grand Challenge Cup is still the highlight of the regatta. The London Rowing Club dominated the first era of the Cup, winning it twenty times between 1857 and 1890, while The Leander club have been winning consistently, 33 times between 1840 and 2009. The current record is for 5 minutes 57 seconds, created in last year’s race by Ruder Club Hansa von 1898 e.V. of Dortmund, Germany, beating the previous record by one second. The actual Cup first contained the names of all the winning crews and in 1954, the Book of Honours was added as a part of the prize. The regatta was presented with a new Cup by the Harvard Crew in 1964, which was identical to the original from 1839, and is still being used today.

Despite this large international presence, the first entry into the regatta from outside of England was not until 1870, from Dublin, while the first international competitors joined in 1878, by way of the United States. It was 1975 when female coxswains of male crews gained entry, and 1981 when women’s events of a shorter distance were added. Women’s events were created using the full course length in 1986, including a Women’s Single Sculls event which later became accepted as a round in the FISA World Cup.

Apart from being a spectator sport, The Henley Royal Regatta is a large component in the English social season. There are several members-only clubs in the vicinity which provide a heightened experience of the races, including the Remenham and Leander clubs, though the one regarded as the most prestigious is the Stewards’ Enclosure.

Just adjacent to the finish line and set upon impeccably made lawns, this exclusive enclosure comprises several bars, a bandstand, a restaurant marquee and two covered grandstands. With entry only permitted to Members and their Guests, the gentlemen must wear either blazers with flannels or lounge suits, with a tie or cravat while the ladies must adhere to wearing dresses or skirts which fall below the knee. Hats are not compulsory but certainly customary amongst the ladies who frequent the Stewards’ Enclosure. The much sought after membership has, at present, a ten year long waiting list but individuals can also gain access by purchasing a Fawley Meadows private suite package from Keith Prowse. In a more intimate setting to experience the races, the package provides guests with luxury hospitality and dining right in the heart of the race action. The other popular option offered by Keith Prowse is a hospitality package on Temple Island for a medium sized group of forty. This is an opportunity to escape all the commotion of the main areas and, with full view of the start line, appreciate the races in peaceful, picturesque surroundings.

However, these options do not allow in children under the age of ten. For those with children, the Regatta Enclosure is situated very close to the Stewards’ Enclosure, just slightly further from the finish line. With an informal, laid-back atmosphere, this child-friendly club allows free access to competitors, and all spectators, including school parties, are welcome on receipt of their badge after paying the admission fee, with no specific dress code. Once in, they can enjoy clear views of the racing from an open riverside grandstand, as well as access to the enclosure’s bar and restaurant, with their choice of covered or outdoor dining from a menu boasting everything from fresh seafood to traditional British cuisine.

Children are also widely permitted into the Remenham Farm. This lovely relaxed setting is mostly free to roam, and the Barn Bar, which features an in-house jazz band, only requires a small entrance fee on Fridays and Saturdays. Though there are several stalls selling various goods and snacks at very reasonable prices, picnics are also allowed on site of the Remenham Farm.

Going forth, as a sporting event, The Royal Henley Regatta will continue to showcase the best in worldwide rowing talent, ensuring that everyone can take part as it endeavours to grow in size and popularity every single year. As a social event, it now caters to a huge variety of groups and will persist in doing so by reflecting the changes in British culture from traditional practice to modern day diversity.

This year the Regatta runs from June 27 to July 1.

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Memories of the British Tradition of Caravan Holidays

21 Mar 2012
By Steve Langley

The Langley Family - Bracklesham Bay 1963

The very British seaside holiday is a longstanding tradition in the UK, and it goes hand in hand with the caravan holiday too. Family-friendly, affordable ways to see the countryside, and the coast, Britons have been mad about caravanning for decades.

I have fond memories of our family caravan holidays in the 1960’s, this was us at Bracklesham Bay in Sussex, where my Dad taught me to fly a kite, things have come a long way since then.

Playing second fiddle to the cheap and cheerful package holiday since the 70s, it seems that the British caravan holiday is very much back in style, as magazines and newspaper supplements offer up inspirational ‘glamping’ destinations and families look for more traditional and affordable holiday options closer to home.
Proof of caravanning’s resurgence comes as one of Britain’s leading caravan park chains, Park Resorts, announced a 21% increase in new caravan sales in 2011. Park Resorts currently offer caravans for sale UK wide at 39 coastal holiday parks from just £8,995, making them an increasingly popular holiday home option for families.

British Caravan Holiday History
Before the national railway system opened up travel to ordinary folks across the UK, holidaying was a pastime enjoyed solely by the upper classes. But following the introduction of the railways, from the 1840s onwards day trips to the seaside and rural towns became increasingly popular. Caravanning and camping soon rivalled the seaside boarding houses, offering up an even more affordable way to holiday, as well as more freedom to explore.

Holiday camps began springing up during the late 19th century, and by the early 1900s, camping and caravanning had developed into a popular weekend activity for working and middle class families. Seen as a healthy activity, it offered an affordable getaway for families looking to escape the smog-filled cities.

In its infancy, the caravan holiday was split into two distinct types: touring holidays, with caravans towed by a car, and caravan park holidays, where holidaymakers could rent larger, static caravans.

The Boom Years
Caravan holiday popularity rose to hit its peak in the 1960s. With an increasing number of caravans for sale UK wide, improved motorway infrastructure opening up the roads to more touring caravans, more families buying their own cars, and the introduction of the hugely popular and affordable Sprite caravan range, the sixties was truly the decade of the British caravan holiday.

However, the introduction of cheap package holidays in the 1970s meant that ordinary British families could now afford to travel abroad for the first time. As more families were lured by the warmer climes of Spain and Greece, caravan, camping and British seaside holidays began to decline.

A Welcome Return
Nowadays, caravanning is going through something of a renaissance. State of the art modern caravans are more spacious, and come with all the mod-cons of a holiday apartment. Caravan parks now rival holiday resorts in terms of facilities for families, including watersports, workshops, and childcare. Modern British holidaymakers also feel a great deal of nostalgia towards caravanning holidays; remembering the fun they had at caravan parks as children, they now want to create these kinds of warm, family memories for their own children. And the economic recession has also forced many families to tighten their purse strings, boosting the number of caravans sales and convincing more families to ‘staycation’ and explore the fantastic British Isles instead of holidaying abroad.

If you have any memories of caravan holidays growing up I would love to hear them.

Cheers,

Steve Langley

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My British Bucket List

13 Mar 2012
By Steve Langley

Marriott London County Hall

I am not getting any younger, so I thought it would be fun to create a bucket list of things I would like to do in Britain before I kick off. This took quite a few weeks of thought, I limited it to a top ten for now, well there is an eleveth, but I don’t think Richard Branson will be having a pint with me in a pub any time soon, but I am not writing it off completely, you never know..

So here goes, lots of the activities are listed on my web site, so I have included links in case you are interested in doing them:

- Spend an entire summer in a flat in Wimbledon, within a mile of my birthplace.
- Visit Old Trafford to watch a Manchester United football match and visit the museum
- Visit Edinburgh by train from London, and stay at the Bank Hotel and see the Tattoo
- Take a helicopter flight over London and take some great photos!
- Spend a week in a cottage in Cornwall by the sea, preferably in Falmouth
- Play a round of golf at Wentworth
- Visit the historic city of St. Andrews and stay at The Rusacks Hotel
- Stay at Langley Castle in Northumberland for the weekend
- Stay at a country inn in Dorset like The Castle Inn, Bankes Arms Hotel or Acorn Inn
- Spend a few nights at the Marriott County Hall in London in a room overlooking the Thames

I am going to be able to cross off at least one of these next month when I stay at the Marriott County Hall, I paid extra to overlook the Thames, you can’t stay that close and not look out of your window and see the river and maybe Big Ben, I hope! I will also be headed to the Cotswolds for a cottage stay, so that should provide some beautiful images to post on our Facebook page, and since my wife will be with me on this trip you will see more posts about fun things to do in and around London, since we will be doing them together.

These were not placed in any order but I realized after typing the list that the first three are non negotiable, the most important, they have to be done, so looks like I am working backwards on the list, just hope I don’t run out of time before I get to the top!

I would love to hear….what’s is on your list??

Cheers,

Steve

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What to Do in Wimbledon, London SW19

29 Feb 2012
By Steve Langley

Return from a morning ride on the Common, riders take their horses down the High Street to the stable.

Wimbledon is an affluent residential suburb in South West London. Originally a small village until the coming of the railway in the nineteenth century, the area has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age. In fact, the remains of an Iron Age hill fort are still visible on the parkland of Wimbledon Common. Nowadays, although the area is part of London’s commuter belt, Wimbledon has a relaxed and sophisticated vibe and the quarter around Wimbledon station and the Broadway, in particular, offers the visitor a range of exciting restaurants and cool bars. This brief guide will give the first-time visitor some ideas about things to do and in Wimbledon, London.

Getting there

Wimbledon Station is an important travel hub and has connections for train, underground (known to Londoners as ‘the tube’) and tram services. Train and tube services run regularly from central London with journey times of just over 15 minutes via the District Line (tube) or the main line rail services. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are accessible within an hour’s travelling of Wimbledon.

Things to Do

Wimbledon Common – 1,100 acres of open grassland and woods. Do as the locals do: walk and relax in the fresh air, perhaps with a picnic. Don’t miss the picturesque windmill with its museum at the northern end of the Common, there is a wonderful village fair in June or maybe rent a bicycle from Smith Brothers on Church Street.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, Church Road – a must-see museum dedicated to the game that is forever synonymous with Wimbledon and an opportunity to have a guided tour of the home of British tennis, including the world famous Centre Court.

Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway – a stunning Edwardian theatre with regular top quality productions.

Wimbledon Market, Plough Lane – shop where the locals shop and get bargains in clothing, fruit and vegetables. Open every Sunday.

Wimbledon Village – centred on the High Street, this is the heart of old Wimbledon and still retains some of its semi-rural charm. Wimbledon Village is a fantastic and quaint part of Wimbledon that is often overlooked in favour of the much busier high street. It’s the perfect place to browse boutique fashion and antique shops and enjoy a coffee at one of its many cafes or bars.

Cannizaro Park, a Grade II listed garden covering just under 34 acres is another delight should you wish to make a visit to another of Wimbledon’s more secret destinations. A labyrinth of paths and beautifully cared gardens make it a popular place for picnicking and enjoying a performance or two at it’s open stage venue. If you would like to stay the night, the Cannizaro House Hotel next door is wonderful, highly recommended!

Places to eat

If you’re looking to try typical British food, a good pub is the place for you (we recommend the Rose & Crown) and several recommended examples are listed in the next section. Of course there are other types of food – just follow the locals to Broadway Tandoori and Ahmed on Wimbledon Broadway where reliable Indian food (popular British pastime) is on offer. Also try Chutneys on Hartfield Road – the place to be for curries. If you like your food fiery, I recommend the Ganina Xacutti at Chutneys – a magnificent chicken curry. For Italian food try Alforno on Kings Road or Dolce Vita on The Broadway. The pizza at Alforno is particularly good. My favourite Wimbledon restaurant at the moment is Aya, a Lebanese restaurant on Merton Road with delicious, delicately spiced food and a lovely courtyard garden. Try their charcoal grilled meats and I guarantee you will go there again. The usual chain restaurants are represented too, with Est Est Est and Cafe Rouge on the High Street, The Gourmet Burger Kitchen on The Broadway and Nando’s on Russell Road being the best pick of the bunch.

Where to drink

Visit a traditional British pub and tuck into such hearty delights as sausages and mash and fish and chips, washed down with a pint glass of foaming ale. Try the Crooked Billet on Wimbledon Common; excellent food and beer from the local brewery. Dog & Fox in the High Street, Fox & Grapes on the Common and Rose & Crown in Wimbledon Village are all highly recommended for some good tipple. Of course if you are looking for a slightly more restrained affair then perhaps look into one of the many excellent bars. Bars in Britain are not quite the same as pubs; beer will be ever present, often imported bottle varieties, but you will also find cocktails, wine and tapas or bistro type food. Henry J Bean’s in The Broadway, Hemingway’s in the Village and All Bar One on Wimbledon Hill Road are all good. However, they don’t have the same athmosphere as a pub.

Tennis Championships

Without doubt the jewel in Wimbledon’s crown is the annual Championships at the All England Club, known simply as Wimbledon fortnight. This is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four grand slam events. The Championships take place each June/July and the best seats are snapped up well in advance. However, there are often last minute seats to be had so, if you’re in London at this time, check with local agents and on the internet to see what’s available. Wimbledon tours are also available from The Wimbledon Experience. Even if you can’t get into the tennis, it’s worth visiting Wimbledon at this time of year just to enjoy the buzz that the event creates. And, did I mention the obligatory Wimbledon strawberries and cream with champagne?

I was born just a mile or so from the center of Wimbledon, and as the years past I appreciate it more and more, I visit regularly and recommend you to do the same at any time of year. The dream is to spend summers in Wimbledon and winters in Phoenix….but still working on that one!

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The Top 10 Things that will Surprise you when visiting London

20 Feb 2012
By Steve Langley

Try the American Bar at The Stafford Hotel for an excellent lunch.

London is a wonderful city to visit any time of year. After reading about it on websites — especially TheBritishTravler.com — guide books and travel magazines, you think you are ready to embark on your visit to one of the most exciting cities in the world. There are definitely some aspects of London that will surprise you. So I decided to put together a list of the biggest surprises you may encounter as an American in London:

Surprise #1 — The vast range of languages and ethnicities you will encounter.
You will undoubtedly meet people from around the globe who are working and living in London, some from places you would never expect!

Surprise #2 — The vast number of people.
London is a very busy city, especially in popular locations like shopping on Oxford Street or walking across Westminster Bridge. Try to avoid using the underground (the “tube”) during the rush hours, it’s crazy.

Surprise #3 — The immense size of the city.
Greater London consists of 32 boroughs and the City of London, the same number of capsules on the London Eye (not a coincidence!). It covers over 600 square miles; however, the part visitors are most interested in are within walking distance or within short “tube rides.

Surprise #4 — The Cost.
It is expensive. You will see items that cost twice as much as you can get them at home from familiar brand-name shops. But there are also some wonderful unique items worth taking home as reminders of a great trip to London. If you are on a budget, eat at pubs or cafes rather than restaurants; they have fast food too!

Surprise #5 — Incredible history.
You are surrounded by history almost everywhere you go. There are three must see places: Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament (guided tour, limited schedule) and the Tower of London

Surprise #6– The wonderful transport system.
It’s so easy to get around. I suggest buying an Oyster card or Travel card; both will give you reduced rates on the bus and tube and are easy to use.

Surprise #7 — The pubs.
They are not like American bars! The pubs are wonderfully social places, where you can relax, have a well-priced, very filling meal, great beer and the opportunity to chat with the locals.

Surprise #8 — The food is much better than advertised
For a long time Britain has had the reputation of having very bland and uninteresting food, but lots of things have changes and some of the top chefs in the world are British. Check out a Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver restaurant as examples. There are lots more.

Surprise #9 — The number of things to see and do.
As Samuel Johnson said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” There are hundreds of places to see and things to do in London, you will never be bored.

Surprise #10 — The amazing countryside.
It’s so close. In much less than an hour, you can be exploring idyllic villages with thatched cottages and beamed country pubs. You don’t have to rent a car, there are day tours that will take you there for lunch.

There are many more, like snow in London, which I just encountered during my two week visit this month.

It the greatest city in the world, so get over there and be surprised.

Cheers,

Steve

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Isle of Wight

22 Jan 2012
By Steve Langley

Shanklin, Isle of Wight

The delightful kite-shaped Isle of Wight sits at the mouth of Southampton Water which leads up to the busy port of Southampton. Ferries sail frequently from Southampton to Cowes carrying passengers, cars and supplies to this charmingly unspoilt island. Cowes is a renowned sailing venue, particularly for Cowes week in early August. The Maritime Museum is located inside the Cowes Library. Further inland is Newport, the island capital. This busy town has narrow streets which bustle with local activity.

The villages along the east coast are most popular with tourists. Shanklin is typical of old England with thatched cottages, rambling roses over the door, quaint shops and tea rooms. Nearby Sandown has an excellent beach and pier. Ventnor retains its Victorian air. Situated at the foot of a very steep hill, the promenade is lined with guest houses and small hotels. Godshill is known for its gardens at the Old Smithy and there is a fascinating miniature village here too.

The west coast of the island is sparsely populated but the famous Needles, which are white chalk columns standing just offshore, and the multicoloured cliffs and sands at Alum Bay are well worth a visit.

One of the most delightful stately homes to visit is Osborne House. The favourite home of Queen Victoria it is still very much as it was during her lifetime. After the death of Albert, she mourned her loss and ordered his rooms to be untouched so they are wonderfully preserved for us to observe today. The gardens have vegetable patches which the young princes and princesses all tended. The other castle of note on the island is Carisbrooke Castle, just outside Newport. Built by Elizabeth I it became the prison of Charles I before he was tried and executed.

The Isle of Wight enjoys mild winters and sunny summers. It has some gorgeous sandy beaches and delightful ‘olde worlde’ villages as well as beautiful cliff top walks to enjoy.

This brings back some lovely childhood memories of vacationing with my family, my Uncle getting hit on the head with a golf ball, canoe races, my Dad dropping a kid in the lake trying to help him into a boat, rounds of crazy golf and the Beatles song Yellow Submarine playing on the radio all day long it seemed.

Good times!

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Weekend in Brighton

29 Oct 2011
By Steve Langley

Brighton Beach, Sussex

The biggest mistake people make when visiting London is not taking a weekend in Brighton. At just 40 minutes away on the train, it’s one of the most unique places the UK has to offer, and full of surprises.

Traditionally, Brighton has always been a playground. Preferred by the Prince of Wales as a pleasure resort back in the late 18th century, it’s continued to attract weekenders, partygoers and culture lovers. It also offers a range of overnight options, from the high-end hotels to the traditional Brighton B&B.

Key to its character is its diversity. There’s probably no other city in the UK that can claim to be as bohemian, and as quirky.

With a longstanding proud reputation for tolerance and freethinking, it’s a veritable melting pot of styles, fashions and all manner of freakery.

Obvious attractions include the Palace Pier, which opened in 1899, and the Pavilion. As piers go, it’s a classic, and the Pavilion will confuse and amaze in the same breath. Built for the Prince Regent (later crowned King George IV) between 1787 and 1823, it embraces Regency style and opulence, and is filled with oriental treasures.

Most roads lead to the sea and miles of pebble beach. There are distant views of the stunning chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters and long seafront walks to the avenues and architecture of neighbough, Hove.

Back off Brighton beach, you’ll find yourself in a rabbit warren of curio shops in the south laines. Here, boutiques and antiques meet. Further west there’s the North Laine area with a similar, but larger network of street cafes and entertainment venues.

Brighton has more pubs than you’ll ever visit, and bars frequented by the stars. Weekends in Brighton are never short of surprises; make the effort and leave the capital behind, pick up the latest information from a Brighton blog, but just make sure you leave enough time to get to the return train!

Guest post is by Mark Pawlak, editor at Travel-copywriting.com

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The London Casino Experience

12 Oct 2011
By Steve Langley

While poker rooms and tournaments are fairly new phenomenons in many cities in Europe there are also traditional poker hotspots such as London that have been spreading poker games for many, many years. That’s good news for both regular London players as well as tourists just looking for a quick game in some of the city’s historic card rooms, as you’ll have plenty of action available to choose from.

One thing to be on the watch for is whether the poker room is open to the public or members-only, as you can’t just walk into every casino or card room and take a seat. Some of the members-only rooms are easy to get a membership at — and sometimes just takes a few minutes — so don’t let the fact that it’s only open to members necessarily scare you away.

Victoria Casino: Most gamblers simply call it “the Vic”, and it holds one of London’s best-known and popular card rooms. While many casinos in the city cater the casual crowd and only regularly run small stakes cash games and tournaments, the Vic is the place to be if you’re looking for bigger cash games, which run from £1-£1 up to £10-£25 (and sometimes as high as £25-£50). That not only means it’s a great place to head for poker but you can also spot many well-known pros at the tables as well from time to time.

The Western Club: The Western is one of the larger poker clubs in the UK and runs a wide range of tournaments and cash games, with an eye towards catering to more casual players and poker fans. Most weekly tournaments are £25-30 NLHE freezeouts and draw 30-40 runners, with cash games of £1-£1 and £1-£2 the most common that run.

The International: The International is another London card room that focuses on lower stakes games and tournaments, although it does run some larger tournaments each week as well. If your poker strategy involves building up player points via frequent play, this is the best bet for you as it’s one of the few poker rooms in London that runs a loyalty program that points you earn in can go towards entry into special tournaments and other perks for regular players.

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