Posts by author Lara Kavanagh
A dance festival at The Scoop. Barney Moss
By Lara Kavanagh in London— Now that the worst of the winter weather seems to be finally easing off, lots of fun London activities are quite rightly taking themselves outdoors. Theater is one of London’s biggest selling points, and one of the city’s beloved spring and summer activities is to catch an Open Air Theatre » Read more
Let the kids loose in Hamley's on Regent Street. Photo: Robinh00d
By Lara Kavanagh in London— There are many worthwhile child-friendly attractions in London, but when you’re on a budget some of the entry prices can be intimidating. To balance out costs during your visit, consider these four free activities, guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Exploring Hamleys 188-196 Regent Street London W1B 5BT Tel: 0871 » Read more
The Florist Arms in East London offers simple, delicious meals. Photo: Ewan-M
By Lara Kavanagh and Daniel Gill in London— London’s East End is one of the trendiest spots on earth, its once dowdy streets undergoing continual gentrification. This is where to head to see some great alternative art galleries and to shop in everything from high-end boutiques to second-hand emporiums and artisan markets. There’s no end » Read more
The Roxy Bar offers cocktail pitchers for £7.95. Photo: Ewan-M
By Lara Kavanagh in London— London is a pricey city, and visitors tend to suffer a decent hit to their wallets before they even get to cocktail hour. Here are three trusted happy hours around town to ensure you get a bit of a bargain to kick off your night. Dirty Martini’s 11/12 Russell Street » Read more
It's coffee time. Photo by jenosaur
By Lara Kavanagh in London—England may be better known for its tea drinkers, but one thing that helps keep the frenetic capital ticking over is its daily coffee. Visitors will notice that we’re a city overrun with chains, but there are some fantastic alternatives to the ubiquitous Starbucks and Costa branches. Here are three great » Read more
Afternoon tea at Bea's of Bloomsbury. Photo: Yukino Miyazawa
By Lara Kavanagh in London— A proper afternoon tea in London can be an expensive affair, with the classic set-up usually costing a hefty £40 or £50 per person. Delightful as it is to indulge at renowned institutions such as Fortnum and Mason or Claridges, you can save a bundle of cash by booking an » Read more
London's Highgate Cemetery. Photo: Bixentro
However morbid it might sound, a stroll around one of London’s historic cemeteries can make a wonderfully atmospheric detour off the usual tourist track. In the early 19th century, several large, elegant cemeteries were commissioned to accommodate the demands of the burgeoning London populace; listed below are three of the best. Highgate Cemetery Highgate benefits » Read more
Classical forms for free at the Sir John Soane Museum. Photo: StuSmith_UK
By Lara Kavanagh in London— London is full to bursting with museums and galleries. Here are three small and unusual choices, none of which charges a penny to enter. Sir John Soane’s Museum 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4.30 p.m.) Free entry Tel: 020 » Read more
Hackney City Farm pigs. Photo by sashafatcat
By Lara Kavanagh in London Even for tourists enjoying a reasonably relaxed vacation, the city of London can be a tiring place. But if you’re out and about exploring Shoreditch and the East End, duck into Hackney City Farm for a welcome respite and a miniature slice of the countryside, all free of charge. The » Read more
A morning at the London Fields pool. Photo by moff.
Here in the UK we’re not known for our sunny skies and golden tans. But we are fond of a good swim, and lots of us in London actually prefer to take a dip out in the open air than under a sports center roof. It may seem like madness, but you might just change » Read more
London's spiffy new bike-share program. Photo: Failing Angel
Paris did it, albeit with a few setbacks, and now it’s London’s turn to implement a public bike-share program. The mayor has championed cycling in the capital as a green and healthy means of navigating the city. He was also keen to be snapped riding about on one of the new bank-sponsored bikes for the » Read more
The Stockpot. Photo: Ewan-M
It is possible to get a cheap, value-for-money meal in London—even in one of its busiest neighborhoods. If you don’t mind brusque service, unassuming menus or slightly quirky surroundings, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly gems in the heart of Soho. Here’s a rundown of some reliable restaurants in Soho, suitable for the slimmest of wallets: Trattoria » Read more
