A year in London

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The breakfast buffet was expansive having English, Continental and Japanese choice. The food looked presentable, although they tended to run out of things if you came down later in the morning. My wife and I enjoyed a late night club sandwich and chips in the bar, which they made for us even though the kitchen had closed.

The hotel is close to many attractions such as Kensington High Street and Hyde Park. There is a extension tube station next door (infrequent service), or you can enjoy a 10 minute walk to the station in Earl''s Court. Although I am not positive, I believe the express train to Gatwick leaves at the train station next door. To go to Heathrow, I recommend using the mini-cab stand that you find by turning left out the hotel door. The hotel is near the A4 which goes right to Heathrow. Make a reservation the night before.

This was not my favorite hotel, but it is a Hilton and well situated. It also tends to be less than some of the other American chain hotels. If you get a good rate and want to stay at a Hilton, this is a reasonable choice.

In the winter there are two fire places that make it cozy. In the summer you can sit outside at the picnic tables in the beer garden. The mediterranean food is simple, fresh and always delicious. The menu changes daily with some regular items showing up periodically and always includes fish, meat, and pasta. Starters might include madeira onion soup with sweet paprika and sultanas or a warm goat cheese salad. Every day there is a different anitpasti. Mains include fresh fish such as poached haddock with aromatics or grilled marlin steak. Two of my favorite dished were the Moroccan Chicken Tagine or Grilled lamb chops. Sides include fresh rocket, cous cous salad, roast red onions and mustard mashed potatoes. There are one or two puddings (desserts for us yankees) that were consistently yummy.

On a recent trip in October 2001 we returned to see if anything had changed. The food was still fantastic. Recently they added an awning to their outdoor garden. Now you can still enjoy eating outdoors on those rare rainy London days.

To get there turn left out of W Brompton tube station, proceed down the road one or two blocks, and turn left on Seagrave Road. It is on the left about a block down.

It's not all bad, the decor was fun with a bunch of Rolling Stone memorabilia.

The staff is very friendly and will answer any question you have. Dinner starts at 7:00, but they start a list for tables at 6:30, so arrive then or you will have to wait for the second seating. You can also eat in the pub area if you can snatch a table.

Sampling the wide variety of Belgian beers will be a treat. You can have a refreshing Hoegaarden in a HUGE glass, or a fruity Kriek (cherry) beer. In bottles they have several varieties of the famous Chimay abbey beer. You might also try a gueze, which is a slightly sour beer uniquely made in Belgium through an open air process.

The food is traditional Belgian, which became one of my favorites. If you like mussels, get one of the many varieties here. My favorite was the Madras, which is a frequent special. They are served piled high in a big pot with chips (fries to us Americans) or bread. My other favorites included a tender lamb shank with a Kriek reduction, pan seared duck served with stoemp (mashed potatos with vegetables in them), or chicken supreme. For dessert my favorite was, you guessed it, a Belgian waffle served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.

My wife and I happened across this place in our first weeks in London and returned many times. To get there turn right out of Gloucester Road tube station onto Gloucester Road. Continue three blocks to the intersection with Old Brompton Road and turn left. It is on the left about a block down the road.

To start our the evening, our waitress brought out a platter of starters, on the house. These included fish cakes and other carribean specialties. The mains consisted of many spicy fish dishes, as well as a few chicken and vegetarian items. I enjoyed a red snapper with a spicy carribean salsa which was amazing. The fish was incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked. My wife has the jerk chicken, which was authentic and tasty.

We sampled two desserts which included a creme brulee, and a mango and ice cream dish. Both nicely finished off our dinner.

Throughout our meal the service was friendly and attentive. Given the quality and location, the prices were reasonable. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and would eagerly return again.

This and the Tower of London were my favorite attractions in London. There are two guided tours that are included in the price of admission. These are excellent and add a personal perspective from the knowledgable tour guide. For example, did you know that the King is entitled to 9 differnet meats with Dinner, but only 7 at lunch and breakfast? The audio guide, also included, is also excellent and gives a narration on the remaining areas.

Being outside of London, it takes some effort to get there but is well worth the effort. You can take the train from Waterloo station. You can also take the tube to Richmond (the District line) and then take the R68 bus to Hampton Court. I recommend arriving early and you will definitely want to stay the entire day. If you take the tube, spend the evening in quaint Richmond. There is an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment. On a nice day you can take a stroll along the river.

Admission is 10.50 GBP. You can also buy a combined Tower of London / Hampton Court ticket, which I recommend as the Tower is my other favorite.

After taking the 30 minute flight I can truly say it offers a breathtaking view of the city. You ride in one of the 32 capsules. The capsules are big enough so you can walk around and get the view in different directions.

If you are going to take the flight, book ahead at www.londoneye.com. Arrive about half an hour early and bring lots of film.