Uncrowded London in Winter

Candlelight concerts in St. Martin in the Fields.... Evensong in Westminister Abbey....Portobello Road Market when you can actually move...Museums in which you can actually see the works...That's London in February.

Sure it rains a bit, but if you are an adaptable sort, you can have a wonderful experience without the summertime crowds.

Quick Tips:

Always have a rainy day and a dry day plan. Don't go to a museum on a day when a walk in Hyde Park is possible.

Best Way To Get Around:

Buy a travelcard for the Underground and busses. They save so much time as you aren't in lines waiting for tickets or fumbling for change. Walking, of course, is prefered as London has an adventure around each corner and down each mews.

Location! Location! Location! Scala House is a ten story small apartment building that has 4 units per floor. Each apaartment has two bedrooms, a living/dining room, a kitchen, and a bath and a half. It is located a block off Tottenham Court Road and the Goodge Street Tube stop. There is a Tesco grocery store within a block; a fish & chips shop on the corner; a cybercafe on another corner; and it is just a block from the gourmet gulch of Charlotte Street. There are four pubs within three blocks. There is someone on duty in the lobby 24 hours a day. The neighborhood is safe. The apartments themselves are roomy and clean. The kitchen is fully equipped and includes both a dishwasher and a combination washer/dryer. I've stayed here three times; twice for two weeks each and once for five weeks. It is wonderful. You can walk to the British Museum, Oxford Street with its many shops, through Soho and to Trafalgar Square in no time at all. During low season (1 Nov. - 18 Dec. and 4 Jan - 24 March) the cost ranges from 665 to 805 pounds a week, depending on the number of occupants. High season (25 March - 31 October & 19 December - 1 Jan.) are from 840 - 980 pounds a week. The Palos family who owns Scala House are most helpful with transportation needs, play tickets, tour arrangements, etc. They have a web site at www.scala-house.co.uk. This is a great place to stay! Daily rates are available if they have room.

What a feast and What a Bargain! Four of us ate and ate and ate the most delicious multi-course Turkish meal. It begain with individual plates of mezes and bread and concluded in what seemed like hours later with "Turkish Delights" and coffee as only the Turks can brew it. In between, we had wonderful a fresh tomato and cucumber salad, fresh fruits, fried liver (don't wince, it was wonderful), spicy saffron flavored rice, sauteed vegetables, succulent kabobs of lamb and chicken, honey drenched pastries, and a good white Turkish wine.

We four women of "a certain age" arrived without reservations on a Friday night, but were warmly welcomed into a comfortable table. The waiters were friendly and instructive, helping us decide what to order and what it was once it arrived. The restaurant was soon filled to its capacity with an eclectic mixture of Londoners of every age. It appeared that many families of Middle Eastern background dine here regularly. It was the best meal we had in London! There is a second branch Efes Restaurant I at 80-82 Titchfield Street, 020-7636 1953.

This cafeteria-style restaurant is a great place to take a break from the hectic pace of sightseeing in London. Set in the heart of the tourist route, it provides good food at reasonable prices, and convenience. They have great sandwiches, soups, and salads as well as hot entrees such as fish, stews, etc. Wine and beer are available. A good bargain is the soup, bread, and dessert special. The creme brulee is wonderful! Note the handy little hooks under the tabletops for securing your purses, bags, etc. A wonderful touch that keeps them safe and off the floor. It can be crowded at traditional meal times, but the table turn fast. It's a great place, too, for a comforting pot of tea and an apple pudding blanketed in a rich vanilla custard!

This is a neighborhood fish and chips place that also has great kabobs. You can eat in or take away. The fish and chips are crisp and fresh. You have your choice of several types of fish; I've had the plaice and the cod. The chips are large with just the right amount of "greasiness!" Not being a lamb fan, I tried only the chicken kabobs and they were fantastic...huge portion either with or without veggies. The Greek(?)countermen are fun and helpful. Smile and joke with them and they love it! The place is frequented by locals and is open late into the evening, everyday but Sunday. Most of the food is cooked to order so there may be a wait, but it is definitely worth it.