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Posted
On 11/27/2024 at 6:24 AM, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

I just got back from London last Friday.  I generally stay at the St. Ermin's hotel.  

However, if I were in London just for fun, I would stay at the London Edition. Location cannot be beat, and I am a real fan of Editions in general (stays at Madrid and Singapore in the last two years were most excellent).

On this last trip, I had the fortune of being able to go out to Bibi, Mambow, Mamapen (the only Cambodian place in London), and KOL. All were fantastic, but my favorite was Mambow. Holy shit was that good.

I took your suggestion and am at the Edition, and you're right that the location is perfect.

But this is now the second Marriott property I've stayed at in or hear Soho (the other being the W a couple years ago), and in both instances there are no electrical outlets in the bathroom.  So I have to go out to the entry hall to find a place where there is an outlet near a mirror.  What the fuck is up with that?

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Posted
I took your suggestion and am at the Edition, and you're right that the location is perfect.
But this is now the second Marriott property I've stayed at in or hear Soho (the other being the W a couple years ago), and in both instances there are no electrical outlets in the bathroom.  So I have to go out to the entry hall to find a place where there is an outlet near a mirror.  What the fuck is up with that?

Pretty sure it’s a UK regulation. Yep, found it:

Disclaimer: In the United Kingdom, sockets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms (apart from shaver-supply units) unless they can be fitted at least three metres from the bath or shower.

So, in any small bathroom (most hotels), no outlets. We’ve noticed this everywhere in the UK. Sometimes, an older hotel won’t have retrofitted, and sometimes, the bathroom layout allows it. But most times…nope, wife is drying her hair in the room.
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Posted (edited)
3 hours ago, Brisketexan said:


Pretty sure it’s a UK regulation. Yep, found it:

Disclaimer: In the United Kingdom, sockets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms (apart from shaver-supply units) unless they can be fitted at least three metres from the bath or shower.

So, in any small bathroom (most hotels), no outlets. We’ve noticed this everywhere in the UK. Sometimes, an older hotel won’t have retrofitted, and sometimes, the bathroom layout allows it. But most times…nope, wife is drying her hair in the room.

Yep, it's been on the books for years. Our old fully renovated flat with a smaller bathroom had the two-prong outlet only good for charging toothbrushes or shavers. Or small usb chargers. My understanding is the UK just believes, or believed at the time they were established, in more stringent safety regulations than the rest of Europe. For example, when we wanted to put an antenna on our roof so that we could utilize the tv license we were paying for, I think they sent a crew of at least 3, orange vests and all. 

Edited by Chopper
Posted
On 11/27/2024 at 4:49 PM, Cap33 said:

Stayed at the Marriott Grosvenor Square a few years ago. The club level room was worth it for us for the breakfast and evening snacks. We liked the location: Bond St. Station and Selfridges are a few blocks away. Going the other direction is Mount St. with some very nice window shopping. Felt like an easy walk to Marylebone, Green Park/Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, etc.

I always stay at Grosvenor for business. Love it. 

Well, except for the half shower glass and wet ass floors after a shower. So dumb. 

Posted
21 hours ago, Brisketexan said:


Pretty sure it’s a UK regulation. Yep, found it:

Disclaimer: In the United Kingdom, sockets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms (apart from shaver-supply units) unless they can be fitted at least three metres from the bath or shower.

So, in any small bathroom (most hotels), no outlets. We’ve noticed this everywhere in the UK. Sometimes, an older hotel won’t have retrofitted, and sometimes, the bathroom layout allows it. But most times…nope, wife is drying her hair in the room.

Pretty remarkable how right around the rest of the world we manage to blow dry our hair in the bathroom without electrocuting ourselves. We must all be goddamned supermen.

Posted
Pretty remarkable how right around the rest of the world we manage to blow dry our hair in the bathroom without electrocuting ourselves. We must all be goddamned supermen.

I mean…you HAVE noticed how stupid the average limey is, right?
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Posted

Here now. Arrived yesterday and worked 10 hours. Worked another 10 today, then headed to dinner at bebe Bob. It's Bob Bob Ricard's little brother than specializes in all things chicken.

1. This Martini was the tits and who jew a lemon cream donut would pair well with caviar.

2. Chicken is really, really well done. Had mine with the potatoes and cauliflower cheese and truffle 

3. Espresso Martini to finish before my 10 pm call. Fun.

 

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Posted
1 hour ago, Horn_Spanker said:

I'll be there in a couple months.  Please explain the UK ETA?  Was it a pain?

I am leaving Thursday night for London. It's easy, I was approved within hours. The app/site kind of sucks. I had a couple of page errors the first couple of times I scanned my passport. It's like 12 bucks after exchange, good for a few years. 

Go direct to the UK website, don't use one of those stupid sites that "help" you apply and tack on extra margin.

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Posted

I filled mine out on a weekend. It said it’s take up to three days. Within 10 minutes it came back approved. I found the site easy to use. 

its linked to your passport, so you just use the elates at Heathrow and all is good as Lond as you have it.

Posted
6 hours ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Here now. Arrived yesterday and worked 10 hours. Worked another 10 today, then headed to dinner at bebe Bob. It's Bob Bob Ricard's little brother than specializes in all things chicken.

1. This Martini was the tits and who jew a lemon cream donut would pair well with caviar.

2. Chicken is really, really well done. Had mine with the potatoes and cauliflower cheese and truffle 

3. Espresso Martini to finish before my 10 pm call. Fun.

 

20250401_202718.jpg

20250401_202708.jpg

20250401_204505.jpg

20250401_204511.jpg

20250401_212909.jpg

Just so beautiful.  Thanks for the rec.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 4/1/2025 at 6:36 PM, Horn_Spanker said:

I'll be there in a couple months.  Please explain the UK ETA?  Was it a pain?

The app was okay to use. I'm not sure if there's a website also and wound up downloading the app.   But got mine back approved in under a minute.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted
On 4/1/2025 at 5:36 PM, Horn_Spanker said:

I'll be there in a couple months.  Please explain the UK ETA?  Was it a pain?

I just did mine Friday night, used the official app. Took under 2 minutes to process, cost $22. Hardest thing was taking the selfie, can't have any shadows or glare. 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 5/10/2025 at 10:01 AM, Firemans4Horn said:

Restaurant recs for London with kids (6-8 years old)? Staying near Kings Cross but comfortable taking the tube and walking. 

genre’s: Indian, Sunday Roast, Thai, traditional, fish and chips, desserts

I have a ton I'll post once back at a computer.

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Posted
Restaurant recs for London with kids (6-8 years old)? Staying near Kings Cross but comfortable taking the tube and walking. 
genre’s: Indian, Sunday Roast, Thai, traditional, fish and chips, desserts

Whatever the case, you should pick up some soup mix and make it in your flat. Here, my daughter was at Tesco today in Hackney and picked up the one you were looking for:

a869e13163729b3d073e45139335268f.jpg
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Posted (edited)
On 5/10/2025 at 10:01 AM, Firemans4Horn said:

Restaurant recs for London with kids (6-8 years old)? Staying near Kings Cross but comfortable taking the tube and walking. 

genre’s: Indian, Sunday Roast, Thai, traditional, fish and chips, desserts

Ok. So I am going to try and address everything you have asked for, then I might give you a few recommendations just based on recents that I have been to.  With two small children, some of my favorite restaurants in the city are out (Mount St., Restaurant St. Barts, and Gymkhana to name a few), but there are still a lot of great places to go! I will list them by places that I have actually been, then places that are on my list to try, but I just have not made it just yet.

Indian:

Visited:I really like the Dishoom at King's Cross.  I love the decor, and the food is outstanding (2017)

Unfortunately, the only other Indian places I have been in London are Bibi and Gymkhana (apologies).

On my list: The Tamil Crown and the Tamil Prince (one also does a Sunday Roast) - Both were booked up on my last trip, but my friend highly recommends both

Darjeeling Express (wanted to go last trip, but the wait was too long, which again, bodes well - The chef will do some Sunday tastings, which are highly regarded as well, so check that out)

Sunday Roast:

Visted: Harwood Arms - Fulham -  Amazing Sunday Roast - you have to have reservations (2017)

Jugged Hare - City - Longhorn Rump Roast (dry aged, 40-50 days, so really tasty) - I cannot remember when I went, but I really enjoyed it.

The Devonshire - March 2024 Sunday Roast Visit - Really outstanding Roast - great wine too

Ladbroke Arms - Notting Hill ish - Went here in September 2023 - The pub is gorgeous and the food is solid

On my List: Audley Public House (I have been to the restaurant upstairs, Mount St., which is outstanding), The Constitution (I have been here for a beer, but never for food - They have an outstanding patio). The Grenadier (their Roast menu looks amazing)

Thai:

Visited: I have only been to Speedboat Bar in 2024. I loved it. Might not be great for kids as I went to the bar upstairs as it was later at night.  However, they do have the more family friendly restaurant downstairs. Right in Soho in Chinatown - so a really busy area, but the food is so good.

On my list: Kiln (Soho), Chet's (further West), Supawan Thai Food (King's Cross!), and Kolae (Borough Market)

British/Traditional:

Visted: The OG St. John - I cannot remember when I went, but I had was so, so good (it was offal, and it tasted so so good), and I have been meaning to get back.  Alas, my job has gotten in the way.  But I highly recommend it.  Not sure how adventurous your kids are, but I think they also have some normal stuff as well. 

Quo Vadis - 2023 - Their pies are outstanding.  I even bought the cookbook.  Really historic restaurant with good, classic British food.

The Dove, Hammersmith - 2024 - Had an outstanding meal here.  Yes, it is a pub, but it was so good.  Everyone loved it.  Right on the river, so a good place to go.  Close to the tube.

Guinea Grill - 2023 - Awesome old school London chop house.  In an old pub in Mayfair.  Loved it.

Honerable Mention - Kitty Fisher's and Fallow (2023) - The chateaubriand at Kitty Fisher's is amazing

On my list: The Quality Chop House (was booked last trip), The Yellow Bittern (I think it is lunch only.  Controversial (check out this article https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/dining/yellow-bittern-london-restaurant.html - But I am already planning on trying to go on the 4th of July!), Sweetings (seafood lunch spot in the city that has been on my list for ages), M. Manze Tower Bridge - Pie and mash shop. Also, Rochelle Canteen - Fergus Henderson's (of St. John) wife is the chef and ower- been on my list, but hard to get out East.

Fish & Chips:

I always take people to the Laughing Halibut in Victoria. It is close to the office and it is really, really good.

I went to Golden Union in 2023, and thought it was also very, very solid.  

I have passed by Hobson's in Soho, and have put it on my list.

Desserts:

Cedric Grolet at the Berkeley is expensive, but oh go good. pro-tip, order a cake to pick up, pick it up, and enjoy it at your apartment/hotel.  We did that and took two cakes to Silverstone/Oxford with us. They were outstanding.

Peggy Porschen in Belgravia - Beautiful cakes and cupcakes. Recommend highly

Maison Bertaux - Never been, but it is on my list

Random Recs:

Wereworlf Beer - Sort of near King's Cross - A play on Werewolf in London - on my list to try out

Dim Sum Duck - Really good dim sum right near King's Cross.  Tiny space - no reservations - I waited an hour and a half for it.  I do not usually do that.  Get there early (They open at 11), and the wait might not be so long. I went on Marathon Sunday.  Bleh.

The French House - Pub with a restaurant upstairs - The pub is a literary haunt, and the restaurant has been on my list. It is country French cooking and the steaks frites come highly recommended.

Edited by PenelopeWitherspoon
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Posted
46 minutes ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Ok. So I am going to try and address everything you have asked for, then I might give you a few recommendations just based on recents that I have been to.  With two small children, some of my favorite restaurants in the city are out (Mount St., Restaurant St. Barts, and Gymkhana to name a few), but there are still a lot of great places to go! I will list them by places that I have actually been, then places that are on my list to try, but I just have not made it just yet.

Indian:

Visited:I really like the Dishoom at King's Cross.  I love the decor, and the food is outstanding (2017)

Unfortunately, the only other Indian places I have been in London are Bibi and Gymkhana (apologies).

On my list: The Tamil Crown and the Tamil Prince (one also does a Sunday Roast) - Both were booked up on my last trip, but my friend highly recommends both

Darjeeling Express (wanted to go last trip, but the wait was too long, which again, bodes well - The chef will do some Sunday tastings, which are highly regarded as well, so check that out)

Sunday Roast:

Visted: Harwood Arms - Fulham -  Amazing Sunday Roast - you have to have reservations (2017)

Jugged Hare - City - Longhorn Rump Roast (dry aged, 40-50 days, so really tasty) - I cannot remember when I went, but I really enjoyed it.

The Devonshire - March 2024 Sunday Roast Visit - Really outstanding Roast - great wine too

Ladbroke Arms - Notting Hill ish - Went here in September 2023 - The pub is gorgeous and the food is solid

On my List: Audley Public House (I have been to the restaurant upstairs, Mount St., which is outstanding), The Constitution (I have been here for a beer, but never for food - They have an outstanding patio). The Grenadier (their Roast menu looks amazing)

Thai:

Visited: I have only been to Speedboat Bar in 2024. I loved it. Might not be great for kids as I went to the bar upstairs as it was later at night.  However, they do have the more family friendly restaurant downstairs. Right in Soho in Chinatown - so a really busy area, but the food is so good.

On my list: Kiln (Soho), Chet's (further West), Supawan Thai Food (King's Cross!), and Kolae (Borough Market)

British/Traditional:

Visted: The OG St. John - I cannot remember when I went, but I had was so, so good (it was offal, and it tasted so so good), and I have been meaning to get back.  Alas, my job has gotten in the way.  But I highly recommend it.  Not sure how adventurous your kids are, but I think they also have some normal stuff as well. 

Quo Vadis - 2023 - Their pies are outstanding.  I even bought the cookbook.  Really historic restaurant with good, classic British food.

The Dove, Hammersmith - 2024 - Had an outstanding meal here.  Yes, it is a pub, but it was so good.  Everyone loved it.  Right on the river, so a good place to go.  Close to the tube.

Guinea Grill - 2023 - Awesome old school London chop house.  In an old pub in Mayfair.  Loved it.

Honerable Mention - Kitty Fisher's and Fallow (2023) - The chateaubriand at Kitty Fisher's is amazing

On my list: The Quality Chop House (was booked last trip), The Yellow Bittern (I think it is lunch only.  Controversial (check out this article https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/dining/yellow-bittern-london-restaurant.html - But I am already planning on trying to go on the 4th of July!), Sweetings (seafood lunch spot in the city that has been on my list for ages), M. Manze Tower Bridge - Pie and mash shop. Also, Rochelle Canteen - Fergus Henderson's (of St. John) wife is the chef and ower- been on my list, but hard to get out East.

Fish & Chips:

I always take people to the Laughing Halibut in Victoria. It is close to the office and it is really, really good.

I went to Golden Union in 2023, and thought it was also very, very solid.  

I have passed by Hobson's in Soho, and have put it on my list.

Desserts:

Cedric Grolet at the Berkeley is expensive, but oh go good. pro-tip, order a cake to pick up, pick it up, and enjoy it at your apartment/hotel.  We did that and took two cakes to Silverstone/Oxford with us. They were outstanding.

Peggy Porschen in Belgravia - Beautiful cakes and cupcakes. Recommend highly

Maison Bertaux - Never been, but it is on my list

Random Recs:

Wereworlf Beer - Sort of near King's Cross - A play on Werewolf in London - on my list to try out

Dim Sum Duck - Really good dim sum right near King's Cross.  Tiny space - no reservations - I waited an hour and a half for it.  I do not usually do that.  Get there early (They open at 11), and the wait might not be so long. I went on Marathon Sunday.  Bleh.

The French House - Pub with a restaurant upstairs - The pub is a literary haunt, and the restaurant has been on my list. It is country French cooking and the steaks frites come highly recommended.

Thanks very much for posting this. I’ll be in London for a week in early July with my 2.5 year old, and I’ve been in dire need of recs (and planning in general). I figure I will have to leave the Connaught at least a few times during the trip!

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Posted
On 5/10/2025 at 9:01 AM, Firemans4Horn said:

Restaurant recs for London with kids (6-8 years old)? Staying near Kings Cross but comfortable taking the tube and walking. 

genre’s: Indian, Sunday Roast, Thai, traditional, fish and chips, desserts

The Mayfair Chippy for fish and chips. They have locations in Mayfair (duh) and Knightsbridge.

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Posted
1 hour ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Ok. So I am going to try and address everything you have asked for, then I might give you a few recommendations just based on recents that I have been to.  With two small children, some of my favorite restaurants in the city are out (Mount St., Restaurant St. Barts, and Gymkhana to name a few), but there are still a lot of great places to go! I will list them by places that I have actually been, then places that are on my list to try, but I just have not made it just yet.

Indian:

Visited:I really like the Dishoom at King's Cross.  I love the decor, and the food is outstanding (2017)

Unfortunately, the only other Indian places I have been in London are Bibi and Gymkhana (apologies).

On my list: The Tamil Crown and the Tamil Prince (one also does a Sunday Roast) - Both were booked up on my last trip, but my friend highly recommends both

Darjeeling Express (wanted to go last trip, but the wait was too long, which again, bodes well - The chef will do some Sunday tastings, which are highly regarded as well, so check that out)

Sunday Roast:

Visted: Harwood Arms - Fulham -  Amazing Sunday Roast - you have to have reservations (2017)

Jugged Hare - City - Longhorn Rump Roast (dry aged, 40-50 days, so really tasty) - I cannot remember when I went, but I really enjoyed it.

The Devonshire - March 2024 Sunday Roast Visit - Really outstanding Roast - great wine too

Ladbroke Arms - Notting Hill ish - Went here in September 2023 - The pub is gorgeous and the food is solid

On my List: Audley Public House (I have been to the restaurant upstairs, Mount St., which is outstanding), The Constitution (I have been here for a beer, but never for food - They have an outstanding patio). The Grenadier (their Roast menu looks amazing)

Thai:

Visited: I have only been to Speedboat Bar in 2024. I loved it. Might not be great for kids as I went to the bar upstairs as it was later at night.  However, they do have the more family friendly restaurant downstairs. Right in Soho in Chinatown - so a really busy area, but the food is so good.

On my list: Kiln (Soho), Chet's (further West), Supawan Thai Food (King's Cross!), and Kolae (Borough Market)

British/Traditional:

Visted: The OG St. John - I cannot remember when I went, but I had was so, so good (it was offal, and it tasted so so good), and I have been meaning to get back.  Alas, my job has gotten in the way.  But I highly recommend it.  Not sure how adventurous your kids are, but I think they also have some normal stuff as well. 

Quo Vadis - 2023 - Their pies are outstanding.  I even bought the cookbook.  Really historic restaurant with good, classic British food.

The Dove, Hammersmith - 2024 - Had an outstanding meal here.  Yes, it is a pub, but it was so good.  Everyone loved it.  Right on the river, so a good place to go.  Close to the tube.

Guinea Grill - 2023 - Awesome old school London chop house.  In an old pub in Mayfair.  Loved it.

Honerable Mention - Kitty Fisher's and Fallow (2023) - The chateaubriand at Kitty Fisher's is amazing

On my list: The Quality Chop House (was booked last trip), The Yellow Bittern (I think it is lunch only.  Controversial (check out this article https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/dining/yellow-bittern-london-restaurant.html - But I am already planning on trying to go on the 4th of July!), Sweetings (seafood lunch spot in the city that has been on my list for ages), M. Manze Tower Bridge - Pie and mash shop. Also, Rochelle Canteen - Fergus Henderson's (of St. John) wife is the chef and ower- been on my list, but hard to get out East.

Fish & Chips:

I always take people to the Laughing Halibut in Victoria. It is close to the office and it is really, really good.

I went to Golden Union in 2023, and thought it was also very, very solid.  

I have passed by Hobson's in Soho, and have put it on my list.

Desserts:

Cedric Grolet at the Berkeley is expensive, but oh go good. pro-tip, order a cake to pick up, pick it up, and enjoy it at your apartment/hotel.  We did that and took two cakes to Silverstone/Oxford with us. They were outstanding.

Peggy Porschen in Belgravia - Beautiful cakes and cupcakes. Recommend highly

Maison Bertaux - Never been, but it is on my list

Random Recs:

Wereworlf Beer - Sort of near King's Cross - A play on Werewolf in London - on my list to try out

Dim Sum Duck - Really good dim sum right near King's Cross.  Tiny space - no reservations - I waited an hour and a half for it.  I do not usually do that.  Get there early (They open at 11), and the wait might not be so long. I went on Marathon Sunday.  Bleh.

The French House - Pub with a restaurant upstairs - The pub is a literary haunt, and the restaurant has been on my list. It is country French cooking and the steaks frites come highly recommended.


You’re awesome. Thanks!

 

If you have something similar for Paris I’m all ears (obviously different types of restaurants we’re interested in). Taking the Chunnel after London. 

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Posted
2 hours ago, Reynolds Woodcock said:

Thanks very much for posting this. I’ll be in London for a week in early July with my 2.5 year old, and I’ve been in dire need of recs (and planning in general). I figure I will have to leave the Connaught at least a few times during the trip!

Connaught Bar FTW. Why leave?

1 hour ago, Firemans4Horn said:


You’re awesome. Thanks!

 

If you have something similar for Paris I’m all ears (obviously different types of restaurants we’re interested in). Taking the Chunnel after London. 

I am actually putting together some Paris recs for a colleague, so I'll throw some for you as well.

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