Whirlwind Weekend in London

Author: Grundsu
Date of Trip: March 2004

A whirlwind weekend in London over the US Thanksgiving holiday. A great opportunity to introduce friends to new sights and experiences.

Euro Hotel:
I began staying at the Euro several years ago, and have only stayed in a different place once since then. I consider the Euro to be a basic B&B you enter into a small hallway which takes you into the reception area and breakfast room. The rooms are small and simply furnished, but perfect for single travelers or budget travelers. The rooms with shared bath have a bed, desk and a sink. There is a good sized closet, a hotpot with tea and coffee packets, and a TV. The hotel will lend you a hairdryer or an iron if you need one.

Unlike B&B’s from a few years ago, they clean the rooms, change the towels, and replenish the coffee/tea on a daily basis. A full English breakfast is served, along with juice and cereal choices. The staff here is very friendly and helpful, and the hotel is in a very convenience location in the Bloomsbury district. It is within quick walking distance to Russell Square tube stop, as well as Kings Cross and Euston stations. I would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting London!

The Stockpot:
A very good find, perfectly situated in Leicester Square. The Stockpot has a nightly set price menu for around $10 USD for three courses. The set menu choices are limited, but always tasty.

Recent choices were beef bourguignon or coq a vin. Appetizer choices included a tasty pasta and asparagus salad or tomato, basil and mozzarella salad. If nothing on the set menu pleases you, the regular menu has a variety of choices, from pizzas to shepherds pie to salads.

The place is always crowded, but turnover seems quick and the service is friendly. It’s a great place to go before the theater.

Fortnum and Mason:
Fortnum & Mason has three restaurants: St. James, located on the 3rd floor, famous for its afternoon tea, the Patio Restaurant (I’ve never been), and the Fountain restaurant. After a few hours of shopping, the Fountain Restaurant is a nice place to stop for lunch. The menu has a wide variety of choices, from their famous Welsh Rarebit to Lobster Bisque or Bangers & Mash. They also serve more substantial meals like Fish & Chips or grilled Dover Sole. Their ice cream sundaes are famous and worth a try. The Sundaes have names like Dusty Road (Chocolate & Coffee ice cream with toffee sauce), Black Velvet (Black Cherry ice cream with Black Cherry sauce) or Jamaica Sun (Rum Raisin & Banana Ice Cream with rum syrup, toffee sauce & sliced bananas).