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Living it up in London!

When you think of London, its difficult not to think in terms of clichs. Pigeons perching on the lions in Trafalgar Square. Beefeaters grimacing. Those picturesque open top tour buses (what do they do in the ten months when its raining solidly?) As Dr Johnson famously said, He who tires of London has tired of life. Though possibly not as tired as we are of that appearing on mugs and tea towels. Nevertheless, Dr Johnson had a point. Once you peel past the tourist obsessed veneer, London really is a fantastic place. Wherever you go, whenever you go, you can guarantee charm, entertainment and amusement. Dont believe me? Heres my personal top ten of the best London has to offer, whether its mainstream or delightfully dotty...

1) The British Museum Words cant adequately describe my love of the British Museum. Whether youre a history buff or non committal layperson, its a diamond mine of fascinating exhibits and facts. Its constantly changing, theres always some terrific new showcase on, and it caters for everybody, from tots to experts. And- of course- theres its world famous Mummy Room. Rumour has it that clandestine couples used to meet there. I cant help wondering at their taste! For more information, visit the official site!

2) Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club Are you a jazz baby? Then theres only one place for you: Ronnie Scotts. One of the oldest operating jazz clubs in the world, its been delighting both fans and newcomers since 1959, and hosted some of the biggest names in show business. So if you like your music mixed in with a little soul, drop on in!

3) The Houses of Parliament Ever wanted to stroll down the corridors of power? The Houses of Parliament not only provides a glimpse into how our country is governed, its also a historical treasure trove in its own right, complete with stories and batty laws. Did you know, for example, its

illegal to die in Parliament? Or, while signing Charles Is death warrant, future Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell and his pal Henry Marten embarked on an ink fight? Should you have the privilege of being allowed to sit in on Parliament, make sure you dont misbehave. If you overstep the mark, they can say, I see strangers- and turf you out on your ear!

4) Phantom of the Opera Londons longest running show, its still a feast for the eyes and ears! Whether youre a diehard fan (or phan, as they call themselves) or simply want to see what all the fuss is about, savvy on down to Her Majestys Theatre and be captivated!

For more details, visit http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com.

5) Tintin shop I told you this was a personal list! I first learned to read with the bequiffed one and his adventures- so, the instant I learned there was a Tintin shop in Covent Garden, I was determined to find it. Its so tucked away, however, that I plain missed it the first time; it wasnt until the second visit I was able to drag my bemused other half in there. And buy up half the merchandise. Ho, hum.

6) Yashin Sushi

I adore Japanese food. Which, if you live in my neck of the woods, is a highly inconvenient taste to have. Dont get me wrong, I love those eateries where you can chase teppanyaki on a conveyor belt, but theyre as close to full on Japanese cuisine as a McNugget is to a cordon bleu steak. So if youre looking for a restaurant that gives you the genuine taste of Japan, why not try Yashin Sushi? Dont let the name deceive you: theres plenty more on the menu besides sushi. Eels and pineapple arent a combination Id previously considered, but they go together wonderfully! If that sounds a little outr, never mind- they make a mean misou soup. While seats there dont come cheap, the food and service cant be faulted.

7) Carrus Group One time I went round London with my sister. Janes terrific, one of the best sisters a girl could have, but she has a decided chink in her armour: shopping, especially shoes. It was her birthday, so I indulged her, but I was still floundering beneath several hundred pounds worth of haute couture and couldnt walk another step. Just when I thought this couldnt get any worse, the heavens opened. Argh! Which is where Providence came in. My hard headed sister expressed a hitherto unguessed wish to be chauffeured around the city- whodve thought? Remembering Carrus Group from an airport transfer Id done the previous year, I got in touch, and they sent us a gorgeous Mercedes Benz. Believe me, it was every bit as fun as it looks in the films! For further details, click here.

8) The Pavilion Hotel Sick of the impersonality of most hotel chains? Then why not stay at one where every room is- quite literally- a work of art? The Pavilions a quirky little jewel of a hotel by Hyde Park, each of its room decked out in a unique style. Weve stayed at both the Monochrome Marilyn and in Highland Flingpick the room best suited to your secret self! Its a favourite of both the art world and music industry; not only have the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Daniel Day Lewis stayed here, but its appeared in hundreds of fashion shoots! If you want to live a life less ordinary, book now!

9) Madame Tussauds/ London Planetarium Its true- inside every one of us is a big kid, especially where waxworks and science are concerned. I band these together because I always visited them in that order on trips to London as a child- gawking at celebrity waxworks one minute, marvelling at the cosmos the next. Who cares about the Hollywood Walk of Fame- everybody knows youve arrived if your dummy features in Madame Tussauds!

10)

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

One of the few pubs in the world that can really lay claim to the olde tag! It was famous in the 17th century- Dr Johnson and his biographer Boswell used to drink

here- and has retained practically all its atmosphere. So if you want to feel as though youve stepped back in time, give it a go!

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