London Nightlife

I have been drinking in this place for over 20 years now and it has certainly changed a lot. If you are wondering about the name LHT Urban Bar, the LHT stands for London Hospital Tavern, it's former name and a long-time watering hole for doctors, nurses and hospital staff from the eponymous adjoining premises. It used to be a fairly typical East End pub with the exception that the roof was completely covered with framed prints all over the ceiling. I could tell you a funny a story about that, but I don't want to embarrass my mate.

Fast forward to know and the place has much changed. Firstly, the paintjob as mentioned in the title of this tip. It is painted in the most garise orange and black tigerstripes over the entire three storey exterior. You certainly won't miss it is a hurry. Inside, it is a comfy and friendly pub with a superb jukebox and reasonable pub grub during the day and evening but it is the upstairs function room that this tip refers to. Whilst previously it was only hired out for private functions but, like the exterior paintjob, it is all changed now.

You can choose from bands of various genres at the weekend (some gigs are free and some have a cover charge, usually not more than £3), there are occasional poker nights and a regular salsa class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning at 1930. Here is a link specific to the class.

http://www.salsaclass.co.uk/salsa_urban_bar.htm

An added advantage of "the Urban" as it is locally referred to is that it stays open (legally) than most other bars on this stretch of the Whitechapel road, typically 0100 weekday and 0200 Friday and Saturday. Sunday closing can vary dependent on how busy it is, it can be a little quiet. In an area where live music and indeed pubs themselves seem to be dying out, the Urban seems to be flying the flag. You may even meet me propping up the end of the bar. If you are wearing any VT promo gear, I'll buy you a drink!

Dress Code: Casual.

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The Finsbury Park area of North london has long been known as a bit of a centre for live music, indeed I have played plenty of gigs there myself. I was recently invited to a friends 40th birthday party in a venue which, remarkably, I had never been into, the World's End. This is not to be confused with the Worlds End in nearby Camden, another well-known music venue.

Like so many of the venues in london, this place is effectively a large, old fahioned Victorian pub (bar) with a function space for gigs, in this case the back bar. As I said, it was a private party but I believe all the gigs here are free.

Drink is normal pub prices ofr the area and the staff were efficient and friendly.

The pictures show the wonderful Skyline Drifters, who are all good friends and drinking buddies of mine and are a superb band even if they only play about once every three years! Long story. Although not great quality, tthis gives some idea of the quality of the band.

A good place to check out if you are in the area.

Dress Code: Casual.

What I still remember about the place was the price of everything.
Only Norwegians can beat the price of the beer we have tried here some years ago :)
Of course the alcohol level in my blood was almost zero after 30 minutes in that nice, noisy place, so typical for London and UK .

Sherlock Holmes Pub
http://gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-london/sherlock-holmes-pub/

This is a well-known and historic pub named after Queen Victoria's fourth daughter. It's in a grade II listed building and dates back to the 19th century. One of the reasons why it has become famous is due to the unusual interior - there is a bar in the middle and it's surrounded by booths with one or two tables in them. The advantage of this is that you never have the issue of being jostled by a load of strangers as you drink, but on the other hand, if you're meeting your friends in there, it can take a while to find them! I've never seen them, but apparently, the men's toilets are also worth a look. This pub has won quite a few awards and is definitely worth a visit. If you can't get a seat downstairs, there's also extra seating upstairs (although, sadly, none of the famous booths).

This is a fun cocktail bar where your drinks are served in teacups or other random containers. It's decorated a little like a grandmother's sitting room with tassled standard lamps and floral wallpaper which gives it a cosy atmosphere. We booked a table and, if you want to sit, I'd recommend doing the same thing - it's not very large and it does get quite crowded. Cocktails started from 8 pounds and there was a wide choice (not a place to come if you don't fancy a cocktail, they did have one type of beer, but not much else). I really liked this place and would definitely go back. It's open till 1 am at the weekends.

This is a great bar, although a little on the small side. I really liked the decor and the staff are friendly. When we went, we got a table straightaway and the service was fast (they have table service). We asked the barman to recommend some cocktails and he manged to work out exactly what we'd like. Cocktails start from 7 pounds and go up to 15 for one to share. We didn't eat, but they do serve food, although they don't have a full menu, it's mainly snacks and appetisers. The bar was busy, even on a week night, and mostly full of people having after work drinks, but there was no dress code and I think most people would feel comfortable here. It's open till midnight.

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When I booked to see Phantom 25 at The Royal Albert Hall in October 2011 I wanted to do a tour of the venue.

I participated in the tour where we were taken to the Grand Tier Boxes where we could see out to the stage, the Royal Retiring Room, the Elgar Room (former Central School of Speech and Drama). It was interesting to learn about the history of the Royal Albert Hall including it's construction. Many stars have come and gone!

After the tour, I had lunch at Cafe Consort which was very nice.

Unfortunately, photography isn't allowed inside the Royal Albert Hall so there are just photos from outside!

In October 2011, I went to see the "The Phantom of the Opera" (The 25th Anniversary celebratoin of the show) there and this is probably one of my theatrical highlights of my life. We had great seats in the stalls (very expensive but worth every penny!) and got a great view of the stage. Please see my travelogue for the photos.

I saw Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" many many years ago in Toronto but it was just long enough for me to forget who dunnit although about halfway through the lightbulb appeared above my head and it all came back to me. But I still enjoyed it and I would highly recommend it for visitors to London if they haven't seen the show. It's the longest running stage play in the world, 59 years and counting, and it has been at it's current home, the St. Martin's Theatre, for 34 years.

Before the show we ate at Rules, the oldest restaurant in London, a fitting prelude to seeing the longest running show in London.

I don't think I've ever seen discounted tickets for "The Mousetrap" at TKTS or anywhere else so as soon as you want to go, just book the tickets directly for better seats.

Dress Code: Theatre goers wear everything from jeans to suits