VisitBritain is delighted to work with Fridae in providing essential gay travel information on Britain. Our first editorial focuses on the fabulous city, LONDON, for all the good and naughty reasons. You might even get a chance to win a FREE trip to experience the city yourself. More interesting and informative editorials will be launched in the next few months, so read on and discover the colourful side of Britain!
GO LONDON
Bottom pic: British Museum
GO VISIT
London has everything any visitor could possibly ask for - whether they want to steep themselves in history or experience some of the most cutting edge attractions. While there are hundreds of sights and sounds for visitors to explore, we've narrowed the list down to present you the "best of" list.
BEST ATTRACTION
The British Airways London Eye (pictured above) has become one of the capital's most loved and applauded attractions. On a clear day, you can see for miles (25 to be precise) as it arcs above the city for a 30-minute "flight."
BEST ART GALLERY
London's latest hit attraction deserves every single column inch that it has attracted. Arguably it is Tate Modern's building that has attracted the visitors. The collection of contemporary works is brilliantly user-friendly.
BEST INDOOR SPACE
Sir Norman Foster's glass roof covering the British Museum's Great Court almost overshadows the diverse and massive collection inside. Stunning!
BEST ARCHITECTURE
Sir Norman Foster's latest project on Swiss Re is quite possible one of his greatest. Cheekily dubbed the "erotic gherkin" by critics, the new building is graced with its amazing shape and stunning diamond-shaped glass panes.
BEST PLACE TO BE SEEN
The arrival of the in-crowd to Hoxton & Shoreditch caused an influx of cooler-than-thou bars, clubs and cheap places to eat. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly buzzy.
BEST WIDE OPEN SPACE
The Hampstead Heath is a hit with gays and lesbians. The massive area, along with miles of undergrowth to explore, boasts a lido, playing fields, vantage points for amazing city views and its famous ponds, which attract plenty of gay boys and girls during summer.
More info at http://www.visitlondon.com/inspiration/attractions/
GO SHOP & EAT
No London experience would be complete without a large dose of retail therapy. Everything you might possibly want to buy is available here. With over 30,000 stores from high-end labels to vintage fashions, you're bound to leave London looking damn good and with a lighter wallet. The capital's diverse and cosmopolitan population is reflected in the range of cuisines available. Whatever your palate, you'll be catered for in London.
Top to bottom: Selfridges, Camden Market and Balans
What you're looking for will determine where you should go to find it. Our top five most celebrated shopping districts in London are Carnaby, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Bond & Regent Streets and Knightsbridge. More info at http://www.visitlondon.com/inspiration/gay_london/e4655.html
SHOP: BEST DESIGNER STORE
http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/
Paul Smith is seen as the quintessential British designer. If you buy one thing, you must go stripey. Check out his latest including PS Pink (girls) and PS Extreme Bath and Both Line.
SHOP: BEST DEPARTMENT STORE
http://www.selfridges.co.uk/
Six floors of sheer shopping heaven, Selfridges is hands-down London's favourite department store. From funky designer clothing to seriously luxurious accessories, 19 great places to eat and drink and a well-stocked food hall, it's a must-visit, full stop.
SHOP: BEST GAY-FRIENDLY STORES
http://www.americanretro.com/
http://www.prowlerstore.co.uk/
American Retro has becoming something of a Soho legend. It's been serving up cool fashions, designer home goods, kitsch gifts and cards to cosmopolitan Soho for over 15 years. Prowler Soho is truly a big gay emporium, selling everything from the latest club-inspired fashions to books, mags, DVDs and naughty stuff out back. So swerve in while you're sashaying through Soho!
SHOP: BEST BARGAINS
http://www.camdenlockmarket.com/
Bright, loud and about as subtle as a sledgehammer, the sprawling mass of shops and stalls that make up Camden Market has become London's fourth biggest tourist attraction with more than 150,000 visitors a week. Get there early to bag the bargains!
SHOP: BEST BUYS
For the latest looks translated into incredibly affordable fashions, you simply can't go wrong with the following stores loved by celebrities alike - Topshop, New Look, H&M and Zara.
EAT: GAYEST EATERY
We wouldn't recommend Balans just because it is, by far, London's gayest restaurant. They actually serve damn decent and affordable nosh and the place is packed with eye candy.
EAT: NOLSTAGIC
No one can remember what London was like before Wagamama arrived. This ever-popular noodle house serves up consistently good and oriental-inspired dishes and is always packed. Busaba Eathai is a reasonably priced restaurant that does for Thai what Wagamama did for Japanese food. Expect long queue and so-so service!
EAT: THE NAKED CHEF
That's Jamie Oliver of course. He took a group of unemployed youngsters, found a spot in hip Shoreditch and turned it into Fifteen, an award-winning restaurant offering some of the most raved about cooking in London. Consider yourself very lucky if you can reserve a table!
EAT: FOR CHINESE LOVER
Caf de Hong Kong and HK Diner in Chinatown are two fashionable, low-priced Chinese cafes - a hit for anyone who likes modern design with their sweet and sour dishes.
EAT: SANDWICH REVOLUTION
For a quick and cheap sandwich fix, check out Pret A Manger available all over the city. Other notable mentions are Sunflower Caf in Pollen St, Raison d'Etre in South Kensington and Konditor & Cook in Cornwall Road.
More SHOP info at http://www.visitlondon.com/inspiration/shop_london/
More LONDON'S MARKETS info at http://www.visitlondon.com/inspiration/shop_london/markets/index.html
More EAT info at http://www.visitlondon.com/inspiration/eat_london/
GO PARTY
With the gamut of gay bars and clubs on offer in London, you can transcend the hordes wanting cheesy pop and bangin' hard house and fine a venue to suit more musical and sexual tastes. The gay scene is as entertainingly diverse, progressive and fast moving as its gay population. Don't forget to get a copy of London's free gay papers like Boyz, Pink Paper and DNA to see what's on, when it's happening and who you can expect to rub shoulders with. Here're just some of the picks out of the bunch. Party on, girl!
Top to bottom: one of London's best known gay club, Heaven; and traditionally outfitted conciege
G-A-Y is arguably London's and Europe's largest gay club. It has an enviable reputation of offering outstanding Saturday night PA's (such as Kylie, Westlife and Mariah). From the Monday Pink Pounder through harder Thursdays, the packed Friday Camp Attack glory of 70s, 80s & early 90s to the 'big' Saturday Night Out, G-A-Y has everything for anyone!
GHETTO
This tiny basement club off Villiers St is one of the trendiest dives in town of late, thanks to the extraordinarily Electroclash style-terrorism of Nag Nag Nag (Wed). Saturday is time for similarly synth-strewn night The Cock. Lesbian-centric's Mis-Shapes falls on Thursday.
DTPM
This busy "polysexual" party is packed with sexy, hot young things hoping that the weekend will never end. Check it out for its superb venue, Fabric as well as its eclectic tunes ranging from soul, hip-hop and R&B to some delightfully groovy disco. Great fun!
Other notable mentions include Heaven (once London's leading gay club and still damn good), Crash (expect heaps of buffed-up marys in white vests) and Substation South (kinky dress code on weeknights). More info at http://www.visitlondon.com/inspiration/gay_london/clubs/
GO STAY
Whatever your budget, London's extensive menu of hotel properties should see you and your pocket being catered for. From ultra-chic accommodation to cutesy gay B&B, London's got it covered. So take your pick and sleep tight!
TRAVEL INNS
Travel Inns offer superb economical accommodation in key London locations such as Kensington and Tower Bridge. Each room accommodates one to four persons and continental breakfast is included. From 25*
PHILBEACH HOTEL
http://www.philbeachhotel.freeserve.co.uk/
London's biggest gay hotel has been opened for 20 years and has 40 bedrooms all with the usual amenities, located right in the heart of Earl's Court's gay village. Prices start from 49.50 for a single room and discounts are offered to students with identification.
K WEST
K WEST, situated close to Notting Hill is London's newest design hotel. This is one of the most stylish places to relax and unwind in West London. The fabulous K SPA has an unrivalled range of facilities - Eucalyptus steam room, sauna and gyms. From 48.65*
CITY INN WESTMINSTER
The City Inn Westminster is central London's largest new build hotel for thirty years. This 4-star deluxe hotel offers impressive rooms, many with stunning views and superb facilities such as flat screen TV, DVD and CD players and free Broadband. From 59.50*
For the "queens" out there, check out 41 Hotel (seriously swanky property overlooking the Buckingham Palace), One Aldwych (contemporary understated luxury hotel at the point where the city meets the West End), The Savoy (possess special quality of English individuality and style located in Covent Garden) and The Trafalgar Hilton (the incredibly gay-friendly service and the dcor stands out in the boutique hotel genre).
LOOKING FOR MORE?
http://www.visitlondonoffers.com/
With over 250 London hotels, VisitLondon has live accommodation available, great special offers and hotel discounts ever seen in the capital.
* Special Internet Rates based on per person per night from http://www.visitlondonoffers.com.
http://www.outlet4holidays.com/
Outlet has a great selection of town house and apartment accommodation in Soho.
GO LONDON: FOR LESS
A good time in London doesn't have to send your bank account into the red. Get top tips for reduced price theatre tickets, where to shop for fabulous fashion and where to go for tasty treats. What's more, London boasts over 200 attractions that are free to enter. Here are some of the not-to-be-missed value guides.
Top to bottom: National Gallery, tkts discount ticket booth for many West End shows and Tower Bridge
The Capital's museum's and galleries are amongst the most famous in the world. Many of London's attractions now offer free admission all year round. Places include The British Museum, Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert Museum and National Gallery. Nice!
GETTING AROUND
The first thing to invest in is a Travelcard, enabling you to hop on and off the Tube, National Rail services and buses. A one-day central off-peak Travelcard costs 4.30; or better yet get a carnet (comprised of 10 single tickets to use on the Underground within Zone 1) for only 15.
CHEAP SEATS
The tkts ticket booth in Leicester Square sells on-the-day tickets for many West End shows, mostly at half price plus a service charge. Some additional shows may also be available at a 25% discount. Tickets for midweek afternoon performances and preview shows tend to be sold more cheaply, so keep an eye out.
EAT LIGHT
You can now indulge yourself at one of London's many value-for-money restaurants. At the forefront are Asian restaurants in Chinatown, where you can easily eat within a 10 limit. Head to Brick Lane for great choice of Indian restaurants. For a "real" meal experience, go beyond the well known; such as Turkish restaurants in Dalston, Portguese in Stockwell and excellent Mid Eastern cuisine in Edgeware Road.
For more on how and where to get more for less in London, visit http://www.visitlondon.com/. Make those pounds work extra hard!
GO LONDON: FOR FREE
VisitBritain is giving all Fridae members a chance to win a free trip* for two to London inclusive of return air-tickets and two nights' stay.
All you need to do is to join the VisitBritain Club from now until 30 Jun 2004. VisitBritain Club will keep you up-to-date with what's happening in Britain and help you to plan your next visit to Britain. And it's free to join! The lucky winner will be announced in our July's E-Newsletter. So enter now! You might be the lucky one jetting off to explore the gay capital real soon. Good luck, boys & girls! Click here to enter!
*Conditions apply. Return air-tickets are based on economy class seats and departure from Singapore only. Accommodation is based on twin-sharing room. Flights and rooms are subject to availability at time of booking. Travel must be completed by 31 December 2004. Prize is non-transferrable, non-redeemable for cash and non-extendable. VisitBritain reserves the rights to adjust, alter or amend conditions at any time without prior notice.