Brick Lane - Food and Bars

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Hidden behind the industrial buzz of Liverpool Street Station is Brick Lane. Ten years ago it was thought to be an area to avoid, but an influx of students and artistic types has made this hidden area into a thriving community, and a great place to pick up one of London's staple dishes, an Indian curry, at a bargain price. The bars here are relaxed and young and in the summer there are plenty of places to sit outside. The area is best known for its curries which are served up at a host of restaurants that line the West end of this infamous street. Bring your bargaining skills and prepare to be approached by eager restaurant owners ready to offer a variety of incentives ranging from free drinks to money off the bill. The legendary Ten Bells pub where Jack the Ripper picked up his victims is just around the corner.

Tube - Liverpool Street

The Historic Coronet Cinema

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Until the recent smoking ban there was a smoking section in this independent cinema. Still very much a part of the London arts scene this cinema is very unique inside and shows films that won't be found in the more commercial cinemas. Students go for half price on a Monday and the deal is extended to all on a Tuesday making it a bargain at £3.50. The cinema has stood on the same site since 1898. Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts filmed a scene here in the film "Notting Hill".

Tube - Notting Hill

Hoxton Square - Food and Bars

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In London's up and coming East End, Hoxton Square brings a European flavour to this thriving neighbourhood. Hidden away from any main roads and with plenty of out door seating there are plenty of bars serving up cocktails and food from all nations. Round the corner from the new Courtyard Theatre and housing London's only female oriented sex shop this square attracts a big after work crowd and is a great place to meet the locals.

Tube - Old Street

The King's Head Theatre

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An institution on the London theatre scene, this fringe venue and pub has hosted a variety of shows and has been the spring board for talented artists including Victoria Wood, Joanna Lumley, Alan Rickman and Tom Stoppard. At the beginning of 2008 this venue announced plans to become a producing theatre and now features a season of home grown work. This theatre has leant particular support to new writers and musical theatre over the years and is a great place to soak up some London arts culture and see some start of the future. The pub also serves great food at lunch and dinner time.

Tube - Angel

Sketch - Café and Restaurant

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The upstairs restaurant at this unusual was at one time said to be London's most expensive restaurant and the downstairs café doesn't go easy on the pocket book either. If you stick to a simple coffee and cake it is worth the expense, if only to visit the bathrooms which are by far the most unusual in London. Tracey Emin regularly displays art in the corridors here. From the staff's hair cuts to the paint splashed stairs this venue screams London style and fashion. It makes a great change from a regular coffee stop and is walking distance from Oxford Street so makes a great rest stop.

Tube - Oxford Circus

Somerset House - Historic Building

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During summer there is a great line up of concerts and festivals in the impressive courtyard of this 16th century palace originally the home of the Duke of Somerset. Last year Amy Winehouse was amoung those to take to the temporary stage. Winter events are just as entertaining with a temporary ice rink set up between October and February. It is worth booking early as the recent craze for ice skating means that weekends are often booked up well in advance. Covent Garden is the nearest tube but it is well worth travelling to Waterloo in order to walk across Waterloo bridge and take in one of the most stunning views in London.

Tube - Covent Garden

Southbank - Walk

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Along from the bustle of the Millennium eye the south bank river walk stretches all the way to Southwark where the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre dominate the river. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants to stop and rest in as well as a few market style stalls and shops. The view is fantastic and if you feel adventurous there are even routes down to the river bank at low tide where treasures from Victorian England are regularly found. At certain points along the route some of London's famous buskers can be found and a little before London Bridge you can see the new City Hall and the site where David Blaine performed his 44 day endurance and survival stunt in 2003. He suspended himself in a Perspex box without food in order to push himself to his human limits. Not all Londoners took kindly to the stunt and one group even took to cooking hamburgers underneath him in an attempt to taunt him with the smell.

Nearest Tube - Waterloo

Borough Market - Food Market

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Best experienced on a Saturday morning this market is a haven for the senses. Wander from stall to stall and taste the varied offerings. The food is fresh and it is a great place to pick up a sense of London's famous market culture. There are several prized pubs and restaurants around the market itself and the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre, a fringe theatre set in an old chocolate factory is minutes walk away.

Tube - London Bridge

Prince Charles Cinema

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This small theatre is a prized London secret. It is hosts regular singalonga shows where audiences are encouraged to dress up and sing along to their favourite film musicals. Hairspray is the current offering. Ticket prices are notoriously low for central London and members get even better deals with shows from as little as £1.50.

Tube - Leicester Square

Toptable

Not a location as such but a great web site for getting great deals on eating out in London. Featuring deals such as three courses and a glass of wine for £15 it makes dining at some of London's best restaurants a possibility for even those on the tightest of budgets.

Tube - The Internet

London is full of hidden gems. Go out and have a great time finding your own!