London, England

RESTAURANTS

March 1, 2004

RESTAURANTS

J. Sheekey

If you can’t quite afford the ritzy Ivy restaurant, why not visit its less expensive sister? Even jaded Londoners flock to tourist-laden Covent Garden for a seat. If you’re in need of a quick meal before the theater, be sure to book ahead as this spot is always busy.

Average Price: US$25 to US$85 per person

Dress code: Smart casual

Location: 28-32 St. Martins Court, Covent Garden

Telephone: 44-207-240-2565

Website: www.caprice-holdings.co.uk/sheekey.html

Hours: Monday to Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. to midnight; Sunday from noon to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to midnight

Locanda Locatelli

Giorgio Locatelli’s restaurant, designed by David Collins, has been packing them in since it opened in 2002. The chic yet comfortable décor complements an extensive wine list and menu of rich Italian foods. It’s a popular place for special occasions, so be sure to wear something dressy.

Average Price: Lunch – US$50; Dinner – US$100

Dress Code: Smart casual

Location: 8 Seymour Street

Telephone: 44-207-935-9088

Website: www.locandalocatelli.com

Hours: Monday to Saturday from noon to

3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Hakkasan

Chinese restaurant menus are often overwhelming, but the long list of original dishes at Hakkasan will satisfy even the most demanding of tastes. Start the evening with a pink mojito and order a round of starters before the main course, if time permits.

Average Price: Lunch – US$55; Dinner – US$75

Dress Code: Casual

Location: Hanway Place

Telephone: 44-207-927-7000

Website: www.hakkasan.com

Hours: Daily from noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight

BARS

Soho House

This exclusive club may cater to just 2,000 members, but many more Londoners in the TV and film production industry visit this bar in the heart of Soho for screenings or after-conference drinks. If you hate mass-produced hors d’oeuvres, Soho House offers unique and surprisingly tasty alternatives that will keep you reaching for the tray.

Average Price: Expensive

Dress Code: Smart casual

Location: 40 Greek Street

Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Blue Bar

A bar that lives up to its name with a soothing blue décor and a calming atmosphere. Regulars enjoy the cool leather chairs and the classy but unpretentious crowd. It’s the perfect spot for lounging and talking with friends after a rough day of work.

Average Price: US$35

Dress Code: Smart casual

Location: Berkeley Hotel, Wilton Place

Hours: Monday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Any pub

Whether it’s the Fox and the Fiddle or the Elephant and Castle, most readers agree that the true London experience is incomplete without a visit to a local pub. Go as you are and leave on your arse!

Dress Code: Casual all the way

Location: Just about every street corner

Hours: Open daily, and nightly too.

HOTELS

Charlotte Street Hotel

Address: 15 Charlotte Street, Tottenham Court Road tube

Telephone: 44-207-806-2000

Website: www.charlottestreethotel.com

E-mail: charlotte@firmdale.com

K West

Address: Richmond Way, Sheperd’s Bush tube

Telphone: 44-207-674-1000