Unlike the original Elephant & Castle, Mercato Mayfair is a dedicated street food hall located inside a historic building in Mayfair.

I'll tell you more about this place in this article.

Grab your forks!

Mercato Mayfair: article summary

Mercato Mayfair: in brief

The building is a desanctified church and has been hidden from the public for decades, available only for private use.

Mercato reintroduced it to the community, following a two-year restoration project that cost the enormous sum of £5 million.

Inside Mercato Mayfair, you'll find a range of street food vendors, as well as a few bars and drinking destinations.

Although the market's name might suggest that it specializes in Italian cuisine, Mercato are inspired by the whole world, and serve everything.

What is the Mercato Mayfair??

Mercato is a four-storey street food hall featuring a series of street traders serving dishes from all over the world.

The Mayfair site is a sibling of Elephant & Castle's original Mercato Metropolitano.

Where to find Mayfair Market?

As its name suggests, it's located in the affluent district of Mayfair. The food hall has taken up residence in the Saint-Marc building on North Audley Street, which was once a church.

What retailers can you find at Mercato Mayfair??

The Mercato is spread over four floors, each home to a range of food and drink traders serving dishes from all over the world.

Fresco

Fresco was among the first merchants at the first Elephant & Castle Mercato Metropolitano and has now joined the Mayfair team.

Expect Neapolitan pizzas made with fresh ingredients. You'll have a great time perfect with friends and pizza.

Mercato Mayfair: Pasta London

Joining the capital's fresh pasta revolution, Pasta London cooks artisanal pasta before your very eyes, before letting you choose the sauce you'd like to accompany it.

Raw Bar

In the mood for Asian cuisine? The Raw Bar is just what you need. Here you can enjoy :

• Of sushi
• Ceviches
• Hawaiian poke bowls

Mercato Mayfair: Badiani

From Florence, where it has been in operation since 1932, Badiani's second Mercato site serves authentic Italian ice creams and cafés.

German Kraft Brewery

Mercato's on-site microbrewery, German Kraft, serves Franconian beer to Londoners in a cool space with a backlit "brick" wall of pint glasses.

Steamy & Co

Get ready to steam with traditional Taiwanese bao buns, served here with baked ravioli. with meat and vegetarian fillings.

Mercato Mayfair: Lala

For traditional Turkish bread, head to Lala, where you'll find it served with a variety of toppings. There are also side salads and desserts to complete your meal.

Cha Cha Mayfair

Cha Cha is a seafood and cocktail bar, located in the Gallery area on the second floor. Here you'll find fresh seafood dishes and expertly prepared cocktails.

Don't leave without seeing the basement

The vaulted basement of the Mercato crypt is home to a wine bar and cellar offering a range of wines, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards for nibbling. The basement also serves as a space for cooking classes.

What are Mercato's opening hours? ?

If you're planning a visit to this Mayfair street food hall, you'll need to make sure you turn up during opening hours to avoid disappointment. That way, you can visit:

• Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday 8 a.m. to midnight
• Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mercato Mayfair is a must-visit if you're in London. Here, you can try out a wide range of cuisines and dishes. take advantage of your meal to discover new flavours.

When it comes to transport in London, you'll need to know what we mean by the term Minicab.

If you're wondering whether it's a cab, you've come to the right place.

I tell you all about Minicab in London.

Minicab in London: article summary

What is a Minicab?

In London, the term Minicab essentially refers to a car for rent. You can also for hire at all the city's airports.

It's a bit like renting a car with a personal driver. The only difference with cabs is that they are private companies.

If you choose to take a ride in a Minicab, you can bet that the price will be much cheaper than a journey by cab.

You can ride in a privately hired Minicab or even in a limousine. Of course, the limousine costs more than the standard Minicab.

What's the difference between a Minicab and a black cab??

Black cabs are licensed cabs in London. This is the original London cab. The Minicab is a private rental.

Both are regulated by the applicable laws in the UK. The difference is that with a cab, you travel in an original cab.

How to drive a Minicab?

When it comes to hiring a Minicab in London, you can't just hail one off the street.

If you want a Minicab, you have to go to a stand and rent one, or call and order a ride over the phone.

Remember that only black cabs can be hailed on the streets. Any other ride, such as a Minicab, must be reserved. This is for safety reasons.

How to stay safe when traveling in London?

There are a number of steps you can take to try and stay in control. safety during your stay in London.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself in an unfamiliar place is to to familiarize themselves with certain safety precautions.

Never accept a route from an unknown source.

Only black cabs can be hired on the street. They will have a yellow sign lit up if they are available.

You can't rent a Minicab on the street. They must be reserved. Avoid getting on in unregulated vehicles.

Only book a Minicab from a legitimate source. Hotels usually give their guests a list of Minicab companies to contact.

Find out more about London and Minicabs.

There are a few other things to know about transport in London. Did you know that you can hire and book a black cab in London, just like a minicab?

As mentioned above, you don't have to book a cab, but you can.

If necessary, you can hire wheelchair-accessible vehicles. If you or someone in a wheelchair is traveling with you, you can hire a cab. These are wheelchair accessible.

You can hire an Uber in London

Yes, if you don't want a Minicab or even a black cab, you can turn to the VTC company Uber.

It couldn't be easier. You can find an Uber in the Uber app.

There are several ways to getting around London. Minicabs are an excellent option. They're affordable and much cheaper than a black cab. What you need get your London vacation off to a flying start.

If you want to get off the beaten track and explore some of the most unusual museumsThere are plenty of options in London.

Today, I'm going to tell you all about it.

Unusual museum in London: article summary

Unusual museum in London: the Hendrix House Museum

The name alone tells you who is celebrated in this museum: musicians George Frederic Handel and Jimi Hendrix.

Believe it or not, they both lived in London, 200 years apart, in buildings next to each other.

You'll find spaces where these two important musicians created their music, as well as instruments, clothing and much more.

La Maison also welcomes :

• Conferences
• Musical rehearsals
• Acoustic cessions

Practical information

To visit the site, you will need :

• 14 £ per adult
• 10 £ for students

Admission is free for under-16s.

The site remains open:

• Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Freud Museum

The museum is located in the north London house where Sigmund Freud lived after escaping from the Nazis, with his daughter Anna Freud, who lived there until his death.

Sigmund, of course, was the founder of psychoanalysis, and Anna became a pioneer of child psychoanalysis.

Inside, visitors will find Freud Sr. and his famous psychoanalytic couch.

It also features :

• Works of art
• Trinkets
• Paintings
• Furniture
• Photographs
• Memories

Practical information

To visit the site, you will need :

• 14 £ per adult
• 9 £ per child

You can get there :

• Wednesday to Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unusual museum in London: God's Own Junkyard

This psychedelic neon paradise is housed in a warehouse in Walthamstow, north-east of London.

The late founder Chris Bracey began selling his neon creations to Hollywood directors such as Stanley Kubrick and Tim Burton.

Today, this warehouse exhibits both recycled neon lights and works of art. There's also a café and bar, The Rolling Scones, offering food and drinks.

There's nothing like feeling the warm glow of neon projected onto your face. Plus, it's great lighting for photos!

Practical information

You can visit us on site:

• Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Foudling Hospital Museum

In the 18th century, the Foundling Hospital was opened by Captain Thomas Coram as a the UK's leading children's charity.

It was created with the aim of caring for and housing vulnerable children, focusing on their recovery from illness.

The Foundling Hospital Museum was created to house objects from the hospital, including small items that mothers left with the children they handed over, to perhaps link the two in the future.

The composer Handel organized concerts at the hospital to raise funds.

Practical information

With regard to entry fees, you must allow for :

• 10,50 £ per adult
• 8,25 £ for children

The venue opens :

• Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

An unusual museum in London: the Sherlock Holmes Museum

Where to find Sherlock Holmes Museum other than 221B Baker Street?

The museum, housed in a four-storey Georgian house, was created to give visitors an idea of the history and culture of the region. the place where Sherlock Holmes would have put his mental palate to good use.

In addition to fully recreated Victorian living spaces, you'll find all manner of memorabilia related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's greatest creation, as well as a gift store filled with items Holmes might find interesting.

Practical information

With regard to entry fees, you must allow for :

• 16 £ per adult
• 11 £ for under-16s

The museum remains open:

• Monday to Sunday 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sir John Soane Museum

Enter the main Sir John Soane Museum will take your breath away.

The museum was founded by neoclassical architect Sir. John Soane and his love of bric-a-brac, archaeology and art continues to benefit us today.

Soane was a collector of all things interesting. The death mask of Oliver Cromwell, a Roman fountain or the sarcophagus of Seti I there's a lot of curiosity here.

Practical information

You can visit us on site:

• Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unusual museum in London: the Freemasonry Museum

For an ancient secret society shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories, London's Freemason's Hall is remarkably open about its rituals, artifacts and memories.

In addition to the fantastic free museum, they also regularly offer free guided tours of the magnificent Art Deco building.

Practical information

You can visit this site :

• Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• First Thursday of the month 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are many unusual museums to discover on your visit to London. Enough to spend a stay in an incredible atmosphere.

This year is the perfect time to visit the spectacular Old Royal Naval Collegein the heart of Greenwich.

Why should you include it on a visit to London?

That's what we'll be looking at in this article.

Old Royal Naval College : article summary

Old Royal Naval College: a new royal palace becomes a royal hospital

The king wanted to create a new palace inspired by his exile in France. It would be a new Versailles.

However, the king did indeed run out of money and interest, and the project was not completed during his lifetime.

His coat of arms can still be seen in the central triangular pediment above the columns.

The building remained largely unused until the site became a Royal Navy hospital in 1694.

It was the idea of Charles's niece, Queen Mary II, who wanted to provide a place for British naval veterans. It took 55 years to complete. At its peak, it has been home to over 2,700 naval veterans.

The painted room: a hidden gem

Imagine the grandeur of this site, which welcomed foreign dignitaries arriving by river to meet the king or queen of the day further upstream in central London.

The Royal Naval Hospital was much more than a home for retired or injured sailors, it was architectural propaganda for the power of the Protestant British monarchy and the Royal Navy.

If you've visited St. Paul's Cathedral, you'll already have seen Thornhill's work inside the dome of another of Wren's masterpieces.

In the center of the lower chamber, you'll see Protestant Queen Marie II and her husband, King William III, with their foot on the head of French Catholic King Louis XIV.

On the back wall of the Upper Room, look for the figure of the artist himself, James Thornhill, in the bottom right-hand corner, hand outstretched.

The Royal Naval Hospital becomes the Royal Naval College

There was a constant battle to find funding for the hospital. The 1735 Rysbrack statue of King George II, located in the center of the lower open area, is a gesture of thanks to the King.

By 1869, it was time for a new reincarnation of the site. In the end, it was deemed unnecessary for retired navy personnel to be cared for in a single location.

The Royal Naval Hospital thus became the Royal Naval College, or a university for naval officers.

In 1939, the first women were admitted to and trained in the Royal Navy. In the 1960s, a low-power nuclear reactor has been installed in the building.

It produced barely enough electricity to boil a kettle, but cost £1 million to decommission in the 1990s.

Old Royal Naval College: a new type of academic institution

In 1995, the British government decided to bring all British armed forces training under one roof at the Swindon Defence Academy, in south-west England.

The naval officers finally left. They were replaced by the University of Greenwich and the Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance.

You might catch the students taking their pictures of graduation ceremony with the magnificent Wren building in the background.

An appearance in some cinematic blockbusters!

If you haven't yet been to the Old Royal Naval College, you may have seen it without realizing it. In fact, it's a much-used film and TV location.

You might catch a glimpse of Wren's colonnade or twin domes on screen, or the brick and stone of William Court :

• Four weddings and a funeral
• Les Misérables
• Gulliver's travels
• Thor: The World of Darkness

The Old Royal Naval College is the place to be if you want to find out more about London's history. During your trip to the English capital, a detour to the site is almost a must.

Opium is a secret bar in Chinatown, offering unique cocktails, late-night hours and a hip crowd.

Today, I'm taking you to Opium to introduce you to an authentic, hidden place.

Here we go!

Opium Bar: article summary

Opium Bar: a place to relax in London

After passing through the discreet green door, you enter a dimly-lit spiral staircase, leading to the three floors that make up Opium.

Each room has its own bar and plenty of space for drinkers. Sit around the large bar table and watch the mixologists work their magic. Or make yourself comfortable in one of the intimate areas and enjoy a drink. relax until the early hours.

A unique atmosphere and a clientele of regulars

With background music creating the perfect ambience, you'll certainly feel like you've been transported out of London.

Late on a Friday evening, the atmosphere is lively yet relaxed and cool.

Subdued lighting and burning incense add an authentic, authentic touch. makes Opium both exclusive and intimate.

The friendly and talented bar staff made everyone feel at home and took a genuine interest in making sure every guest had a good night.

The clientele is very mixed, with couples huddled at the more intimate tables and large groups of friends chatting and drinking at the bar.

Opium is ideal for everyone and you're guaranteed to leave with new friends.

Opium Bar: a comprehensive drinks menu

The cocktail menu is a mix of unique, original concoctions and all the great classics.

One example is Opium 3, a delicious blend of fire and ice. The cocktail is served in a special glass, made with dry ice for a smoky effect, Jamaican rum for full flavor and a side of fiery peaches.

Not only are the different drinks visually stunning, but they're also delicious.

The cocktail menu varies according to the time of year, and each drink corresponds to the season. The same goes for the Opium cocktail, always based on rum, but with different accompaniments.

Opium Bar: an atmospheric bar not to be missed

The Opium experience is unique, exclusive and wickedly cool. Whether you start your evening with a few dumplings or end it chatting with friends and sipping delicious drinks, there's no better place to be. Chinatown.

Drinks can seem expensive, so if you want to have a great evening, be prepared to spend, but at the same time, drinks are worth the price.

What are our opening hours??

You can visit us on site:

• Sunday to Thursday 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

If you're looking to impress a date or simply meet up with friends in a truly unique bar, you should try Opium.

If you're looking to shop in the London outletsI've put together the ultimate guide to the subject.

Let me take you shopping in the heart of the English capital.

Here we go!

Outlet in London: article summary

What is an outlet?

An outlet is a store that sells items at a reduced price compared with the recommended retail price.

Many brands operate factory outlets for sell off their old season or second factory stock.

Some designer brands sell their products up to 70 % off, so you can get a real bargain if you're not worried about wearing only the latest collections.

London designer outlet

London Designer Outlet offers more top brands than genuine designer labels and is a great place to buy :

• Economic fashion
• Sportswear
• Electronics
• Beauty products
• Fragrances

Some of the brands you'll find here include :

• GAP
• Clarks
• Adidas
• Levi's
• M&S
• Nike
• The North Face
• Superdry.

There are also several restaurants and even a cinema, so you can easily transform your stay into an unforgettable experience. your shopping trip into a fun-filled family day.

The Box

The Box is Hackney Walk's sister retail concept, offering luxury fashion sample sales with discounts of up to 80 %.

The Box is only open when there is a sales event, so be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to be informed when the boutique opens.

Outlet in London: Bicester Village

Bicester Village is not in London, but in Oxfordshire, about an hour's drive away. It's well worth the detour if you like to buy designer brands, as you'll find over 160 luxury boutiques selling some of the world's most famous brands. from the world's leading brands at discounts of up to 70 %.

There's much more to Bicester Village than fashion. You'll also find :

• Beauty products and make-up
• Children's clothing
• Luggage
• Items for the home
• Jewelry
• Accessories
• Sportswear

Some of the brands on offer include :

• Lululemon
• Burberry
• Kate Spade
• Jimmy Choo
• Chloé

The quality of products from London's outlets?

Many people think that products sold in retail centers are of inferior quality to those found in a retail store. However, it's true, this is generally not the case.

Most factory outlets simply sell old-season stock to make room for new-season items. This stock is exactly the same as that sold in the brand's stores before.

Sometimes defects can be more problematic, such as poorly stitched seams or incorrect sizing. Don't hesitate to check all items carefully for detect problems like this before you buy.

Alternatives to Outlet shopping in London

If you don't fancy a trip to one of the factory outlets, TK Maxx is also a great place to buy designer brands at discounted prices.

You can find :

• Clothes
• Shoes
• Accessories
• Items for the home

TK Maxx has stores all over London and the rest of the UK.

And, of course, you can always shop at the usual brand-name stores when they're having a sale to grab a bargain.

Most brands hold sales several times a year, so be sure to sign up for their mailing list to be notified.

During your trip to London, if you want to do some shopping on the cheap, I recommend you visit one of the city's outlets. You'll be able to take advantage of exceptional offers on previous collections.