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London
can be exciting for the young and wealthy. So, take our hand, and follow through the streets of London. We'll show you some things that will truly blow your mind.
Oxford Street

Boasting over 300 high-end shops, Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping districts in all of Europe. The street is approximately a mile and a half long. Oxford Street
intersects with other popular London
roads, which include Park Lane,
New Bond Street and Regent Street.

Between the 12th Century and 1782, this notorious street was once the road taken by prisoners to Newgate Prison. Today, many British chain stores hold celebrity launches at their flagship stores on Oxford Street. These include the century-old Selfridges, which is the second largest upscale department store in the United Kingdom.

In 2005, Selfridges hosted a strange event. A group of Elvis Presley Tribute Artists set the world record for the most Elvis impersonators in one location. This was an official Guinness World record event.

Access Oxford Street
by taking the Central Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern and Victoria London Underground lines. If you're looking for Oxford Street
accommodations fit for royalty, consider the Cumberland Hotel. This five star establishment opened its doors in 1933, with King George V and Queen Mary attending its launch.

At night, young and sexy hipsters head to the Loop Bar. This four-story establishment is a combination bar, dance club and restaurant.

Jermyn Street

In London, the name Jermyn Street is synonymous with "gentlemen's shirts." Jermyn Street is to men's shirts as Savile Row is to men's fine suits. For example, the shirt makers at the famous Turnbull & Asser store have made shirts for renowned gentlemen such as Prince Charles and George W Bush.

Jermyn Street
is named after named after Henry Jermyn, who developed the area in 1667. Jermyn Street's famous residents include:

*Colonel Churchill Duke

* Sir Isaac Newton

* The Duchess of Richmond
and Lennox

* The Countess of NorthumberlandServed by the Piccadilly Circus and Green Park Tube stations, Jermyn Street
is famous for the 70-seat Jermyn Street Theater, an off-West End theater venue. The world-class 22 Jermyn Street
Hotel offers elegant accommodations and amenities for both the business and the leisure traveler.

Additionally, the Saint James Club Hotel was founded in 1857 by a parliamentarian and industrialist by the name of Earl Granville, and the Italian aristocrat the Marchese d'Azeglio. It originally served as a residence for traveling diplomats. Today, after an 18-month renovation, the Saint James provides suitable accommodations for those with impeccable taste.

While lovers of custom-made clothing enjoy Jermyn Street for its shirts, steak lovers are enthusiastic about the steaks at Rowley's Restaurant, which is known for its grilled entrecote steak dish with a tasty herb butter sauce and unlimited supply of chips to accompany your meal.

Leicester Square

Leicester Square
embodies the charm of all things British. It's named after Robert Sidney, who was the 2nd Earl of Leicester. In 1630, Sidney
purchased four acres of the land in this area. By 1635, he had built an enormous house called Leicester House. Much to the local resident's dismay, Sidney
enclosed part of the land around his new home. Arbitration ensued, and Lord Leicester was ordered to keep part of his land available to local parishioners.

Today, a small park ornaments the center of Leicester Square. Its most striking feature is a statue of Shakespeare surrounded by dolphins. In fact, the gates at all four corners of the park have statues of famous people such as Sir Isaac Newton. However the most recent statue of Charlie Chaplin staring at Shakespeare is probably the funniest. We're quite sure that the Bard would be amused. However, we wonder if he would like the mounted plaques which also decorate Leicester Square. They feature the handprints of modern screen actors. Once again, London
effectively bridges the old with the new.

London's Hippodrome is located just off of Leicester Square. Built in 1900 as a circus venue, the name was derived from the animal acts that were featured in the performances. One entered the Hippodrome through a bar, which was decorated as if it was a ship's saloon. Once seated, the audience was wowed by a huge arena, which sank into a 230 ft, 100,000 gallon water tank. This was used for aquatic spectacles. The enormous tank had eight central fountains, as well as a circle of fountains around the side. As if that was not enough, the entrances at the side of the auditorium could also be flooded, and used for a dramatic entry of boats. In October of 2008,Hoppodrome re-opened as a performace space.
Tube: Leicester Square Tube station.

Piccadilly

Piccadilly is a major road in the City of London. Measuring 1.25 miles, it runs between Piccadilly Circus
and the southeast corner of Hyde's Park. Its attractions include Saint James Church, which was designed by Christopher Wren and Burlington House, which is home to the Royal Academy of Arts. The name of Piccadilly comes from a tailor named Robert Baker, who owned an early-17th century shop that specialized in piccadills, which were large stiff collars with scalloped edges and a broad lace or perforated border. The money he made producing these collars enabled him to build a large mansion, which he called Piccadilly Hill.

Today, many people associate Piccadilly with Fortnum and Mason, the famous department store associated with the British Royal family. Its claim to fame is its impressive food hall, which stocks an impressive selection of exotic, specialty and provisions. It is also has a fashionable tea shop as well as Britain's only hair salon specializing in long hair.

The Fortnum and Mason store was established in 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason. Throughout the Napoleonic Wars, the store supplied dried fruit and other preserves to the British officers. During the Victorian era, the emporium was asked to provide food for prominent court functions. In fact, during the Crimean War, the good Queen Victoria sent shipments of Fortnum and Mason's concentrated beef tea to Florence Nightingale's hospitals.

If you chose to stay near Piccadilly, why not stay at the hotel that made it famous. On May 24, 1906, Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz opened the Ritz Hotel. Located on Piccadilly, the hotel became famous for its Palm Court, an opulent venue known for a famous social institution known as Tea at the Ritz. The Palm Court has been frequented by esteemed personalities such as King Edward VII, Charlie Chaplin, Sir Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Noel Coward, Judy Garland, Evelyn Waugh and Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother.

The Meridian Piccadilly is another option. This hotel represents a perfect blend of chic and modern with the classic and elegant.

The Piccadilly Line of London's Underground is named after Piccadilly. Green
Park, Hyde Park Corner and Piccadilly Circus tube stations all have entrances either on or near to Piccadilly.

Piccadilly Circus

Built in 1819, Piccadilly Circus is a road junction designed to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly. There is no circus at Piccadilly Circus. Circus is the Latin word for circle. In this case, Piccadilly Circus
is a circular open space which is located at a street junction.

The area is characterized by its kitsch neon signs and flashy billboards. However, its claim to fame is its tube station, which was featured in a 1986 video for Press TV. It showed Sir Paul McCartney catching a tube train and chatting with members of the general public. The station is a popular pilgrimage site for McCartney fans to reenact the video. This is known as "McPressing."

Those seeking a touch of class arrange accommodations at the Thistle Piccadilly. This traditional Victorian hotel boasts 92 luxurious rooms.

Air Street

The .2 mile Air Street
seems to pack in a whole lot of action. At night, it becomes a Mecca
for the rich, famous and beautiful. Air Street is home to London's hip club scene. However, patrons of these clubs can be fickle, and, as such, will "float" from venue to venue, depending on the trends. For example, insider gossip has it that the famous Chinawhite club will be closing on December 20, 2008. Where will the glitterati go? Perhaps they'll migrate to the exclusive Dolce Club.

Located at 10 Air Street, the Dolce Club is so exclusive that you can't even read the details on its website unless you're a member. However, insiders tell us that its lush velvet furnishings, modern chandeliers, gilded mirrors and funky sculptures indoor waterfalls create an atmosphere that is hard to duplicate.

The Dolce Club is the first club in London
to offer cocktails created from in-house prepared, organic juices (apple, orange, pineapple and cranberry) - never puree. Every ingredient in these juices has been produced without stabilizers, additives or colors, because, heaven forbid, you should mask the delicacy of the premium which could mask the delicacy of the premium liquors used in Dolce cocktails. You can experience these lifestyles of the rich and famous from 5-10 p.m. After that, it's members only, please. Piccadilly Circus is the nearest tube stop to Air Street.

Soho Street

There was once a time when Soho Street
was famous for being London's sex district. Today, it has undergone a transformation. It now boasts a number of upscale restaurants and media offices. Soho has an area of about one square mile. It is bounded by Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the west, Leicester Square to the south and Charing Cross Road to the east. The area we call Soho was once composed of bucolic farmland. Then, in 1536, Henry VIII decided that it should be a royal park for the Palace of Whitehall. So how did get the name Soho? Most historians believe that the name comes from the old hunting call: "Soho! There goes the fox!"

Fast forward to 1948, and Soho
becomes the birthplace of modern jazz in the UK. Music historians believe that this was prompted by the opening of Club 11, a jazz club owned by a business manager and 10 musicians.

Today, perhaps as an ironic form of spiritual penance for its "impure" past, Soho Street
is home to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. However, for those who have different ideas about the meaning of higher ground, Punk is Soho's new hot spot. In fact, in 2008, it was nominated for Best Club at the 2008 Club & Bar Awards, and as Best Club of 2008 at the Indy Awards.

You can get to Soho Street
by Taking the Tube to Leicester Square. While you're in the area, be sure to explore Wardour Street.

Wardour Street

Wardour Street
is located in the Soho District of London. It runs one-way south to north from Leicester Square and passes through Chinatown. Then, it crosses Shaftesbury Avenue
and continues to Oxford Street.
Wardour Street is named after Sir Archibald Wardour, who was the architect that designed many of its buildings.

Today, Wardour is London's Chinatown District. You can actually take a rickshaw, and explore the various Chinese restaurants and supermarkets. Wardour Street is also known for its fine selection of other types of ethnic restaurants. For example, La Casa del Habano, describes itself as "Cuban cool in the heart of Soho." Here, you can enjoy Cuban jazz while you sip Mojitos. If you wish, you can enjoy a Cuban cigar, but Yanks should thing twice about bringing these back to the US.
Ophim, at 139 Wardour Street
can be described as curry-eating 101. This hip and funky establishment is the Indian version of Spanish tapas. You get a tiny taste of everything on the menu, so that you can gradually adjust your taste buds to the subtleties of Indian spices. When you get a craving for Italian food, check out the hip and trendy Spiga.

Dean Street

Take the Tube to Tottenham Court Road, and walk over to Dean Street. This pleasant street has an interesting history. In 1756 a young Wolfgang Mozart gave a recital at 21 Dean Street. During World War II, the French House, located on Dean Street
was the headquarters for Charles de Gaulle and the French Underground Resistance movement. Between 1851 and 1856, Karl Marx lived on Dean Street. His apartment was situated above what is now the Marco Pierre White restaurant known as Quo Vadis.

Long before his writing time, Charles Dickens hung out on Dean Street. In those days, he was an aspiring actor, who participated in amateur productions at Fanny Kelly's Royalty Theatre at number 73-74 Dean Street.

Today, Dean Street
is popular with people of the media, entertainment and fashion industries. They hang out at the Groucho Club, which is named after the comedian's famous statement, "I would never belong to any club that would have me as a member." Ironically, membership in the Groucho club is hard to come by.

Those who enjoy experimental drama and comedy should visit the Soho Theatre, which is located at 21 Dean Street. It bears the distinction of being the first theater to be built with National Lottery money. The theatre attracts many of London's big names in comedy, which include Mark Thomas, Jerry Sadowitz, Jimmy Carr and Lucy Porter.

When you tire of all things thoroughly modern and desire an "authentic historic experience, book a room at the Hazlitt Hotel. This former Victorian gentleman's home occupies three buildings on Firth Street. According to their website, "In 1718 there were no elevators. There still aren't, but we have updated the plumbing, installed bathrooms and replaced most of the candles with electricity."

Berkeley Street

Berkeley Street
runs parallel to Berkeley Square. The street is named after the Berkeley
family who, in the 1700s, owned a second home on this quaint, tree-lined street. Other illustrious residents of Berkeley Street
include Winston Churchill who lived at No. 48 Berkeley Street as a child, as well as former Prime Minister George Canning.

For the most part, this compact, one-way street seems to cater to London locals, who patronize its health clubs, hairdressers, real estate offices and florists. However, the popular Nobu Japanese restaurant can certainly draw a crow. Located at 15 Berkeley Street, Nobu has a no-reservation policy. As such, the lines, or the queues can be quite long. However, the spectacular sushi bar, the wood-burning oven and the 12-person hibachi table make it worth the wait.

Art lovers should visit the Fleming Collection. Located at 15 Berkeley Street, this gallery features Scottish artists dating from 1770 through today. Those who prefer less cerebral pursuits will enjoy Funky Buddha, a hip and funky club that is currently looking for beautiful people to serve as party organizers. The Tube to Green
Park will bring you to Berkeley Street and Berkeley Square.

Berkeley Square
You know it as the place where the nightingale sang. However, this high end district, which is inhabited by people of means, would probably object to any singing at night, even by nightingales. However, even its exclusivity fails to keep people from walking by 50 Berkeley Square, which is rumored to be quite haunted. Aside from haunted houses and homes of the affluent, Berkeley Square has some interesting attractions. Babble Bar, located at 59 Berkeley Square, is a hip hangout for the post-work crowd, which features cocktails, great food and dancing to work off the calories.
The David Allen Ancient Art Gallery specializes in art and Ancient Roman art. Care to buy a Bentley? Jack Barclay services and sells pre-owned Bentley Brooklands, Bentley Arnage, Bentley Azure, Continental GT, Continental Flying Spur and Continental GTC.

For elegant accommodations, choose the Radisson Edwardian Mayfair Hotel, which was opened in 1927 by King George V.

Regent Street

The Oxford Circus or Piccadilly station will bring you to Regent Street. The street is named after the Prince Regent, who would later become George I. Although John Nash is as the original architect of the neighborhood, all of his buildings, with the exception of the All
Souls Church, have been demolished. Today's buildings have designed "in the style of John Nash." By the end of the 19th century, many of the original leases on Regent Street were due to expire. Rather than renew their current leases, the local merchants chose to rebuild for thre reasons:

Nash's buildings were low quality.The buildings were structurally inadequate.As the popularity of bespoke was declining, the current buildings were too small for modern retail practices.

Today, Regent Street
boasts an annual Regent Street Festival. However, its claim to fame is its Christmas tree lighting event, where a different celebrity is chosen each year to the light the tree. Shoppers who desire moderately priced fashion finds at reasonable prices should check out Zara. Located at 118 Regent Street, this unique store features remarkable look-alikes of clothing and shoes made by high-end designers.

For dinner, check out Cocoon. Located at the corner of Air and Regent Street, this Pan Asian restaurant is divided into six dining rooms, otherwise called cocoons. If you need to celebrate, Cocoon also has a champagne bar, where you can toast to a wonderful visit to London.

Public Domain Images
London Criterion Theatre

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Criterion.theatre.lo ndon.arp.jpg

Oxford Street London

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Oxford.street.london .arp.jpg

Marble Arch

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Marble_Arch_4.jpg

Cha rlie Chaplin Statue in Leicester Square

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Charlie_Chaplin_stat ue_in_Leicester_Square.jpg

Shak espeare Statue Leicester Square

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Shakespeare_foundati on_and_statue_(Leicester_Squar e).jpg

YouTube video of handprints in Leicester Square

http://technorati.com/videos/y outube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSinpI AeOBOs

Piccadilly Circus

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Piccadilly_Circus2.J PG

Fortnum and Mason

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Fortnum%26Mason_Frui t_and_Flowers2.jpg

Wardour Street
Film House

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Film_House_142_Wardo ur_Street_London_Redvers.jpg

Qu o Vadis

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:QuoVadisLond.jpg

Elvi s Impersonators Selfridge

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w iki/Image:Elvis_impersonators_ record.jpg

Learn more about this author, Lisa Marie Mercer.
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