Tysers - Guide to London 2024

Here you can find Tysers Guide to London, filled with useful advice on how to navigate London as well as recommendations of where to sleep, eat, party and play in the UK's capital city.

GUIDE TO LONDON

Contents

Welcome Welcome to London, whether it’s your first time here or your tenth we want you to enjoy a great trip. London is diverse and eclectic, packed with fantastic, world-famous attractions and under-the radar hidden gems. However, as the city can be a little daunting to navigate at times, and to ensure you get to experience the very best of London, we have compiled this guide which maps out both the lesser-known and iconic attractions, highlights some of London’s best restaurants and bars, makes suggestions for great days out and includes personal recommendations from the Tysers Team.

Welcome

Getting Around London

Hotels

Eating in London

Recommendations from Tysers’ Team

Theatre Recommendations

Live Music

Markets

London’s Royal Parks

Sport

Jason Collins Senior Managing Director, Specialty, Reinsurance & AUB Wholesale

Museums

Afternoon Tea

Day Trip Recommendations

Day Trips out of London

Handy Tips

Tysers - Guide to London

Getting Around London AIRPORTS Heathrow – Train or Tube are the best options to travel onwards from the airport into central London. ■ Black Taxis cost approx. £80 -£100 ■ Heathrow Express – high speed train to Paddington station, every 15 minutes. Runs from 5am – 11pm ■ Tube – into London, the Piccadilly line. A frequent and economic way to travel. Runs from 5am – 11.45pm Gatwick ■ Gatwick Express train – high speed train, every 15 minutes to London Victoria station. Runs from 6am - 11pm ■ National Rail – regular services to central London stations ■ Taxis approx. £65-£80 London City ■ Closest airport ■ DLR (Docklands light railway train) runs every 30 minutes directly into the City of London. Runs from 05.30am – midnight ■ Taxis approx. £35-45 TAXIS ■ The Uber App is used most in London for taxis with Black Cabs a popular and reliable alternative with extremely knowledgeable drivers. The price is displayed on a meter and the bill can be paid by cash or card. Taxis with a yellow light on display are available for hire.

TUBE Oyster card – Oyster cards are rechargeable travel cards that can be bought at main tube stations with cash or contactless bank cards. Alternatively, tap in and out of the tube with a contactless bank card. ■ London’s tubes are a quick and inexpensive way of getting around London. However, the stations are incredibly popular and might appear intimidating if you haven’t used them before. ■ Tubes run from approx. 6am – midnight depending on the line. Services are more limited services on Sundays. ■ Each line is colour coded - the tube map lists every stop. Tube map ■ Find the colour for your tube line and follow the signs underground. ■ Stations have signs pointing to the different platforms, depending on the direction of travel you are taking. Signs list each stop, always double check you are going in the right direction! *Top tip! Always stand on the right hand side of the escalator and walk on the left – Londoners like to keep moving! HIRE A BIKE Bike docking terminals can be found all over London and bikes are hired directly from the docking station from £2 a hour. Simply hire the bike, ride it and then return the bike to any docking station. Either get the Cycle app or find out where the nearest docking station is here: Docking stations. UBER BOAT Uber boats travel through London up and down the Thames. Hop on and off between 24 piers and explore some of London’s top attractions. Services are every 20-30 minutes from major London piers – check times before travelling. Payment can be made via a pre-loaded oyster card, contactless banking card or tickets are available to buy at the piers. Uber Boats.

Tysers - Guide to London

Hotels In the City, Tysers has preferential rates with two hotels close to the office: Tower Suites - 100 Minories, London EC3N 1JY Luxury suite hotel, available with fully equipped private kitchens / lounges – fantastic views of the Tower of London Tysers receive a 10% discount off the best available rates using the Rate Access Code: TYS

Additional recommendations, close to the office: ■ Doubletree Hilton Tower Bridge ■ Citizen M Tower

■ Pan Pacific Further afield: ■ The May Fair ■ One Aldwych ■ The Savoy ■ The Landmark

Motel One - 24-26 Minories, London, EC3N 1BQ - approx. £189 per night Budget hotel in the heart of the city ■ Book through this link - https://booking.motel-one.com/en/register ■ Click “Business trip” Enter code: Tys2693A573 If availability does not allow the booking, you / your team can contact the reservations team on: london-towerhill@motel-one.com

Tysers - Guide to London

Eating in London Tipping isn’t mandatory in London and while tipping is encouraged, it’s not required. Many restaurants and bars add a 12.5% service charge to the bill automatically – you can request for it to be removed if the service has been dreadful. Otherwise, 10-15% for a tip is appreciated.

Goodman City A uniquely British interpretation of a

New York grill. Goodman City

Close to Tysers’ Office

Caminos A vibrant and fun Tapas bar, guests get 15% off when quoting the name

The Ivy The Ivy group have some nice options - Ivy City Garden is close to you, as is Ivy Tower. Ivy Collection

TYSERS. Caminos

Wapping

A 15-minute walk down the Thames from the Tysers office. Smiths Well known and popular seafood restaurant. Smiths

Pont De La Tour A Riverside French restaurant with great views. Pont de la Tour

Further afield

Coq D’Argent A French restaurant with a lovely roof terrace. Coq D’Argent

Clos Maggiore A beautiful French restaurant - voted the most romantic in London, based in Covent Garden. Clos Maggiore

Tysers - Guide to London

Recommendations from Tysers’ Team

Scotts London’s finest fish, shell fish and seasonal game. Scotts

Jason Collins Senior Managing Director, Specialty, Reinsurance & AUB Wholesale

Gloria Vibrant Italian restaurant in Shoreditch. Gloria

Hawksmoor – Borough Market Love this on a weekend because you can go to Borough Market first. It has a great small cocktail bar at the front too. Does a mean Sunday roast. Hawksmoor Il Bordello, Wapping Outside of the City and in the quiet part of Wapping. Portions are huge and a really warm welcome. Great Italian food with regular changing specials. Il Bordello

The Boundary Good winter menu with a lovely roof terrace in Shoreditch. The Boundary

The Summerhouse The Summerhouse is situated on the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice. Enjoy a crisp Rosé and delicious British food while watching the boats drift up and down this relaxing stretch of water. The Summerhouse

Tysers - Guide to London

Chris Sydenham Chairman, Claims

Nisha Dattani Director, Market Relationships

Barrafina - Various locations including soho, london bridge and kings cross . Amazing Spanish food, with a daily changing specials menu, which is always a winner. They accept bookings and walk-ins. Barrafina

Thai Square, Minories Good food, affordable prices and usually not full. Thai Square

Chris Tansley Chair man, Wholesale Customer s & Markets

Bob Pybus CEO, AUB UK Retail

Cinnamon Kitchen, Devonshire Square Reasonable prices with a great menu. I love their use of spices, never lets you down. Cinnamon Kitchen

Smiths, Wapping Great food and service, light and airy space with fantastic views. Smiths Restaurants

Tysers - Guide to London

Theatre Recommendations London has one of the world’s leading and most diverse theatre offerings. The Royal Opera House and Sadlers Wells play host to some amazing operatic and ballet products and the West End offers a dazzling array of classic plays, long- running musicals including the Lion King and Phantom of the Opera, and new works making their West End debuts. And not to forget Shakespeare’s Globe, an incredible reconstructed version of the original Elizabethan playhouse, with talks, tours and exhibitions to support its traditional productions. If looking to book when you arrive, we would suggest visiting the Ticket booth in Leicester Square - they have some great last minute offers on tickets to top shows. Here are some showing the week that you are here that have had great reviews; Guys & Dolls The Bridge theatre transforms for one of the greatest musicals of all time. It has more hit songs, more laughs and more romance than any show ever written.The seating is wrapped around the action while the immersive tickets transport you to the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in the unlikeliest of love stories. Gallery 2 Seated Tickes: £29.50 Gallery 1 Seated Tickets: £57.50 - £97.50 Stalls Seated Tickets: £39.50 - £150 Immersive Tickets Standing Stage Area: £39.50 Guys & Dolls Mama Mia Join the paradise islands of Greece and enjoy the ultimate feel-good getaway with the world’s most exhilarating smash-hit musical. This show has been captivating London audiences for 20 years and is a popular choice. Stalls: £96 - £150

Mama Mia – The Party This is an interactive theatre show based at the O2 Arena. Feel transported to the island of Skopelos to dance, dine and have the time of your life! As the sun sets, you’ll take your seats at Nikos’ family-run taverna where you’ll enjoy a delicious four-course Greek meal before dancing the night away at a glittering

ABBA disco. Tier A: £180 Tier B: £155 Tier C: £109 Mamma Mia The Party

The Lion King One of the most popular shows in the West End. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi award- winning musical will redefine your expectations of theatre. Stalls: £90 - £140

Royal Circle: £60 - £100 Grand Circle: £50 - £60 The Lion King

The Mouse Trap The worlds longest running play of any kind, Agatha Christies ‘The Mousetrap’ is a long running hit at St Martins Theatre. Its is a London staple – do you know Whodunnit? Stalls: £60 - £125

Dress Circle: £50 - £125 Upper Circle: £25 -£40 The Mouse Trap

Dress Circle: £66 - £117 Grand Circle: £36 - £54 Mamma Mia

Tysers - Guide to London

Live Music East Cheap Records – City EC1V 9NQ Popular bar with live bands most evenings playing classic pop/rock. East Cheap Records Ronnie Scott’s – West End W1D 4HT One of the oldest Jazz clubs in the world. Tickets must be booked. Ronnie Scott’s Boisdale – Canary Wharf E14 4QT and Mayfair SW1W 9LX Classic British food, with cigar terrace and live music. Boisdale Amazing Grace – London Bridge SE1 9RY A live music dance club located in a grade 2 listed 17th century church. Amazing Grace Tysers Recommends: Toulouse Lautrec – Kennington SE11 4RN Visit this classic Parisian jazz and piano lounge, over three floors with live music

Markets London has a range of eclectic and interesting local markets that are definitely worth visiting for the atmosphere, food and drink or to shop for gifts and presents. Greenwich Market SE10 9HZ Greenwich Market has a fantastic array of stalls showcasing local artists selling art, antiques, fashion, jewellery and international street food. Greenwich is home to an eclectic mix of independent shops, bars and cafes and Greenwich Park is the perfect place for a walk. If you have time visit the Royal Observatory & Astronomy Centre. Monday – Sunday 10.00am – 5.30pm Camden Market, NW1 8AF Camden Market is definitely worth a visit. Based in stables amid cobbled streets and located next to the Regent Canal, Camden Market is a melting pot of music, fashion, food and drink, vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, art and much more. Home to 1,000+ unique shops, stalls, bars and cafes, this diverse community is open every day. Monday – Sunday 11.30am – 6.30pm Borough Food Market Based in the arches underneath London Bridge, Borough Market is one of the best good and produce markets London has to offer. Over 100 stalls sell food form a huge range of countries. Watch pasta being made from scratch, feast on delicious cheeses or tasty pastries. Visit with an empty stomach, a shopping basket and browse to your heart’s content. Monday – Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm

and all-day dining. Toulouse Lautrec

Tysers - Guide to London

London’s Royal Parks There are eight Royal Parks in London. Covering over 5,000 acres of historic parkland, the parks provide beautiful green spaces in the heart of London. Originally used for the recreation, mostly hunting, of the Royal Families, they became public parks in 1851 and are freely accessible places. The Regent’s Park The Regent’s Park is perfect for enjoying picnics and scenic walks around the park’s beautiful gardens and boating lake. It is also home to the world- renowned London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo. In the summer evenings a stunning Open Air theatre presents a variety of productions – tickets must be booked in advance. Hyde Park Brave an open water swim in the Serpentine Lake or hire a rowing boat or take a stroll around the atmospheric Rose Garden. Alternatively, listen to a concert, play tennis, horse ride or join the Hyde Park roller skating team on Friday evenings at 8pm. Kensington Royal Gardens Kensington Gardens is home to the Sunken Garden which includes the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales (open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-18:00pm) and the Memorial Playground, great fun for the younger members of your family. Kensington Palace, which is set in the Gardens, is the official London Residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Sport London is home to an eclectic range of sporting events, depending on the season. As many of the events are very popular make sure you book in advance. Summer events The Henley Royal Regatta usually takes place in June or July and runs over six days. Visited by more than 300,000 each year, it’s an elite and prestigious boating competition. One of the highlights of the summer season, picnics can be enjoyed on the banks of the Thames, accompanied by a glass of fizz. Henley Regatta Wimbledon Tennis , the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four grand slams, it is traditionally held in late June – early July. The only major tournament still played on grass, it is a hugely popular event and famous for its tradition of eating strawberries and cream which was introduced at the very first tournament in 1877. Wimbledon Royal Ascot – Horse racing Royal Ascot is an annual Flat racing meeting held for five days. usually in mid-June with 18 races of the highest quality. Held in Berkshire, the Gold Cup (known as Ladies Day) is the oldest and most prestigious race. Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 when she came upon an area of open heath that looked, ‘ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch’. His Majesty, King Charles, attends Royal Ascot, as do many members of the extended Royal Family. Royal Ascot Cricket – The game’s rules were formalised by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1797 and its base, Lords (named after a founder member of the club, Thomas Lord) in St Johns Wood, London, remains the spiritual home of the game. While debate still continues as to where the game originated (some believe the game is Flemish in origin), the popularity of the game in the UK, and in England in particular, cannot be disputed. Games can be enjoyed in London at Lords and The Oval.

Tysers - Guide to London

Museums The Victoria and Albert

Based in South Kensington, the V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, and houses a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects that span over 5,000 years of creativity. Almost all exhibitions are free. V&A Natural History Museum The most popular of the UK’s museums, a vast range (800 million) of earth and life specimens from various segments of history are on display. Five main collections include: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. The museum is also a centre of research specialising in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Natural History The Tate Modern Located in the former Bankside power Station, Tate Modern has over a hundred years of art, from modernism in the early 1900s, to exciting new works and includes paintings, sculptures, and more made. It is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world and houses collections from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, and Jenny Holzer. Tate The Science Museum Based in South Kensington, the museum is a firm family favourite. Interactive and thought-provoking, children (and adults) can see, touch and experience science first-hand. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked. Science Museum

Afternoon Tea Afternoon tea is a much-loved and delicious British tradition. The tradition dates back more than 200 years when, struck by hunger pangs somewhere between lunch and dinner, the Duchess of Bedford invited her friends over for tea and ‘a light refreshment’ in her rooms at Woburn Abbey. It consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves and cakes and pastries. Tea is served in bone china cups. Dalloway Terrace A classic afternoon tea at Great Russell St in Bloomsbury with indoor and outdoor seating options available. Priced from £48. Dalloway Terrace BB Bakery Afternoon tea with a French twist at a luxury bakery in Covent Garden or on the move on a bus tour or river cruise. Menus start from £45. B Bakery Tysers Recommends: Fortum and Mason This elegant tearoom is the perfect place to while away a few hours listening to the piano and indulging in freshly baked cakes, delicate sandwiches and tea in the Diamond Jubilee Salon, opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2012. Priced from £80. Fortnum and Mason

Tysers - Guide to London

Day Trip Recommendations

Tower of London The Tower of London is an iconic Fortress located very close to your hotel. Learn all about the history of the castle, meet the Yeoman who protect the tower and see the stunning Royal Crown jewels. £34 per person https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/#gs.qa313b

Big Bus London London hop-on hop-off bus tours give you the flexibility to plan your day. You can choose to stay on board the entire London bus route or hop-off at the destinations you want to explore further, then simply wait for the next bus to come along and rejoin the tour. 1 day tickets are the most popular - £39 per person https://www.bigbustours.com/en/london/london-bus-tours

Thames Rib Experience What better way to see London’s sights than from the Thames. This is the ultimate waterway tour, packed full with adrenaline the speedboats will zip you past the vast sights the city has to offer, with a fun and informative tour guide. £54 per person for 40 minutes https://thamesribexperience.com/

London Eye The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is Europe’s tallest observation wheel. Based on the bank of the River Thames it is the perfect viewing platform for London. £29 per ticket or £44 for Fast Track https://www.londoneye.com/

Tysers - Guide to London

Day Trips out of London There are a number of fantastic destinations that are perfect for a day’s trip out of London. Consider Oxford, with dreaming spires and age-old university, Brighton with pier, fun fair, eclectic shopping and pebble beach or Windsor with the spectacular Windsor Castle. A number of companies, for example, Viator, can help you plan and book trips. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, has been home to the kings and queens of Britain for almost 1,000 years and is still a working royal palace. Take a tour of the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel, and then continue west of London to Salisbury, home of Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Finally, arrive in Bath, an elegant city full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces and a renowned wellbeing destination since Roman times. Entrance fees, hotel pick up and lunch are included. Prices start from £100 Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Take a tour of Warwick Castle, a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068 before heading to Stratford- upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s birthplace. Then head to Oxford, the city of dreaming spires and home to Britain’s oldest university sitting on doorstep of the Cotswolds, quintessentially English and designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with stunning countryside and picturesque villages. Entrance fees, coach and guided tours included – prices from £80 Harry Potter World Calling all Harry Potter fans – take the Warner Bros Studio tour of the sets, costumes and props used in the filming of the films including The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and Platform 9¾. Great for all ages from 7 and above.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace The Changing of the Guard is the official ceremony when the Footmen guarding the monarchy are released from their duty, to be replaced with new soldiers. It’s a great experience to watch. This is free to watch and happens most mornings at 11am – please check the confirmed times before you go as they can change. https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

GoBoats Cruise down London’s waterways in a self-driven, electric, purpose-built picnic boat which fit up to eight onboard. I’s a great way to see London – Tysers recommends taking a rental to take in Regents Canal as the route passes the zoo. No license or previous experience required. Go Boatttps://changing-guard. com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

Tysers - Guide to London

Handy Tips London is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for even the most discerning traveller – whether it’s an evening at the opera, a visit to a world- leading museum or a sight-seeing trip on one of London’s double decker red buses. At Tysers we want to help you get the best out of your visit to London – both professionally and personally. If you have any questions or queries, don’t hesitate to email TysersPas@tysers.com. Tysers office number: +44 (0)20 3037 8000 Top tips for visiting London: ■ pack a small umbrella ■ bring comfortable walking shoes and walk as much as possible. London is a very walkable city and is not that big ■ download Google maps ■ safety, London is generally very safe. However, practice common sense by

Just a 20-minutes train journey from London Euston station with shuttle busses from the station to the Studio every 30 minutes. Ticket cost £56 Chapel Down Vineyard – Tenterden Kent Perhaps better known as one of the major wine consuming countries rather than a producer, in recent years the production of wines, especially sparkling wines, has grown rapidly and today the UK produces a range of high- quality, award-winning wines. Chapel Down Vineyard is located close to the picturesque market town of Tenterden and produces premium quality still and sparkling wines. Take in a guided tour, tutored wine tastings or enjoy lunch in the vineyard’s restaurant. Trains from St Pancras to Ashford international run frequently with the vineyard just a short taxi ride from the station. Tours start from £30

Tysers Recommends: A day punting in Cambridge - Train from London Liverpool St direct to Cambridge, - journey time approx. 1 hour and cost is £30.

keeping your belongings close and using a bag with a zip ■ Taxis – always use a licenced firm, an uber or a black taxi ■ Bring layers… London’s weather is unpredictable! Useful Contacts

Cambridge is a hub of innovation and creativity and home to the University of Cambridge which dates back more than 800 years and the University’s Fitzwilliam Museum. Free to enter, the museum houses world-class collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilisations. The City also offers numerous and diverse culinary delights from Italian pasta, to Middle Eastern falafel, French cuisine and quintessentially English fodder. , Cambridge’s culinary choices boast fabulous scope and diversity. To really experience Cambridge take a punt on the River Cam and see the city’s stunning architecture and enjoy beautiful views of the college ‘Backs’. Use a licensed punt company which only operate from near their punting stations at Quayside the Mill Pond and close to Jesus Green. Cost from £140 per boat, or £50 for a shared boat.

999 and 112 is the national emergency response service in the UK. 112 is the pan-European equivalent to 999 and can be used in the UK. These numbers should be used only when urgent attendance by the emergency services is required. Calls are free, and can be dialled from a locked mobile phone.

Tysers - Guide to London

71 Fenchurch Street London EC3M 4BS T: +44 (0)20 3037 8000 tysers.com

Tysers Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: 71 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4BS. Registered Company No. 2957627 England.

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