Jaunted - London

Great Bongs of the World: Big Ben Turns 150

Victor Ozols — 2009-07-11T16:06:22-05:00

The London bell known as Big Ben turns 150 years old this year, giving writers around the world license to use the word bong in dozens of news stories. After all, bong describes the sound this famous bell makes throughout the day, striking the musical note E every hour. Four other bells strike G sharp, F sharp, E, and B on the quarter hours, broadcasting the song Westminster Quarters throughout the Parliament grounds and beyond. How about those bongs?

Snoop: A First Class Mind Deserves a First Class Seat

sedona — 2006-05-11T09:00:02-05:00

As we reported last week, Snoop Dogg caused quite a ruckus in London as he and five of his gang-stars provoked a major dust-up in the Business Class British Airways lounge. Everyone ended up getting hauled off to the slamma', but they were subsequently released. No charges were filed.

Snoop returned to London yesterday to meet with British police and investigating the incident. We'd say Snoop better start making nice with Richard Branson and Virgin Airlines double quick, because a spokesman for British Airways reports that, "Snoop has been banned from future travel on the airline". Let him ride, yo!

Related Stories:
· Snoop Dogg Back to London to Face Police [AP]

The Gardening Club in London

Jolie — 2005-12-01T08:30:00-05:00

Monday night is one of those universal big city going-out wastelands. Tuesday through Saturday, there's guaranteed to be somebody out, and Sunday--well, that's just for alcoholics and rock-stars. But what to do if you're in London for only a few days and it's a Monday and, damn it, you want to drink? Head to The Gardening Club in Covent Garden and prepare to be rocked.

When we went there last week at about 9:30 pm on Monday, we had no idea who all the people boogying down were (okay, maybe grinding is the better term) and, frankly, we couldn't have cared less. We were simply thrilled to be in a bar with more than five people and settled into a corner table with a bottle of white wine.

The Park Lane Hotel in London

Jolie — 2005-11-28T21:08:32-05:00

While all of my friends spent Thanksgiving trying to broker peace amongst their families, I trekked off to London for a week of drinking (um, and sightseeing, too...honestly...) with my friends. In the name of research, no pub went ignored, no restaurant went unsampled. It's a tough job, but...

Jolie's London "research" post jump

The Thames' Coke Problem

sedona — 2005-11-07T09:29:16-05:00

The whole of London, just like its beloved Kate Moss, might need to consider some time at Promises. The Telegraph reported yesterday that "So much cocaine is being used in London that traces of the white powdered narcotic can be detected in the River Thames."

The paper cited scientific research from a study it had commissioned that found that two kg of cocaine spill into the river each day after passing through user's bodies and through sewage treatment plants.

You thought London was expensive now? Wait until they start bottling the water of the Thames and selling it...

Related Stories:
· Cocaine Traces detected in River Thames [AFP]

Brown's Hotel to Reopen

sedona — 2005-11-07T09:10:23-05:00

The famous Brown's Hotel in London is set to reopen on Dec. 12th after a 20-month, $33 million renovation. Set in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel is old-school, and has distinguished and refined feel. This is where the Roosevelt's spent their honeymoon and where Rudyard Kipling wrote 'The Jungle Book.'

The 11 Georgian townhouses containing 117 rooms have all been redone to reflect contemporary features (Wi-fi for one...) while still retaining English style. We can't wait to see it...

Related Stories:
· Comings and Goings [NY Times]

Last Days for London's Routemaster

sedona — 2005-11-04T11:11:05-05:00

Sadly, London's famed Routemaster double-decker buses are being retired as of Dec. 9. They are keeping two of the 'tourist' routes but most everything else will be shut down and replaced with "two-part Bendy buses and by angular, modern two-story buses that have all the charm of a brick with wheels." The Routemasters weren't wheelchair accessible and became a liability problem with their high platforms.

Still, Londoners are upset. They've launched a campaign to save the Routemasters and have gotten 11,000 signatures on a petition to mayor Ken Livingstone.

Related Stories:
· British icon reaches the end of the line [USA Today]
· Save the Routemaster [Official Site]