Search results for ""author graeme chesters""

A unique and unusual guide to London's hidden and lesser-known sights not found in standard guidebooks. Step beyond the chaos, cliches and queues of London's tourist-clogged attractions to its quirkier side. Discover its loveliest ancient buildings, secret gardens, strangest museums, most atmospheric pubs, cutting-edge art and design, and much more: some 140 destinations in all corners of the city. Printed in colour.

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The inspiration for this book was the advice of thegreat Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), something of an expert on London, to hisfriend and biographer James Boswell on the occasion of his trip to London inthe 18th century, to 'survey its innumerable little lanes and courts'. In the21st century these are less numerous than in Johnson's time, so we've extendedhis brief to include alleys, squares and yards, along with a number of mews,roads, streets and gardens. London's Hidden Corners, Lanes & Squarestakes you off the beaten track to seek out places that often fail to registeron the radar of visitors and also most residents. Entries range from ancient history-soakedalleys and lanes in the City - where you half expect to bump into one ofCharles Dickens's characters or even the author himself - to smart,pastel-painted mews in Chelsea built to house horses and carriages (now home tomulti-millionaires); and from unexpected oases of Georgian elegance in traffic plaguedcentral London to tranquil Kensington squares, where you can hear birdsong andalmost smell the scent of money on the breeze. SamuelJohnson also said, 'It is not in the showy evolutions of buildings, but in themultiplicity of human habitations which are crowded together, that thewonderful immensity of London consists.' Every corner featured in this book hasa story to tell, from those who lived there (actresses, bishops, painters,politicians, philosophers, writers...even ghosts of former residents!),significant historical events (from duels and demonstrations to plots andexecutions) and bizarre surviving landmarks such as a brick kiln, a sewer gaslamp and a Parisian pissoir. Althoughthis book isn't intended as a walking guide, most of the places featured areclose to one another in central London - notably in the hubs of Westminster andthe City, where you can easily stroll between them - and all are near publictransport links and easy to reach. Ihope you enjoy discovering London'sHidden Corners, Lanes & Squares as much as we did, and if you happenacross more secret gems on your travels, we would love to hear about them.

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Living and Working in London, first published in 2000 and now in its 6th edition, is the most comprehensive book available about daily life - and is essential reading for newcomers. What's it really like Living and Working in London? Not surprisingly there's a lot more to life than bobbies, beefeaters and busbys! This book is guaranteed to hasten your introduction to the London way of life, irrespective of whether you're planning to stay for a few months or indefinitely. Adjusting to day-to day-life in London just got a whole lot simpler!

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London is a great city for walking, whether for pleasure, exercise or simply to get from A to B. Despite the city's extensive transport system, walking is also often the quickest way to get around - at least in the centre - and it's also free and healthy! We hope that you find our 'secret' walks as rewarding and enjoyable as we did.

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London for Foodies, Gourmets & Gluttons is much more than just a directory of cafes, markets, restaurants and shops; it features many of the city's best artisan producers and traders, plus a wealth of classes where you can learn how to prepare and cook food like the experts, appreciate fine wines and brew coffee like a barista. And when you're too tired to cook or just want to treat yourself, we'll show you great places where you can enjoy everything from tea and cake to a tasty street snack; a pie and a pint to a glass of wine and tapas; a quick working lunch to a full-blown gastronomic extravaganza. Researching London for Foodies, Gourmets & Gluttons has been a voyage of discovery, a culinary adventure and a sheer pleasure. In seeking out the city's best artisan producers and purveyors we have left no stone unturned. Our epicurean journey has taken us to trendy cafes, cosy tearooms and amazing street food vendors; stunning food halls and bustling markets; innovative restaurants and atmospheric gastropubs; the very best wine, beer and spirit merchants; and fascinating classes that teach every foodie skill from butchering a pig to tempering chocolate and enjoying fine wine. Like most Londoners, we knew that the quality and variety of food and drink on offer in the capital had improved beyond all recognition in recent decades, but we were still amazed at just how much the city's gastronomic landscape had changed. The days are long gone since London's culinary scene - and British food in general - was the subject of international contempt and ridicule. The city has seen a foodie revolution in the last 20 years and now offers a choice and quality of food that's the equal of any city in the world, including ingredients from almost every country on the planet, from asafoetida to za'atar. In London, the world really is your oyster - it's also your bagel, bammy, chaat, dim sum, enchilada, falafel, injera, kimchi, lahmacun, pierogi, raclette, ravioli, satay or tapa! All have been introduced by immigrants and eagerly devoured by a grateful population eager for gastronomic adventure. Just as much as its inventive chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants, it's London's incredible ethnic diversity that makes it such an exciting place to eat (and cook and shop). So whether you want to revitalise your jaded palate, increase your culinary repertoire, expand your foodie knowledge or experience the ultimate in fine dining - or maybe you're just hungry - you're bound to find inspiration in London for Foodies, Gourmets & Gluttons.

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