kim

I leave in 10 days and I have a reservation at this hotel which was recommended by some business associates in London. Any reviews, suggestions, places to dine nearby would be greatly appreciated! <BR><BR>Also, I would love to find some antique decorative pieces, furniture, artwork, mirrors, urns & vases while in London. I am more the high end flea market, low end auction type than a Sotheby's shopper or antiques connoisseur. My ideal purchases would be in the $100s rather than the $1000s if you know what I mean. <BR><BR>Thanks so much in advance!

Dave

Gray's Antique Market in the West End seems like it will fit you to a "T"...<BR>It's got some very nice things, but overall the different dealers offer more of an indoor flea market atmosphere. Not too expensive, but you can certainly find many nice things in many different categories.<BR>I bought my wife a cup/saucer set for about 100 Euros that she really enjoyed. Best wishes for a great trip!

David White

Kim,<BR><BR>Stayed at the Chesterfield Mayfair this past July. It is a very nice hotel, in a good location. Regular rooms are small, but furnished to a very high standard. Staff was helpful. Located on a smaller side street, the hotel is a bit quieter than some others in busy downtown London. In short, I think you will like this hotel.<BR><BR>The Chesterfield has a good, albeit expensive, restaurant. If a traditional pub is of interest, the Running Footman is just across the Charles Street and down about 1/2 block from the Chesterfield's front door. Towards Berkeley Square, which is only a 2 minute walk east, there are several restaurants, including the everpresent Pret A Manger. Starbucks is reprsented TWO times along nearby Lansdowne Row--a short pedestrianized street with take-away shops. Of course, if high end dining is on your adgenda, you'll find it in the ritzy Mayfair area too.<BR><BR>Can't comment on antiques, but I'm sure you'll get plenty of good advice on this forum.<BR><BR>David White<BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com

Brenda

A friend and I stayed at Hotel Chesterfield in March 2001. It's charming and cozy and the staff very professional and helpful. Across the street and a few doors over is a pub, The Running Footman, which serves good and reasonable food. There is also a Sainsbury grocery store nearby where we picked up snacks and light meals a few times. Also nearby is Shepherd's Market where you'll find several appealing restaurants. Incidentally, the hotel has display cases containing antique-ish tidbits for sale, so you'll be off to a good start!

kate

I second the recommendation for Greys Market, then there is the Antiquarius on Kings Road that is wonderful and my all time favorite is Alfies off of Edgeware Road.<BR>We have always gotten small and wonderful treasures in London, that we still appreciate looking at...Have a great time, and happy antiquing!

Pat

Hi Kim,<BR>If you want a fun morning looking for antiques/bric brac go to the Bermondsey Market which is held every Friday very early morning. Its a bit of a trek from Mayfair, but worth it for the experience. YOur concierge can advise you on how to get there. This is where dealers come and then sell their purchases at their stores/galleries. Bring a flashlight, its dark when you start out. Usually everything is done by mid morning.<BR>Cheers,<BR>PAt

michele

I was at Bermondsey two weeks ago while in London and found it mostly to be silver, porcelain plates, and jewlery. I was looking more for decorative art pieces so was a bit disappointed. We took the tube (can't remember the stop) then walked about ten blocks. I remember that we passed the George Inn on the way, which is a great old pub.

Cyrano

I highly recommend the Bermondsey market. It is every Friday morning from about 5:00 AM til noon. Everything from the mundane to expensive nautical and scientific instruments. We usually get there by about 7:00 AM and finish by noon. To get there take the tube to Bermondsey (zone 2--not 1) and about a half mile walk, or there will be signs at the station directing you to the correct bus, or you might flag a taxi. Bermondsey is medium to high end flea market.

Jody

Try Camden PASSAGE ..not Market..on Wed. and Sat.. some wonderful shops. I also recommens Antiquarious and Gray and the shops along Fulham Rd but they may be a bit too high end..but you never know when you'll spot a must have.