Lauth's reviews of nice things in London

London Aquarium (Tourist Attraction)
11 October 2009

A 15 min queue wasn't too bad for Saturday afternoon. It was quite expensive for adults and children, but free for under-3s and you can take pushchairs around (which some attractions prohibit).

It's big! If anything, there was a bit too much to see if you're taking very young children - seems to go on forever.

There are a few interactive bits where you can stroke starfish (if you like that kind of thing). The glass tunnel section was a bit congested as everybody slowed down to enjoy it, causing a bit of a bottleneck, but you do get a good view of the sharks there.

They could do a better job of providing toilets and the way out (post gift shop) was jammed unless you picked 'McDonalds' instead of 'Exit', but overall it was pretty good with lots to see and definitely worth a family outing.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (Restaurant)
18 September 2006

Utterly superb food, albeit in rather small portions. Very efficient service too, especially as they'd only recently opened. Can't recommend it highly enough and I'll be back to try the formal restaurant upstairs.

Yauatcha (Restaurant / Restaurant)
28 August 2005

(No Comment)

John Soane Museum (Museum)
22 August 2005

(No Comment)

Gourmet Burger Kitchen (Diner)
21 August 2005

The best of the bunch of upmarket burger joints currently springing up throughout London. I've been a few times and whilst the more exotic variants don't always work for me, the basic cheeseburger, fries and milkshake combo can't be beat.

Maze (Restaurant)
21 August 2005

(No Comment)

Sagar (Restaurant / Restaurant)
21 August 2005

(No Comment)

Aubergine (Restaurant / Restaurant)
02 May 2005

Just amazing food - one of the best meals I've had in London or anywhere. Excellent, friendly service a great wine list and superb food made with good quality ingredients. Deserves a second Michelin star and more recognition.

Emma Hope (Shoe Shop)
13 November 2004

I prefer the Notting Hill branch, but they have the same lovely shoes here - very feminine designs and excellent service.

Tiffany & Co (Jewellers)
13 November 2004

Lovely jewellery, but high prices - the designs, workmanship and service are all excellent, but you're still paying for the name. Of course that just doesn't matter for sufficiently special occasions, and that's when you should consider Tiffany!

Anya Hindmarch (Handbag Shop)
13 November 2004

Superb, beautifully designed and finished handbags. I popped in a few years ago after reading about Anya Hindmarch in various magazines. I've since become a huge fan and with Agent Provocateur across the road, Pont Street has become one of my favourite little shopping streets.

Mandarin Oriental Spa (Spa)
13 November 2004

Superb treatments here from very well trained therapists. After an afternoon shopping in Knightsbridge, try coming here for a few hours before retiring to Harvey Nichols bar - you come out feeling on top of the world and utterly refreshed.

Only downside is the need to book well in advance - it's not something you can usually decide to do on the spur of the moment.

Eve Lom (Salon)
13 November 2004

They know what they're doing here - my skin hadn't glowed like it did after a cleansing facial at the Eve Lom clinic since my teenage years. Not cheap, but so superior to other facials.

If they're booked up here, try Spa NK or the Sanderson spa.

Aveda Institute (Spa / Salon)
13 November 2004

I haven't tried the treatments here, but I visit every few weeks to stock up on their great products. They seem to have the whole Aveda range and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

Reviews by Lauth