London

I'm traveling to London for work in mid-June and have solicited advice from one of my friend, Stephen, who lived in London for 6 months.  Here's his list:

RESTAURANTS

* Indian: Punjab on 80 neal street.  this is my go to Indian restaurant.  it's not fancy.  really great Indian food.  https://plus.google.com/117244062086895614654/about?gl=US&hl=en-US  
* thai: busaba eathai - very popular, great thai restaurant and affordable.  several around london:  https://plus.google.com/111996186387540813062/about?gl=US&hl=en-US
* Indian pork chops: lahore kabob house.  it's about 15 min outside of central london but the best kabobs.  it's a BYOB.  get there early as it gets very crowded:  
* Indian pork chops:  tayyabs is near lahore kabob house.  it's also very good although i prefer lahore.  https://plus.google.com/103557135387736747878/about?gl=US&hl=en-US
* The thomas cubbitt - good place to get a drink or British food if you're in the area.  this is a google employee hangout
* Udon: Koya.  must try and very popular so get there early.  i usually get the cold udon with tempura and pork belly.  
* Milroys of Soho (scotch shop):  this is a "scotch" shop right around the corner from Koya that is unique in that they make it in london but it's from scotland somehow.  i haven't been able to find it in the US and you can try it in the shop to see if you like it.  
* Wolseley - go here to try high tea.  you should make a reservation if you're going to do it.  i brought my mom here and it was great:  
* Fish/chips - Golden Hind - famous place for it:  
* Princi - Italian food/pastries/coffee/beer - great decor and food.  if you're walking around this area, stop by this place for a drink and snack: 
* burger and lobster - there are 3 of these around London.  i've tried to go but it's been packed every time.  it's worth going - you get a full lobster or burger for 20 pounds.  make a reservation  
http://www.burgerandlobster.com/

UPDATED with my list:
1. Spring - located in the Somerset House in London, this restaurant is beautiful.  The food and service was impeccable with a great wine list.   A great place for a romantic evening or special occasion.
2. Nopi - Mediterranean food located in the heart of Soho.   You can choose to have small plates or main entrees.  Everything is share able.   Plan on making reservation in advance.
3. Gauthier Soho - lovely lovely food!!  It's located in an apartment building with very narrow hallways and stairs.  It's a French restaurant with seasonal menu.  Prix fixe is quite reasonable (believe it's 55 pounds for 3 course and 65 for 4).   

AFTERNOON TEA

1. Orangery - my FAVORITE afternoon tea place of all times.  Located next to Kensington palace, this place is grandeur, airy, and wonderfully elegant.  I heart this place.
2. Gilbert Scott Restaurant at St Pancreas Renaissance - located in the historic St Pancreas station, this place is historic and architectural amazing.   Tea is reasonably priced at 29 pounds.
3. Fortnum and Mason - this is the Queen's tea shop and a must see if you're in London.   Reservation for afternoon tea is very hard to come by - make sure to reserve a month in advance

THINGS TO DO

* Borough Market - must see.  you should visit saturday before noon.  packed with different types of food.  find the raclette booth and try the grilled cheese or potato dish there.  sausages are good near that booth too.
* Tate Modern - it's near borough market and you can do both the same day
* Shakespeare performance at globe theater - also near tate modern and you can do it in one day along w/ borugh/tate.  buy tickets early.  very fun experience.
* Open air theater in regents park - great, unique way to see a performance.  might be too cold or not open but if it is and the weather is ok, i recommend it https://plus.google.com/110226264878789236790/about?gl=US&hl=en-US
* Hyde and Regent's park are great to walk through for an hour or two.  
* Churchill War Room Tour:  http://www.iwm.org.uk/  takes about 1.5 hrs and you walk through the bunkers where churchill hid during the war.
* Portobello Market - another must see but it's only open on saturday (i think).  will take about 3 hours to walk through if you stop to check antiques and things out.  
* Selfridges - best mall to shop at
* Soho/Marylebone/Covent Garden - great, lively neighborhoods to walk around with lots of boutique and brand name shops
* Watch an opera at the Royal Opera House - it's an experience to see a performance there.  just leave early if you get bored 
* Tower of london - never done it, but heard its fun.  get's very crowded so go early.


DAY TRIPS

* Bath - very romantic and ideally, you spend the night there.  if you can, do this.
* Cambridge - I prefer this over oxford because it's more beautiful.  If you go, you must try "punting" down the river (or join a punting tour). You can see all the colleges from the tour from a unique perspective.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punt_(boat)
* Windsor Castle - very touristy but famous place.  I prefer Cambridge but if you want to see a famous castle, go here.
* Stonehendge - never been.  it takes a while to get there, not sure its worth it.  
* Cotswalds - I think you need a car and you drive around like Napa but more compact.  I haven't gone but its one of the top, romantic/see English country side things to do.

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