Speaking of London... vacation query

[ghost of miles]

Well, we probably won't be traveling by special-effects UFO, but I'm thinking about proposing a journey to London and the UK next summer to my wife... can anybody offer up a general estimate of how much it might take in the way of $$$ to go there for a week, counting plane fare from the States and back? Or economical ways to do such a trip?

Also, weather-wise, what's the best time to go between May and August?

Edited June 28, 2011 by ghost of miles

[BillF]

We have a little saying at home that the first week in June is to be recommended to overseas visitors weather-wise. That said, English summer weather is notoriously unreliable - sunny, overcast, showers, rain, very cool, even heatwaves - all are possible!

Edited June 28, 2011 by BillF

[sidewinder]

I agree with Bill - June often turns out pretty good, weatherwise - as it did this year. Today was pretty nice down here - classic English Summer's day.

Next Summer is also the Olympics 2012 of course so London and other key event venues are going to be manic.

Edited June 28, 2011 by sidewinder

[BillF]

Sidewinder's right - London and its prices will be unbearable during the Olympics. The dates are 27 July to 12 August, which is an additional recommendation for an earlier summer visit. I'm glad you mentioned the UK apart from London - a man of your musical interests should see Liverpool, still an amazing city IMHO

[sidewinder]

Also recommend a trip out West - the usual spots: Salisbury, Bath, Oxford, the Dorset and Devon Coasts and maybe spectacular Cornwall, if time allows.

I will be in London in Aug for one night of the track finals (200m & 800m mens) as the ticket lottery went totally t*ts up and actually gave me some tickets. I'm looking forward to the spectacle but anticipate a nightmare getting in and out of London. For the rest of the Games, the TV is the best bet.

The sailing down in Portland might be worth checking out - all of the viewing tickets are sold I believe (at least the ones offered to the UK public) but I'm sure there will be some free places along the coast where you can check it out.

Bring lots of dosh - UK not cheap, unfortunately. Good luck with the plans !

[BillF]

Hey, it's taking shape! Early summer - London, west country, north of England (Liverpool and Lake District).

[crisp]

English summer weather is notoriously unreliable - sunny, overcast, showers, rain, very cool, even heatwaves - all are possible!

Sometimes all in the same day.

[Ted O'Reilly]

English summer weather is notoriously unreliable - sunny, overcast, showers, rain, very cool, even heatwaves - all are possible!

Sometimes all in the same day.

Who could forget

[jostber]

I'm going to London for a long weekend tomorrow to check out the ATP festival on Friday and Hopfarm festival on Saturday. We'll stay at the Premier Inn by Tower Bridge since we are 8 people. Best value for money in my experience you will find at a Bed & Breakfast if you are 2-4 people. Hotels are quite high cost near the center. There is a lot of places to eat, but check the prices. The Harden's Book on London Restaurants is quite good. Time Out London magazine give you all the information you need per week on concerts and stuff. Agree with the previous poster on the possible tourist overload during the 2012 Olympics. I would this choose to go in April. The weather will be not too hot, a little bit of rain, and sunshine if you rise early and you can always go here: http://www.suninsplendourpub.co.uk/

[BeBop]

I've got work in London that's been put off until the end of the Olympics...so I'm heading over this week. In my dreams (and probably only there, knowing my work) I'll have a small bit of time for something jazz-related (shop during the day - albeit with no intent to buy - or a show in the evening). Anything going on?

[Head Man]

I've got work in London that's been put off until the end of the Olympics...so I'm heading over this week. In my dreams (and probably only there, knowing my work) I'll have a small bit of time for something jazz-related (shop during the day - albeit with no intent to buy - or a show in the evening). Anything going on?

You might find this listing helpful:

Jazz in London

[mjazzg]

shopping-wise London's stores have been sorely affected by online competition so youre looking at a few specialists that stock varying degrees of Jazz, listed in order of Jazz stock (not scientific)

Rays Jazz

Honest Jon's

Harold Moores

Universal Sounds/Sounds of the Universe

Then there's a number of second hand and other music stores in Berwick Street that's worth a visit.

I find I very rarely visit the highstreet chains but HMV on Oxford Street and Fopp on Cambridge Circus might be worth checking.

The good thing is that sll these (except Honest Jons) are within a 15minute walking radius. Honest Jons is in Portebello Market which has a coupple of other non-Jazz music stores about.

Gig-wise, Headman's listing should see you right. Not knowing your taste in Jazz, I'd suggest the following are venues worth investigating as well established and well thought of

The Vortex

Cafe Oto (my favourite)

606 Club

Pizza Express Dean Street

and dear old Ronnie Scotts

Might be worth checking the Time Out website or buying a copy on arrival.

If you need any more detail on any of the above just PM

[BeBop]

Thanks, Head Man and mjazzg. Even if I never come up with a minute (or a pound) for a show or shop, it's nice to know that Rays and Pizza Express and (of course) Ronnie Scotts are still out there...even if I'll miss Mole Jazz.

[mjazzg]

Enjoy your trip, Bebop. I hope you get some time to enjoy London in its post-Olympic hangover

[Pete C]

If going from the states to London, it makes sense to check package deals on Priceline. When I went for Ornette's Meltdown in June of '09, I got an amazing deal (and it didn't require bidding): R/t airfare from JFK and 5 nights at a Holiday Inn Express for about $950 total, including taxes. It may have been a fluke, but it's worth checking. The hotel turned out to be in a pretty convenient location. The hotel calls it Earl's Court, but it's a bit further out, a short walk to the West Kensington or West Brompton tubes, and just a bit north of Fulham.

[sidewinder]

even if I'll miss Mole Jazz.

I think the original Mole building and sign are still there. Well over 20 years since it was vacated ! Seems to have survived the St Pancras demolition blitz. Worth taking a glimpse if you happen to pass King's Cross.

Edited August 13, 2012 by sidewinder

[Pete C]

I think the original Mole building and sign are still there. Well over 20 years since it was vacated ! Seems to have survived the St Pancras demolition blitz. Worth taking a glimpse if you happen to pass King's Cross.

Speaking of that nabe, my 2009 visit was my first time at the new British Library. As Pinter was a formative influence on me, it was great to see a marked up manuscript of his on display.

[BillF]

I think the original Mole building and sign are still there. Well over 20 years since it was vacated ! Seems to have survived the St Pancras demolition blitz. Worth taking a glimpse if you happen to pass King's Cross.

Speaking of that nabe, my 2009 visit was my first time at the new British Library. As Pinter was a formative influence on me, it was great to see a marked up manuscript of his on display.

I know what you mean. The first time I saw original manuscripts of classic English writers from Pope to Eliot in a case at the entrance to the old British Library, I couldn't believe it. Those lines which we'd learned off by heart at school and which seemed to have been handed down as holy writ, had in fact been arrived at through numerous revisions and crossings out.

[BeBop]

Good tips received just 16 months ago. Thanks.

I'm heading back to "London" (probably more like Wembly or whatever my hotel rate limit will cover...with daily commute to work in the city). Any big changes to "the scene"? Happily, the Jazz In London program is posted for download. I don't recognize the names at Ronnie Scott, Jan 1-10

1 - 2 NINA SIMONE SONGBOOK 3 - 4 SARAH JANE MORRIS 5 MATT SKELTON-COLIN SKINNER ALL STARS featuring Jim Hart 6 - 11 MARIO BIONDI

Nothing against Scott Hamilton (Pizza Express), but I've seen him about fifty times and, IMO, he isn't blazing any new trails.

Sunday afternoon shows might be most workable, logistically, but it's ultimately a cr*pshoot.

Anyone seen Kenny Wheeler: Master of Melancholy Chaos A temporary museum exhibition putting a spotlight on the quiet genius of jazz trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler.

Overall, still just starting to digest it all.

[BillF]

Good tips received just 16 months ago. Thanks.

I'm heading back to "London" (probably more like Wembly or whatever my hotel rate limit will cover...with daily commute to work in the city). Any big changes to "the scene"? Happily, the Jazz In London program is posted for download. I don't recognize the names at Ronnie Scott, Jan 1-10

1 - 2 NINA SIMONE SONGBOOK 3 - 4 SARAH JANE MORRIS 5 MATT SKELTON-COLIN SKINNER ALL STARS featuring Jim Hart 6 - 11 MARIO BIONDI

Nothing against Scott Hamilton (Pizza Express), but I've seen him about fifty times and, IMO, he isn't blazing any new trails.

Sunday afternoon shows might be most workable, logistically, but it's ultimately a cr*pshoot.

Anyone seen Kenny Wheeler: Master of Melancholy Chaos A temporary museum exhibition putting a spotlight on the quiet genius of jazz trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler.

Overall, still just starting to digest it all.

Just speaking for myself, I'd certainly be happy to hear Scott Hamilton, Matt Skelton and Jim Hart. I'd also like to hear guitarist Dave Cliff who's on tonight at the 606 Club in Chelsea.

http://www.606club.co.uk/

Edited December 28, 2013 by BillF

[BFrank]

I'm heading to London town at the end of May (22-28).

Any input (music or otherwise - and not limited to jazz) is welcome. I've done a brief scan of upcoming shows and nothing jumps out at me so far.