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Last Minute London Weekend Theatre Break - Page 2

© Stuart Buchanan MacWatt

The rebuilt Royal Opera House which was opened by the Queen last November is the jewel in the revamped Covent Garden. People are so pleased with it that they have almost forgotten just how much it cost to build. But that's another story. Old Covent Garden itself has been transformed into a delight for antique and souvenir hunters, a "Portobello Road" under cover of the old market hall, with the pleasing addition of winebars like the Crusted Pipe, and strolling minstrels, singing operatic arias for their supper. If the weather is friendly pause for a leisurely glass of wine at a pavement table at Mullins just off the Covent Garden Piazza, and watch the world and his Lady pass by.

There are a number of Victorian "gaslamp and brass fittings" pubs in Covent Garden that might impress the weekend visitor unused to the sight of Londoners on their Saturday night booze binge. If you enter be prepared to use brute force to fight your way to the packed bar. The barman will be so busy replenishing pints of Guinness/Fullers/Bass or Carlsberg that you will need to use an energetic semaphore to attract attention. Thereafter maintain eye and voice contact until served, lest you lose him to another thirstier than you. The bar scene is little different on Sunday morning when the London pub fraternity stagger forth to beat their hangover into submission with more of the same.

Related article:
The New Royal Opera House

Travel Sleuth's Travel Tips:
Weekend Theatre Break Booking:
You can book by email at carole@stalbanstravel.f9.co.uk, or use the Secure Web Form
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Dining Out
The Ivy Restaurant, 1 West Street, WC2.
Formal, sophisticated , unhurried dining in quiet luxury. Excellent classically based cuisine well presented by seasoned staff. Perfect for after the theatre. Table reservation essential.

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