Amazon.co.uk Review
Like other guides in this series, the Virgin
London City Guidecontains a city map and a city guide as two separate items in a clear plastic wallet, conveniently sized to fit into a pocket or handbag.
The 176-page guide aims to be a pick of the best, so it is not a complete listing. It mainly covers the city centre, which roughly corresponds to zone one and most of zone two on the London Underground. But it is ideal for the independent traveller or business user who needs a quick introduction combined with a hassle-free listing of the better-quality entertainment and shopping possibilities. The listings are particularly impressive, ranging from the Ivy (arguably the best top end restaurant) to the Lisboa, a tiny Portuguese café in Notting Hill favoured by media folk on Sunday mornings.
Half the guide is divided into London areas like Greenwich Hampstead or Camden (though the City--the business centre of London and one of the most historic districts--is left out). The other half is divided by subjects like shops, restaurants, theatres and cafes, with short reviews of each. There is also a highly practical listing of other essential information like where to hire a mobile phone and how to tip.
The folding map has two sides. Open it one way and it is a night map with locations of the venues, bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants listed in the guide. The other side is the daytime map with central London street listings (though some of the smaller streets are not in the index). --Nick Rosen
Synopsis
This guide contains colour photos, maps and illustrations and provides a comprehensive source of information on the city. The accompanying map features shops, galleries and places to visit.