London is one
of those capitals that you may have to visit when on business, for it is the
epicenter of many trading companies, as well as real estate and financial concerns,
so here are a few helpful tips to make your business trip to London a success.
On arriving at
Londons Heathrow airport, the sheer size of the structure may overwhelm any
first time traveler. However it offers excellent shopping opportunities if you
need to buy a last minute gift be it for business or the family. The terminals
3 and 4 are the international ones and the biggest with T4 covering three
floors. Here you will find a sports room and observation deck as well as a pay
for access VIP lounge for extra comfort while waiting for your flight.
To get to the
city center from Heathrow airport the fastest way is by the Heathrow Express.
This service is available at all terminals and leaves every fifteen minutes
arriving at Paddington Station after 15 to 20 minutes. The first class fare
will cost you about 46, which is excellent compared to the taxi that will
charge you between 110 to 120, and will take you at least one hour especially
when traffic is heavy.
If you are
planning to do most of your business within the city there are plenty of
centrally located hotels that offer comfort and affordable price ranges. Although
expense may be an issue, it is also true that mingling with the business scene
can be useful for your business; this is why you may like to consider the
following locations for your business trip to London.
The most expensive
hotels are located in the Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Belgravia areas and
include the Dorchester, the Hedge and Fund Alley and the Metropolitan hotels.
This is where you will find the bankers and big business men as well as the
media people and movie stars.
The area in
Soho is where you will find celebrities and entertainers, notably in hotels
such as the Claridges, Charlotte Street, the Soho and Covent Garden. The City
area is where the financial district lies and most business travelers would not
choose to stay there if they want to mingle with other professionals of the
business world.
When you are
planning to eat out there is just so much to choose from with Londons
multiracial population, you will be able to find menus from all around the
world.
If you want to
blend in with the politicians and doctors try the Cinnamon Club near the House
of Parliament, where you can savor excellent Indian food. For traditional
Japanese food you can eat at the Zuma in Knightsbridge or the Roka with grilled
dishes on the menu. In Chelsea the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, named after the
notorious chef proposes a classic menu as does the Claridges.
If you are
planning to close a deal the Savoy Grill is the place to be seen at. Here most
business deals take place, so you can tell who is doing business with whom and
be seen doing business too. If you are looking for discretion then book a table
at Wiltons in St. Jamess or at the Green Restaurant and Oyster Bar. The
financial crowd can be seen at the Vertigo 42, a wine bar which is located on the
top floor of the tallest building in London, and at the restaurant on the 18th
floor named the Rhodes 24.
These are some
useful places to keep in mind when you travel to London, for being in the right
places can often make a difference to a business deal.
