Criterion Restaurant in London's Piccadilly has a sumptuous neo-Byzantine decor which never fails to impress. The Criterion first opened in 1874 and is still a popular romantic venue with Modern European cuisine.

Have you dined here? (I plan to!) You can add your review to the Criterion Restaurant page.

• Criterion Restaurant
• Criterion Restaurant Afternoon Tea
• Top 10 Romantic London Restaurants
• Top 10 Luxury Boutique London Hotels
• Best Afternoon Tea in London

Image: © Laura Porter | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Red Carnation, the luxury collection of 5- and 4-star, family-run boutique hotels, is rising to the occasion with a special Christmas in London package, available at all six award-winning London hotels.

Stay for a minimum of two nights between 1 December 2009 and 4 January 2010 and enjoy:

• Two nights accommodation in a beautifully appointed bedroom, suite or even a luxury, fully serviced apartment
• A warming glass of mulled wine or a mug of the ultimate hot chocolate on arrival
• Full English Breakfast daily
• A festive afternoon tea
• A festive turndown treat at bedtime
• Free movies for those who want to snuggle up with a great film
• A 6pm checkout on the day of departure

Guests staying on Christmas Eve receive a Christmas stocking full of delightful surprises and there's even a Christmas Tree in the room for all those who book suites!

Room rates are exceptional from only £145 per room per night. Find out more and booking at www.redcarnationhotels.com.

Red Carnation Hotels in London
• Milestone Hotel and Apartments
• Egerton House Hotel
• Chesterfield Mayfair
• Rubens at The Palace
• 41 Hotel
• Montague on the Gardens

Christmas in London Resources
• Christmas 2009 in London
• Top Ten Things to Do at Christmas in London
• South Bank at Christmas
• London Christmas Lights Annual Galleries
• London Ice Rinks
• London Christmas Gift Ideas

Image: The Milestone © Laura Porter | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Canadian multi award winning singer/song writer Michael Bublé is returning to The O2 on Saturday 15 May 2010 as part of his UK 2010 tour in support of his latest studio release Crazy Love.

With over 22 million albums sold worldwide, multiple awards (including 6 Juno Awards, 5 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards and a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album), three #1 hits, and 145 sold out shows to date, Michael Bublé has more than earned his place as one of the most popular and revered artists of this decade.

Tickets are priced at £45, £65 & £95 and are available from www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

• The O2 Venue Information
• British Music Experience Review

Also In Greenwich:

• Greenwich Walking Tour
• Greenwich Market Guide
• Stand on the Prime Meridian Line

Image: © The O2 | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

I spent a great day today at the Spirit of Christmas Fair and the Luxury Travel Fair at Kensington Olympia. I was amazed how busy it was today and everyone was bracing themselves for even more visitors this weekend.

On both Saturday and Sunday you can see a demonstration from the Jane Packer Flower School in the House & Garden Theatre at 12-1pm and wine tasting with Susie Barrie at 1.30-2.30pm.

I saw the prettiest girl's dresses at I Love Gorgeous (stand C132) who also have a shop in Notting Hill. Kind Toys has some lovely eco-friendly toys including flowers to make from brightly-colored corn starch shapes and no glue needed. It looks like a great product and I came home with some to try on Christmas Day.

One exhibitor told me that consumer fairs in other countries have more help in place for the shopper as you buy your goods at a stand but don't take them and carry all day. Instead a porter collects from all the stands and takes the goods to the exit and groups your purchases from each stand according to your customer number. What a clever system! Sadly we don't yet have this in the UK so be prepared to carry your goods. Many people take shopping trolleys and small suitcases on wheels to cope with their day's shopping haul.

If you're looking for inspiration then I would recommend the Spirit of Christmas Fair as I now feel like the season has really started.

Christmas in London Resources
• Christmas 2009 in London
• Top Ten Things to Do at Christmas in London
• South Bank at Christmas
• London Christmas Lights Annual Galleries
• London Ice Rinks
• London Christmas Gift Ideas

Image: © Laura PorterLondon Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Have you seen the Anish Kapoor exhibition at the Royal Academy? I'll admit I've still not been in but I did stop by and see the courtyard artwork which is wonderfully silver, shiny and large.

Must find time to actually go inside soon...

• Anish Kapoor at Royal Academy

Image: Laura Porter | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

There are many Indian Restaurants in London so this is a list of recommendations.

• Best Indian Restaurants in London

Image: Chutneys © Laura Porter | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

London's coolest bar (geddit?), Absolut Ice Bar London is rebuilt every six months with new crystal clear ice from the Torne River in northern Sweden. In October 2009 an aquatic theme arrived, meticulously recreating underwater scenes.

Intelligent lighting installations, based on underwater light reflections, enhance the imaginative concept while real footage of fish, jellyfish and other deep sea creatures are projected on to the walls. Crafted within the ice facia, a large anglerfish with a crescent-shaped mouth filled with sharp, translucent teeth reinforces the feeling of being far below the ocean depths. In keeping with the theme, a large periscope allows guests to zoom in on their unexpected underwater surroundings, while bartenders dressed in submariner attire serve unique fusions of flavor which have been specifically developed to complement the new surroundings.

Have you been to the Absolut Ice Bar London? Please do share your thoughts by adding your Absolut Ice Bar Review here.

• Absolut Ice Bar London Photos
• Absolut Ice Bar London - Info & Review - find out my top tip to survive the cold!
• belowzero Restaurant and Lounge

Image: © Absolut IceBar London | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Lady Gaga - the biggest selling new artist of the year bar none - will play The O2 on Friday 26 February 2010 as her only London date in a major UK tour for 2010.

The Monster Ball will be the first chance for fans to hear songs from her revamped album, The Fame Monster, due for release on 23 November. For full Monster Ball tour details visit www.ladygaga.co.uk.

Tickets are available from www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

• The O2 Venue Information
• British Music Experience Review

Also In Greenwich:

• Greenwich Walking Tour
• Greenwich Market Guide
• Stand on the Prime Meridian Line

Image: © The O2 | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

The State Opening of Parliament, to mark the start of the 2009-2010 session, is on Wednesday 18 November 2009.

The main purpose of State Opening is for the monarch formally to open Parliament and, in the Queen's Speech, deliver an outline of the Government's proposed policies, legislation for the coming session and a review of the last session.

• State Opening of Parliament Information (official website)
• November in London - London Weather and London Events Guide

Image: Parliamentary copyright images are reproduced with the permission of Parliament |
London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

The Bankside Frost Fair had been held annually since 2002 and attracts around 150,000 visitors. Last year, Southwark Council stopped their whole tourism program but Better Bankside stepped in and put on the Bankside Winter Festival which was just as popular.

However, this year there won't be a Winter Festival or a Frost Fair but everyone hopes it can return in 2010. It's such a shame as I receive emails from January every year asking me for the date and details of this event.

• Christmas in London
• Christmas 2009 in London
• December Events Guide
• South Bank Photo Tour

London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter