pubs - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T10:47:12Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/pubsTop 10 Reasons to Visit Londonhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/reasons-london-england-britain2018-08-22T15:46:48.000Z2018-08-22T15:46:48.000ZOlivia Bondhttps://tripatini.com/members/OliviaBond<div><p><a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/L2F-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-vector-illustration-shutterstock_283672280-640x480.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/L2F-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-vector-illustration-shutterstock_283672280-640x480.jpg" class="align-center" alt="L2F-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-vector-illustration-shutterstock_283672280-640x480.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> The capital of the United Kingdom is more than just a metropolis with a striking historical significance in the history of the world - it's a unique and exhilarating experience. London’s countless monuments, its royal panache and mind boggling architecture and beautiful streets that surprise you with prettiness at every corner are so inviting and irresistible that no traveller can miss out London from her bucket list. You can explore more with <a href="https://www.triphobo.com/tripplanner" target="_blank">itinerary planner</a> for awesome vacation. There are plenty of reasons to travel to this city, but here are our top 10 reasons to plan a trip to London:</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194684,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194684,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="640" alt="9009194684?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Its History</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong> A city that has been around for two millennia, London still retains its old-world charm and most its ancient city centre is still visible, although it has gone through multiple revamps! History buffs, this is a place to be!</p><p></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296626701,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296626701,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="662" alt="9296626701?profile=original" /></a></strong></p><p><strong><br /> Its Monuments & Landmarks</strong></p><p></p><p>Along with its iconic past, London boasts some of the most iconic and popular monuments in the world, such as Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben, London Eye and Westminster Abbey!</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="640" alt="9009195273?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Its River</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>If you love the outdoors, spending an evening on the banks of the River Thames can be a great idea, along with cruises for a different view of London.</p><p><br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/London_taxi%2C_near_Hyde_Park_%282847993182%29.jpg/800px-London_taxi%2C_near_Hyde_Park_%282847993182%29.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/London_taxi%2C_near_Hyde_Park_%282847993182%29.jpg/800px-London_taxi%2C_near_Hyde_Park_%282847993182%29.jpg" class="align-center" alt="800px-London_taxi%2C_near_Hyde_Park_%282847993182%29.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Its Black Cabs</strong></p><p><br /> Your London trip planner will tell you how the Tube (Underground) is the best way to get around the city, but nothing can beat the experience of a classic cab ride! Interesting vintage cars driven by polite and famously knowledgeable cabbies, the cabs of London are a phenomenal!</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009196073,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195880,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="640" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195880,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009195880?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Its Parks and Gardens</strong></p><p><br /> London has plenty of beautiful, well-maintained parks that are ideal for a stroll or for a laid-back day picnic, as well as some of the most venerable botanical gardens in the world.</p><p><br /> <a href="https://ukguarantor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/uk-slang.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://ukguarantor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/uk-slang.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-center" alt="uk-slang.jpg?width=750" /></a></p><p><strong>Its Language</strong></p><p><br /> Many find the British accents - both highbrow and lowbrow - quite alluring. But some of the accents - Cockney, for example - and slang words take a bit of getting used to!</p><p></p><p><a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/LwF-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-museums-British-Museum-interior-shutterstock_292808417-640x424.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/LwF-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-museums-British-Museum-interior-shutterstock_292808417-640x424.jpg" class="align-center" alt="LwF-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-museums-British-Museum-interior-shutterstock_292808417-640x424.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Its</strong> <strong>Museums <br /> <br /></strong> Some of the world's most famous, and lesser known ones covering nearly any interest you could possibly have! </p><p></p><p><br /> <a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/L2F-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-theare-Les-Miserables-shutterstock_134600603-640x427.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/L2F-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-theare-Les-Miserables-shutterstock_134600603-640x427.jpg" class="align-center" alt="L2F-Feb-18-pic-UK-England-London-theare-Les-Miserables-shutterstock_134600603-640x427.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <strong>Its Culture</strong></p><p><br /> With West End commercial theatre, a thriving indie scene, and "ethnic" festivals in neighbourhoods such as Notting Hill, London is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. </p><p></p><p><a href="https://images.pexels.com/photos/373267/pexels-photo-373267.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/373267/pexels-photo-373267.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940&width=750" width="750" class="align-center" alt="pexels-photo-373267.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940&width=750" /></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Its Pubs</strong></p><p><strong> <br /></strong> Savoring a pint of ale (perhaps with a plate of fish and chips) is one of the most ‘British’ experiences you can have in London. </p><p></p><p><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Notting_Hill_Carnival_2014_%283%29.JPG/800px-Notting_Hill_Carnival_2014_%283%29.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Notting_Hill_Carnival_2014_%283%29.JPG/800px-Notting_Hill_Carnival_2014_%283%29.JPG?width=750" width="750" class="align-center" alt="800px-Notting_Hill_Carnival_2014_%283%29.JPG?width=750" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Its Diversity</strong></p><p><br /> Though extensive immigration led a conservative backlash that became a primary driver of the disastrous Brexit, the fact remains that one of modern London's greatest strengths is its melting pot of diversity, especially ethnically, with people from literally all over the planet - come experience their culture, their dining, their festivals, and more!<br /> <br /> <br /> Check out <a href="https://www.triphobo.com/tripplans/london-united-kingdom/5-days" target="_blank">a London five-day itinerary</a> for the best glimpse of the city.</p><p></p></div>Discovering Dublin, Ireland With a 1-Minute Videohttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/discovering-dublin-ireland-w-1-min-video2011-10-12T16:47:00.000Z2011-10-12T16:47:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008657667,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="504" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008657667,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="9008657667?profile=original" /></a><br /><strong>Discovering Dublin, Ireland w/1-min Video</strong><br /><br /><br />I skipped down the stairs of our hotel, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ocallaghanhotels.com">Mont Clare</a>, in fairly fashionable Merrion Square on a pharmacy mission.<br /><br />I turned the corner, passed an antiquated, rather haphazard shop, and stopped.<br /><br />A white-thatched, distinguished gentleman was sitting behind a counter, reading out loud to a few customers. <br /><br />I stopped to listen. <br /><br />It turns out this was the pharmacy I was looking for: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sweny.ie">Sweny</a>’s.<br /><br />Here in a 12 by 14 foot space, the gentleman reader, was one P.J. Murphy reading from James Joyce’s Ulysses!<br /><br />To his customers. <br /><br />On the counter of Sweny’s were bars of lemon soap, because this was the original store where Leopold Bloom bought his. <br /><br />And so, welcome to Dublin, a city so rich in literary history, one wonders how it remains so unpretentious and accessible.<br /><br />Perhaps producing such literary lions as Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, Brendan Behan, Samuel Becket and even Jonathan Swift of Gulliver’s Travels, has made Dublin a city of witty, funny, clever people.<br /><br />As I experienced them, Dubliners are some of the most natural, open people I’ve ever met, with no attitudes whatsoever.<br /><br />Not at all my experience in other other European capitals, say Paris or Rome. <br /><br /><br />From the start, <a target="_blank" href="http//:www.visitdublin.com">Dublin</a> is wonderfully built. <br /><br />It’s designed on a human scale, a place for people, not for huge, anonymous high-rise buildings.<br /><br /><br />The streets, the cafes, the museums, pubs are all accessible and easy to walk to. <br /><br />It’s a kinetic place with good energy, a place where young and old, male and female mix comfortably with each other, comfortable with who they are and how they look. <br /><br />One has to respect the Irish and the ways they maintain their warmth and humor in the face of recent national tragedies and present day real economic woes, like 16 per cent unemployment.<br /><br />A tour of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Ireland/County_Dublin/Dublin-296021/Things_To_Do-Dublin-Kilmainham_Jail-BR-1.html">Kilmainham Gaol</a>, for example, is very sobering. <br /><br />This horrifically cramped, dark and depressing place was where the British executed 14 leaders of the short-lived Irish “Easter Uprising” in 1916, a drive by the Irish for independence from Britain, and brutally put down.<br /><br />And during the terrible Irish famine ( 1845-1850), children as young as five and six were sent here with their families to hard labor. Their crimes? Begging. Stealing a loaf of bread. Or coming from families in debt, their tiny farm plots ruined by the potato blight.<br /><br />Not that these memories are forgotten, nor those of the “troubles” in Northern Ireland, but today music and laughter spill from pubs, and flowers and musicians cover nearly every corner of O’Connell street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare.<br /><br />Ah, the pubs: The blond lady in the black dress! <br /><br />Was there ever be a better description of a perfectly poured pint of Guinness! <br /><br />Or rather thousands of perfectly poured pints poured in pubs full of people and laughter.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dublinpubscene.com/thepubs/kehoes">Kehoes</a> over on South Anne Street may be my favorite, but then again, it could be the more famous <a target="_blank" href="http://www.odonoghues.ie">O’Donoghues</a>, (Merrion Row) well known for its live music... but in fact we heard Irish music we liked in a less popular pub across the street, Foleys.<br /><br />Find your own favorite cafe or restaurant, Like The Kitchen, . It's a family owned eatery that spills onto South Ann and offers delightful, affordable Tastes, ...and mohair wraps if the evening is chilly.<br /><br /><br />And so it goes. <br /><br />But Dublin is famously museum nourished, and many of them offer free admission like the National Gallery, and my favorite, the small, classy Hugh Lane Museum of Modern Art, It’s a gem of a place with a small but impressive collection, and the art of serving a terrific lunch in a cafe cleverly designed with mirrors, glass and a small outdoor waterfall. <br /><br />Most of the museums are simple, very unfussy. <br /><br />At the James Joyce Center I listened to scratchy recordings of Joyce himself reading from his works, and much of this for nothing or a few Euro.<br /><br />Of course there are classy shops and elegant eateries like the second-floor walkup, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thepigsear.ie">Pigs Ear</a> overlooking the green of Trinity College.<br /><br />And even the relatively imposing government buildings set among attractive Georgian doorways have little of the paranoid, security consciousness of government buildings in the States. <br /><br />The office of the Taoiseach (tee-schuck) or prime minister, though guarded, is refreshingly free of uptight guards and security personnel. <br /><br />In fact, the most inaccessible, building I saw was probably the US embassy.<br /><br />Dublin values its green spaces, as do many progressive cities in the world. Phoenix Park ( also the location of the home of the Irish president) is the largest enclosed park in Europe, replete with tea rooms and flower Gardens and the Dublin Zoo.<br /><br />In fact most streets are festooned with bright flower boxes<br /><br />Finally, there is only so much to be said about a city because what really makes a destination work is its people, and their spirit.<br /><br />And in this case, Dublin's open, unpretentious, friendly energy that makes it a memorable and fun place to visit.<br /><br />As <a target="_blank" href="http://www.discoverireland.com/us/">Ireland</a> itself says, “Go where Ireland takes you.” <br /><br /><br />Tip: <br /><br />Take a an extra day and night and get to know the small towns and coastal villages of Wicklow county. Be sure to visit the dramatic gardens of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.powerscourt.ie">Powerscourt</a>, a kind of Renaissance estate with Italian gardens, terraces and sculpture. Have a lunch, or at least coffee or tea. It’s serene and artful. Or wind the country roads high into the Heather of the Sally Gap...or the powerful ancient ruins of St. Kevins Monastery lovely Glendalough...an easy and rewarding day trip from Dublin.<br /><br />And if you’re looking for a seacoast village to visit, try Dun Laoghaire (Doon Leary) and spend the night at the <a target="_blank">Lynden B and B</a>. Stephen and Maria Gavin are lovely spirited hosts, and the breakfasts are robust. There were more artisan cheeses at breakfast than I saw on the entire visit. ,<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/travelvideo">Travel Video PostCard, Ireland</a><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IeHvZ9hBVBQ?wmode=opaque" height="360" width="640"></iframe></div>Sleeping in a 17th-Century London Pubhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub2013-05-13T17:41:51.000Z2013-05-13T17:41:51.000ZNicholas Kontishttps://tripatini.com/members/NicholasKontis<div><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-facade-close-up-at-night/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18869" alt="George and Dragon - Facade close up at night" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Facade-close-up-at-night.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>Let’s face it, the internet has created a whole new world of travel opportunities, and has made making new friends over a computer entirely possible. Social media has taken over the travel world, and meeting new travel friends has never been easier. Recently, on my annual trip to London, I was given a most unique opportunity to meet an acquaintance that I had only met on-line, and to take a room in a historic 17th century building.</p><p>Every November, I head to London for the world’s second largest travel industry gathering, World Travel Market, at Excel. The conference is a four-day, mega travel show with just about every country in the world bringing an entourage of local tourism specialists to showcase their great nations travel and tourism options. It’s also my time to visit one of my favorite cities in the world, London. As a self-proclaimed ”city boy,” I find London intoxicating. It draws me in like no other city. Like, New York, I can get lost strolling London’s streets for hours and every twist and turn provides a new sense of adventure.</p><p>Four years ago over the business social network Linkedin I met an Australian living on the Greek island of Crete, David Hawkins. I have a fondness for Australia and for the Aussies in general, dating back to an overland trip though Oz as a youth. I have yet to meet an Australian that I didn’t like. Dave and I quickly became friends. Even though we had never met, Dave and I would keep in contact via email and on Linkedin. David moved back to London, where he had been living for many years, but somehow during my yearly London sojourns, we just never were able to find time for a meet and greet. This would be first time that Dave and I would finally meet, and for me to pay a visit to his 17th century, George & Dragon Pub and Kitchen in Acton, London.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-bronze-statue-in-the-front/"><img alt="George and Dragon - Bronze Statue in the Front" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Bronze-Statue-in-the-Front.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>Amazing Caribbean bronze statue make for a classic decor at the George & Dragon</p><p>The George & Dragon was established in 1689 by owner Daniel Sinman when Acton, London was actually an industrial laundry services area, given their bountiful supply of water. The pub is now owned by remarkable pub and restaurateur David Hawkins. In 2007, the pub was the winner of the ”fancy a pint” award in 2007. It’s a place where Acton locals congregate to enjoy great food and libations with great tunes. The likes of live jazz, local bands, or Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. playing in the background. A culinary delight, mouth-watering dishes include the freshly sourced salmon and the ever surprising and popular kangaroo burger. Jazz band Acton Collective Plays every 2nd week of the month.</p><p>On the premises, the building also houses Gallery W3, up and running as a venue run by local artists as of-October of 2012. In the future the building will also be housing a freshly sourced organic shop with local vendors selling high-end products.</p><p>This is the oldest building in Acton. The dating of its first landlord is actually only a standing date for the first recording of all pubs in London, the pub had probably been in existence, possibly 50 years prior.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-jen-our-hostess-behind-the-bar/"><img alt="George and Dragon - Jen, our Hostess behind the bar" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Jen-our-Hostess-behind-the-bar.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>Jen – “the hostess with the mostess”</p><p>Having friends around the world is one of the blessings of an international traveler. You get to experience a destination with a local. Also one can save a ton of money by staying with friends, especially in pricey cities such as New York and London. This past World Travel Market, I had planed my trip very late, and reasonable hotel rates were long gone. So, here I was in a bind. Where to stay in London would be problematic. Thankfully, my friend Dave, came to my rescue, offering up a room above his Acton pub and restaurant, The George & Dragon.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-fullers-and-twickenham-ale-taps/"><img alt="George and Dragon - Fuller's and Twickenham Ale Taps" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Fullers-and-Twickenham-Ale-Taps.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>Proudly serving Fuller’s London Pride and Twickenham Fine Ales</p><p>As a world traveler, who has experienced just about every sleeping arrangement possible, the thought of my room being above an English pub excited me. I would be able to sample some of England’s finest liquid nirvana, and already be at my local abode. In my travels I have had some rather interesting sleeping arrangements. I once slept on an army base in Spain, only to be woken up by soldiers with machine guns. Sleeping on beaches and roof tops in Greece was common place in my youth. Trains in India, tea houses in the Himalayas, travel is about experiencing life as a local. In the words of the rock band Metallica, “where I lay my head is home.” From the life of a backpacker to luxury accommodations in five-star resorts, the likes of the Oriental in Bangkok and Crillon in Paris, life is simply one big adventure. You need to get out and explore. So, when opportunity knocked, I jumped at the chance to sleep in a room above a 17th century traditional English pub-restaurant.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-back-room-with-cozy-couches/"><img alt="George and Dragon - Back Room With Cozy Couches" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Back-Room-With-Cozy-Couches.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>The back bar complete with cozy couches to hang out</p><p>Upon arrival at Heathrow airport, I headed for the Acton Town tube station on the Piccadilly line, a short distance from Heathrow. One thing that amazes me about London is how fast and efficient the London Underground is. You can traverse West London to East London, or North to South in a little over an hour or less.</p><p>Upon arrival at Acton Station, the pub was a short walk to High Street and eventually to The George & Dragon. Finally, I would finally meet my pub owner, restaurateur friend Dave and his wife, Jennifer.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-shots-with-our-hosts/"><img alt="George and Dragon - Shots with our hosts" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Shots-with-our-hosts.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>Doing Jaeger shots with new friends</p><p>The moment I met the gregarious owner, Dave Hawkins, his stunning wife Jen, and laid eyes on the 17th century traditional English pub, I fell in love with the George & Dragon. It was clear that we would be good friends. I soon refered to Jen as “Miss Moneypenny” as she is blessed with the classic English good looks of a Bond girl.</p><p>Many travelers might not be comfortable, staying in an English pub with a person that they had never met. For me, it was simply another adventure in the life of a world traveler. If you don’t take chances in life, if you do not seek the unknown, then how can you call yourself a traveler?</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-george-up-close-very-close/"><img alt="George and Dragon - George Up Close, Very Close" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-George-Up-Close-Very-Close.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>George – The Bar Cat – We quickly became good friends</p><p>The George and Dragon is a friendly pub that features a separate dining area, a restored antique bar, coal fires and comfy leather sofas. The menu offers organic, local dishes such as corn-fed chicken breast stuffed with brie and sage, wild mushroom risotto and daily specials. The salmon is cooked to perfection. The drink list also boasts rare handpicked lagers and ales, such as Twickenham fine ales, showcasing the best selection that England, the U.K. and Europe has to offer.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-taps-and-bottles-behind-the-bar/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18872" alt="George and Dragon - Taps and Bottles behind the bar" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Taps-and-Bottles-behind-the-bar.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>A bar to die for complete with an excellent selection of hand crafted ales</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-friendly-bar-staff-pouring-a-beer/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18875" alt="George and Dragon - Friendly Bar Staff Pouring a beer" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Friendly-Bar-Staff-Pouring-a-beer.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>Friendly bar staff serving some of the frothiest libations around</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-bronze-statue-lady-in-the-back-room/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18876" alt="George and Dragon - Bronze Statue Lady in the Back Room" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Bronze-Statue-Lady-in-the-Back-Room.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>One of the figurines – Bronze Statue in the back bar area</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/2013/05/sleeping-in-a-17th-century-london-pub/george-and-dragon-nick-gaby-jen-salmon-dinner/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18878" alt="George and Dragon - Nick, Gaby, Jen, Salmon Dinner" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/George-and-Dragon-Nick-Gaby-Jen-Salmon-Dinner.jpg" width="1024" height="768" /></a></p><p>Chef Dave – prepares perfectly cooked, ”melt in your mouth” salmon</p><p>Sleeping in the George & Dragon was a far greater experience than passing out in a bar.</p><p>On your next trip to London, be sure to drop by the George & Dragon for a cold beverage and perhaps, even a Kangaroo burger.</p><p>George & Dragon</p><p>183 High Street</p><p>Acton, London</p><div id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_Venue_address1_litAdd2Fav">phone: (020) 8992-3712</div><div>About the Author: Nick Kontis</div><div> </div><div>Born on possibley the most recognizable island on the planet, and raised as a native San Franciscan. Nick is known as the founder of the discount around the world airfares in the United States. After traveling to 85 countries, Nick brings his travel expertise to his World Travel List. After 50,000 world travelers follow World Travel List.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Some of England's Coziest Coastal Pubshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/some-of-england-s-cosiest-coastal-pubs2014-07-15T15:24:36.000Z2014-07-15T15:24:36.000ZVicky Pickshttps://tripatini.com/members/VickyPicks<div><p>Going to the pub is one of the pleasures of a visit to the English seaside. Whether you have been for a bracing walk along the seafront with a fierce souwesterly hurling seaspray across your path, or have spent a pleasant interlude pottering around a harbourside, dodging the waves crashing over the harbour wall, there's nothing like heading to a cosy pub for a cold one, the heady aroma of hearty pub food and a clutch of local characters of varying degrees of eccentricity putting the world to rights. These are some of my personal favourites.</p><p></p><p><b>Penzance, Cornwall: The Turks Head</b></p><p></p><p>Penzance is my home town, so I had to include it in my list. The oldest pub in Penzance is The Turks Head, situated in the town's most historic street. The pub is entered via a small door in its white facade, and is on two levels, with the bar on the ground floor and extra tables for eating downstairs. The good pub fare on offer includes a range of excellent fish and seafood options. The pub dates from the 13th century and has seen its fair share of action over the years, including part of the building being burnt down during the Spanish invasion of the 16th century, and the activities of smugglers making use of the tunnel leading from the pub directly to the harbour.</p><p></p><p><b>Polperro, Cornwall: The Blue Peter</b></p><p></p><p>Wandering through the impossibly picturesque streets of this Cornish fishing town you pass a series of increasingly inviting restaurants, cafes and pubs. Then, just when you think you've seen them all you come to the Blue Peter, right at the bottom corner of the village, overlooking the harbour. As well as a range of ales, ciders and wines, the pub offers meals and frequent live music. Be careful on the way out: the only exit from the pub is not through the door at the front, but via a substantial flight of stone steps to the side. I shudder to think of the accidents that must have taken place on those steps.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008753693,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008753693,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008753693?profile=original" /></a></p><p><br /> <strong>Dartmouth, Devon: The Cherub</strong><br /><br />The Cherub is equally appealing outside and in, with its quaint black-and-white exterior and rickety interior with a roaring fire in winter. The building, the oldest in Dartmouth, dates from the 14th century and is thought to have been a Merchant's House originally. Upstairs, the restaurant does a nice line in fine dining, while lighter bar snacks are also available.<br /><br /><b>Lymington, Hampshire: The Kings Head</b><br /><br />We stayed in Lymington a couple of years ago in the month of October, a time of year when I start to yearn for hearty, warming comfort food, ideally served in cosy candlelit surroundings with a lively, convivial atmosphere, and the Kings Head, at the top end of a quaint little street leading to the harbour and marina, delivered on all counts.</p><p><b>Aldeburgh, Suffolk: Ye Olde Cross Keys</b><br /> <br />In a town full of quaint buildings, Ye Olde Cross Keys is one of the quaintest. Set slightly back from the seafront, the pub is perfectly placed to be dived into after a bracing walk along Aldeburgh's beach. Cosy and inviting inside, with a roaring log fire, the pub serves locally caught seafood washed down with Adnams ale. One evening during our stay in Aldeburgh we found ourselves sharing the bar with a large group of young musicians, not surprising in this town, which is famous for its musical connections, most notably its association with Benjamin Britten.<br /><br /><b>Whitby</b><b>, North Yorkshire: The Duke of York</b><br /><br />Ideally situated as a bolt hole after descending the steps from Whitby Abbey, the Duke Of York has a history stretching back 1,000 years to the days when the monks landed their produce from the sea at this spot before taking it up to the monastery. You can satisfy the inevitable hunger and thirst produced from walking up and down all those steps courtesy of the pub's decent standard pub fare and local ales, while enjoying fabulous views of the harbour.<br /><br /><b>Seahouses, Northumberland: The Olde Ship Inn</b><br /><br />I fell in love with the Olde Ship during two self-catering weeks in Seahouses, especially the main bar, which is stuffed full of nautical photographs and artefacts. Unfortunately, the pub's popularity proved to be its downfall on weekend nights, when the main bar could get uncomfortably crowded. During the summer there is a small garden out the back to retreat to. I have not experienced the pub during the winter, but I'm sure it would be the perfect place to head for after pottering around the harbour or going for a long walk along the fabulous beach between Seahouses and Bamburgh. The Olde Ship also offers accommodation and serves meals in a separate restaurant area.<br /><br /><b>Lynmouth, Devon: The Rising Sun</b><br /><br />The Rising Sun ticks all the boxes for a traditional harbourside inn, although it is also an upmarket hotel, occupying a whole row of cottages in this prime location by the side of Lynmouth harbour. We once spent a lovely New Years Eve at the Rising Sun, culminating in a 60s singalong to the live musician in the main bar.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008754093,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008754093,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008754093?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><b>St Ives, Cornwall: The Sloop Inn</b><br /> <br />The Sloop Inn in St Ives occupies a superb harbourfront location, nestling among the bars, restaurants, gift shops and amusement arcades. There is a range of delicious seafood specials on offer and in winter the hot drinks include mulled cider, a welcome change from the usual mulled wine.</p><p></p></div>Pour A Pint in Belfasthttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/pour-a-pint-in-belfast2014-09-07T14:20:39.000Z2014-09-07T14:20:39.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/172kH1peRrZsor9I23dmCg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="281" width="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/TQ5202eOGfI/AAAAAAAACL0/cCAyv1C1wEM/s400/crown.jpg" alt="crown.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/NMTImages?feat=embedwebsite">NMT Images</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong>Pour A Pint in Belfast</strong><br /> <br />Please watch the Belfast, Northern Ireland, 1-minute <a href="http://www.youtube.com/travelvideo">Video PostCard</a> at the end of this post.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gotobelfast.com">Belfast</a>, Northern Ireland, is a restless place. It struggles, like the rest of the country and the UK, of which it’s a part, with a failing economy and severe unemployment.<br /><br />But we think it’ll be one of the next, best tourist destination when Ireland gets its economic house in order and resumes its growth. <br /><br />Belfast’s rain drizzled streets are still dotted with classy restaurants and lots of shoppers. <br /><br />And the arts flourish here too. <br /><br />The majestic <a href="http://www.goh.co.uk/">Grand Old Opera House</a>, has been providing laughter, tears and applause since 1895. An architectural gem, it was badly bombed in “the troubles” in 1991-2, but it’s the best surviving example in the United Kingdom of the oriental style theatre architecture. <br /><br />A “must see” is St. George’s Market where the foot-thumping, sometime heart-rending music is so very much part of Belfast, as are the stalls overflowing with Northern Ireland’s best pates, breads, cheeses and produce.<br /><br />But most of all you have to take the Pub Tour.<br /><br />The pubs of Belfast are not the smoky places of old films and Irish legends. In fact, smoking is banned in the pubs! <br /><br />But they are the pride of the city in many ways. They’re great meeting places, fostering community and full of very funny, witty people drinking exceptional beers and ales, even as they grumble about their politicians and the economy.<br /><br />Start with a drink at the <a href="http://www.crownbar.com">Crown Liquor Saloon</a>, a Victorian gem of a pub, perhaps Belfast’s most famous and beloved. Be sure to visit on a Friday night for an evening of Belfast Blues.<br /><br />Move on to also <a href="http://www.belfastbar.co.uk/bittles-bar-review.htm">Bittles Bar</a> built in 1861, with walls full of clever art about life here, and, as one reviewer wrote, where the clientele range “from the old, the wise and office types.” <br /><br />And the there’s Kelly’s Cellar maybe the oldest pub in town and where Brad Pit came to learn Irish.<br /><br />Belfast is awash in historic, lively pubs and the best way to appreciate them is to take a <a href="http://www.gotobelfast.com/what_to_do/member_details.aspx?id=375">Pub Tour</a>.<br /><br />Or just wander the city, get good and lost, and thirsty! <br /><br /></p><p><br /> Belfast Travel Video PostCard<br /><object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" height="340" width="560" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/AwSWvpOBiOw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AwSWvpOBiOw?fs=1&hl=en_US" ></param><param name="" value="" ></param><embed wmode="opaque" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AwSWvpOBiOw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" height="340" width="560" allownetworking="internal"></embed> </object></p></div>