The Strand in London - in the middle ages it rivalled the River Thames as the link between the City of London and the West End. A cobble-stoned street once a notorious haunt for pickpockets and ladies of the night and a street lining palaces of great nobles and waterside mansions of the aristocracy.
The Strand, although correctly known as simply ´Strand´, runs east, parallel to the River Thames, from Trafalgar Square in the West End to where it meets Fleet Street at Temple Bar, the boundary of the City of London. The Strand is home to some of the cities most decadent buildings and the history is obvious. It is also the location of the crescent shaped Aldwych and the Aldwych Theatre.
The Savoy Hotel, once the medieval Savoy Palace, was opened in 1889 and is one of the most famous hotels in the world. At the peak of his career, Oscar Wilde called the Savoy home and the list of stars and notable VIP´s who have stayed at this place of impeccable service and quality is staggering!
Nearby Somerset House, erected in the 1770´s, was London's first purpose-built office block. Recently redeveloped, Somerset House has brought a new cultural life to the Strand. For art lovers, it is home to the Courtauld Gallery, the Gilbert Collection and Hermitage Rooms. And for something really special, the car park has not only been reformed to house the impressive Fountain Court, but is also an outdoor ice rink in the winter! A most decadent winter experience for one and all!
Not best known for being a shopping street, The Strand does have its own collection of necessities. Top Shop, Superdrug, bookstores WH Smith and Waterstones, the fabulous card and gift shop Clinton Cards, Davenport´s Magic Shop (a must see!) and major banks and financial institutions all line the street.
For entertainment, The Adelphi Theatre is located right in the middle of London's Theatreland and 2 minutes walk to Covent Garden. Home to the famous musical production Chicago, ´All That Jazz´ has been blasting out the doors since 1997 and will do until April 2006 when Andrew Lloyd Webbers ´Evita´ takes over the stage. The Savoy Theatre is located next to the Savoy Hotel and the Strand Theatre, recently renamed The Novello Theatre, can be found on nearby Aldwych Street. The majority of the other West End theatres are just a stroll away. Mostly lined with shops and offices, you will find the odd pub and restaurant - great for a pre-show drink or meal.
Getting to and from The Strand is easy. Charing Cross and The Embankment are the nearest tube stations with most lines running from either station. Buses go directly down The Strand and ´Black Cabs´ are ready when you are.
Being a well used street for business men and woman, The Strand is always busy with traffic but pleasant all the same. In any case, stop in for a meal or a nightcap at The Savoy, you won't be disappointed!
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