http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33508 Want some fun in London, then try this. Reminiscent of a Victorian Gin Palace with a retro twist, PURL, with its beams, piano bar and leather chairs, is made up of intimate alcoves underneath a road in Marylebone.
A list of cocktails thought up in the ‘lab’ at the rear, is influenced by ‘molecular mixology’. Don’t be too surprised to see a little chemistry! Liquid nitrogen, smoke and fire mixed with more traditional spirits - even a touch of caviar!
This is a truly exciting place to be. Enjoy!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33508 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33418 The bar has the appearance and feel of a dark basement untouched since Pepys left. Nicotine stained walls of tongue-n-groove boards, history-stained stone floors, and rickety tables and chairs under the low, brick-domed ceiling of the original wine cellars are not retro but original features. Candles light the reticent faces of illicit encounters. The staff are efficient and friendly and pull schooners and beakers of sherry, Madeiras, or port from the barrels stacked behind the bar. Excellent wines are also available by bottle or glass. Recently homemade food has been introduced, and the tables spill out into Watergate Walk to the side. But stay indoors to enjoy the uniqueness and excellence of Gordon’s Wine Bar, and drink deep the history of London.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33418 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32816 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32816 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31730 The short menu has over-priced tapas-style offerings in disappointingly small portions: Greek salad, smoked salmon, grilled Halloumi, tortilla and nibbles such as pistachios and olives.
The main reason to go is the great, chilled out atmosphere and the old-fashioned decor with an emphasis on old wood, which makes a change from the usual sleek, up-to-the-minute, minimalist places all around.
The Star also has a great collection of sign memorabilia, including a pet food advert, which the waitress claims is the 'most photographed sign in London'.
Drop by and you'll see why!
Don't let the Crossrail building works occupying 95% of the street put you off. The word on the street was that the Star would have to close, however they are digging their heels in and staying put, hopefully for a lot longer.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31730 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31648 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31648 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31457 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31457 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31166 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31166 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30632 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30632 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26850 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26850 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26406 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26406 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24862 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24862 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20980 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20980 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20814 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20814 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20284 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20284 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20272 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20272 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20215
Delicious cocktails start at £5 and it's easy to lose track of time and work your way through the whole menu. Tea For Two (£10) comes served in a chunky pattered teapot with matching cups and saucers and - be warned - a generous amount of alcohol. The perfect way to start an evening, or begin the end of an evening, depending on how well your date went...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20215 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20214
Walk it off down nearby Portobello market then head to the funkiest, friendliest little space at NHAC - groovy Brasilian beats (after-carnival was great) in a really creative environment - top Saturday in Notting Hill!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20214 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20197
There is a great wealth of history in terms of the industrial revolution and the various types of architecture but also the canal provides a welcome corridor of nature right through the centre of London. At 2mph it's an easy pace and you will learn how to do the locks and steer the boat. You can do an evening, a day or a week. It's self-catering.

Along the way is the London Canal Museum and various lovely old pubs. The Islington tunnel is 886 metres long - it's very impressive. Bring a nice bottle of wine and cruise through some of London's finest history. It's so peaceful.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20197 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20193 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20193