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/20345
Also, I witnessed something I couldn't believe. Two ladies sitting next me were leaving just as I was settling down, I guessed they were just having coffees and cakes and they left 50 euros for a tip, would you believe it!

I'd recommend going to Angelina instead, or Mariage Freres on the rue De Bourg-Tibourg for a nice cup of tea.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19752
A great place for a romantic dinner. We had a wonderful meal, the staff were so friendly and with Fredo playing the guitar, what more could you ask for?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19752 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17629
We got a jeep up the mountain from Siliguri to Darjeeling, which cost about 300 Rupees (£4) each. The share jeeps are very regular and, although they're pretty crowded, are way more comfortable than the train.

You can then take the highest altitude part of the great rail journey from Darjeeling to Ghoom, to visit the famous Ghoom monastery. It takes about 45 minutes and is probably more romantic and comfortable than doing the hard 9 hour slog from Siliguri.

Just make sure you book the train on your first day of arrival in Darjeeling. You can't book the train from anywhere else and there is a fair wait for tickets (a few days). There is plenty to do in Darjeeling in the meantime, including the Everest museum, one of the better Indian zoos, Glenary's cafe and lots of trail walking and shopping.

Don't even bother with the tourist ride unless you've money to waste, it's a complete rip-off compared to the Ghoom trip - about 10 times the price.

Nathmulls in Darjeeling has to be the best tea shop in the world. Really helpful staff and a great range of teas to test (local of course!). Well worth a visit when you're up in the mountains.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17629 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16422 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16422 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16394 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16394 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16367
The internal courtyards, lined with Andalusian mosaics, are offset by dark eucalyptus and cedar trim. The mosque's adjoining cafe and restaurant, serves excellent north African cuisine such as couscous, tajine and sweet mint tea to all.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16367 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16314
First, stop by Collette, a concept store for clothing, technology and food that is truly ahead of the times. Not planning to buy anything? You’re still sure to enjoy looking at the most stylish goods and people Paris has to offer.

Afterwards, visit Mariage Freres, the oldest French tea house which dates back to the 1600s. With over 500 different varieties to choose from, taste what’s commonly referred to as the best tea in the world or bring it back as the perfect souvenir.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16314 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16296
This sport and social club was set up by a group of young British businessmen in the nineteenth century; afternoon tea is still served under a picture of the Queen.

Along with swimming pool, squash and gym, the club has eight tennis courts (five clay) and a cricket pitch. Membership is easy to obtain and reasonable, but the club is also generous to guests. Members may invite you to play, and most weekends guests are welcome, by appointment, to try the facilities.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16296 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16268
There were also free activities for the kids, the best bit being that they had period costumes the kids could dress up in and then a large frame you could take photos of them in, all in a French aristocratic style.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16268 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16262
It's a traditional teahouse - with fin-de-siecle decor and mouth-watering cakes on display cabinets by the entrance that will have even the most die-hard savoury fans entranced. It's on Rue de Rivoli, opposite Tuileries, so you can have a wander round the gardens and over to the river when you've had your fill.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16262 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16234 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16234 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16046
Just down the hill from The Sheraton, is the St George Gallery, which has a wonderful display of quality goods, both antique and modern. Further down the hill were shops that sold jewellery by weight of silver. It was good quality and reasonably priced.

We did most of our gift shopping at a group of shops just off Churchill Avenue on the right up Nigeria Street.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16046 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13331 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13331 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13315
Set in the wooded Dartmoor village famed for its Cleave, Lustleigh avoids the worst of the tourist influxes suffered by Widecombe and Haytor. Its thatched cottages centre around the church and its neighbour Primrose Cottage. As well as astoundingly good cream teas (served since the 19th century) the tea rooms also have an incredible selection of homemade cakes.

Work it all off with a walk along Lustleigh Cleave, a steep wooded valley through which the River Bovey bubbles.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13315 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13135
The tea room is like stepping inside a memorabilia shop, like someone's front room, with an eclectic mixture of decor dedicated to the Royals, with Union Jacks ablaze, a grand piano and pictures of Diana adorning the walls.

The house rules are hilarious (not to be taken too seriously) ie no dunking of biscuits, no clanking of spoons when stirring your tea etc!

The menu is humorous, with items such as "The Duchies Cream Tea, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth High Tea, The Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales Afternoon Tea" and the unforgetable "The Julie Goodyear High Tea" (aka Corrie's Bet Lynch!) [you get the idea!)

It kind of epitomises Brighton's eclectic campness. Well worth a visit for a fun cream tea.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13135 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11517
Located in the central of Shanghai (very close to the Oriental Pearl Tower), the tea house is fully British style and you can find every genuine tea that you've missed from the west for a long time.

Surrounded by the lovely music and rose aroma, enjoy reading a book from the shelf, you will be kept away from city's noise and fully relax yourself in an elegant way.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11517 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10864 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10864 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7901
Hang out where locals chill. In most of them, it's unlikely you'll be left alone if you don't want to be.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7901 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7771 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7771