Gordon Ramsey and other last minute questions

Book of Mormon is the funniest thing I've ever seen (i've been three times since Christmas and am going back again in August!) but google it before to you spend the money to make sure you'll like it. Each time I've been there's been someone who didn't know what they were in for and were clearly not having as good a time as the rest of us. You will want to book your tickets well ahead of time as there are no bargains other than the daily lottery. If you're at the theatre 2 hours before each performance, you can put your name in a drawing to win two tickets at £20 each.

Not "apparently," it is in poor taste to hitchhike onto another post seeking guidance. Thank you for making the time to post your own inquiry. Menus for Gordon Ramsey restaurants can be reviewed on line. That way you could choose which one you like. Be aware that their are dress codes for some of his establishments. Secondly, I too vote for Book of Mormon, but agree, unless you know what you are in for, can be a rude awakening. Both London Theatre and Theatre Monkey will have reviews of what's on in July which would help you make a choice on how to spend your money for a performance. I'd try Beas of Bloomsbury or The Orangery for tea. Two distinctly different atmospheres and presentations. Lastly, 10:30 is waaaay to late to stake out a spot to view the changing of the guard. You are traveling in the peak of Summer. London will be swarming with tourists. If you want to see it go earlier. Personally, I'd not spend the time there but be the first in line at Tower of London instead. Each to their own.

Both Gordon Ramsey and The Book of Mormon are very hard to get into, so I suggest you decide ASAP, and book the restaurant and buy the theater ticket (at full price, probably) online. You can join OpenTable Europe if you don't want to make the phone call, but I think you get better treatment at any restaurant with a phone call. Ask about reconfirmation policies. I have no personal experience, but check to be sure the gift card can be used on Saturday nights - also the hardest to book at most restaurants.

Personally, I would book tea at the most expensive hotel with a lovely lobby I could afford. But you mentioned price as a factor. If you happen to be going to Kew Gardens, the Maids Of Honour Tea Shop is a lovely (if well-touristed) place with great cooking, right across the street from one side of the gardens. Do not go this far unless you want to see the gardens! The other approach would be to ask at your [modest] hotel [with no restaurant] where the nicest Cream Tea might be nearby. There really are a lot of options. For me, the key is whether they bake their own scones, on a griddle.

I like Lion King and Wicked the most of your list, but it's really a matter of personal taste. Also whether any of those shows might be coming to your home area (not noted in your posting profile .... ).

All good advice above. Of Gordon's restaurants, I have only dined at Plane Food, which didn't quite feel like the "real" experince. The Savoy Grill is in a historic location and offers a set lunch or pre-theater menu which usually results in a lower bill total than ordering a la carte.

Book of Mormon is absolutely hilarious, while The Lion King is visually stunning. It depends what you're in the mood for.

Thanks for all the great tips! I was debating about skipping the changing of the guard and now I'm sure!

I thought "Book of Mormon" was entertaining, but it wasn't my favorite; I guess I felt a little guilty about watching a show that makes fun of someone's religion (although I admit that I was laughing uncontrollably when the dancing Starbucks coffee cups came on stage).

I've seen everything on your list (except "Let it Be") and my favorite of those was "Wicked". I also really love "Billy Elliot" if you are looking for something with a more British theme.

I'd suggest that you just check the menus of the restaurants that you are interested in and see which ones you can actually get a reservation for. I'd book as soon as you can, especially if you go on a weekend. If you want to keep it under 100 GBP for two including wine, you might want to check their set lunch. A number of the high end restaurants have good prices for the set lunch.

You could check out the Changing of the Horse Guard... not as crowded as Buckingham Palace.

Thanks for all the wonderful tips. Just a belated follow-up!

We ate at Foxtrot Oscar and had a fabulous meal! We ended up being "one-bottle of wine" people AND ate the awesome dessert - toffee pudding and caramel ice cream.

Had 5 cream teas and 1 afternoon tea. I am definitely a fan! Best one was at Victoria & Albert (had twice!), but none of them were bad!!! Other teas were at Tate Britain and random cafes. Had afternoon tea at National Gallery which was pretty good but only £16.50.

Did not see any theatre shows, but BBC Mozart prom at Royal Albert Hall was amazing.

Skipped changing of the guard ceremonies. Found plenty of other things to do!

Probably the most amazing thing after 12 days of cream teas and chocolates was the 2 pound weight loss overall!

Thank you for the follow up. Always nice to hear back about a traveler's experiences. Love the fact you enjoyed the tea at the V and A twice. Fun city isn't it?!

Thanks for the report, Nancy. Sounds like a fun trip!

Thanks for coming back here and letting us know about your trip. Sounds like you had so much fun! There's always so much great stuff to do in London!