LONDON OFF THE BEATEN PATH - PART 2

There are a couple more places I do not want you to miss when in London.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

The pub is one of the oldest if not the oldest pub in London. All the monarchs who have reigned in England during the pub's time are written to the right of the door.
This pub is actually mentioned in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. Just dripping with atmosphere, you feel a part of old London. Dickens himself used to drink here, along with a few other poets, artists etc. It really is worth going to because it is so unusual and unique.
It has the cellar floor, the ground floor and the upstairs, each floor split into little rooms and nooks and crannies. You are encouraged by the staff to have a walk around if visiting for the first time and they are very friendly and polite.
When we went there last year we found the beer was good and the food menu was also very reasonably priced and had plenty of choice. We love it!
This pub is located at 145 Fleet Street, on Wine Office Court. You may, like most, turn into the wrong alley, but there is a sign to direct you back.
To see the pictures, opening times and other info about the place go to http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=154

Twining Tea shop

Twining Tea was founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining, at a time when the regular tipple of most English people at meal times was ale.
He began to sell tea from his coffee shop premises at Number 216 Strand London, the very same shop that still operates there today and promised to sell only the best, with selections from the finest qualities and varieties of teas.
Twining Tea has now been the proud holder of a Royal Warrant since 1837, when Queen Victoria bestowed the honor on the company.
There is a Loose Tea Bar, which has created a lot of interest - with their sampling dishes and new Sampling Counter, where you can ask to try something.
You can find some interesting things in their small museum, such as old teapots, caddies and some old pictures of the Twining family.
You can be assured of a very warm welcome and willingness to answer all of your questions.
We bought a lot of different teas and the prices were much better then at Harrods.
The shop is located directly opposite the Royal Courts of Justice and close to St. Clement Dane's Church. The nearest London Underground Station is Temple, for the District and Circle Lines. Just walk straight up the road to the Strand and turn right, where you will find them about 300 yards away. They are open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
To learn more about the Twining tea and the shop please go to http://www.twinings.co.uk/about-twinings/our-stores