The Soho branch of this small Vietnamese food chain is in the heart of trendy Wardour Street in an 18^th-century listed building with lots of character – old sash windows original brickwork and fireplaces. Wicker lampshades flared shadows onto rough-wood-clad walls bringing a little Hanoi atmosphere to this corner of London W1.

We began with a selection of starters which come with lettuce and dipping sauces for you to wrap and dip. It’s a bit messy but fun. Perhaps not surprisingly the pros in the kitchen made a better job of this than us and the “pre-assembled” Summer Rolls were a highlight – light and refreshing with a hint of summery mint – perfectly complemented by nuoc cham, a well balanced sweet and spicy traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce. We also wolfed down the tasty stir-fried Morning Glory, which is water spinach with garlic, but “Morning Glory” sounds so much better.

For mains at least one of us had to choose a steaming bowl of the emponymous Pho noodle soup. The staple Vietnamese dish (aka “the soul of the nation”) Pho is basically a thin broth of meat and noodles. A little too wintery for me, so I opted for the restaurant’s other signature dish, bun noodles – rice noodles with a stir-fried topping, fresh herbs and peanuts. Like the Summer Rolls it had a fresh clean flavour that I rarely associate with Asian cuisine. The biggest surprise however on the menu was the chicken and vegetable Cari (Vietnamese curry). I would never have chosen it, because.. well, an Asian curry is an Asian curry, right? Wrong – this coconut-milk based dish was light with vegetables that were al dente, and a sweetish Malaysian-like flavour.

Dessert was an easy choice. It’s not everyday you get to refuse a bright green Pandan Pancake with roasted coconut and honey ice cream, and we weren’t about to start today. Sweet, fluffy and not too heavy, it hit the mark. Arguably the best was left to last however. Cho Ca Phe is, as the menu tells us, “one of the rarest coffees in the world and exclusive to Pho in the UK. It is eaten digested and passed through by weasels – a process that dramatically alters the flavour of the beans”. We bet it does! But the 64,000 Vietnamese Dong question is – does it taste like Weasel c**p? You’ll just have to try it out for yourself – with or without condensed milk!

Pho is at 163 Wardour Street, tel: 020 7434 3938, www.phocafe.co.uk

In fact Notting Hill is the biggest street festival in all Europe with over 50,000 participants (and only second in the world to Rio), over 40,000 volunteers, and over one million carnival revellers. As you would expect, all floats and troupes have to register well ahead, so as in any festival of this kind, casual spectators are not allowed to just join in the parade. The good news, though, is that the dancers frequently break ranks and encourage audience participation.

Courtesy of Silke Ebel

There are also many pre-Carnival and post-Carnival parties along the procession route that you can attend. It’s too early yet to tell you precisely about these but come back to us in August and we’ll let you know then, along with a more detailed timetable of events

Where Is It?

Notting Hill of course! A couple of miles northwest of Hyde Park, so pretty central. In terms of tube stations look on the map for Ladbroke Grove. It’s the center of the action, but Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, and Royal Oak are also good alternatives.

Courtesy of Sberia

When Is It?

Carnival starts at 9am on Sunday 28 August and 9.30am on Monday 29 August and ends (officially) at 8.30pm both nights, though partying will go on well into the wee hours on Sunday night/Monday morning. Just follow your ears to the nearest reggae, dancehall, Latin, and R&B sounds.

Courtesy of Silke Ebel

Be comfortable, be safe: Don’t carry expensive items on you, beware pickpockets, drink lots of water, particularly if you’re going to be dancing and whistling (but beware: toilet facilities are at a premium, so also take your own toilet paper out with you!). Know, too, that trouble has often accompanied the carnival after dark so stick to main thoroughfares, which will be well policed on the night.

For more information, visit www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Wimbledon's famous strawberries and cream, served with or without sugar

• Strawberries and cream — Strawberries are the soul of a British summer and the principal ingredient in English summer desserts. Eating the juicy heart shaped fruit slathered in rich cream is simply sublime. If you require proof then look no further than The Championships at Wimbledon where over 28,000 kg of strawberries and  7,000 liters of cream are consumed in a fortnight!

• Eton Mess – This is another take on the classic strawberries and cream, although this time the two are mixed with pieces of crunchy meringue into, well, a big mess. First served to students in the 1930s at the prestigious Eton College after a dog sat on a picnic basket, Eton Mess evolved to include meringue and is still enjoyed at the school’s annual cricket match against Winchester College.

• Trifle — The 16th-century dessert has not changed much, with the exception of  the “whether or not to include gelatin” debate. Layers of custard, cake laced with alcohol, summer fruit, gelatin (or not), and whipped cream are gorgeously displayed in footed glass bowls. According to Mrs. Beeton (the Betty Crocker of England), trifle does not include gelatin.

• Fool and syllabub — The two are often synonymous: crushed fruit folded into sweetened whipped cream, yet technically are different. Syllabub should include alcohol, sherry, or white wine to be a bit persnickety. Rhubarb or gooseberry are highly recommended.

• Summer pudding – Bread soaked in the fruit pieces and sugary juice of blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and red currants is then molded into a domed shaped pudding basin and chilled to set overnight. The bright red cake is turned out in a dramatic presentation with fruit spilling out and served with, you guessed it, cream. It’s a summer party for your taste buds.

A gorgeous English summer pudding

flickr image: kthread

Free Run stars local free running team 3Run, credited with the opening scene to James Bond film, Casino Royale and holders of over 15 world records.

One of the coolest, action filled performances ever to hit the stage combines the physical discipline of parkour, martial arts, and acrobatics. Executing flawless technique, the athletes perform death-defying stunts even professional gymnasts would not attempt without a spotter (“catcher”) or at least a cushy mat to break a fall.

Free Run headlines this summer’s Udderbelly Festival at London’s Southbank Centre now through July 17.

3Run performing at the Southbank; image by Alex Lentati

Best Places to Catch Sight of Her Majesty In & Around London

• Buckingham Palace - The Queen’s official London residence is Buckingham Palace, she’s often caught coming and going by car through the main gates – though you do have to be in the right place at the right time to catch her! In summer months (July-October) when the palace opens to the public, she heads to Balmoral Estate and Holyroodhouse Palace in Scotland. Look for the Royal Standard flying (see pic below) -  not the Union Flag/Union Jack – which indicates Her Majesty’s presence.
• Windsor Castle - Just 23 miles west of London, and an easy day trip by train, is another of the Queen’s official residences, Windsor Castle.  Her Majesty tends to spend many weekends and the Easter holidays here, though, as at Buckingham Palace, you’ll only usually catch her coming and going.
• Trooping the Colour –  The Queen processes down The Mall to the annual military ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, commemorating her birthday. However you do need to apply for tickets to attend this event. (they are free and allocated by ballot, but by the time you read this you’ll need to apply for next year!). The Queen returns to Buckingham Palace by horse-drawn carriage in great pageantry, where she gathers with additional members of her family on the balcony for the RAF fly-past.Thue ballot for tickets to attend the Queen’s Birthday Parade has now closed
  

  Trooping of the Colour Celebrating Her Majesty's Birthday

• Royal Ascot – The Queen and Prince Philip never miss a day at the horse track, for the five days of Royal Ascot held each June anyway. They have had their share of winners too. This is a great opportunity to see her as the royals make their grand entrance to the races by carriage procession.
• State Opening of Parliament - In November or December each year the Queen formally opens the parliamentary session. People line Whitehall in the hope of a receiving a royal wave when the Queen is escorted by the Household Calvary (in a horse-drawn carriage of course) from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.
• Madame Tussauds -  if all else fails, fake it! Snap a shot of you and a waxwork likeness of The Queen. Perhaps a pose in an embrace, Michelle Obama style, will be convincing.
  

  The Royal Standard indicates The Queen is present

For more royal recommendations, check out our list of favorite London haunts for Wills & Kate and our guide to Royal London.

flickr image: Jon & Tasmin Slater

• Download the show’s insider’s iphone app for live updates on events and exhibitors
• Pick up a show map and plan the day around the highlights
• Hope to replicate a look at home? Snap photos of the plants and labels.
• Arrive at the show before the gates open (the number of visitors increase after lunch)
• Wear sensible walking shoes. This is an outdoor event and it could be wet
• Bring cash and coins to avoid waiting for credit card machines and change
• Pack a picnic to beat the queues at the food stalls or book a table at Rock Bank restaurant
• For bargain hunters: Plants from the show are sold off at 4pm on the last day; look out too for exhibitors’ cast offs – they replenish their posies the minute a petal is out of place
• Sip Pimm’s, the show’s signature British drink while people watching
• Unable to attend this year’s Chelsea Flower Show?  Tickets are available for the world’s largest flower show at Hampton Court Palace 5-10 July. Or maybe visit the Chelsea Physic Garden, one of London’s hidden gems

flickr images: Wolfiewolf

flickr image: Gastev

London’s only dedicated seafood market originally traded on the streets near Billingsgate Wharf off Lower Thames Street in the 16th century before moving into a purpose built facility in 1850. The space quickly proved to be insufficient and a grand arcade style market with a Renaissance facade was erected in 1877. For over 200 years the market thrived in the space (which is now referred to as Old Billingsgate Market and used as an events venue) until relocating from the middle of the city to the Docklands.

Billingsgate Fish Market is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5:00 am to 8:30 am attracting London’s restaurateurs, fishmongers, fish and chip shop owners, and catering companies. Buying in bulk is required, so either plan on sharing or have plenty of freezer space (kind of defeats the purpose though). Rise early for the finest catch or later if you’re after a bargain. Dress in old clothes, wear non-slip shoes or boots, and bring a bucket for your purchases. Expect lots of fun banter and phrases you won’t understand. Kids under 12 are not admitted.

Billingsgate Fish Market
Trafalgar Way
E14 5ST
Canary Wharf Tube

Video tour of London’s Fish market by Roger Barton

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=mINMP0fWteA[/youtube]

Video by VisitBritainTV

flickr image: Mike Fleming

In 1823 London oyster bar owner James Pimm concocted a gin based tipple, flavored with liquors and herbs to ‘aid digestion’ and to no doubt transform those slimy bivalves into palatable delicacies. Served in a silver tankard or ‘cup’, earning the name Pimm’s Cup, it quickly became the bourgeois drink of choice. By the 1850s Mr Pimm bottled his invention and expanded commercially and is now the required element at garden parties and backyard barbecues today.

PIMM’S is still considered tonic for the posh set. It is the signature drink of Wimbledon where over 80,000 half pints are served over the two week period. Prestigious events such as Henley Royal Regatta, Royal Ascot and the Chelsea Flower Show just wouldn’t be the same without it. Even Prince William was spotted stocking up on the caramel colored elixir days before his wedding.

After WWII, PIMM’S dabbled in several spirit varieties: Scotch in No. 2, brandy for No.3, rum in No.4, rye in No.5 and vodka in No. 6. Of these only No. 3 is still manufactured and marketed as winter PIMM’S and served warm. Although the idea of PIMM’S without ice and fruit and sipped within sight of a Christmas tree has yet to catch on.

PIMM’S is 25% alcohol; therefore, not served straight. Mixed with three parts fizzy lemonade (Sprite, 7-Up or tonic) and juicy pieces of orange, strawberries, and cucumber (occasionally apples & lemon too), PIMM’S is poured into an ice filled glass then topped with a mandatory sprig of fresh mint. Keep in mind the unwritten rule of PIMM’S is it must only be consumed outdoors.

To sample a British summer in a cup while visiting London, we suggest one of our top ten pub gardens.

'Tis the Season for PIMM'S

flickr image: Phillie Casablanca

• Meet over 400 of Britain’s finest local producers at the Real Food Festival at Earl’s Court May 5-8. Cut out the middle man and banish “food miles” by buying sustainable and ethical products directly from the source. Festival highlights include learning trade secrets at the Butchery Demo Theatre, following a tea trail in a working tea garden, watching live sheep shearing, and sampling celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s new food line.

• The Real Food Market takes place at the Southbank Centre Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the rest of May. Purchase discounted tickets online.

• Inspired by fine English cooking and the first underground market in San Fransisco, blogger, author, photographer, and supper club aficionado MsMarmiteLover is hosting an Underground Night Market in her flat and garden in Kilburn from 6pm – 10pm on 6 May. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Taste, learn and chat about our favorite hot beverages at the Tea & Coffee Festival at the Southbank Centre May 6-8. Enjoy a full program of roasting demos, tea ceremonies and lessons in scone and cake making to accompany your next cuppa.

• Always a favorite with locals,  the Brick Lane Curry Festival is now in its 11th year. Sample traditional Indian and Bangladeshi curries from 40 participating restaurants. Brick Lane is now officially designated as the “Olympic Curry Village” for the 2012 Olympics in London! A  family-friendly street party kicks off at on May 8 from noon to 8pm with parades, performers and musicians.

Brick Lane Curry Festival

flickr image: Gary Knight

• And finally we would have our spatulas revoked if we didn’t  mention London’s weekly gourmet food market Borough Market, open Thursday – Sunday. Rich in British and international produce, the market, set under the railway arches, is a maze of culinary delights.

"Call that afternoon tea?!"

The biggest revelation, to this male sceptic, was how well the flavours went so well together, and although there may seem a lot of items to get through, they’re small enough to cope, yet filling enough to satisfy.

There are three other choices on the menu: Chocolate Indulgence, comprising various cocoa-inspired treats washed down with a dark rum cocktail; Rhubarb, Rhubarb, Rhubarb (pictured above), featuring that most English of tastes, complemented by a London Dry Gin & Cherry Heering concoction; and Hot & Sticky, with toffee pudding, treacle tart, apple and pecan tartin, and pear and ginger crumble, all paired with a rather splendid blend of rum, lime juice and ginger beer. In addition to my Tea and Coffee, we also chose the latter which was excellent if rather filling.

Go on, indulge yourself!

Our waiter was as sweet and cosmopolitan as the menu and after our treat asked if we would like a (normal) tea or coffee. “Many people do” he assured us. I surprised myself by demurring, adding “Surely that would be missing the point!”

Not Afternoon Tea is served daily between 3pm and 5:30pm and at £19.50 per head is around half the price (albeit minus the cucumber sandwiches…) of its more illustrious rivals..

http://www.harveynichols.com/restaurants/oxo-tower-london/oxo-tower-london-brasserie

Tel: 020 7803 3888