renden
Member 
Posts: 9,162 
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 16, 2019 9:26:30 GMT
Regarding food in London there is a lot of good restaurants. My wife and I was in London in september for four days. We attended several different restaurants (lunch and dinner) and all had good to very good food. But it's not cheep, but maybe same level as Norwegian prices where I live. To find the good restaurants use Tripadvisor to find good rated restaurants. Thanks - hate Tripadvisor - prefer your opinion  |
|
Beryllium Guy
Moderator 
Posts: 5,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
|
Post by Beryllium Guy on Dec 16, 2019 13:09:37 GMT
Don't let renden scare you too much. There is a lot of very reasonably-priced food in London and it is excellent. We shall go to the good places, have no fear. Michael, thanks for continuing to spearhead this effort to get a big group of TSFers for the show. I just want to let the rest of you know that Michael has found a couple of reasonably priced hotels in London, so I am going to look into booking a room for a couple of nights, just to cut down on the commuting for me back and forth between London and Oxford every day. I will probably commute some of the days, though. For those less familiar with UK geography, it is about a 1-hour train ride from Oxford to London Paddington, one way. Part of the uncertainty with the train is that the fares can vary depending on day and time of travel, as well as how far in advance you book the tickets. I will be spending a bit more time to figure that out in great detail over the holidays. |
|
cjoprey
Member
Scanning stamps for my website...
Posts: 1,504
What I collect: Belgium (predominantly), British Commonwealth (older ones), WW (whatever comes my way...)
|
Post by cjoprey on Dec 16, 2019 17:39:17 GMT
I have similar intentions Chris ( Beryllium Guy ) as I'm coming from Cambridge. I intend to come down on the Friday evening for the opening weekend (at very least) and stay a couple of nights. Still need to work out if I will be able to stay longer - lots of work going on, and I'm off on holiday the 7th - so probably need to make a showing at the office in between...  PS - for those who don't know, Cambridge is about 60 miles North of London, and by the time I get to Islington I'll have spent about 2 hours on assorted trains... And we're supposedly the arch rivals of Oxford (at least the universities are!)... |
|
cjoprey
Member
Scanning stamps for my website...
Posts: 1,504
What I collect: Belgium (predominantly), British Commonwealth (older ones), WW (whatever comes my way...)
|
Post by cjoprey on Dec 16, 2019 18:21:04 GMT
|
|
stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,979
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
|
Post by stanley64 on Dec 17, 2019 8:07:54 GMT
Good find and thanks for sharing cjoprey! Let me pull my finger out and put some concerted effort into finding my own accommodations; your sharing of the links has helped ;-)
|
|
Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 5,064
What I collect: Wonderland; 1912 Jubilee International Stamp Exhibition, London ('Ideal' Stamp, ephemera); French Cinderellas with an emphasis on Poster Stamps; Israel and Palestine Cinderellas ; Jewish National Fund Stamps, Labels and Tags; London 2010, A Festival of Stamps (anything); South Africa 1937 Coronation issue of KGVI, singles or bi-lingual pairs.
|
Post by Londonbus1 on Dec 17, 2019 20:36:30 GMT
Also booked a room there. Means I have to come now no matter what !!! Just need to rub my boss's nose in it !!  |
|
Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
|
Post by Beryllium Guy on Dec 17, 2019 20:57:12 GMT
Right - I have confirmed that I do indeed need to be at work on the Monday, so I've gone ahead and booked myself into the "hub by Premier Inn" next to King's Cross station - which is a 15-20 minute walk away - for the Friday and Saturday nights. Fairly simple rooms, but it's only £115 for both days including unlimited continental breakfast... Excellent recommendation, Chris! When I first tried, could not see a very good rate, but later my wife got a much better rate offered on her phone. It may be because she has a UK number; I am not sure. In any case, we have followed your lead, and are delighted to be joining Michael ( Londonbus1) too, at the Hub by Premier near King's Cross. Can't wait!  |
|
|
|
Post by irishjack on Dec 17, 2019 21:21:30 GMT
LB1 will steer you all to a good plate of chips and eggs, if your really nice he might find a few bangers and let you wash it down with a few yards of ale
|
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 17, 2019 21:24:51 GMT
Right - I have confirmed that I do indeed need to be at work on the Monday, so I've gone ahead and booked myself into the "hub by Premier Inn" next to King's Cross station - which is a 15-20 minute walk away - for the Friday and Saturday nights. Fairly simple rooms, but it's only £115 for both days including unlimited continental breakfast... Excellent recommendation, Chris! When I first tried, could not see a very good rate, but later my wife got a much better rate offered on her phone. It may be because she has a UK number; I am not sure. In any case, we have followed your lead, and are delighted to be joining Michael ( Londonbus1 ) too, at the Hub by Premier near King's Cross. Can't wait! If I (we) are joining....might as well get the info for those stay/dates and price or maybe one could reserve or something else as long as th beer is UK good !! Rene René |
|
Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 5,064
What I collect: Wonderland; 1912 Jubilee International Stamp Exhibition, London ('Ideal' Stamp, ephemera); French Cinderellas with an emphasis on Poster Stamps; Israel and Palestine Cinderellas ; Jewish National Fund Stamps, Labels and Tags; London 2010, A Festival of Stamps (anything); South Africa 1937 Coronation issue of KGVI, singles or bi-lingual pairs.
|
Post by Londonbus1 on Dec 17, 2019 21:29:07 GMT
For good beer houses I know just the man. He is on it already and the list will be forthcoming. irishjack........never fear, all will be well on the Food and drink side. All we need now is good weather and lots of TSF members in the UK capital !! (If not, I'll hire a few from Facebook) |
|
Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 5,064
What I collect: Wonderland; 1912 Jubilee International Stamp Exhibition, London ('Ideal' Stamp, ephemera); French Cinderellas with an emphasis on Poster Stamps; Israel and Palestine Cinderellas ; Jewish National Fund Stamps, Labels and Tags; London 2010, A Festival of Stamps (anything); South Africa 1937 Coronation issue of KGVI, singles or bi-lingual pairs.
|
Post by Londonbus1 on Dec 17, 2019 21:32:14 GMT
renden........May 1st-4th is when I have booked. Exhibition is on until May 9th For the accomodation, check the link left by cjoprey yesterday. Londonbus1........I'm in charge of the beer !!
|
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 17, 2019 22:57:36 GMT
renden ........May 1st-4th is when I have booked. Exhibition is on until May 9th For the accomodation, check the link left by cjoprey yesterday. Londonbus1........I'm in charge of the beer !! Thanks LB1 I know the schedule already but need to reserve a lot of things + Denise is coming so we have to agree on a schedule....... Rene |
|
cjoprey
Member
Scanning stamps for my website...
Posts: 1,504
What I collect: Belgium (predominantly), British Commonwealth (older ones), WW (whatever comes my way...)
|
Post by cjoprey on Dec 18, 2019 8:58:27 GMT
The game is afoot Watson! Looking forward to meeting all of you in London in May! Now to work out how to pack simply enough that I can travel from work on Friday, but still have space for all those stamps I will inevitably buy (and bring down some swaps)! |
|
Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
|
Post by Beryllium Guy on Dec 18, 2019 10:46:22 GMT
Greetings again, all! My wife Amy and I are really excited about the prospect of meeting everyone for the London 2020 International Stamp Show in May. Thanks again to Michael ( Londonbus1) aka the "Beer Meister" and Chris ( cjoprey) aka the "Hotel Meister" for setting the wheels in motion and spurring the less proactive members, i.e. me, into action! Channeling a bit of that spirit, Amy and I have now booked the same hotel for a one-night stay in January. We wanted to do a weekend in London to see a show anyway, so it seemed like a good excuse to check out the hotel in advance. When we go next month, I will take some photos, visit the bar and restaurant, and see how the walk seems to the show venue. I have noted that it is also a one-stop Tube ride as well, so we have options. Anyway, watch this space for a report on the Hub by Premier Inn at King's Cross by the end of January. |
|
vikingeck
Member
Posts: 3,546
What I collect: Samoa, Tobacco theme, Mail in Wartime, anything odd and unusual!
|
Post by vikingeck on Dec 18, 2019 14:36:57 GMT
Chris Beryllium Guy, and others if you are in London for a day or three then make sure you buy an Oyster card for convenience of using tube and buses. The regular card costs £5 deposit but can be loaded with cash or credit card , used on each journey it is convenient and hassle free. The card can be kept and used on any subsequent London trip or if no longer required , surrendered for a refund of any money unused + £2 of the original deposit. There is a Visitor Oyster card available for purchase before you leave home. i hope to be at London 2020for a few days , if my wife is coming we have our preferred ( a bit upmarket budget) Hotel, but as she has not been well recently I may be on my own so Premier inn may be booked as well . i’ll check In the New Year. |
|
vikingeck
Member
Posts: 3,546
What I collect: Samoa, Tobacco theme, Mail in Wartime, anything odd and unusual!
|
Post by vikingeck on Dec 18, 2019 14:53:41 GMT
Just beside the venue there is a decent pub the Steam Passage Tavern which has a good range of English and continental draft beers. I always meet some folks there , especially if my hotel is elsewhere in town . The bus service from Kings cross to the ANGEL for the show is actually more convenient for those of us with stiff knees as I always find descending and ascending to the Underground can involve a lot more walking .it may take longer but is a couple of hundred metres closer .
|
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 18, 2019 15:33:12 GMT
Chris Beryllium Guy , and others if you are in London for a day or three then make sure you buy an Oyster card for convenience of using tube and buses. The regular card costs £5 deposit but can be loaded with cash or credit card , used on each journey it is convenient and hassle free. The card can be kept and used on any subsequent London trip or if no longer required , surrendered for a refund of any money unused + £2 of the original deposit. There is a Visitor Oyster card available for purchase before you leave home. Chris Beryllium Guy..............lives in Oxford hahahahha He must know about the transportation system but for others coming from outside London, very nice remark. What a Canadian prospect for London 2020 needs now is a summary of all the good info given on this thread - it can get confusing at times  René |
|
Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 5,064
What I collect: Wonderland; 1912 Jubilee International Stamp Exhibition, London ('Ideal' Stamp, ephemera); French Cinderellas with an emphasis on Poster Stamps; Israel and Palestine Cinderellas ; Jewish National Fund Stamps, Labels and Tags; London 2010, A Festival of Stamps (anything); South Africa 1937 Coronation issue of KGVI, singles or bi-lingual pairs.
|
Post by Londonbus1 on Dec 18, 2019 16:04:08 GMT
renden...... Don't worry. I'll do a summary for you, say once every two weeks with all relevant info. Also with announcements of things to bring like a stamp gift (?) and Giveaway news. How does that sound ? Londonbus1..... the summarizer
|
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 18, 2019 16:18:45 GMT
renden ...... Don't worry. I'll do a summary for you, say once every two weeks with all relevant info. Also with announcements of things to bring like a stamp gift (?) and Giveaway news. How does that sound ? Londonbus1..... the summarizer Thanks LB1 |
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 18, 2019 20:26:12 GMT
Greetings again, all! My wife Amy and I are really excited about the prospect of meeting everyone for the London 2020 International Stamp Show in May. Thanks again to Michael ( Londonbus1 ) aka the "Beer Meister" and Chris ( cjoprey ) aka the "Hotel Meister" for setting the wheels in motion and spurring the less proactive members, i.e. me, into action! Anyway, watch this space for a report on the Hub by Premier Inn at King's Cross by the end of January. Thanks Chris for checking the Hotel Hub by Premier.......... one night and to give us a critique - Already have checked Trip Advisor rates for 2 nights - nothing done yet as I am waiting for a decent schedule and Denise will participate in the Beer drinking contest |
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 18, 2019 22:44:52 GMT
Reservations made (Denise and I) and confirmed at the hub by Premier Inn London King's Cross for May 1-2-3, 2020 - 2020 London Stamp Exh...
René
|
|
anglobob
Member
Posts: 2,602
What I collect: France and French Colonies,French cinderellas British Commonwealth QE2
|
Post by anglobob on Dec 19, 2019 1:18:59 GMT
Londonbus .....All we need now is good weather and lots of TSF members in the UK capital
Members shouldnt be too concerned about the weather....daily temperature is 15 degrees.....5 degrees in the morning,5 in the afternon and 5 at night.
Bob
|
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 19, 2019 1:20:31 GMT
Londonbus .....All we need now is good weather and lots of TSF members in the UK capital Members shouldnt be too concerned about the weather....daily temperature is 15 degrees.....5 degrees in the morning,5 in the afternon and 5 at night. Bob Bob ....Temp in May  ? René |
|
cjoprey
Member
Scanning stamps for my website...
Posts: 1,504
What I collect: Belgium (predominantly), British Commonwealth (older ones), WW (whatever comes my way...)
|
Post by cjoprey on Dec 19, 2019 8:10:20 GMT
UK weather can be rather variable - but in May I would expect it to be somewhere around 15°C - about 60°F...
|
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 20, 2019 18:03:34 GMT
renden ...... Don't worry. I'll do a summary for you, say once every two weeks with all relevant info. Also with announcements of things to bring like a stamp gift (?) and Giveaways... Londonbus1..... the summarizer Thanks Londonbus1 - my stamp gifts (classic Canada Mints) are all lined up - I hope I do not have to bring an Album René........no giveaways as I do not have the space in my laptop luggage for thick objects !! |
|
angore
Member
Posts: 5,697
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
|
Post by angore on Dec 21, 2019 12:07:40 GMT
For international visitors, do you buy a bulky material and if so how do you ship it back home?
|
|
Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 5,064
What I collect: Wonderland; 1912 Jubilee International Stamp Exhibition, London ('Ideal' Stamp, ephemera); French Cinderellas with an emphasis on Poster Stamps; Israel and Palestine Cinderellas ; Jewish National Fund Stamps, Labels and Tags; London 2010, A Festival of Stamps (anything); South Africa 1937 Coronation issue of KGVI, singles or bi-lingual pairs.
|
Post by Londonbus1 on Dec 21, 2019 13:46:13 GMT
I came back with a whole collection from a UK visit last summer and it's amazing how much one can fit into one's luggage. The airline I use have a 'no weight limit' hand carry on so most of the heavy stuff goes in there.
|
|
Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
|
Post by Beryllium Guy on Jan 25, 2020 8:58:29 GMT
Greetings to the TSF Family! I thought it was about time to bump this thread again, as I have a small update to report. As I write this, I am on board a train from Oxford to London. My wife and I are headed into the capital for an overnight at the hotel where we are planning to stay for the big event in May. As René ( renden) pointed out earlier in this thread, personal opinions based on the experience of someone you know can be the most valuable, so I will try to do that for everyone over the next couple of days. I didn’t bring my laptop for the weekend, so photos will be uploaded later, but I will try to scope out the hotel and check out how easy it is to get to the exhibition venue from there. So, stay tuned for more to come.... Have a good, stampy weekend, all! Stopping by the Charing Cross collectors market this morning for a bit, too! |
|
Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 5,064
What I collect: Wonderland; 1912 Jubilee International Stamp Exhibition, London ('Ideal' Stamp, ephemera); French Cinderellas with an emphasis on Poster Stamps; Israel and Palestine Cinderellas ; Jewish National Fund Stamps, Labels and Tags; London 2010, A Festival of Stamps (anything); South Africa 1937 Coronation issue of KGVI, singles or bi-lingual pairs.
|
Post by Londonbus1 on Jan 27, 2020 7:28:54 GMT
Beryllium Guy has some news and updates but I just wanted to say that Royal Mail have announced the 'special' issues for this event and my initial reaction was one of disappointment. No new items, just a re-hash of previous issues. It could be a money issue (so I've heard). This came from Linns, similar info is available elsewhere: www.linns.com/news/us-stamps-postal-history/royal-mail-reveals-plans-for-london-2020-stamp-issuesHaving kept an eye open for many weeks and looking at all the Show Newsletters which I have been receiving for a couple of years now, there does not appear to be much happening outside the main event at the BDC. I find that rather strange given that in 2010 there were a host of other events that were very successful and which led me to collect TWO whole albums of souvenirs !!! This time I might be spared that type of search !! Londonbus1
|
|
Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
|
Post by Beryllium Guy on Jan 27, 2020 15:21:09 GMT
Greetings again, all! I don’t have access to my laptop at the moment, so photos will come later.
The Hotel & Getting There
My wife Amy and I spent an overnight on Saturday at the Hub by Premier Inn near King’s Cross Station. Coming into London by train from Oxford, we arrived at Paddington Station and then took the Underground to King’s Cross-St. Pancras.
When exiting the “Tube”, one should follow the signs to King’s Cross, rather than St. Pancras, as the hotel is on the opposite side of King’s Cross train station. Exit the station to the left and left again around the corner, and follow the road alongside the station (York Way). First you will pass the Premier Inn, but continue past that to the Hub. It is only marked with a small green sign, which is easy enough to miss, as we walked right past it at first. It is easier to look for the more obvious sign of the Franco Manca pizza place.
The hotel itself is new and clean, but definitely an economy-type place. That just means that the rooms are very basic. I won’t bore you with the details, but if you want to know more about that, please PM me.
Bottom line: for a place to spend the night and handle the essentials while days are spent doing other things, like the stamp show, it will be just fine. I will post more info and photos later tonight my time.
|
|
René
?