window tax

One new idea created during the financial crisis in 1696 as the alternative way od paying debts was called the window tax. The tax was payable on houses of more than six windows, so the clever tax-dodgers simply got hold of a builder to brick up the other windows. Houses with nine windows would pay 2/- (10p) and ten to nineteen windows the cost was 4/- (20p). In 1851 the window tax was scraped and a new tax called house duty a forerunner to community charge became payable.

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The Saatchi Gallery - an impressive and unique houses. It`s one of the most influential collections of contemporary art in London.

It displays works from an array of national and international sculptors, painters, photographers, and multimedia artists, many who have never before been seen in London.
The Saatchi Gallery prides itself on supporting new and previously unexhibited artists and in this way acts as a springboard for their careers.

after dark..

Fifteen years ago you didn't go near east London after dark. The pubs were plentiful - but only the steeliest of souls ventured in. By 2000 that had all changed. Artists, fashionistas and media types loved the area for its central location, cheap rent and "keep it real" ethos.

But now it's not just a tangle of edgy dive bars: it has actually got smart. Being on the edge of the City, cashed-up workers started going to the area, and sparked a blossoming restaurant and cocktail bar scene. The rest of London followed.

Spitalfields Market has been renovated and extended. All Saints has led the arrival of the most chic stores in the area. With the opening this summer of London's coolest bar, Shoreditch House, the makeover from grotty to glam is complete. Soon such swish bars as Notting Hill's Beach Blanket Babylon and All Star Lanes will have branches there.

So dress up and head to the new, smart Hoxton... and thank God you never got that interesting "directional" hair-do.

J D Youngs Sports Bar

J D Youngs Sports Bar serve pub food and barbecues on Sundays. They also have DJs on Friday & Saturday nights. Furthermore they have fruit and quiz machines, darts, arcade games and pool tables. They provide take away food and provide facilities for private parties for up to 150 people in their function room. Outside seating is provided in the garden.

"Buddy"

"Buddy" is performed in Duchess theatre. Director of the performance is Rob Bettinson. "Buddy" has been seen by over 18 million people to date, this multi award winning show follows the tragically short life of Buddy Holly from his first recording contract through to his move to New York and concluding with the fatal tour of Mid-West America.

The director of the play is Noel Coward. Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate, has just moved to this neighbourhood as he desperately tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life.

A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of self-discovery. Life may suck on Avenue Q but being jobless, homeless, politically incorrect, having sex (whether hetero, homo or porno... and that's just the puppets) are just some of the topics featured in the terrific songs of this show.

Blakes Hotel

It`s a wonderful place for honeymooners:) My mummy was there when she got married the second time.

They have had wide range of different activities organised. The rooms are individually themed - exotic, eastern honeymoon amid Chinese, Japanese and Indian. --> (you may have to pay a little extra to hire a sitar player for the evening!)

The sumptuous beds come complete with lavish canopies and the marble baths are just about big enough for two. The in-house restaurant is very much in demand but, as a Blake otel guest, you can order in and dine in your own private fantasy land.

The Circus Space

This learning programme provides opportunities for people aged 8 – 18 to stay fit through unusual and exciting activities. You have a possibility to discover new talents, explore existing ones and take the first step towards professional training in the circus arts.

It is a registered charity and a centre of excellence in the circus arts, working in partnership with the public and private sectors at local, regional and international levels to redefine perceptions of circus and broaden its appeal.

Alexandra Park

To reach it you need to take a train to Alexandra Palace station or tube to Wood Green (situated approximately 20 minutes away from the park). The view is absolutely stunning and you can even go inside the Alexandra Palace complex where ice-skating during hot and humid days can cool you down.

It`s a great place for picnics with your family.

Tate Modern and Tate Britain

The Tate Modern houses a collection of modern art in an old power station beside the River Thames.
The collection includes works by Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Andy Warhol, and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
The Tate Modern is a sister gallery to the Tate Britain which houses British art from 1500 to the present day. The Turner prize exhibits are housed annually at the Tate Britain.

Both museums are free to enter!

Regent Street

Famously part of the green set in Monopoly, along with Oxford Street and Bond Street, Regent Street is a Mecca for shoppers. Home of Hamley’s, which once held the title of largest toy-shop in the world, the street curves majestically away from Piccadilly Circus joining to Oxford Circus, playing host to D H Evans and Liberty among others.

The street was originally created as part of John Nash’s town plan in 1811, and was named after the then- Prince Regent.

Regent Street can be a draw for the crowds for a variety of reasons, from the switching-on of the Christmas lights by the big-name celebrity of the time to the annual Regent Street Festival.

Last year, five hundred thousand people are thought to have turned out to see a selection of Formula 1 cars drive the length of Regent Street, an event which has ignited interest in the idea of a London Grand Prix.

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament is only a short walk down Whitehall from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square. The building is stunning from Parliament Square, but it is worth taking a walk over Westminster Bridge and getting the view from the River side. 'Big Ben' is actually the name of the bell in the clock tower which chimes every 15 minutes. Tours inside the Houses of Parliament for overseas visitors are only available during August and September.
More: Summer Opening of Parliament

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British Royal family and you can now visit certain sections of the Palace. It includes 19 state rooms, the Ballroom, the picture gallery, the Throne Room, and part of the extensive gardens. Don't miss the Changing of the Guards on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

French Fine Wine Encounter

If you are interested in exploring the product of the world's most ancient viniculture regions you have must visit Landmark Hotel. Wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec have turned the Landmark Hotel into a wine buff's heaven.

The most wonderful was the fact, that wine producers were able to impart their knowledge. They uncovered the subtleties of soil type, weather and much more.

About London...

London offers a great diversity of lifestyles. It is a city that never sleeps. You never get bored here... It`s complex offer attracts many people which choose it because of higher standard of living, better wages, oppotrunities of self-development. The last thing is the most important for me. I can go to cinema, theatre, opera whenever I feel like.