Business Tips

Dress Code: For business meetings, both men and women wear suits. Socially, the British tend to have an informal yet presentable dress code. It is, however, advisable for men to bring a jacket and tie for dining out at exclusive restaurants where more formal dress may be required.

Greeting Someone In London: As in most countries a brief but friendly handshake is the customary greeting. It is unusual to address a new acquaintance by their Christian name. If, however, first name terms are required, it is likely to be clearly established. It is advisable to simply be attentive and relaxed.

Business Hours and Banking: Business hours in the United Kingdom vary from one industry and sector to another but in general, most office environments will operate between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday. The majority of London banks are open between 09:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday, with some of the larger banks probably also open on Saturday mornings.

Smoking: The British have an increasingly negative attitude towards smoking, with government legislation on the way to ban smoking in a wider range of public places. Some restaurants may have a 'no smoking' policy but most tend to have areas catering for both those who want to smoke and those who do not. As far as social etiquette is concerned, although the issue is less important than it is in the United States, it is still best to smoke in like-minded company.

When to Visit - Arts and Events

The Lord Mayor's Parade, the Promenade concerts and Notting Hill Carnival are just a few of the great number of spectacular events that complement this most famous capital city. London's West End 'Theatreland' is, along with Broadway, the world's most famous theatre district and the home of spectacular musicals and events.

January is a quiet event month in London, though the East London Docklands hosts the ever-expanding London Boat Show. During February, Soho, Chinatown and Leicester Square are more vibrant than ever through the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge demonstrate brawn over brain during the hotly contested and televised Boat Race down the Thames during March; whilst thousands of runners swarm into Central London from Greenwich as part of April’s London Marathon.

May has a floral theme with VE Day on May 8th and blooms aplenty at May’s Chelsea Flower Show; elite thoroughbreds and fashion are on display during Epsom Derby week in June, held just outside London, whilst hardy tennis fans camp out overnight for standby tickets at Wimbledon, tennis’ most famous grass tournament.

Shakespeare’s Globe, the Open Air Theatre and Kenwood House make historic and scenic locations to enjoy the season of summer plays.

The week leading up to WW2 National Commemoration Day on July 10th will see Buckingham Palace lit up with a series of wartime image projections. Later in the month, Britain’s premier carnival in West London’s Notting Hill Carnival still packs in the crowds for several days of Caribbean-style music and partying.

September offers the Chelsea Antiques Fair and Thames Festival, whilst Covent Garden stages a fortnight-long Festival of Street Theatre. October is notable this year for Trafalgar Weekend, which will also commemorate the life and death of Admiral Nelson, and the London Film Festival, consistently attracts the leading independent movie movers and shakers. In Westminster, pomp and cermony characterise the State Opening of Parliament which usually takes place in October or November.

A 400-year-old English tradition of lighting bonfires and fireworks on November 5th, Guy Fawkes Night, has its foundations in a grisly 17th century story of attempted regicide, whilst Central London takes on a more festive glow from mid-November when Christmas illuminations brighten the busy thoroughfares of Bond Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden Market.

The weeks leading up to Christmas prompt frenetic activity in London's shops, particularly Oxford and Regent Street; London's Theatreland switches to family panto season whilst ice skating at Somerset House is always a popular winter pastime. Where better to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner than aboard a Thames cruiser, not forgetting that there is a host of chic nightclubs ashore to keep you entertained. The monumental churches of Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral present seasonal classical music and services for a more tranquil experience - something often hard to find in London at Christmas. This is most apparent on New Years Eve when around 80,000 revelers wait for Big Ben to strike from a packed Trafalgar Square, though the warmth and atmosphere of a pub or club is preferable for most.

Value For Money Sightseeing

London is frequently labelled an expensive city - but bargains can be had if you know where to look. The two-for-one pricing concept has taken off in Britain like nowhere else – from supermarkets right through to admissions for exhibitions, theatres, guided tours and restaurants. Entry to all of Britain’s great collections, including the British Museum, the Science and Natural History Museums and the Victoria & Albert Museum is now free. London's leading art galleries – the Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery – also offer free admission.

If you are really going to town on the sightseeing, try the London Pass and the Great British Heritage Pass. The London Pass costs from £12 a day (2005 price) and offers up to £400 of admission savings on around 50 attractions, plus the benefit of legitimate queue-jumping! The Heritage Pass has over 600 historic houses, castles and gardens for £22 over four days.

Cheap theatre tickets on the day of performance can be had from the 'Tkts' ticket booth in Leicester Square; the South Bank's National Theatre and English National Opera at the Coliseum slash prices after 10am. The National Theatre also performs an annual summer festival of outdoor performances that are free. Consider visiting the cinema on weekday afternoons – tickets are almost always cheaper than weekends and evenings.

Tipping Advice

Tipping in the United Kingdom is discretionary. Taxi drivers will happily accept a 10% gratuity. One or two pounds is the standard tip for hotel service personnel such as luggage handlers and door attendants. Service charges are included in some restaurants and are clearly stated on menus. However, in most London restaurants a gratuity of 15% is the norm.

Disabled Travellers

London's premier attractions, hotels, restaurants, theatres and cinemas generally cater well for disabled visitors with reduced prices and provision of ramps commonplace. Artsline gives information on access and facilities. 'Access in London' lists disabled friendly hotels, restaurants, sights and shops. London black cabs (taxis) are wheelchair friendly, though Tube (underground) travel is trickier.