Allen & Overy

A wealth of things to do 

This section of the website has been contributed by Melanie Jones - trainee, joined March 2007

No other city in the UK offers such a wealth of cultural resources - it is this diversity that makes living in London so exciting!  Whether you're a theatre-goer, an avid festival fan, a history buff or a "foodie", there is always something new to discover and going on in London, in or near the office and further a field.

Theatre-goer?

For West-end theaters - www.westendtheatretickets.com (for discounted tickets) and www.londontheatre.co.uk

Shakespearean repertoire at the Globe on London's Bankside, Southwark - www.shakespeares-globe.org

For classic and new drama - try the Old Vic theatre just south-east of Waterloo station - www.oldvictheatre.com

For opera, dance and ballet - http://www.eno.org; http://royalopera.org and http://sadlerswells.com ... or why not join the A&O choir (we rehearse fortnightly for 1 hour over lunch) or take part in a dance class in our dance studio.  Classes include tap, street jazz, ballroom and even belly dancing!

Festival fan?

Spitalfields - a vibrant music festival takes place every winter in December and every summer in June - www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk

Brick Lane - not only does it have the best array of curry houses in London, but every September there is a massive celebration of curry and authentic Asian cuisine in a party atmosphere.

Notting Hill carnival - every August, this colourful music festival celebrates self-expression and unites cultures from all over the world.

What about markets?

Spitalfields - on the doorstep of A&O, there is an eclectic array of goodies on offer.  To get a real flavour, explore by foot to discover the different cuisines on offer, clothes, jewellery and lots more!

Borough - as one of London's oldest food markets on the Southbank of the Thames, it is known for its mouth-watering fine foods ranging from seafood to venison burgers.

Portobello - Notting Hill is famous for the world's largest antiques market.

Wine connoisseur?

Check out the winte tasting tours at Vinopolis, found under massive Victorian arches by Thames at Bankside, Southwark - http://www.vinopolis.co.uk

Arts and museums

For art galleries - http://www.tate.org.uk and http://nationalgallery.org.uk

For museums - http://www.britishmuseum.ac.uk and http://londontourist.org/museums.html

The Victorian and Albert museum offers a great alternative as it houses fashion, jewellery and architecture - www.vam.ac.uk

For 3D cinema experiences - check out the IMAX cinema just over Waterloo - www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/imax

Southbank is an incredibly vibrant place with so much on offer.  Places to eat range from Italian to Japanese and arts complexes are abundant.  BFI Southbank often puts on free film screenings and exhibits from artists.

Riverside complex - Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, National Theatre and the National Film Theatre - http://www.southbanklondon.com

If that isn't enough to keep you busy, visit the London Eye to get a wonderful view of London.