Help with my dad's 50th present

Stephb1986_2

Hi everyone, It's my dad's 50th at the end June. He doesn't want a party or a big do so I've come up with the idea of taking him to London for the weekend, seeing a show and going for a meal.

So far I've found tickets to "Billy Elliot Musical" (I don't know if this is any good?) It is at the Victoria Palace Theatre

I would like to take him to one of Gordon Ramseys restruants but as I am from Manchester I don't know which one would be the closest to the theatre? Could anyone help with this.

I'm open to other idea's about restraunts or theatre tickets.

Many thanks

Steph xx

buyitall

My inlaws went to see Billy Elliot earlier this year and said it was excellent. Not sure about Gordon Ramsay's restaurants and where they are sitruated but the last few times they have been to London, for a special treat they have been for a posh afternoon tea at Claridges (I think that's a Ramsay restaurant too) or the Dorchester or the Ritz.

katkim

Murano is probably the closest to Victoria Palace, just off Green Park, but since you're in central London you can easily get to Claridges, Boxwood, Maze and Maze Grill. 10-15 tube/taxi ride.

You normally need to book 2 months in advance of the date for his restaurants. Not sure if this policy still stands, though, but was in place last summer when we tried to book, and they don't accept bookings if there's more than 8 of you, so no good if there's a big group of you. The food is delicious, though

Stephb1986_2

Thankyou for the information.

I think the easiest way for us to get to london is to....

fly from Manchester to Heathrow (10am flight land at 11.10

Then get the tube to Victoria Palace theatre (not sure where or what time)

Then get the tube from Victoria Palace Theatre to Gordon Ramseys Plane Food Restaruant (it is next to Heathrow?)

Flight back to manchester is 20.20 land at 21.20

Will we have enough time to get something to eat and to and from everywhere, I have only ever been to london once so not sure on how things work

Many thanks

Steph xx

chem_j

Are you planning on just going for a day because I would think that unless the restaurant is actually after security at Heathrow you won't have time to eat. Billy Elliot runs for 2hrs 50 minutes from 2.30pm and the tube to Heathrow will be about 1 hour. Also there are engineering works taking place on the piccadilly line to Heathrow some weekends in June, so it may mean taking another route.
Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food restaurant is after security at terminal 5, so you'll only be able to eat there if that is terminal you are flying from.
Does your father particularly want to see Billy Elliot? If not, I would suggest another show. While I have seen it, and loved it, I would say it is more of a female choice than one that would appeal to a man.
Hope that helped!

Stephb1986_2

Brilliant thankyou for that! I am open to suggestions if you can recommend something better?

We have been looking at overnight too to see if that would be easier.

Steph xx

chem_j

Hi,
What sort of things does your dad like and has he seen anything before? Would you prefer a musical or a play? I don't know much about the plays on at the moment, but on the musical front, if he likes the music of Queen, maybe We Will Rock You might be a show he would enjoy. Otherwise Hairspray and Sister Act are both very funny, the Lion King and Wicked are spectacular to look at, and Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables are usually safe bets, although Les Mis has a 3 hr running time, which might be pushing it to get to the airport. Avenue Q is a good choice for males I would think, so long as you aren't easily offended! It is also a bit shorter, which would give you more time to get back to the airport.
Probably your best bet is to look at www.theatremonkey.co.uk which lists all the shows currently playing and gives a synopsis of the plot as well directions to the theatres, seats to buy or avoid and any special offers running at the moment. In fact anything you could ever wish to know!

daveyjp

Having tried to go to Ramseys at the Berkeley before his spat with Marcus Waring, then getting messed about with his snotty staff we sacked any of his restaurants and went to Scotts of Mayfair instead.

Great night out with excellent food, but if you are spending a fair bit you don't want ot be rushing. We were in Scotts four hours!