The Cadogan Hotel

75 Sloan Street

(44-20) 7245-0994

www.lhw.com/cadoganuk

(November 26-29, 2008) At the last minute we were able to book a room at this elegant 65 room hotel for £175. With our automatic upgrade as members of the Leaders Club, our room was a great value.

   The service is impeccable as one would expect from a place managed by the Stein Group, and the location, midway between the Sloan Square stop and the Knightsbridge stop, as well as a short walk to the Royal Court Theatre, is certainly convenient.

    In addition to a fitness suite which we didn't check out, there is exclusive access to Cadogan PLace Gardens with two tennis courts.

Waterloo Brasserie

(November 26, 2008) It is always difficult to eat dinner before a 7:30 curtain, but this restaurant is directly across from the Old Vic and serves a two-course, Pre-Theatre menu. The service is fast, the food is simple but good, and the price, £14.95, is reasonable.

L'Atelier des Chefs

19 Wigmore Street;  www.atelierdeschefs.co.uk

(November, 2008) This spiffy new enterprise opens into a small boutique, which is continued downstairs. Stairs lead up to a rectangular table which then leads into a large, open kitchen where the chefs conduct classes. These classes range from 1/2 hour during which you cook a one-dish lunch and then eat it, to two-hour classes introducing three dishes from various parts of the world.

   We found ourselves buying three or four absolute necessities. The kitchen can also be hired as a venue for parties.