By

Now is one of the most exhilarating times in living memory to visit London. The combination of some stunning new architecture, a thriving art scene that is internationally acclaimed, and new shops, clubs, bars and restaurants opening almost every day, is giving the city a real sense of renaissance. With chic contemporary hotels such as St Martins Lane, Sanderson and the Metropolitan replacing the old-world favourites as the places that the stars want to be seen; with previously run-down areas such as Clerkenwell and Hoxton becoming the cool places to go; and extraordinary new structures such as the Millennium Wheel and Tate Modern becoming instant iconic landmarks, there is a real sense that London is changing – and for the better - more rapidly than it has for years. True, there is still a lot to be done. The famous red buses are grubby and unreliable, the tube system worn out, and accommodation expensive. For the first time in two decades, however, London now has its own government, led by iconoclastic Mayor Ken Livingstone. Love him or hate him (and no-one in London feels indifferent towards him) he is guaranteed to shake things up even more. Just watch this space.