Anyone going to Olympia? I have a few questions....

Supertrooper

Supertrooper

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Never been before so.....

- any nice places to eat? We're getting to Olympia before lunch so looking for a resteraunt for then (not too expensive!) and then prob a food stand in evening.

- what kind of trade stands do they have?

Thanks in advance xx
 
I never eat there, I usually just take a few nibbles and munch (very quietly) while watching the performances. If you have a bit of cash to spare, there's some nice food!

The stands are awesome, I could spend hours wandering around there!

I've been going for about 5 or 6 years now and I still get just as excited :P
 
food wise, i find it cheaper to take our own pack up. shopping wise, you will be in heaven!!!! its amazing! anything from sickly pink katie price stuff to nice expensive john whittaker stuff :) a lot of it is cheaper than in tack shops too :D you'll love it!!! i'm soooo excited already :D
 
There are a couple of cafe style places on the road to Olympia - better off eating there. There is a Pizza Express which does takeaway as well as sit down - everything is quite expensive as you would imagine. I would have a big breakfast and see how long you can last eating sweets ...
 
There are plenty of food stalls, but they're extremely pricey, have really long queues usually, and aren't anything special in my experience - coffee and a pie type places.

There's a member's restaurant too which I've not been to.

Normally I bring a packed lunch of yummy nibbly things rather than relying on the overpriced restaurants. However there are some trade stands that do nice deli bits which might be worth a visit.
 
Thanks for the heads up, was guessing it would be expensive food wise!!

The trade stands sound amazing, I must not spend money!!! However the friend that I'm going with has got a massive shopping list so I can help her pick stuff xx
 
I live very close and know of a few fab places to eat quite nearby- the hare & tortoise (sushi/noodles), the Cumberland arms (lovely pub!) , another pub called the Albion and a bit further is the best "kebab shop" in london - best mangal. Definitely check these places out. Enjoy!
 
I'm going next month and I last went about 7 years ago. Was expensive then to eat so I can imagine its still the same. I was staggered at £33 for the cheap seats! If you are taking a family, together with travel there and back, and the shopping/food etc the day would easy cost you £200+....
 
It's 20 yrs since I've been so am looking forward to it, although was a bit staggered how much tickets have gone up!

I'm booking for Pizza Express for sheer convenience, I'm taking 3 kids with me so I want to be able to eat without fuss and queueing,and give myself lots of energy for shopping! (EDIT: Just rang them. They aren't taking bookings for during the show. Pah!)

The shopping always used to be amazing and I'm sure it still is. I always always used to buy myself a souvenir rosette, so hope they still make them, shall buy one for the kids!
 
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I'll constantly be wondering if anyone is from HHO :P
I'm going with a big group, but usually end up wandering around on my own. If anyone sees me, don't be afraid to say hi :)
 
As others have said there are loads of good trade stands, it does get insanely crowded when you try to shop, so I often go round the shops when I don't want to watch a display.

There are plenty of food stalls, but they are expensive, and I don't think they are worth the money tbh. It is best to take some food in with you - and certainly drinks.

You will have a good time, I go every year. BUT make sure you have your journey well planned, they are stopping the tube that drops you outside the venue this year !
 
OldNag said:
It's 20 yrs since I've been so am looking forward to it, although was a bit staggered how much tickets have gone up!

I'm booking for Pizza Express for sheer convenience, I'm taking 3 kids with me so I want to be able to eat without fuss and queueing,and give myself lots of energy for shopping! (EDIT: Just rang them. They aren't taking bookings for during the show. Pah!)

The shopping always used to be amazing and I'm sure it still is. I always always used to buy myself a souvenir rosette, so hope they still make them, shall buy one for the kids!
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They still do them! Theres a huge stall that do loads of them.

This is the first time in 6 years I am not going, I am absolutly gutted! I just couldn't afford it this year as had so much much to pay out for this year. I will go next year though!

As for food, I wouldn't eat there as it's so expensive. We usually get of at Kings cross as theres a lovely little italian resturant just outside the station.

Shopping is fab, take lots of money! :D Although it does get very crowded so get there early!

Have a great time guys.
 
I read (prob in H&H) that Kensington Olympia was being closed in December. There is/was a reasonably priced cafe-type area which did breakfast etc.
 
There's a tesco express almost opposite if you get desperate. We usually walk from the tube station in Hammersmith (about 10 mins) and you'll find all sorts there.

Hope you enjoy it! Olympia really gets me in the christmas mood and the shopping is fantastic! I always come back with a bargain rug:)
 
If you come overland to Olympia there should be no problems, check the TFL website to be sure.
Yes, food can be expensive at any of these events. However, if you have members badges (which come with the two top priced tickets) I would highly recommend the upstairs restaurant. Its run by the Pru Leith company and we had a really good meal there last year and have booked again this year. You do need to book though.
 
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