Had to visit the Aussie High Commision for a passport interview and let me tell you, security to…read moreget into the Passport Office, which is off to the side and has its own separate entrance, is massively fierce - try to leave anything unnecessary at home or even better, don't bring any bags with you if possible! Once thru the guard gauntlet, you are buzzed you into the waiting room, which has drinking water available but no loos. The staff were super efficient and we were done in 20 mins, since had an appointment (which I also highly highly recommend making via the Dept's website). The building itself is majestic and gorgeous, so walk around the front and check out all the lovely Aussie symbols! Yelp 5/ 2019

Australia House does not just house consular services but like many embassies occasionally opens…read moreits doors to the general public when hosting art exhibitions. I attended a talk on contemporary sculpture held within the stunning exhibition of works by Australian sculptors Shona Nunan and Michael Francis Cartwright. You enter from a side entrance on Melbourne Place and are transported into another world. Stone and bronze sculptures are displayed in a grand room below crystal chandeliers. Embassies make wonderful backdrops for art - not sure how you find out about these exhibitions though, I feel lucky!

Expect big queues if you're coming here for a visa, rather than an ambassadorial reception. You…read moreshould bank on queuing for at least an hour, unless you can arrive very early, so bring a book and, if it's the summertime, a hat to avoid heatstroke. Make sure you don't forget your passport photos - two. You can go straight into the embassy when you arrive to pick up a form before coming back to queue up. Also, don't print out the form off the website, as they don't accept it - only the ones from the embassy. You pay for your visa on collection, so don't worry about bringing money when you come to apply. Make sure you're in the right queue - either the collection or application queue depending on what you're coming for. Visas are collected downstairs and you apply in the main building.

Agree with everything guybtaylor says - we waiting almost 2 1/2 hours to get our Visas - very slow…read moreservice. Helps to turn up early in the morning, anywhere up to about an hour before the Embassy opens - and of course make sure you double check your paperwork to ensure a better reception.

I was so far twice at the embassy and both times the place was suffering from the large number of…read moremy compatriots living or visiting the islands, which seems to be a current trend in the international affairs, at least for the past ten years or so. First time I went there, which was during the presidential elections, the line to vote was winding up behind the street corner. Although there were two poll stations inside the building open to vote and the third one just around the corner in the consulate building at New Cavendish Street it seemed that everyone in England subscribed to the same poll station. And obviously all of the people had to wait in a huge line rather than smoothly load balancing the congestion among lots of the polling stations across the UK or even in the very same building. The second time I have visited the embassy was for the Polish Tech Event. It was quite exciting to see how Polish tech scene is developing. However once again the demand paralyzed the organizers. I came quite late, almost at the end of the official part, which were the discussion panels. Although the event was free there was mandatory registration with limited places so that everyone would fit into the room. However lots of people had to stay outside the main room. From what I have heard about the people who were inside, we were actually lucky to stay out. As it was a warm June day in London the temperature in the room was quite high but noone thought about turning on the air-conditioning. If it was even existing. The informal reception that followed was very nice with lots of interesting discussions.

Friday night saw drinks at No.5 Cavendish Square, and to be honest I wasn't overly impressed!…read more Luckily I had great company and that made the evening worth while. I thought the building itself was stunning, and the decor was incredible, but the staff weren't the nicest I'd had! As there were events on all floors I didn't get to take any photographs, and the ones online are pretty rubbish! The drinks however were very reasonably priced with happy hour, we were getting 4 bottles of Peroni for £10 so the night wasn't as pricey as I had first thought it would be! I doubt I will be rushing back due to the rude staff , but we had a great night drinking and laughing with my work friends!

I've recently spent a couple of afternoons at this posh private members club for meetings and have…read moreso far been very impressed. It's certainly not the sort of place I'd go for nights out and I certainly don't intend to start buying meals there - let's just say everything has the private member price tag - but it feels remarkably unsnooty and pretty damn friendly for what's supposed to be an exclusive place. It does bug me though, that the waiters have been instructed to keep filling your glass if it drops below a certain level - last time I was there I felt like I was being forced to drink gallons of water! Still, worse things could happen.

The quality of food was superb. Egg yolk was fresh and bright orange. Bread had a nice crust and…read moremoist inside. Side mushroom was firm and soft at the same time - would recommend. Service was absolutely 5 stars. I'm from Los Angeles and this is exactly what I was expecting from a 2 Michelin London establishment. Ambiance was classy, elevated, and clean. Well lit for breakfast with my mom and family.

Fantastic experience in every way. A true luxury experience. Beautiful hotel. All the employees…read morewere kind.